This Is the Ultimate Weekend Itinerary
With 330 days of sunshine every year, an extensive host of world-class resorts and enough luxury and leisure to make even the most famous vacation destinations blush, it is easy to see why Scottsdale has quickly become one of the best escapes for those looking to soak up some sun. Whether you’re seeking a scenic mid-morning hike or some of the best pools to lounge around during a lazy afternoon, read on to see our picks for the best way to spend a day in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona, even if you’re a solo traveler. Scottsdale Arizona Itinerary
Stay: Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
Begin your day by checking into one of Scottsdale’s premier resorts and spas: the beautiful Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. Featuring five different dining experiences—each one drawing inspiration from authentic Spanish cuisine—as well as a breathtaking pool area overlooking the pristine, cardinal cliffs of Camelback Mountain, the Omni is the perfect place for your home base during a visit to Scottsdale.
Scottsdale Arizona Itinerary
Do: Camelback Mountain
Speaking of Camelback Mountain, we recommend starting your trip with a bit of adventure via a guided hike through one of the most scenic areas of the Sonoran Desert. Leaving from the resort, hikers will have the opportunity to travel atop towering cliffs while taking in the gorgeous views surrounding the resort. Just be sure to pack plenty of water!
Breakfast + Coffee: Berdenas
Once you’ve wrapped up your hike, we recommend replenishing with a quick trip to Berdenas for some coffee and breakfast. Nestled in the heart of Old Town, Berdenas is equal parts trendy and tasty. With a great selection of pastries and sandwiches to go with a quaint interior with ample seating, Berdenas is the perfect place to recharge before heading out on your next adventure.
Scottsdale Arizona Itinerary
Visit: Desert Botanical Gardens
For your next stop, we suggest a quick trip over to neighboring Phoenix to explore the desert in a way unlike any other at the Desert Botanical Gardens. With over 140 acres of smooth, sandy paths winding through over 4,000 different kinds of flora, the botanical gardens boast one of the most serene, outdoor experiences in all of Arizona. Don’t forget to say hello to our fluttering friends over at the Butterfly Pavilion, then stop at the Garden Shop to discover how you can bring some of these gorgeous flowers to life in your own home.
Do: Lounge by the pool + grab a bite to eat at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
After an eventful morning of adventure and exploration, we recommend taking a moment to recharge poolside and grab a bite to eat at any of the Omni’s delicious eateries. Whether it is wood-fired tapas and a signature sangria at MBAR or a plate of authentic carne asada tacos at Taqueria Centro, a leisurely lunch is sure to send your taste buds soaring as you soak up the sun.
Omni Scottsdale Montelucia
4949 E Lincoln Dr
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
480.627.3200
Scottsdale Arizona Itinerary
Relax: Joya Spa
Looking to take your much-needed rest and relaxation to the next level? Once you’ve had your fill of the pool area, head on over to Joya Spa. With several different packages to choose from as well as experiences ranging from full-length, professional massages to naturopathic wellness treatments, Joya is committed to providing serenity and comfort from the moment you step inside. Our advice? Splurge on one of their ever-popular signature black pearl detox facials and let the experts at Joya soothe away any and all stress that may still be lingering.
Shop: Cosanti
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Next, those looking to immerse themselves in a truly unique, artistic experience should look no further than Cosanti, a seemingly architecturally impossible gallery and boutique located in the heart of Paradise Valley. Cosanti’s sprawling stonework perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Arizona desert while the interior showcases an authentic collection of handmade bells, bowls, platters, cookware and jewelry for shoppers to indulge in. It is truly a marvel to behold—both inside and out—and definitely worth a stop before heading to dinner.
Scottsdale Arizona Itinerary
Dinner: Prado
For your last meal of the day, we recommend indulging your senses in an authentic Spanish meal at Prado—Scottsdale’s premier destination for fine dining. At this old-world restaurant, guests are invited to take part in a communal experience and enjoy wood-fired tapas and breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain. Prado serves up an assortment of Spanish-influenced fare that reflects Spain’s Andalusian region’s unique flavor and heritage. And with everything from Rioja braised short rib and Valencia paella to fritto misto, you’ll definitely want to sample as much as you can.
