How to Plan Your Thrilling Scottsdale Itinerary

scottsdale itinerary visit old town scottsdale

Planning a trip to Scottsdale this year? That’s exciting! Organizing a vacation is always fun, but it can also feel overwhelming. Fitting everything into your itinerary can be a challenge—you want to be a tourist for at least a little while, but you also want to see more of the city, like a local would. How can you fit everything you want to do into your Scottsdale itinerary?

Well, that’s where we come in. We know what it takes to plan the perfect Scottsdale getaway. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, a few days, or an extended stay, there’s no shortage of incredible things to do. Let’s dive into how to create the ultimate Scottsdale itinerary!

Day 1: Explore Old Town Scottsdale

Are you visiting during spring training season? If so, you have to attend an Arizona spring training game! Head over to Scottsdale Stadium in Old Town Scottsdale to watch the San Francisco Giants play a preseason game.

Even if it’s not springtime, there’s still plenty to explore in Old Town Scottsdale.

Shopping:

Go antique shopping, find awesome gifts and souvenirs, and so much more in the many shops here.

Explore Art Galleries:

There are a ton of art galleries in Old Town Scottsdale! Explore contemporary art, traditional Native American Art, and Western-inspired themes here. Every Thursday, the Old Town Arts District holds an Artwalk from 6:30 to 9:00 PM with live music and special events. Check it out if your itinerary aligns!

Restaurants:

You won’t go hungry here! There are several impeccable restaurants for you to try. Here are just a few favorites:

Day 2: Go For a Hike!

pinnacle peak park in scottsdale

There are so many amazing trails in and around Scottsdale to choose from. Here are some of our favorites (you can take your pet along on many of them, too):

For Dinner:

After a long day of hiking, you deserve something nice! Treat yourself to an elegant dinner on your second night in Scottsdale. Ocean 44 is the perfect setting for a special date night or those wanting an elevated dining experience. They serve delectable plates that you won’t be able to get enough of, from USDA prime steaks to world-class seafood (plus an ample wine list)!

Day 3: Explore “The Loudest Hole in Golf”

Have you ever heard of the loudest hole in golf? It’s famous to golf fans around the world, and it’s located right here in Scottsdale! Arizona is known for its outstanding golf courses and conditions, and TPC Scottsdale is one of the best.

The 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale is the famed “loudest hole in golf,” made famous by Tiger Woods in 2007, who made a hole-in-one there. You don’t have to be as good as Tiger to golf here, though! This course is open to the public, so grab your clubs and get ready to take a swing at it. If you’re interested in exploring other nearby golf courses, check out our guide to the ultimate Arizona golf vacation.

For Dinner & Drinks:

Stick around the course and enjoy the several dining options available. For a nightcap, head to the nearby Plaza Bar for incredible cocktails in a gorgeous setting under the Arizona stars.

Day 4 (and beyond!):

Have some remaining time during your Scottsdale itinerary? There are so many exciting activities to explore in the area; you’ll never run out of things to do!

Explore an Arizona Ghost Town

If you have the time, make the day trip from Scottsdale to a famed Arizona ghost town! This unique activity is one to remember. Explore abandoned mining towns while learning about the history of the people who lived there. Many of them are famous tourist attractions nowadays! Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Jerome: Approximately 2 hours​ from Scottsdale
  • Tip Top: Approximately 1.5 hours ​from Scottsdale
  • Goldfield: Approximately 1 hour​ from Scottsdale
  • Vulture City: Approximately 1.5 hours ​from Scottsdale

Check out the Grand Canyon

Well, you are in Arizona, after all. If you’re in Scottsdale for a week or more, you should definitely carve out some time to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It’s about a 4-hour drive from Scottsdale.

These other Arizona National Parks are also beautiful and are just a bit closer:

Check out Arizona Falls

Arizona Falls is a tourist attraction representing the intersection of technology, artistry, and natural wonder. Check out the several canal trails here and spend the day outside, taking in nature and learning about the history of the falls.

Indulge in the Best Restaurants in the Phoenix Valley

Choosing where to eat on vacation can be overwhelming. Lucky for you, we’ve created our ultimate guide to dining in the Phoenix Valley. Some of our favorite Scottsdale restaurants are:

Book Your Scottsdale Stay Directly with Elite Vacation Rentals

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3 Bed, 2 Bath Scottsdale Vacation Rental Beck Lane Scottsdale

We hope you feel well-equipped to set out on your dream getaway to Scottsdale now, whether it's a quick weekend escape or a longer stay! Our ultimate Scottsdale itinerary ensures that you’ll have an amazing time. There’s one essential detail left, though; one of the key parts of a great trip is finding the perfect place to call home while you're here.

With Arizona Elite Vacation Rentals, you’re in good hands! Booking directly with us means you get the personalized service of a local company while avoiding extra fees from third-party platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.

Our Scottsdale vacation rentals offer everything you need for a fantastic stay. Whether you’re looking for a private pool, a relaxing hot tub, or a pet-friendly rental for your four-legged companion, we’ve got plenty of options. Take a look at our available rentals and book your Scottsdale vacation directly with Arizona Elite Vacation Rentals today!

 

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Arizona Vacation Planning