Not sure what to do during your winter getaway this year? Well, once you decide where to go, the next step is penciling items into your itinerary. But if you choose somewhere overrun with snow, too cold to go outside, or too busy with tourists, that list dwindles to almost nothing. That is why we think that Scottsdale is a MUST visit vacation spot for you as a solo traveler, with your partner, with your family, or with your best friends. There is something to do for everyone here, even during the ‘cold’ winter months. Scottsdale never gets that cold, even during the dead of winter, so it means you can do SO much more than you could in other places. Check out our ultimate winter Scottsdale vacation guide below and plan the ideal winter trip!
Grab Breakfast with Your Family
One of the best things to do with your family while you are on a bonding winter vacation is to go to breakfast! Luckily for you, there are tons of spots for you to go during your stay here. You don’t have to choose somewhere that is cheap and out of the way — all of our luxurious rentals are right in the heart of the city, so you are just minutes away on foot from the best brunch spots, cafes, and cool coffee shops the entire state has to offer.
First off, we have Arcadia Farms Cafe. If you are in the mood for a casual, cozy, and laid-back atmosphere that will keep you warm on a cold winter day, Arcadia Farms Cafe is your best bet. We love coming here and sitting on the heated garden patio and gazing out at the incredible views over the rolling hills. Plus, the farmhouse aesthetic and open-air feel make this cafe feel like you are sitting in the south of France as you eat the savory and delectable croque-monsieur crepes! And when you order the scones and high tea, you might even feel like you are in the English Countryside in the Cotswolds. If you would rather have something savory for brunch, you can’t go wrong with the pulled pork hash or the healthy spinach and leek tart with a hot cup of joe to start the day.
If the idea of a patio sounds inviting, even during the brisk winter months, Lon’s at Hermosa is the best spot for you to sit outside, soak in the views, and enjoy a brunch meal with your guests. And when you vacation in Scottsdale, you can rest assured it won’t get too cold. You might even find yourself sitting in sunny and warm 70-degree weather in the winter when you go for a holiday in this sunny state! We recommend heading here any time after 10 am on Saturday or Sunday to feast on a huge brunch plate, like the fresh-baked monkey bread or short-rib hash, and then wash it all down with a beer or a mimosa.
For vacationers who have picky eaters in the family, the safest spot – with incredible food –is Herb Box. Even if you have no dietary restrictions, this is still a MUST visit for your holiday! Herb Box is arguably the top spot for people who are gluten-free or vegan, offering smoked salmon hash, kale and brie omelet, pancakes that are suitable for vegan eaters or those with celiac disease, and French toast that is simply to die for.
Doesn’t that sound nice and inclusive? We think so, too! If you are in the mood to go only to eateries and restaurants that use fresh ingredients that are locally sourced, Virtu Honest Craft is a tasty spot that is popular among tourists and locals alike. This Mediterranean-influenced eatery offers fresh cuisine and local fruit and vegetables that bring their plates to another level. We love the pork ragu as a meat-heavy dish, eggs fresh from one of the local farms, Parmigiano crepes for a savory French-inspired start to the day, and the grilled octopus to split with the table. Trust us!
Hit the Golf Course During Your Scottsdale Vacation
Even during the winter months, you can still whip out your nine iron and test your luck at getting a hole-in-one. Scottsdale is home to pristine weather all year round, which often means that it doesn’t snow here, or snows very little. No snow means you can hit one of the super-green golf courses that dot the rolling hills surrounding this bustling city when you head here on a winter holiday getaway!
We recommend starting at the infamous Kierland Golf Course in the Sonoran Desert. What could be better than being on the putting green, looking at the red rock desert out of the cornea of your eye, and seeing the Pinnacle Peak in the distance? Try your best not to get distracted by the jagged peaks, breathtaking scenery, and the hills and valleys of the golf course. It is difficult! And make sure you marvel at the pristine care of the golf course. The fast Bermuda grass is famous around the world for its high quality, featuring a bright emerald color, flat condition, and a variety of holes for golfers of all abilities.
Another cool golf course that you can hit up during your winter stay in Scottsdale is the Estrella Golf Course at the Estrella Mountain Ranch community. This is consistently ranked as one of the top 20 courses in the entire state due to its incredible views of the nearby Estrella Mountain Range, desert ranges, rolling green courses, natural surroundings, and first-class service.
For those who want another challenge during their winter Scottsdale getaway, TPC Champions Course is a fun afternoon out with friends! This famous course was built in 1986 by Randy Heckemper and features an 18-hole Championship style challenge that is right by the desert, featuring unique features like natural terrain and shrubbery.
Lastly, no visit to Scottsdale is complete without at least a half-day trip to Quintero Golf Course. Rees Jones created this masterpiece back in 2000 by using unique bunkers, long stretches of green, several tee boxes for different levels of golfers, pristine and flat surfaces, and a high level of service for tourists and locals alike. This course is so good that it has been consistently ranked as one of the ‘Best Public Golf’ courses by Golf Advisor for multiple years running!
Scottsdale Winter Events
When you go to Scottsdale during the winter months, you should also check out a few annual events that you won’t be able to enjoy or see at other times of the year. Scottdale is always a fan of holidays and parties, so it is no surprise that they throw annual winter events between October and January that are sure to have you raving for hours and hours on end!
One of the biggest events that bring in people from all over the world is the Sing-Along and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Even if you are not a huge fan of singing along to Christmas carols, this exciting event brings the community together and can be a great way to meet people, spread the holiday cheer, and snack on some sweet holiday treats.
Another Christmas-themed event that is fun to go to with your friends, family, or kids is the Holiday Lights Tour. This is a fun way to celebrate the winter season and jolly attitude throughout Old Town Scottsdale. Snuggle up and cozy up to your loved ones as you follow a professional and local tour guide as they bring you through the five districts in Old Town Scottsdale, providing you with an immersive way to learn more about the history of the city.
If you are on a Scottsdale vacation with your kids, it can be hard to keep them entertained. However, if you go on one of the infamous Puzzle Rides, we guarantee this is great for young and older teens alike to use their brains and solve puzzles with the entire family! Test your luck at beating the clock as you all go to the golf course with your Puzzle Master as they take you to work together, build teamwork, solve brain teasers, finish puzzles, and have fun along the way!
Enjoy the Best of Winter in Scottsdale
There’s plenty more to enjoy in Scottsdale in winter. Contact us today to book your winter rental property and start planning a fun-filled getaway!
When someone typically thinks of the holidays, their mind may instantly think of snow-covered areas. While Scottsdale may not be your typical snow-covered city that reminds you of the holidays, it is still a great place to celebrate Christmas. Scottsdale is home to a variety of unique holiday events along with thrilling winter activities. A vacation to Scottsdale for winter will be one you will never forget. Here is how you can celebrate Christmas in Scottsdale this year:
Catch the Trans-Siberian Orchestra
if you are a rock and roll lover, you know that the holidays do not officially start until Trans-Siberian Orchestra is on tour. This progressive rock group is known for their incredible concerts that feature dazzling light shows and classic holiday songs with a rock and roll twist. The whole family is invited to their special performances that will take place this holiday season. Catch the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on December 5th at 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM. Don’t miss out on their incredible performances that add all the energy to the holiday season.
Phoenix Holiday Zoo Lights
Another staple of the Scottsdale community is making a visit to the Phoenix Zoo for their annual Holiday Zoo Lights. From November 24th through January 15th the Phoenix Zoo will light up at night with incredible displays of Christmas lights. You will be able to walk around the zoo and see these beautiful displays in person. This all-ages event takes place daily from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM for a wonderful experience that the kids will remember for years to come. In addition to walking the zoo guests can also participate in the drive-through area that was started last year due to the pandemic. Now guests have two different ways to experience the Holiday Zoo Lights! Don’t forget about the Zoo Move & Groove 5K taking place on January 16th, 2022 for any visitors who plan on having an extended stay in Scottsdale for the holidays.
9th Annual Christmas Lights Segway Tour
When you visit Scottsdale around the holidays, you will be amazed at the incredible holiday lights on display in Old Town. This historic neighborhood of Scottsdale is best known for its incredible night scene and restaurants. Segway of Scottsdale Tours will be offering their 9th consecutive Christmas Lights Tour that will take you all around Old Town. Saddle up on these two wheeled vehicles so you can explore Old Town from top to bottom seeing all of the local businesses lit up with holiday lights. Don’t miss out on this annual tradition for Scottsdale!
Old Town Christmas Bar Crawls
If you are looking for an evening of festive shenanigans, look no further than the holiday bar crawls taking place around the holidays in Scottsdale. The 4th Annual 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl will be taking place on Saturday December 11th from noon to 8:00 PM in Old Town. This holiday event encourages everyone to show up in their festive attire such as ugly sweaters, Santa suits, or even holiday onesies. The event starts at Riot House and has attendees checking out different bars featuring holiday drink specials and costume contests. Another fun event is the Scottsdale Santa Crawl in Old Town! This bar crawl has guests starting at Wasted Grain for a similar time of fun and excitement. These adults only events are a great way to enjoy drinks out with friends!
Hit the Golf Courses
The holidays are a great time to do something you probably can’t do back such as golf. This is one of the most popular pastimes here in Arizona, as we feature beautiful weather even in winter. You can hit the local golf courses even in the middle of winter and have clear skies. Scottsdale is also home to TopGolf, where you can find an exciting venue that lets you practice your swings while playing games and enjoying delicious food and drinks.
Go See the Holiday Lights at the Paradise & Pacific Railroad
Your family can see even more holiday lights around the holidays when you make a stop by Paradise and Pacific Railroad. Hop on for a trip along the train as you see the lights in person. Additional activities include having Santa on hand, free hot cocoa, a carousel, and much more. This all-ages activity is perfect for those looking for more traditional Christmas excitement during their visit to Scottsdale.
More Holiday Fun in Scottsdale
As you can see, the holiday fun awaiting you in Scottsdale will lead to an incredible stay. You can make the most of your Scottsdale journey by reserving one of our vacation rentals in the area. Expect to find luxury amenities and features inside each of these beautiful Scottsdale vacation rentals.
If you know anything about Arizona, it is probably that we experience some pretty hot summers. The temperatures climb throughout the season, but don’t let that scare you away from an incredible time in the Phoenix Valley! The early summer season is a great time to visit, as you can avoid the late summer heat. A variety of indoor and outdoor activities will be available at the start of summer, giving you plenty of options for an incredible time. Check out our favorite early-summer activities here in Scottsdale:
Visit the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Scottsdale and the rest of the Phoenix Valley are surrounded by beautiful desert landscape, and this is on full display at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This nearby preserve boasts over 30,000 acres of land and is the biggest urban preserve in the country. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is where you can find beautiful desert flora that will be blooming during the early summer months. There is over 225 miles of shared-use hiking trails that are accessed from 11 different trailheads. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders all share the trail.
Explore Local Museums
If you do want to beat the heat, look no further than a local museum to pass the time. You will find incredible exhibits inside local museums such as the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Take a look at some incredible artwork created by world-renowned artists. Exhibits are always rotating with the seasons, giving you something new to see for every visit. If you are a music lover, the Scottsdale Musical Instrument Museum, or MIM, cannot be passed up. The MIM has been rated as the top attraction in Phoenix and is one of the top 15 museums in the country. You will see incredible and historical instruments from every continent in the world. Learn about how all styles of music were originated and who helped start them. The MIM also features monthly performances and concerts in the performance hall. You can easily spend hours in these fascinating museums!
Visit the Desert Botanical Garden
Another great outdoor attraction that you need to see before the later summer season is the Desert Botanical Garden. This Phoenix attraction features thousands of species of flora native to Arizona. Five paved trails will take you around the unique vegetation along with large scale artwork. During the summer you can enjoy Flashlight Nights, where you explore the trails at night with a flashlight. Music in the Garden is a summer concert series where local musicians play to the beautiful backdrop. Gertrude’s is the garden’s local restaurant that features seasonal cuisine for lunch and dinner.
Explore Old Town
The heart of Scottsdale can be found in Historic Old Town, the city’s downtown neighborhood that features many locally owned businesses and restaurants. Local art galleries feature many artists with incredible works on display. Arizona wineries offer tasting rooms where you can try a flight of their handcrafted wines before purchasing a bottle. The nightlife in Old Town is some of the liveliest in all of Arizona. Enjoy the various bars and clubs where you can find live music and drink specials every night of the week. JoyRidesAZ offers thrilling guided tours on golf carts all throughout Old Town.
Golfing
You will find that Scottsdale is one of the country’s top golfing destinations year after year. There are over 330 days of sunshine in Scottsdale, meaning you will never have a bad day out on the fairway. Scottsdale features a variety of golf courses and resorts where you can find 18-hole courses. Most of the local golf courses feature clubhouses with fine dining and services. Take advantage of the early summer, when the temperatures are fantastic. Golfing for the whole family can also be achieved by visiting TopGolf in Scottsdale. This popular attraction features a three-story venue where you can play exciting games while you practice your swings. The onsite restaurant and bar whips up delicious food and drink. Individuals of all ages will have a blast!
Relax by the Pool
You will find that most of our luxury vacation rentals during the summer season offer swimming pools for you to enjoy. Relax during your early summer stay by laying out by the pool or swimming around. You will properties that offer spacious pool decks that include comfortable patio furniture and outdoor BBQ grills. The early summer season is the perfect time to enjoy your time outdoors!
Prepare for Your Stay in Scottsdale
As you can see, there are plenty of exciting activities waiting for you in Scottsdale. The early summer season is just around the corner, so do not wait any longer to prepare for your stay. Book one of our popular rentals with luxury amenities such as swimming pools before they are all gone!