Two Days in Scottsdale
When staying in Scottsdale for just 48 hours, it is essential to make the most of your time by experiencing some of the city’s best offerings. Despite the limited timeframe, we have crafted a stellar itinerary for you by providing key offerings. Scottsdale’s unique desert landscape, warm climate, and vibrant culture offer a memorable experience even within a short visit.
Our Picks for a Wonderful Resort or Hotel
Bespoke Inn
Located in Old Town, this boutique hotel in Scottsdale offers casual luxury and personal attention to detail. Enjoy the comfort of an intimate setting with just 10 rooms and suites, located on the edge of everything Scottsdale has to offer. Relax in our charming courtyard, dine at the James Beard awarded restaurant Virtù, sip coffee on your private patio, swim in our infinity pool, or ride on our charming Pashley Bicycles to explore the galleries, restaurants, and shopping nearby.
JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa is an award-winning luxury resort located near Camelback Mountain in Paradise Valley, Arizona. The resort offers deluxe amenities, attentive service, and a range of activities for guests to enjoy during their stay. From heated outdoor pools and garden terraces to desert trails in the Sonoran Desert, the resort provides a tranquil and rejuvenating experience for visitors.
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows
The Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows is a luxury desert retreat located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offering a unique experience inspired by mid-century modern design and the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The resort spans 23 acres and features bungalows and suites designed with distinctive finishes and timeless mid-century modern details. Guests can enjoy private patios, bright luxury bathrooms with skylights, oversized showers, and access to various amenities that enhance their stay.
Fun Adventures and Activities
When planning your two-days in Scottsdale I would suggest visiting the Scottsdale area and getting a real feel for the West. We feel it is essential to create an itinerary that allows you to experience the unique attractions and offerings of each location. Here is a suggested itinerary for your visit
Day 1: Taliesin West and Old Town Scottsdale
Morning: Taliesin West
Start your day by visiting Taliesin West, the winter home and architectural school of Frank Lloyd Wright. Explore the stunning architecture and learn about Wright’s design principles. Take a guided tour of the property to gain insights into Wright’s life and work. Enjoy the desert landscape surrounding Taliesin West and take in the breathtaking views.
Afternoon: Old Town Scottsdale
Begin your day exploring Old Town Scottsdale, known for its historic buildings, art galleries, and Western charm.
Visit the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art or stroll through the art galleries along Main Street.
Don’t miss exploring the unique boutiques and artisan shops in the area.
Day 2: Fountain Hills, and Cave Creek
Morning: Fountain Hills
Drive to Fountain Hills to see the famous fountain that shoots water over 500 feet into the air.
Enjoy a leisurely walk around Fountain Park and take in the scenic beauty of the area.
Afternoon: Cave Creek
Head to Cave Creek for a taste of the Old West with its western-themed shops and restaurants.
Explore Frontier Town or visit local art galleries showcasing southwestern art.
Consider ending your day with dinner at one of Cave Creek’s charming eateries.
Our Favorite Dining Picks for You
The culinary scene in Scottsdale is known for its diversity, creativity, and emphasis on local, unique dining experiences. Scottsdale takes pride in its Southwestern point-of-view, infusing local flavors and ingredients into its cuisine to create a distinctive dining experience. Visitors can enjoy everything from fine dining experiences to casual eateries with patio seating, providing an opportunity to savor the beautiful Scottsdale weather while indulging in delicious meals.
Spotted Donkey Cantina
The Spotted Donkey Cantina, at el Pedregal, is quickly earning a reputation as the place for Mexican cuisine in North Scottsdale. A fun and festive setting with spacious outdoor dinning options. And with a tequila list boasting dozens of varieties (including our exclusive Herradura Reposado Tequila), an innovative menu, and a large outdoor patio with scenic desert vistas, it’s really no surprise.
El Chorro
El Chorro offers a dining experience that celebrates Arizona’s culinary heritage with a Southwestern-inspired influence. The menu features classic cuisine favorites made with fresh, organic, and locally sourced ingredients, including produce from the on-site El Chorro garden. The restaurant’s patio dining experience is particularly renowned for its sticky buns, which have become a long-standing Phoenix tradition.
Cafe Monarch
Welcome to a world of culinary elegance and sophistication, you will not find anywhere else in Arizona. Named by Trip Advisor as a Top Three Fine Dining Restaurant in the Nation, this family-owned and operated gem in the heart of historic Old Town Scottsdale has earned an illustrious reputation for its world-class service, elegant ambiance, and five-star cuisine. At Cafe Monarch the menu changes seasonally, bringing you an ever-evolving array of innovative culinary creations that feature the finest, premium, fresh, local, seasonal, organic, and sustainable ingredients. The four-course prix fixe menus are meticulously designed to delight even the most sophisticated of palates.
Dress Code: Cafe Monarch is an elegant fine-dining restaurant. We believe formal wear & business casual attire is best, while jackets are only preferred for men, collared shirts are a requirement. Casual clothing and activewear are not appropriate for dinner. This includes t-shirts, baseball caps, shorts, sandals, and spandex
Hash Kitchen
Hash Kitchen is a creative breakfast and bar eatery located in Scottsdale, Arizona. It offers a social dining experience and is designed to be a local favorite spot for breakfast and brunch enthusiasts. The restaurant features a diverse menu with innovative dishes, including various types of pancakes, French toast, waffles, hashes, scramblers, and more. One of its unique offerings is the build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, where patrons can customize their drinks with over 50 craft toppings
Cocktails to Mocktails
In Scottsdale’s vibrant nightlife scene in Old Town, it is not uncommon for locals and visitors alike to engage in both pre-drinks and after-drinks as part of their socializing routine. With numerous bars, lounges, and clubs offering unique experiences, the city provides ample opportunities for individuals to enjoy both phases of their night out.
LDV Winery
The primary focus of LDV Winery is on producing high-quality wines sourced from their vineyard in the Chiricahua Mountain foothills in Southeastern Arizona. While they do have a tasting room in Old Town Scottsdale where you can sample and purchase their wines, they do not operate a full-service restaurant at this location.
AZ/88
AZ/88 is a renowned bar and restaurant located in Scottsdale, Arizona. It has been a popular destination for both locals and visitors for over 35 years since its opening in March 1988. Inspired by the warmth of family gatherings and good food, drink, and conversation, AZ/88 was created by Karl Kopp to be a distinctive establishment known for its quality and style.
ZUZU
ZuZu Lounge is located at Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, Arizona. This cocktail bar embodies a unique blend of mid-century design and contemporary aesthetics, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests. The lounge features floor-to-ceiling glass windows that open onto a beautifully landscaped patio, allowing patrons to enjoy the outdoors under the historic palms that surround the hotel.
