Thanks to its warm weather and vibrant cultural scene, Scottsdale, Arizona is one of the leading tourist destinations in the United States. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to kick back and relax when there are thousands of other people vying for the same thing. The good news is that Scottsdale offers no shortage of hidden gems.
Keep reading as we go off the beaten path and explore some of the Scottsdale destinations that will afford the same level of luxury and elegance as the more headline attractions
1. Butterfly Wonderland
Butterfly Wonderland is truly a one-of-a-kind destination in Scottsdale. A lush rainforest experience nestled in the heart of the Arizona desert, it is a tropical paradise alive with thousands of butterflies from all over the world. In addition to being the largest butterfly conservatory in North America, guests will be blown away by the beautiful flowers, colorful koi fish, and tropical finches scattered throughout the facility.
The panoply of vibrant colors and the unique experience of having butterflies land on you create never-ending photo opportunities and memories that will never be forgotten.
2. MacDonald’s Ranch
While sipping a martini from a private rooftop may be the epitome of elegance in the Northeast, enjoying a desert sunset on horseback steals the show in the Southwest.
Therefore, a visit to MacDonald’s Ranch is an essential itinerary item for visitors wanting a little Southwestern flair with their luxury.
As the premier horseback riding stable in Arizona, it gives singles, families, and/or corporate groups the opportunity to enjoy the desert scenery at a laid-back pace.
Guests note that enjoying a sunset in the tranquil Sonoran Desert is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
3. Resort-Style Vacation Rentals
Make no mistake–there is no shortage of 5-star hotels in the Scottsdale area. However, many travelers have noted that it is difficult to get the true Scottsdale experience when staying at a hotel, especially when traveling with children or large groups. As such, it is worthwhile to take a closer look at the numerous luxury vacation rentals in the area.
The best luxury vacation rental amenities will rival–or exceed–those found at world-class resorts. Sprawling backyards complete with swimming pools, lazy rivers, water slides, and swim-up bars create the perfect atmosphere for enjoying a day in the warm Scottsdale sun without ever having to leave the comfort of your accommodation.
The modern interiors feature stunning architectural lines, plush furniture, entertainment, and other creature comforts not found in standard hotels. What’s more–with the capacity to sleep 20 or more guests (in most cases), luxury vacation rentals afford even the largest parties their own slice of privacy in the desert sanctuary.
For added elegance and relaxation, look into the rental’s world-class concierge partners. In-home massages, private chefs, and custom-stocked kitchens are just a few of the ways that vacation rentals can add luxury and style not available at traditional hotels.
4. Old Town Arts District
Noted as one of the most vibrant downtowns in the United States, the Scottsdale Arts District in Old Town features dozens of art galleries, museums, cultural venues, fashion designers, and boutique shops–all within walking distance of one another. The pedestrian-friendly streets feature a number of public art walks, brewery tours, and wine trails.
The Scottsdale Wine Trail, in particular, offers tastings at 7 wineries within walking distance of the downtown district.
5. Starfire Golf Course
Scottsdale is one of the world’s leading golf destinations, with over 50 courses in the city limits alone and more than 200 in the greater Phoenix area. While golf in Scottsdale offers the chance to tackle bucket-list courses frequented by PGA professionals (TPC Scottsdale, Grayhawk, and Troon North, to name a few), there are also some lesser-hyped courses that are definitely worth a round.
For example, Starfire Golf Club, located at the old Scottsdale Country Club, is one of the city’s original golf courses. Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, it is a public, daily fee course that allows golfers of all levels to soak in a slice of history while enjoying a round amid the scenic desert backdrop.
Explore the Hidden Gems of Scottsdale Today
With its warm weather, beautiful desert scenery, and vibrant culture, Scottsdale is a must-visit destination for millions of people worldwide.
By taking note of the hidden gems outlined in this article, you can visit Scottsdale today and rest assured that you will have the utmost in luxury and elegance for a memorable desert stay.
