Scottsdale, AZ is one of the best vacation spots for you to check out this upcoming year. Not only can you have fun doing outdoor activities and spending time with your friends or loved ones, but you can check out some cool cafes, go for a few drinks, and enjoy being in a unique and fun spot! Although there are other spots in the United States that are more popular to go for action, we love Scottsdale for tons of reasons. Not only can you enjoy outdoor activities, but this bustling city is great for vacationers who want to see the nightlife, walk around the downtown area, and enjoy the liveliness of this urban area. Do it all from the comfort of our Scottdale, AZ vacation rentals. Let’s check out the best things to do during your time in Scottsdale on your first gateway of the new year!
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Best Hiking Trails in Scottsdale
There are tons of hiking trails that you can check out during your time in Scottsdale, AZ! Not only can you spend time around the city and the downtown area, but being outside in nature is one of the best ways to reconnect with your kids, enjoy the outside air, and get some great exercise.
One of the best trails to do during your time in Scottsdale is the Gateway Loop trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Not only is this natural area and preserve home to many wildlife species, but you can spend your time hiking on the picturesque trails, getting great viewpoints, and taking photos of the surrounding area. Try the Gateway Trail to gain over 650 feet in elevation over 4 miles, making it a good way to start your morning with a strenuous walk.
You can also try the Pinnacle Peak Summit Trail in Pinnacle Peak Park. If you want to stand on top of the highest peak in the surrounding air, head here! You can break a sweat and have some fun with your family or friends if you head to downtown Scottsdale to have brunch on the weekend. Or, if you are feeling really fit, you can try your luck at running up the 1,300-foot-gain trail over 3.5 miles.
We enjoy walking on the Lost Dog Wash in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve if you would rather have a low-key and moderate morning. Although you will still walk up almost 400 feet, the 5-mile trail is gradual and great for walking your dog, spending time with your younger kids, or going for a nice romantic walk with your partner on vacation.
Lastly, Tom’s Thumb Trail in the Sonoran Preserve is a crowd favorite — and for a good reason! Many locals and tourists stake on this 2.3-mile trail that scrambles up 1,200 feet quickly! The out-and-back trail offers incredible views, great exercise, and a perfect photo-op at the end of the trail. There is a very low likelihood that you’ll be alone during your time on this trail due to the incredible views and the well-maintained path.
Go Cafe Hopping in Downtown Scottsdale
Scottsdale is no stranger to great coffee, cafes, and relaxing spots to hang out and read a book. There are tons of cafes in the downtown area and the suburbs that are ideal for having breakfast with your friends, getting a cup of coffee to recharge, or reading a book before you go hiking during the day.
Another great cafe in Scottsdale is Berdena’s, arguably the best coffee shop in the entire town for unique lattes, perfect latte art, and creamy avocado toast with your choice of toppings. Not only does this cool coffee shop have the perfect location for those who want to walk around and go shopping, but you can sit indoors during the winter and during the spring to watch people and enjoy the sunny weather.
We recommend heading here and trying one of their unique coffee and espresso-based drinks, like a lavender latte or a rose cappuccino, that is going to make you question the chain drinks that you have had in your life so far! Pair the cool latte and cappuccino flavors with avocado toast for the perfect morning breakfast or mid-afternoon snack. Take some coffee to-go back to your vacation rentals in Scottsdale!
We also really enjoy spending time in the Schmooze Cafe, the ideal spot for remote workers who need to continue pounding away on their keyboard during actions and sending emails during their first getaway of 2023. Head here to sit inside in one of their coy chairs or sit outside at the patio tables to enjoy the warm weather in the spring. We recommend getting the chicken sandwich and an iced latte during a warmer month or trying the eggs benedict and a hot soy latte during the wintertime.
Lastly, the Cartel Coffee Lab is one of the coolest and hippest spots for teenagers, young remote workers, and families who want to really get into the hipster crowd in Scottsdale. Head here if you are interested in having strong espresso drinks and even stronger Wi-Fi!
Go Bar Hopping
The last thing that we recommend doing during your stay in Scottsdale on the first vacation of 2023 is to go bar hopping! Luckily for you, there are tons of restaurants, pubs, and carbs that make this bustling Arizona town so famous.
First, check out Coach House, one of the most famous and coolest spots in the entire city. Head to this dingy dive bar to have a few low-priced beers, spend time laughing with your friends, and listen to some live music. We love the covered patio for the colder nights and chilly happy hour times and the holiday-themed decorations that take over the interior. If you come to this bar for Christmas and for New Year’s, you can still admire the twinkly lights and the red and green decor!
Next, the Rusty Spur Saloon is a crowd favorite among locals and tourists alike! Once you head here, you will immediately see why. Located in the heart of the downtown area on Main Street, this dive bar is perfect for those who want tons of pints of beer, live country songs, and good vibes. Plus, the greasy and filling food is ideal for vacationers who want to soak up the bottles of beer they are drinking during their big night out.
Last but not least, Bevvy is a hopping bar and pub that is ideal for those who want to go to boozy brunch — and stay out all day long! Instead of going to another pub to enjoy drinking, you can stay at the Bevvy, have a filling Eggs Benedict for brunch, sip on one of their intricate and signature cocktails, and watch some of the live sports on one of the many TVs. If you are interested in checking out an NFL game, or a Premier League “football” match, then this is THE place to be.
Book Your Scottsdale Escape
As you can see, there are tons of indoor and outdoor activities for you and your vacation group during the first big getaway of 2023! Instead of being stuck indoors or spending a fortune, Scottsdale has the best of both worlds. Check out Porter to book luxurious Scottsdale, AZ rentals today. We guarantee you will have an unforgettable winter holiday or springtime escape!