Sharing all the deets today and a full itinerary for what to do in Scottsdale on your post-panny trip!
Scottsdale was my first media trip after the panny and it felt SO good to be back on my travel blogger game!
I always have the best time when I’m visiting, and it really is the perfect destination to travel to as we start to venture out more, some of us for the first time in over a year!
For starters, there are plenty of outdoor activities in Scottsdale to keep you busy, and lots of outdoor dining options. Check out my top outdoor activities in Scottsdale post here!
And I know a lot of us aren’t quite comfy yet traveling abroad. I get it, things with requirements and cases can change so quickly. Traveling to AZ means we don’t have to deal with tests and things, which is def a relief.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Scottsdale, Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows is a great option during this time as it’s campus-style where each room is its own bungalow and when you open your door, you’re stepping outdoors into the fresh open air. The Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia also has rooms that open to the outdoors.
I have a ton of Scottsdale content and recs on the blog, including this recent one about Palm Springs vs Scottsdale.
Ok, now that we’ve established that Scottsdale is THE destination to visit for your first post-panny trip, let’s get into this four-day itinerary for you covering all the fun things (and post-panny-friendly things) to do!
What to Do in Scottsdale: Day 1
Brunch at Hash Kitchen
Start your trip off with a bang and grab brunch at Hash Kitchen. This spot is SO yummy and fun.
They have fab boozy brunch options like their Original Hash Kitchen Bloody Mary—sooo good. Also do not miss the Cereal Shooters.
Like, my goodness those are delicious. You won’t regret it.
Pool Day
Gotta have a relaxing pool day in Scottsdale! All the hotels have ‘gram-worthy pools, but some of my favorites are at the Andaz, Hotel Valley Ho, and the Omni.
Dinner at Fat Ox
Fat Ox is a super sleek Italian restaurant featuring homemade pastas, and amazing fish, and roasted meats. For pastas, I’d recommend the Gigi and the burrata caramelle.
When it comes to their second menu, you really can’t go wrong but they do have a very special dish—their pluma iberica de bellota. You may have heard of jamon iberico, but this is a special cut of pork that’s currently only offered in a handful of restaurants in the States.
Definitely give it a try if you’re looking for something unique and delicious! We loved the atmosphere here, and they also have a lovely patio for outdoor seating.
What to Do in Scottsdale: Day 2
Kayaking on the Salt River
This was one of my favorite things I’ve done in Scottsdale! Kayaking down the Salt River was so relaxing, and the scenery is so unique.
There’s a nice little current that helps push you along as well, so it’s not too strenuous and you can just casually paddle along while soaking up the beautiful views.
Lunch at Hula’s Modern Tiki
You’ll definitely be hungry after your kayaking excursion, so grab lunch at Hula’s Modern Tiki. Their bowls are delish!
Happy Hour with JoyRideAZ
Take a ride with JoyRideAZ, a husband and wife owned and operated Scottsdale tours company. They’ll pick you up in a golf cart and buzz you around to some fun spots in Scottsdale, depending on the tour you pick.
JoyRide AZ offers guided tours that you probably won’t see anywhere else. They have a wine tasting or brew sampling tour, a gelato tour, and a sip and shop tour.
They also have a new margaritas + tacos tour, which sounds SO fun!
Dinner at The Herb Box
Round out your day with dinner at The Herb Box. Definitely start with the Korean fried cauliflower (so good!) and crisp brussel sprout chips.
They have a spacious patio in the back with plenty of outdoor seating.
What to Do in Scottsdale: Day 3
Hike Gateway Trail Loop in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Go for a morning hike (to beat the afternoon heat!) and get out in the Sonoran desert. There are several trail options here, and the Gateway Trail Loop is a nice, easy to moderate hike.
You’ll get some nice desert views as you ascend, and of course, pass by tons of cacti. Pinnacle Peak is another popular, moderate trail option that’s 4 miles out and back.
Lunch at Postino
Yummm, Postino! They’re known for their delicious bruschetta boards, and you can pick four different bruschettas for your table to share.
You really can’t go wrong, but a few of my favs are the warm artichoke, brie apple and fig, pepper jam and goat cheese, and the prosciutto fig and mascarpone. K, now I’m drooling.
Wonderspaces
If you like interactive art installations, stop by Wonderspaces. They have rotating exhibits and many of the installations are interactive.
You’ll definitely find some fun, Instagrammable art installations here too!
Outdoor Shopping
Scottsdale has plenty of open-air shopping options. Try Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons, or explore Old Town Scottsdale for some fun boutiques.
Dinner at Zuzu
Enjoy dinner at Zuzu, the restaurant at Hotel Valley Ho. Be sure to save room for one of their milkshakes!
Every month they have a new, totally over-the-top shake that’s like a dessert on top of a dessert, on top of a dessert. When we were there it was a Reese’s peanut butter situation and it was pretty amazing.
What to Do in Scottsdale: Day 4
Brunch at Prep and Pastry
Prep and Pastry is a super cute brunch spot with outdoor seating that has French bistro vibes. The interior is so pretty too.
They have some hearty brunch choices like shakshuka and cast iron duck confit. And of course, delicious pastries. They also have fun coffee options like lavender lattes.
Horseback Riding
Head out on a horseback ride through the desert! I love being around horses and getting out into nature—such a fun combo.
Desert Botanical Garden
Take an evening stroll at the Desert Botanical Gardens. It’s so pretty there and never gets old.
They also host fun events throughout the year so be sure to check their website to see if anything is going on while you’re in town.
Dinner at The Mission
Last but certainly not least, hit up The Mission for a very delicious dinner to wrap up your trip! This restaurant is super chic and serves incredible Latin cuisine.
There you have it! Your in-depth guide on what to do in Scottsdale during your post-panny trip! I’m already looking forward to the next time I can visit.
DM me if you have any questions while you’re planning your trip! I’m @wtfab.
Thank you to Experience Scottsdale for hosting me and sponsoring this post!
Looking for more Scottsdale content? It’s over here:
12 Fun Outdoor Scottsdale Activities
Palm Springs vs Scottsdale
Best Hotels in Scottsdale
Things to do in Scottsdale: Travel Guide
Top 10 Best Restaurants in Scottsdale
Best Bars in Old Town Scottsdale
Best Scottsdale Hiking Trails
Best Scottsdale Brunch Spots
Epic Scottsdale Girls’ Trip
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
