I’ve written about Scottsdale, Arizona earlier than; about the way it’s a lot greater than only a golf vacation spot, and about the way it really makes for a great summer time getaway.
However my earlier journeys to Scottsdale have been all ladies’ journeys (which is sensible, since Scottsdale is turning into a well-liked spot for bachelorette events!). So on my most up-to-date go to, I introduced my husband Elliot alongside so we may discover the extra romantic aspect of Scottsdale.
And what we discovered was the right mixture of actions, meals, and sights for a barely adventurous (however nonetheless very enjoyable) {couples} journey.
Whether or not you are planning a mini desert honeymoon, an anniversary in Scottsdale, or simply seeking to have a enjoyable {couples} getaway, listed below are among the greatest romantic issues to do.
10 romantic issues to do in Scottsdale
Word: This submit is dropped at you as a part of a paid partnership with Expertise Scottsdale. However, as at all times, all opinions are 100% my very own and primarily based on my private experiences!
1. Go on a dawn scorching air balloon experience
Whereas waking up at 4 a.m. might not scream romance, floating above the desert within the basket of a scorching air balloon because the solar rises positive does.
There are a pair firms within the Scottsdale/Phoenix space that supply scorching air balloon rides over the Sonoran Desert, and the expertise is unquestionably memorable and romantic! It is quiet and peaceable as you float above the desert panorama, retaining your eyes peeled for wildlife and soaking within the first rays of daylight of the day.
I’ve finished a morning experience with Scorching Air Expeditions, who finish their dawn flights with a champagne breakfast. (E-book a tour right here.)
2. Stroll by way of the Desert Botanical Backyard
If you wish to rise up near a few of that desert panorama you noticed out of your balloon, a go to to the Desert Botanical Backyard, simply south of Previous City Scottsdale in Phoenix, is a should. This backyard covers 140 acres, and celebrates every part concerning the desert, from historical past to wildlife.
There are a number of themed trails that discover every part from Sonoran Desert natural world to how Indigenous folks use native vegetation for meals and shelter. The backyard additionally has a wildflower path, a butterfly pavilion, and even a restaurant known as Gertrude’s.
The paths are principally flat and simple to walk, making this an amazing place to admire the desert panorama up shut collectively.
3. Go to an artwork museum
Scottsdale is an artsy metropolis, with many galleries and museums to discover. My favourite one to go to with a date, although, is Wonderspaces inside Scottsdale Style Sq. mall.
This immersive and interactive artwork house is stuffed with enjoyable displays by artists from across the globe. The artwork is supposed to be interacted with, and new displays are put in just a few occasions every year.
Wonderspaces is SUCH a cool idea, and is perhaps my favourite strategy to expertise modern artwork. There’s additionally a bar contained in the house, so you may sip on a cocktail or beer as you make your means by way of the totally different displays.
Different museums you would possibly get pleasure from visiting collectively embrace the Scottsdale Museum of Up to date Artwork (SMoCA), Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West.
4. Have an thrilling journey collectively
The couple that adventures collectively stays collectively, proper? The Scottsdale space affords up tons of how to have enjoyable collectively outside, whether or not you are into climbing or extra adrenaline-pumping actions. A couple of of our favourite choices embrace:
- Climbing – Go for a hike within the McDowell Sonoran Protect, hike to the highest of Pinnacle Peak, and even sort out Camelback Mountain. (Simply be sure you take loads of water!)
- Horseback driving – Go on a leisurely path experience by way of desert surroundings with MacDonald’s Ranch.
- Mountain biking – Hire bikes from REI and hit the paths collectively by yourself, or be part of a guided mountain bike tour (appropriate for rookies!).
- Paddling the Salt River – Take pleasure in a calming paddle down the Decrease Salt River, and perhaps go for a swim. Hold a watch out for the wild horses that dwell inside the close by Tonto Nationwide Forest.
- UTV or ATV excursions – Head out into the Sonoran Desert for a heart-pumping guided tour in an ATV or UTV. We did a tour with Stellar Adventures, and they’re top-notch in relation to gear, security, and enjoyable.
5. Calm down with a spa day
Want a strategy to calm down after a day of adventuring? Scottsdale has some nice spas you may get pleasure from individually or as a pair.
The spa at The Phoenician lodge is a good choice, whether or not you wish to get pleasure from a {couples} therapeutic massage or get separate therapies after which meet again up on the spa’s unique rooftop pool for lunch or cocktails.
(Or, if you wish to absolutely immerse in a wellness retreat within the desert, you may keep someplace just like the CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa.)
6. Make candles collectively
One thing enjoyable Elliot and I did on our most up-to-date journey to Scottsdale was make our personal distinctive scented candle collectively at Mild + Bark in Previous City Scottsdale. You select your personal scents and candle jar, after which get to make the candle your self.
The Mild + Bark workers stated that, together with this being a very standard bachelorette get together exercise, additionally they get {couples} who are available in and make candles for each other for birthdays and anniversaries. I like that concept!
7. Hit the Scottsdale Wine Path
Previous City Scottsdale is enjoyable to wander round as is it, however an added bonus is that it has an city Wine Path! Arizona really has three American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), and grows nice wine grapes. You’ll be able to attempt Arizona wine at 7 totally different stops alongside the Scottsdale Wine Path, choosing tasting flights or wine by the glass.
The spots you may go to are:
- Aridus Wine Firm
- Arizona Stronghold Vineyards
- Carlson Creek Tasting Room
- LDV Vineyard Tasting Room
- Merkin Vineyards
- Salvatore Vineyards Tasting Room
- The Wine Collective of Scottsdale
You should buy a Scottsdale Wine Path Passport for $5, after which obtain $2 off a wine tasting at any taking part vineyard.
8. Drinks at Platform 18
If cocktails are extra your pace, then it’s a must to guide an expertise at Platform 18. This speakeasy-style cocktail bar is situated inside Century Grand, which has a handful of various small, themed bars. Platform 18 is ready as much as resemble the within of a traditional practice automotive.
You will “board” the practice, which comes full with digital home windows that make it look/really feel such as you’re chugging by way of the countryside. The drinks menu is exclusive, with craft cocktail choices that you simply will not discover anyplace else (attempt the clarified milk punch!).
Your ticket (reservation) will get you a 90-minute “experience,” and it is a tremendous enjoyable date thought.
9. Have a chef-led dinner at Marcellino Ristorante
After drinks, you might have a ton of restaurant choices in Scottsdale. (Critically, it is such a foodie metropolis!) However if you wish to guide one thing actually distinctive and romantic, see in the event you can seize a reservation for the “Chef’s Romantic Eating Cove” at Marcellino Ristorante.
Marcellino’s is an Italian restaurant that can whisk you away from Arizona. From the fresh-made pasta to the European vibe and dwell music, you may actually really feel such as you’ve been transported to Italy for just a few hours.
And the Chef’s Romantic Eating Cove is such an effective way to expertise this spot. Chef Marcellino himself will chat with you about your likes, after which whip up a 5-course dinner (full with wine pairings) only for you.
It is good for a particular meal for 2.
10. Share a sundae at The Sugar Bowl
Lastly, let’s discuss dessert! Once more, there are many choices to get pleasure from in Scottsdale, however you may by no means go flawed with an outdated traditional. Cease in to the Sugar Bowl, an old style ice cream parlor in Previous City. Sit on the genuine Fifties soda fountain, or seize a desk and share a sundae or root beer float.
READ MORE: 3 Days in Scottsdale: 3 Itineraries for 3 Completely different Sorts of Vacationers
Romantic locations to remain in Scottsdale
Scottsdale has a LOT of lodge choices to go well with each journey fashion, whether or not you are searching for one thing small and intimate or an enormous sprawling golf resort. I’ve stayed at half a dozen properties in Scottsdale, and these are those I feel are probably the most romantic:
1. Canyon Suites at The Phoenician
The Phoenician is a Luxurious Assortment Resort sitting on the base of Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale. The sprawling resort is 5-star as it’s, with a three-level pool advanced, a spa, a golf course, and a number of eating places and bars on-site.
However if you wish to take your keep up a romantic notch, you may guide a room on the Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, which is basically a resort inside a resort. The Canyon Suites has its personal check-in space, devoted pool space with non-public cabanas, and spacious rooms with luxurious loos.
Learn evaluations on TripAdvisor | E-book a room right here
2. The Bespoke Inn
If you happen to’re searching for a smaller and extra intimate retreat, The Bespoke Inn is the place for you. This small boutique lodge affords simply 10 rooms within the Arts District simply south of downtown Scottsdale, making it the right base for exploring Previous City’s public artwork and eating places.
The Bespoke Inn affords a calming courtyard, a restaurant, a small infinity pool, and comfy rooms with luxurious particulars like plush leather-based arm chairs, claw-foot bathtubs, and leafy patios.
Learn extra evaluations on TripAdvisor | E-book a room right here
3. Mountain Shadows Resort
Lastly, Mountain Shadows is an underrated mid-century trendy lodge in Scottsdale. It has spacious rooms, a wonderful on-site restaurant and bar, a golf course, and a two-tiered pool space that frames a view of Camelback Mountain.
Mountain Shadows has an understated luxurious to it that’s good for a calming {couples} getaway.
Learn evaluations on TripAdvisor | E-book a room right here
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Who’s able to plan a romantic getaway to Scottsdale?
