You Don’t Need to Travel Far for a Sunny 3-Day Weekend Away
Picture this: you’re surrounded by those badass red-rock mountains, cacti reaching for the sky and the sun blazing overhead. Whether you’re hiking your way up the legendary Camelback Mountain for sunrise or exploring the breathtaking McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the views will surely blow your mind. Like, panoramas that’ll make your jaw drop. But this summer, bring leisure back. It’s just as fun to chill by the pool, have a drink and sit back with a good book under the warm desert sun. Whichever vibe you prefer, Scottsdale is the place to be this summer. Here are five reasons we’re spending our summer weekends in this sun-soaked desert city.
1 | Lowest Prices of the Year
Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale
Located near Scottsdale in serene Paradise Valley, Mountain Shadows is a reimagined weekend paradise. With a midcentury history steeped in desert luxury, this resort is sure to inspire both relaxation and fun. Make this your commitment-free vacation home while staying in one of the resort residences. The spacious rooms, with luxurious amenities and private outdoor spaces, make it hard to even venture away from your quarters. If you don’t believe it, just book yourself one of the in-room Swedish massages. With expansive pools, world-class dining and plenty of seasonal stay packages, this is a hotel you seriously don’t want to miss. Did we mention the summer has the lowest prices of the season? Yep, book it now and don’t look back.
2 | Hang Poolside to Catch Some Rays
There’s no better feeling than a long day of poolside relaxation—sun-tired and refreshed at the same time. The two 75-foot pools at Mountain Shadows are the ideal place to spend a Scottsdale summer day. Have a cocktail by the pool or, better yet, rent one of the resort’s eight cabanas. Each cabana offers shaded seating, a fridge and a TV. Here’s a local tip: rent a cabana even if you aren’t staying at the hotel and you can use the code SUMMERMS for 20% off. Plus, there’s nothing wrong with playing mermaids as an adult.
3 | Morning Golf
A round of morning summer golf has to be the most rewarding. The Short Course at Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale might just be the best place to do it. Named one of the best par-3 courses nationwide, this public course offers challenging holes packed into a compact 18 holes. All 18 should take about 2.5 hours, so there’ll be plenty of time to get back to the hotel to unwind and cool off. After finishing up, including the bonus hole, grab some grub at Rusty’s and settle up with your buddies.
4 | Cocktails on Cocktails (to Keep Cool)
It’s so important to stay cool in the desert heat. Have a cocktail. Have another. It’s for your health (kidding)! Hit up Farm & Craft for the Forbidden Fruit cocktail. This vodka-based drink with blended watermelon, lemon juice, agave nectar and mint is refreshing beyond belief. Plus, it’s served inside a watermelon (yes, it’s okay to snap an Instagram photo). Then, head to the nationally renowned Platform 18 speakeasy for the unbeatable Hints & Allegations cocktail, a mix of lime-infused gin, strawberry fernet branca, mint and lime. Cap it with the Bubbles and Flowers, a passion fruit, champagne and Jamaica cocktail from Sumomaya. This Japanese-Mexican fusion restaurant is always the place to be and offers up a delicious dinner service.
5 | Spend Time on The Salt River
Just outside of Scottsdale, the Lower Salt River offers incomparable natural beauty. Bring friends, pack lunch and drinks and tube or kayak down the river. The cool water meanders down through desert wilderness with plenty of places to stop, park and launch. Rent a tube and take the convenient shuttle back up from the stopping point. This 18-mile stretch of river is home to wild horses; depending on the time of day, seeing them is nearly a certainty. They hang out on the river banks to stay cool—just like you. Let the current carry you into the magic of the desert summer.
