Scottsdale is sort of the place to see and be seen when visiting Arizona.
It’s the posh side of the Valley and most likely where you’ll spot stars who like to sneak away for some upscale shopping, dining, and sunshine.
AJ’s Fine Foods, the Arizona Biltmore, and golf courses are where the stars are often spotted in Scottsdale.
But it’s not just the rich and famous that like to escape to Scottsdale. Locals also find Scottsdale to be a great place for a staycation and a break from reality.
There are plenty of ritzy upscale parts of Scottsdale, but we prefer the charm and character of Old Town Scottsdale. This guide will help you discover the best things to do in Scottsdale for a girl’s weekend!
*Updated January 2023
A Girlfriends Guide: Best things to do in Scottsdale
Table of Contents
- Best Places to Eat in Old Town Scottsdale
- Best places to shop in Scottsdale
- Best places to stay in Scottsdale
- Best Hiking Trails in Scottsdale
Best Places to Eat in Old Town Scottsdale
The best things to do in Scottsdale on a girl’s weekend are eating, shopping, and lounging by the pool. We’ll start first with eating!
Old Town Scottsdale is conveniently filled with cute shops and restaurants within relative walking distance.
Diego Pops
If you’re looking for a restaurant that offers mouth-watering delicious food served in a fun atmosphere, then head to Diego Pops!
Diego Pops is created by the folks behind the trendy “Original Chop Shop”.
Their modern Mexican-inspired menu offers a variety of dishes like the unique but tasty Brussels Sprout Nachos drizzled with beet crema and a fried egg on top.
They also offer more traditional Braised Green Chili Chicken Tacos.
Their retro-chic decor made for perfect Instagram-worthy photos. With brick walls and neon lights, pineapple wallpaper, and an adorable bright green Smeg fridge.
The addition of the old-school wooden seats and lightbox sign at the entrance makes this place almost too cute to handle.
The Sugar Bowl
The Sugar Bowl is a Scottsdale landmark that has been around since 1958.
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you grab a pink vinyl seat at the soda bar and order a milkshake.
The kitschy knick-knacks and bubblegum pink decor add to the charm of this nostalgic ice cream shop!
They offer a full menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches, but they are known for their banana split creations and rich sundaes.
If you’re craving something savory, order a Grilled Tuna Melt on Sourdough with the Soup of the Day, but be sure to save room for the Spectacular Banana Bowl!
New Wave Market
If you still haven’t satisfied your sweet tooth, then be sure to swing by New Wave Market to grab one of their award-winning Mesquite Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Their cookies have been featured in National Geographic, Phoenix New Times, and Mental Floss.
If cookies aren’t your thing, they have a variety of pastries and irresistible handmade ice cream. Be sure to try the Roasted Strawberry Sherbet!
They also feature unique flavors such as Honeycomb Semifreddo and Campfire.
For more sweet treat recommendations, be sure to check our guide How to Spend One Day in Scottsdale!
The Herb Box
The Herb Box is the perfect place for a girl’s brunch.
Their menu uses fresh seasonal ingredients infused with local flavors. You are sure to love each and every dish!
You’ll find delicious twists on classic dishes, such as Red Velvet Pancakes or Peach Brioche French Toast
If you’re craving something savory, try their Herb Box BLT or Sweet Potato Avocado Baja Bowl. If you have room for dessert, be sure to try their homemade whoopie pie.
For more restaurant recommendations, see our guide for the Best Places to Eat in Scottsdale!
The Montauk
The Montauk is a trendy spot with a laid-back beachy vibe.
Relax on their outdoor patio, order a Creamy Baked Lobster Roll or Coconut Lemongrass Ceviche, and dream of summers in Maine.
Mystery Picnic
A Mystery Picnic with Amazing Co. is such a fun and memorable way to celebrate a birthday, special occasion, or just enjoy a girl’s day out!
It is such a fun concept, you are given a set of mobile clues that lead you to different restaurants where you pick up a variety of food items to add to your picnic basket.
We were led to four different restaurants then ended at a park where we got to enjoy the most delectable spread.
It was so fun working together to uncover the clues and we also loved discovering new restaurants. I would highly recommend it for your girl’s day out in Scottsdale!
They offer their Mystery Picnics in cities around the US, Australia, and the UK. They also offer other experiences for couples and families to enjoy.
*Related post: Check out these 10 Secret Spots and Hidden Gems in Phoenix!
Best places to shop in Scottsdale
After your picnic, head out for an afternoon of retail therapy!
A day of shopping is also one of the best things to do in Scottsdale on a girl’s weekend.
Scottsdale offers a variety of shopping, from high-end luxury stores to eclectic boutiques.
A few places I would recommend shopping at are the 5th Avenue Shops, 1st Avenue Shops, Fashion Square Mall, Kierland Commons, and Scottsdale Marketplace.
Take advantage of the FREE Downtown Trolley so that you can experience more of Scottsdale without the hassle of parking.
The trolley runs every 15 minutes and operates year-round, 7 days a week from 10 am- 9 pm, except on major holidays.
The trolley connects visitors to popular spots in Scottsdale like Old Town, the Arts District, Fifth Avenue Shops, Scottsdale Fashion Square, the Waterfront, and South Bridge.
You can park near one of the stops, or at one of the City’s five downtown garages. It is not an actual historic trolley, it is a city bus made to look like a trolley, but it is still a great way to get around hassle-free!
5th Avenue Shops
I would recommend the 5th Avenue Shops for window shopping. It is a fun place to stroll around and pop in if something in the window catches your eye.
It’s not high-end shops, but a collection of boutiques and smaller shops. Some shops are a little pricey, but you can find some unique gifts and souvenirs from local vendors.
Carmen has some really cute stamped necklaces and dainty jewelry for under $30.
The 5th Avenue Shops is also home to the famed Arabian Horse fountain.
The bronze fountain was created by sculptor Bob Parks in 1989 as a nod to Scottsdale’s rich history in breeding Arabian horses.
1st Avenue shops
You’ll also find shops lining 1st Avenue next to the Sugar Bowl.
These shops embrace the whole “Old Town Scottsdale” feel and tend to specialize in local Western and Native American goods.
Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall
Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall is an upscale luxury shopping mall located in the downtown area of Scottsdale.
It is the largest mall in Arizona and was ranked as one of the top 25 most visited Malls in the country by Travel + Leisure Magazine.
Fashion Square Mall features popular stores not common to all malls, such as 7 for all mankind, Allsaints, Madewell, Zara, Anthropologie, True Religion, Tiffany’s and so many more!
Scottsdale Marketplace
If you like antique shopping, then this is the place for you.
Scottsdale Marketplace is a collection of local vendors all under one roof.
This is the largest market of its kind in Scottsdale with over 38 vendors.
This is also the best place in Scottsdale to find vintage antiques, unique home decor, and specialty gifts.
Best places to stay in Scottsdale
Scottsdale Plaza Resort
The Scottsdale Plaza Resort offers private villa options complete with a back patio for outdoor dining.
There are 5 pools on the property, a day spa, a putting green, walking trails, tennis courts, and various dining options.
It is centrally located between Old Town Scottsdale and Fashion Square Mall, adjacent to the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.
The Scott Resort & Spa
The laid-back vibe and decor will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Cuba when staying at the Scott Resort.
Attention is in every detail, from the well-appointed rooms to the beach entry pool complete with white sand.
They even have an on-site restaurant and bar that will satisfy your craving for Cuban-inspired dishes!
Sonder The Monarch
Sonder The Monarch, formerly known as the Saguaro Hotel, has received a much-needed facelift.
It is a boutique hotel famous for its bright bold colors and whimsical feel. It is everything that a summer day at the hotel pool should be.
The hotel is very photogenic and regularly makes appearances on Instagram and Pinterest.
It is located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, within walking distance of restaurants and shops.
Hotel Valley Ho
Hotel Valley Ho is a cool hipster hotel. It is locally owned and features bold vibrant colors with a mix of modern contemporary and classic mid-century design.
Take a yoga class, enjoy the spa or relax by the pool at this stylish and unique Scottsdale hotel. It is the perfect home base for your girl’s weekend!
Be sure to order a signature over-the-top Show Stopper Shake from Zuzu located inside the hotel!
For more recommendations, check out our guide 13 Best Places to Stay in Phoenix.
Best Hiking Trails in Scottsdale
You could easily fill your weekend with just shopping and eating!
But if you feel like venturing out and are looking for other ideas of the best things to do in Scottsdale, slip on your tennis shoes, grab your girlfriends, and hit some trails!
Camelback Mountain
Camelback is by far the most popular mountain to hike in Scottsdale and Phoenix.
The trailhead is located only minutes from Old Town Scottsdale. The easier and most scenic trail is the 3.1-mile Cholla trail.
It is still a steep and challenging climb, so be sure to bring lots of water and avoid hiking in the summer heat.
Once you reach the top you will be rewarded with expansive views over the valley.
Pinnacle Peak
Enjoy the beauty of the Sonoran desert and views of the valley on this 3.5-mile climb.
The trail to the summit has an elevation gain of about 1,300 feet. You’ll most likely share the trail with wildlife such as quail, cactus wrens, roadrunners, and jackrabbits.
McDowell Mountain Regional Park Scenic Trail
This regional park is a jewel nestled in the lower Verde River basin. The Scenic Trail is an easy trail without much elevation climb but offers great views of the Verde River and the Superstition Mountains.
In the spring you can enjoy the blooming wildflowers. The trail is 3.4 miles one way, but you can turn around sooner if you don’t want to do the full 7 miles.
Lost Dog Wash
Lost Dog Wash is another leisurely hike without much elevation gain. It is an old jeep tour trail that takes you on the lower ridges of the McDowell Mountains.
Along the trail, you can spot Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West home as well as Camelback, Squaw Peak, and Pinnacle Peak. It is a 5-mile trail out and back.
I would highly recommend a girl’s weekend in Scottsdale for some rest and relaxation. I hope this guide will help as you plan the best things to do in Scottsdale!
For more trail recommendations, check out our guide 7 Awesome Hikes in Phoenix!
Scottsdale River Walk
Enjoy a casual stroll along the canal that runs right through the heart of Old Town Scottsdale.
The easy paved trail runs for miles through the town, but you can walk a portion of it while stopping to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping at one of the many waterfront shops and restaurants.
I hope this guide has helped you discover the best things to do in Scottsdale on a girl’s weekend!
*And for more of the best girl’s trip destinations, check out these girl’s weekend guides:
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