Top Things to Do in Scottsdale for a Girl’s Getaway
There are so many fun things to do in the lovely desert city of Scottsdale! Whether you are in town with your BFFs for a long weekend, to reconnect with your old college friends, or for a bachelorette party, this city has plenty to keep your girls occupied. Get ready to make some great memories with great friends with these top things to do in Scottsdale.
Day 1 – Desert Botanical Garden
Located in nearby Phoenix, the Desert Botanical Garden has over 50,000 species of native plants spread over 140 acres in the beautiful Sonoran Desert. There are five different loop trails, each with a specific focus. Hike to the top of the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail for an expansive view of the surrounding mountains, and if the season is right, you can watch hummingbirds visiting the vibrant desert wildflowers and blooming cactus as you stroll along the Wildflower Loop Trail. These easy and moderate trails and the beautiful scenery will get your trip off to a great start.
Desert Botanical Garden
1201 North Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ
1-480-941-1225
DAY 2 – Guided Desert Tour
Take a guided tour through the beautiful Sonoran Desert. Hike or bike on half-day and full-day tours. Imagine hiking up rocky mountain trails, or cycling along a desert trail between towering cacti. There are many tour companies in the area; give Arizona Outback Adventures a try. They will arrange a guided adventure that will be the highlight of your trip to the Sonoran Desert.
Arizona Outback Adventures
17465 N. 93rd Street
Scottsdale, AZ
866-455-1601
Day 3 – Shopping
After a long day hiking or biking, get ready for some serious exercise: shopping! Scottsdale is well-known for its shopping venues (it’s one of the top things to do in Scottsdale), and the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall is one of the largest shopping venues in the Southwest. Head to the upscale Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall and stroll through more than 225 stores and restaurants. Shopping, dinner, and then a movie? It’s all here at the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall.
Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall
7014-950 East Camelback Road
Scottsdale, AZ
480-949-0202
Day 4 – Food Tour
Take it easy after your shopping marathon. Take a bike, Segway, or trolley as you eat your way through the city. Try the Taste of Old Town Lunch Tour or the Scottsdale “Sip ‘N Sample” Happy Hour Tour from Arizona Food Tours (480-386-9038). Tour Old Town on your own, then go on the Trolley Dessert Tour (Taste It Tours, 480-274-3569). Indulge yourself with handcrafted chocolate, gelato and more.
Day 5 – Old Town
You can’t visit Scottsdale without visiting Old Town, it’s one of the top things to do in Scottsdale. Get ready for more shopping and dining! Stroll through the many boutiques, art galleries, and shops in this historic center of town. There are fine art shops, wonderfully tacky souvenir shops, western art and contemporary art galleries. If you’re visiting on a Thursday night, join the Art Walk, a Scottsdale Arts District open house. Afterward, grab a table at one of the many drinking establishments’ sidewalk patios and people watch while you sip your favorite adult beverage.
Old Town Scottsdale
602-617-1211
admin@oldtownscottsdale.com
Day 6 – Horseback Riding
MacDonald’s Ranch offers horseback rides, stagecoach rides, and hayrides. Horseback and stagecoach rides are offered for private and group experiences, and there is also a lovely moonlight tour option for each. And, for the girls who haven’t ever ridden, don’t worry; the guides will match the right horse to each rider’s riding experience. Your guides will give you the history of the area and educate you on the flora and fauna while you ride. Ride through the desert on horseback. The terrain is gentle, and the scenery is gorgeous—a great memory for your trip!
MacDonald’s Ranch
26540 N. Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ
480-585-0239
macranch@macdonaldsranch.com
Day 7 – Spa Day
End your last day with some serious pampering. There are so many spas in the city to choose from! Try the New Serenity Spa for their “upgraded” Swedish massage, a Hot Stone Massage, the Serenity Facial and Massage Package, or their Hydra Facials. And who couldn’t use a Miracle Facial!
New Serenity Spa
15609 North Hayden Road
Scottsdale, AZ
480-998-6991
