Julie & Kevin
Things To Do
Piestewa Peak- Summit Trail
Very challenging hike with a great view at the top!
5th Avenue Shops & Boutiques
Fun boutiques and unique shops!
Fashion Square
Tom's Thumb Trail
Moderately challenging hike with great view!
Pinnacle Peak
Moderate hike near Scottsdale
Hole-in-the-Rock Trail
Easy hike
Phoenix Zoo
Sedona
If you are staying for several days, we highly recommend taking a day trip or spending the night in Sedona! There are some amazing hikes including Cathedral Rock (moderate difficulty with some climbing involved), Devil's Bridge (moderate and gets very busy), The Birthing Cave (easy 2 miles), Airport Mesa Trail (Moderate 3.2 miles with view of iconic rocks), Bell Rock (different trails with varying difficulty), Palatki Ruins (Easy 0.5 miles out and back with ancient cliff dwellings and cave markings), and Fay Canyon Trail (2.4 miles out and back easy hike with waterfalls, caves, and natural bridge/arch). Another great activity is booking a Pink Jeep Tour (we did the 2.5 hour Scenic Rim Tour). We also recommend visiting Chapel of the Holy Cross. There are some really unique shops at the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. If you are looking for an amazing restaurant to try, we highly recommend Mariposa (Latin Inspired Grill), which has amazing food and a breathtaking view!
Old Town Scottsdale
Our hotel is located in Old Town Scottsdale. We highly recommend exploring the area. It has great restaurants, bars, and shops! Head to Old Town Trading for interesting southwestern-style jewelry. You can also check out the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. The list is endless of things to do!
Arizona Canal Trail
Check out the Arizona Canal in Scottsdale! It includes a pedestrian suspension bridge and a trail for walking/jogging for all to explore. There are plenty of places to eat, galleries, and bars along the canal and is located right by Fashion Square.
Taliesin West
Visit the old home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It overlooks Paradise Valley from the foothills of the McDowell Range. Make sure to purchase a ticket for a tour and stop at the Frank Lloyd Wright Store for books, artwork, or home decor inspired by his work.
Saguaro Lake
Saguaro Lake is located northeast of Scottsdale in the Tonto National Forest. This lake has more than 22 miles of shoreline to explore and enjoy. Depending on weather, you may be able to go sailing, boating, or kayaking or just enjoys the views. Grab a bite to eat at Lakeshore Restaurant for a breathtaking view of the lake, Bulldog Cliffs, and the Goldfield Mountains.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Check out the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This is 30,000 acres of permanently protected desert and includes more than 120 different trails that can be accessed from various trailhead locations. There are ten in all, including Lost God Wash Trail, an easy, shorter trail, and the more challenging Sunrise Trail with amazing scenic views.
MacDonald's Ranch
MacDonald's Ranch is located in northern Scottsdale. They offer guided horseback rides of the Sonoran Desert. There are plenty of things to do at the ranch, including horse or mule-pulled hayrides, pony rides, and a petting zoo.
Scottsdale Wine Trail
Located between Goldwater Boulevard and Scottsdale, and next to to the Fifth Avenue Shopping District, the Scottsdale Wine Trail gives you a chance to savor fine wines and participate in some retail therapy at the same time. Home to five wine testing rooms, the path leads to sites, such as the LDV Wine Gallery, the Aridus Wine Company on East Main Street, Carlson Creek Vineyards, Salvatore Vineyards, and Su Vino Gallery.
The Mission Old Town
Great Latin American Restaurant!
Citizen Public House
Upscale gastropub known for barrel-aged cocktails and unique twists on comfort foods. Social/happy hour from 4-6pm daily!
Fat Ox
Simple Italian-style dishes!
FnB Restaurant
Farm to table New American cuisine. Monthly rotating wine list.
Rehab Burger Therapy
Very casual restaurant serving burgers, wings, pasta, and more. Happy hour from 11am-6pm daily.
Roaring Fork
Wood-fired cuisine with bold flavors. Specialize in meats cooked over a wood-fire rotisserie or an open-flame grill. They also have comfort food favorites.
The House Brasserie
Upscale dining experience that focuses on American dishes with a French influence. Very great atmosphere with a brick-paved patio, outdoor fireplace, and charming architecture.
Diego Pops
Casual Mexican restaurant with great food and margaritas. Happy hour from 3p-6p daily.
Barrio Queen
Casual Mexican restaurant with great food and drinks!
The Beverly on Main
Retro lounge with creative American food. Great classic cocktails with happy hour from 4p-8p daily.
Rusty Spur Saloon
Very old-school bar in Old Town with a western vibe. Very casual. Live music some nights.
Coach House Entertainment
Oldest dive bar in Scottsdale. Live music and decorated with lights for the holidays.
Rockbar Inc.
Live music and billiards tables. Open rooftop.
Boondocks Patio & Grill
Dive bar and club hybrid. Huge patio with several bars.
Giligin's Bar, Old Town
Dive bar in Old Town decorated with Christmas lights. Super fun and relaxed!