Top Things to Do in Scottsdale for a Girl’s Getaway

Top Things to Do in Scottsdale for a Girl’s Getaway

April 29, 2019

There are so many fun things to do in the lovely desert city of Scottsdale! Whether you are in town with your BFFs for a long weekend, to reconnect with your old college friends, or for a bachelorette party, this city has plenty to keep your girls occupied. Get ready to make some great memories with great friends with these top things to do in Scottsdale.

Day 1 – Desert Botanical Garden

Located in nearby Phoenix, the Desert Botanical Garden has over 50,000 species of native plants spread over 140 acres in the beautiful Sonoran Desert. There are five different loop trails, each with a specific focus. Hike to the top of the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail for an expansive view of the surrounding mountains, and if the season is right, you can watch hummingbirds visiting the vibrant desert wildflowers and blooming cactus as you stroll along the Wildflower Loop Trail. These easy and moderate trails and the beautiful scenery will get your trip off to a great start.

Desert Botanical Garden
1201 North Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ
1-480-941-1225

DAY 2 – Guided Desert Tour

Take a guided tour through the beautiful Sonoran Desert. Hike or bike on half-day and full-day tours. Imagine hiking up rocky mountain trails, or cycling along a desert trail between towering cacti. There are many tour companies in the area; give Arizona Outback Adventures a try. They will arrange a guided adventure that will be the highlight of your trip to the Sonoran Desert.

Arizona Outback Adventures
17465 N. 93rd Street
Scottsdale, AZ
866-455-1601

Day 3 – Shopping

After a long day hiking or biking, get ready for some serious exercise: shopping! Scottsdale is well-known for its shopping venues (it’s one of the top things to do in Scottsdale), and the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall is one of the largest shopping venues in the Southwest. Head to the upscale Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall and stroll through more than 225 stores and restaurants. Shopping, dinner, and then a movie? It’s all here at the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall.

Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall
7014-950 East Camelback Road
Scottsdale, AZ
480-949-0202

Day 4 – Food Tour

Take it easy after your shopping marathon. Take a bike, Segway, or trolley as you eat your way through the city. Try the Taste of Old Town Lunch Tour or the Scottsdale “Sip ‘N Sample” Happy Hour Tour from Arizona Food Tours (480-386-9038). Tour Old Town on your own, then go on the Trolley Dessert Tour (Taste It Tours, 480-274-3569). Indulge yourself with handcrafted chocolate, gelato and more.

Day 5 – Old Town

You can’t visit Scottsdale without visiting Old Town, it’s one of the top things to do in Scottsdale. Get ready for more shopping and dining! Stroll through the many boutiques, art galleries, and shops in this historic center of town. There are fine art shops, wonderfully tacky souvenir shops, western art and contemporary art galleries. If you’re visiting on a Thursday night, join the Art Walk, a Scottsdale Arts District open house. Afterward, grab a table at one of the many drinking establishments’ sidewalk patios and people watch while you sip your favorite adult beverage.

Old Town Scottsdale
602-617-1211
admin@oldtownscottsdale.com

Day 6 – Horseback Riding

MacDonald’s Ranch offers horseback rides, stagecoach rides, and hayrides. Horseback and stagecoach rides are offered for private and group experiences, and there is also a lovely moonlight tour option for each. And, for the girls who haven’t ever ridden, don’t worry; the guides will match the right horse to each rider’s riding experience. Your guides will give you the history of the area and educate you on the flora and fauna while you ride. Ride through the desert on horseback. The terrain is gentle, and the scenery is gorgeous—a great memory for your trip!

MacDonald’s Ranch
26540 N. Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ
480-585-0239
macranch@macdonaldsranch.com

Day 7 – Spa Day

End your last day with some serious pampering. There are so many spas in the city to choose from! Try the New Serenity Spa for their “upgraded” Swedish massage, a Hot Stone Massage, the Serenity Facial and Massage Package, or their Hydra Facials. And who couldn’t use a Miracle Facial!

New Serenity Spa
15609 North Hayden Road
Scottsdale, AZ
480-998-6991

Day 8 – Hot Air Balloon Ride

Let’s get up in the clouds for a hot air balloon ride! Take in amazing views of the craggy mountain peaks and dusty Sonoran Desert as you float along, thousands of feet in the air. A morning or evening balloon flight with glorious sunrises and sunsets will be the highlight of your Scottsdale getaway! Aerogelic Ballooning and 360-Adventure Tours are two of several local companies in the area that can get your hot air adventure on its way.

Aerogelic Ballooning
526 N 74th Street
Scottsdale, AZ
480.991.4260

Day 9 – The Salt River

The Salt River is the perfect place for all the water activities you love. Spend a day lazing on the shoreline catching up on things, or take a slow, lazy tube ride past towering cliffs and desert flats. Hire a guide for a day of fly fishing where depending on your location and the season you’ll be landing trout (perfect for grilling!), large and smallmouth bass, and carp. Put a little excitement in your getaway and book a guided rafting tour down the river for a day or half-day of excitement and beautiful scenery.

Salt River Rafting2827
E. Blanche
Phoenix, AZ 85032
800-425-5253

Day 10 – Drinking Trails

Do you and your girls have an appreciation of fine wine or craft beer? Why not spend an afternoon on a self-guided tasting tour? Old Town has over seven breweries and beerhouses with over 30 craft breweries in the area including the Scapegoat Beer & Wine Bar, Two Brothers Tap House, Papago Brewing Company, and the Pig & Pickle. Wine lovers shouldn’t miss the Carlson Creek Tasting Room and Aridus Wine Company. If beer and wine tasting isn’t your thing, try the Scottsdale Coffee Trail. Download a map for all of the Old Town Trails and taste at your own pace or take a guided tour (with no worries about driving).

Enjoy the Top Things to Do in Scottsdale in Style

There is no better place to return to after a long day out with the girls than a luxury vacation rental from Parsons Villas! Browse our available selection of rentals, and contact us to reserve your stay today!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.