Scottsdale, Arizona: A Perfect Winter Escape

As much of the northern hemisphere tackles winter in the early months of the new year, some residents dream of tropical vacations. Instead of hitting the beach, how about a desert destination for a winter getaway? Scottsdale, Arizona enjoys daily average temperatures in the low 70s during winter. Clear, sunny skies and low humidity beckons travelers looking to escape the cold and experience a bit of sun and outdoor activities. Scottsdale’s mild weather, luxury resorts and golf courses, and a plethora of food and shopping options make this western town a perfect winter escape.

Experiencing Nature

Hands down one of the best ways to enjoy the beautiful winter weather is to head outside into nature. Scottsdale has many hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails waiting to be explored. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a 30,000-acre desert nature preserve has over 100 miles of interconnected trails. This network appeals to every level of experience, from the Gateway Trail Loop which is an easy walk to Tom’s Thumb Trail, an intense switchback trail for more experienced hikers with an incredible view of the city at the end. The preserve is open every day, sunrise to sunset, and provides guided group hiking tours for those interested in learning about the area while working out.

Another great choice is Pinnacle Peak Park in north Scottsdale. The Summit Trail is a moderate hike with a 1,300 ft elevation gain and includes sweeping vistas of Scottsdale and Phoenix. There’s also the iconic Camelback Mountain in central Scottsdale, whose Echo Canyon Summit Trail is a must climb for visiting hikers. The views from the summit are incredible but be warned, this one is challenging! The terrain is steep and rocky and best for moderate to experienced hikers. Bring plenty of water and go early as this trail is a local favorite and gets crowded quickly.

A Golfer’s Paradise

 Scottsdale is known as one of the premier golf destinations in the nation, with over 200 courses in the area. Local favorites include Troon North Golf Club in northern Scottsdale which has 36 holes with scenic views from every angle of the two courses. Another fantastic option is the TPC Scottsdale which hosts a stop on the PGA Tour and offers two PGA Championship courses to play. Several resorts such as the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess or the Phoenician Resort offer packages with accommodations which makes planning a tailored golf vacation incredibly easy.

If you’re more interested in watching golf than playing it, the Waste Management Phoenix Open happens every year in late January (this year from the 30^th to Feb 2). This stop on the PGA tour is the largest attended tournament in the world, a giant outdoor party, and a fan favorite.

Notable Neighborhood

Historic Old Town Scottsdale is the center of shopping, dining, and entertainment in the city. Walkable streets lined with boutiques, western jewelry stores, and souvenir shops lure shopaholics, while galleries, local wine tasting rooms, and restaurants offer visitors a way to spend their free time and refuel. There’s also a free trolley system that makes it easy to get there from other parts of town.

Old Town’s vibrant nightlife is definitely a plus for party hounds with many of the hotels just a short walk from all the bars and restaurants.  Or, if you’re staying a little farther away, golf cart taxis will drop you off for a small fee. The nightlife is vast and varied with craft breweries, cocktail bars, and nightclubs., Sip a classic Gimlet at the Beverly on Main, a swanky cocktail lounge with a sophisticated old school vibe. Or for a more casual atmosphere try the Coach House, the city’s oldest tavern and dive bar. Rock music lovers will enjoy RockBar Inc. for live music and DJs, while Hulas’ Modern Tiki serves upscale tropical island-themed beverages in the middle of the desert.

Great Eats

Spend a weekend morning wandering around Old Town and you’ll quickly realize how popular brunch is here, especially alfresco. There are several places in town such as Prep & Pastry, that specialize in creative morning cocktails and new takes on breakfast classics. Opened in 2019, this bright and airy restaurant features modern farmhouse décor and uses locally sourced farm-fresh ingredients for all their menu items. Breakfast favorites like omelets and Eggs Benedict are no surprise, but there’s also a variety of gluten-free and vegan options. And for anyone craving a taste of Southwestern try their Green Chili French Toast paired with a Prickly Pear Mimosa.

There’s certainly no shortage of Mexican food in this town, but Barrio Queen in the center of Old Town is the place to grab a margarita and a burrito after a day of shopping. The restaurant’s interior has a fun “Dia de los Muertos” vibe and their large patio lets you enjoy the weather. Make sure to try their guacamole, prepared tableside and tailored to your heat preference.

Even if you don’t plan to hike Camelback Mountain, don’t miss heading over to the west side of town to eat at J&G’s Steakhouse in the Phoenician Resort. Located on the top floor of the resort with floor to ceiling windows, the breathtaking views are just dazzling. Enjoy a sunset cocktail on their terrace around the fire pits or linger over dinner inside. This award-winning steakhouse serves up delectable French/Asian fusion cuisine with seasonal ingredients. From their Tuna Tartare with a spicy ginger marinade to their Wagyu Tomahawk Ribeye, the flavors of each dish are perfectly calibrated. Wine aficionados will love their extensive list awarded by Wine Spectator in 2019.

In North Scottsdale, Kierland Commons is another dining destination with several excellent restaurants with outdoor seating under the glorious palm trees (brought in from who knows where!). North Italia offers fresh pasta made from scratch daily as well as pizzas and modern Italian entrees. Postino is super for lunch or happy hour with an extensive wine and beer list and a selection of cheese boards, paninis, and mix and match bruschetta options.

History & Culture

 If you’re looking for local history and culture, stop by Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. This small but fun museum in Old Town showcases historic and contemporary western and Native American art and artifacts. Some of the ongoing exhibits include paintings and sculptures from Native American and western artists, Navajo blankets, Hopi pottery, an extensive collection of authentic “old western” items such as spurs, chaps, and saddles, as well as western movie and tv show props and costumes. Pop in for a couple of hours in the morning then explore Old Town the rest of the day.

If you’d rather channel your inner John Wayne and experience the desert on horseback, head to MacDonald’s Ranch in north Scottsdale. They offer horseback rides for beginners to experienced riders and have options for both kids and adults. Several different tours are on offer where you can traverse the surrounding area with a guide. They also have stagecoach rides, a petting zoo, and pony rides for kids – a great family bonding experiencing.

Architecture fans will want to schedule a visit to the winter home of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. In the 1930s Wright purchased land at the base of the mountains in Scottsdale and built his winter home and design laboratory, Taliesin West. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the School of Architecture at Taliesin, the compound is available year-round for tours and events. There are several different tours that teach visitors about the architect’s life and explain how the design of the buildings were inspired by the surrounding environment. Taliesin West is a popular destination for art aficionados, too, so reservations are recommended.

Plenty to Do

One of the best reasons to come to Scottsdale during winter is the unending list of events and activities taking place. While the city slows down during the boiling hot summer, things kick back up from October to May when food, art, and culture festivals are on the docket.  A list of festivals that are held every weekend throughout the city in winter can be found on the Visit Scottsdale site:  www.scottsdaleaz.gov/tourism

Some upcoming events to think about include the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show in February, where top breeders and trainers showcase their magnificent horses and compete in a variety of competitions.  2020 dates are February 13–23^rd

And let’s not forget America’s favorite pastime. Spring Training starts in late February when baseball teams from across the nation make their way to the Valley of the Sun. Baseball lovers have their pick of multiple stadiums to watch their teams before the official season opening. It’s a great way to bask in that warm Arizona sun!