Enjoy Scottsdale like a Local

Located a mere 45 minutes from the Phoenix airport, Scottsdale, Arizona is a bustling haven for travelers looking for a hot, relaxing locale in an easy-to-get-to location. Desert landscapes filled with saguaro cacti and blue skies, Scottsdale is not only a great place to relax, but it’s also filled with plenty of activities to keep you movin’. From stunning hiking trails to five-star spas, you can spend a lifetime trying to check everything there is to do in this city off your bucket list.

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Desert Oasis

Scottsdale is home to an abundance of hotels and resorts to call home for the duration of your vacation. If you’re looking for a cozy spot fit for family travel, Diamond Resorts Rancho Mañana in nearby Cave Creek provides spacious casitas that come complete with a kitchen, fireplace, two king beds, and a balcony or patio. It also sits on a championship golf course, has an outdoor pool, and sits near many family-friendly activities.

Not too far away, you can also choose to stay at the Boulders Resort & Spa, which houses roomy accommodations in the form of casitas, suites, villas, and haciendas. Located in the midst of the infamous and stunning rock formation of the boulders, the highly awarded resort houses a spa and fitness center, pools and tennis courts, a golf course, and plenty of outdoor activities.

If you’re on the hunt for a more traditional hotel stay, opt for either The Phoenician Resort or Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa, both settled on either side of Camelback Mountain. Here you’ll find unparalleled views of the desert and mountains. The Phoenician exudes opulence and relaxation, and you will certainly be pampered during your stay. From the on-property restaurants to the immaculate Forbes Five-Star-rated spa, a stay at The Phoenician isn’t one you’ll soon forget. Meanwhile, the Sanctuary boasts panoramic views of the breathtaking Arizona landscape, fine dining, and luxury accommodations that will keep you coming back for more.

Feed More than your Soul

Arizona is home to some top-notch restaurants, and Scottsdale happens to have some of the best the state has to offer. These are only a small handful of the many amazing culinary delights you’ll find.

You can never go wrong with a steak dinner at Mastro’s Steakhouse or Ocean Club, and you can balance out the gluttony you’re sure to encounter at those two venues with a healthy—but no less delicious—meal at The Herb Box.

If something sweet is more your style, stop by the Sugar Bowl in Old Town Scottsdale. Decked out in bubble gum pink and dating back to 1958, this 50’s-style ice cream parlor and diner is super fun, and their milkshakes bring more than just the boys to the yard.

The Mission, which has two Scottsdale locations, is another trendy locale, boasting modern Latin cuisine and unparalleled vibes. House-made specialty tortillas, salsas, and sauces are prepared fresh every day, while meats are cooked on a plancha or on a mesquite wood or pecan grill to infuse bold flavors. Tonto Bar & Grill, located on the same property as Rancho Mañana Golf Club, fuses Southwestern flavors with Native American ingredients, resulting in a tasty twist on American cuisine.