Scenic Scottsdale, Arizona is known for its many upscale spas and irresistible golf courses, all enhanced in combination with year-round warm weather. With summer just around the corner, finding ways to cool off during your Scottsdale stay is an important point on the itinerary. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from whether you’re one for the great outdoors or a traveler that prefers to cool off within the comfort of an aquatic center. Here are a few Scottsdale activities to check out while you’re in town.
Water Rafting with Wilderness Aware
Arizona’s Salt River Canyon is home to the Salt River and its many thrilling rapids that await. If you’re a traveler with a heart for adventure looking for some adrenaline-pumping fun on the water, be sure to book a rafting trip with the professionals at Wilderness Aware. Based out of Scottsdale, this team customized rafting trips to fit guests’ needs with options to book half-day, full-day, or multi-day rafting tours. While the rapids are sure to inspire, guests will also find that these water trips feature amazing wildlife, geology, and plant life too.
Chaparral Aquatic Center
Prefer to spend time cooling down while staying in the heart of Scottsdale? Make your way to the Chaparral Aquatic Center and enjoy some time relaxing poolside or making the most of the lap lanes and wading area. This aquatic center is located at 5401 N. Hayden Road and entrance for the day is $3 for residents and $5 for non-residents. This center includes access to 10 lap lanes as well as a diving board and plenty of free swim space for enjoying a cool down in style.
Paiute Park
Summer in Scottsdale is a great time to combine fun, outdoor activities and if you’re looking for a place to cool off with the little ones that also offer up additional recreation, be sure to keep Paiute Park at the top of your must-experience list. Located at 3210 N. 66th Street, Paiute Park is open from sunrise until 10:30 pm daily and provides guests with a place to enjoy having fun in a sprawling splash pad during hot Arizona afternoons. Once you’ve reached just the right temperature, consider making the most of the park’s picnic tables, tennis courts, playgrounds, and several acres of green space while you’re here.
Savor Scottsdale Activities
Make the most of every moment in Scottsdale by letting the team at Parsons Villas to help you settle into your rental home away from home. Contact us today to learn more about our many options and the many Scottsdale activities waiting for you to enjoy!
Get away from home and enjoy an incredible stay in Scottsdale. Scottsdale is the perfect location to have a solo vacation and see what Arizona is all about. We have something for everyone to enjoy. Take a look at some of the exciting Scottsdale activities waiting for you:
Head Over to Saguaro Lake
One of the most popular attractions nearby is Saguaro Lake. Arizona offers sunshine over 300 days out of the year, letting you enjoy the lake no matter when you visit. Go visit the lake and try paddle boarding for an entertaining way to enjoy the water. Rental shops along the lake let you check out gear you need.
Hike the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
If you want to see incredible views on a hike, look no further than the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This preserved land is just outside of Scottsdale and is easy to get to. Expect to find easy trails that are ideal for hikers of all experience levels. The desert landscape is beautiful to behold, so make sure you do not leave your camera (or smartphone) behind. Experiencing this preserve alone is a quiet and eye-opening activity.
For those who wish to find more populated trails, venture over to Camelback Mountain. This local peak is right inside city limits and offers some incredible trails. However, popularity has increased over the years, so make sure to get there early to find a parking spot.
Visit the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Spend the evening alone with a performance of the arts. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts is venue you want to be at for all things performance related. This center features countless shows during the year focused on Broadway, dance performances, and even live music. You will feel uplifted with these thrilling performances that are held throughout the year.
Treat Yourself
If you are vacationing alone, you deserve to treat yourself to some fine dining. Find some of the best steak in the city over at Dominic’s Steak House, located at 15169 N Scottsdale Rd. This local restaurant features made-to-order steaks, a modern ambience, and delicious cocktails and wine.
Time for Scottsdale Activities
These Scottsdale activities will provide you with an incredible time in Scottsdale. Find yourself only the best of lodging by choosing our luxury vacation rentals in the city. You deserve the highest quality of amenities and home features for a solo trip to Scottsdale, and Parsons Villas is here to help! For a solo traveler, we would recommend Troon Ranch’s Casita, Garden Cabin, or Loft Cabin.
Who said that all winter vacations have to be in the cold with snow all around you? Instead of burying yourself under layers of sweaters, it’s time to head somewhere warm like Scottsdale, Arizona! Our fine city is a tourist paradise with many exciting events and activities that will make your winter Scottsdale vacation one to remember. Here is what to expect during the winter season in Scottsdale:
Sun’s Out, Fun’s Out
Arizona has over 300 days of sunshine each year, including many during the winter season. The daily temperatures during the winter stay in 60s and occasionally the 70s. There is no reason to bring a heavy coat with you, freeing up your luggage. With the weather so perfect, you will be encouraged to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Scottsdale is located nearby several local peaks, including Camelback Mountain, where you can find various hiking trails. The Sonoran Preserve is another outdoor paradise with countless acres to explore.
Golf Courses Everywhere
It is no secret that Arizona is known as a golfing paradise. The clear skies and warm temperatures make it the ideal location to perfect your game. Scottsdale is home to many of the best courses in the Phoenix Valley with beautiful backdrops of the mountains. Notable golf courses in the area include McCormick Ranch Golf Club, Grayhawk Golf Club, TPC Scottsdale (home to the Phoenix Open), and many more. If a full game is not your style, you can perfect your swing with a beer in hand at TopGolf. This popular entertainment venue features a state-of-the-art driving range, delicious restaurant, cozy lounges, and adult beverages.
Holiday Fun
Scottsdale locals know how to celebrate the holiday season. Most neighborhoods are decked out in Christmas lights with some houses even having a line to see what is on display. Holiday events can also be found around town with harvest festivals, Christmas tree lightings, Santa sightings, and so much more. Make sure to check out ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo too!
Holiday Shopping
Scottsdale is home to a number of exquisite malls out outlets where you can find a number of unique shops. Scottsdale Fashion Square is a large mall filled with all the big-name brands you’ve come to love, while Old Town Scottsdale’s 5th Avenue Shopping District features a variety of eclectic shops you won’t find anywhere else! Pick up a few gifts for your friends and family back home or find the perfect souvenir for yourself.
More Winter Cheer During a Scottsdale Vacation
These are just a few of the many ways to enjoy your Scottsdale vacation this winter. For luxury living, make sure to reserve one of our exclusive vacation villas in the area. You will have access to five-star amenities without the crowds of local resorts. Contact our agents today and reserve your stay in Scottsdale!
If the summer heat has been keeping you away from your next Scottsdale vacation getaway, you should consider visiting this Thanksgiving holiday. The fall season sees the temperatures drop significantly, allowing you to spend even more time outdoors. In addition, Scottsdale truly knows how to throw an incredible Thanksgiving holiday bash. Here is how you can plan to spend Thanksgiving in Scottsdale:
Eat Out!
Some families may wish to stick with tradition and prepare their own Thanksgiving feast from the comfort of their villa. Our fully equipped kitchens will allow you to do just that! If that is not your family, make sure to take a look at all the amazing restaurants that will still be open on Thanksgiving. These restaurants are open for brunch, lunch, and even dinner. The House Brasserie provides a fine dining experience for Thanksgiving dinner right in the center of Old Town. Enjoy a delicious meal including pumpkin bisque, filet mignon, and many more options from which to choose. Many other options are also open, so make sure to find your favorite cuisine to dine on for Thanksgiving!
Phoenix Turkey Trot
No Thanksgiving holiday is complete without a “turkey trot.” The Phoenix Turkey Trot will be taking place once again this Thanksgiving holiday in nearby downtown Phoenix. This year’s race includes a 5K Run & Walk, 10K Run, 1 Mile Gobbler Dash (where costumes are encouraged), and the Tot Trot. The Phoenix Turkey Trot is a perfect way to work up an appetite Thanksgiving morning before you dine on a delicious feast. Registration in advance is required and the races start at 7:30 AM on Thanksgiving.
Go for a Hike
As mentioned, the weather in Scottsdale around Thanksgiving is absolutely fantastic and needs to be enjoyed outdoors. Spend a few hours during your Thanksgiving holiday hiking up Camelback Mountain. The views from the top are magnificent, and the hike will help you burn off a few of those Thanksgiving meal calories! The weather will be great, letting you explore this local favorite peak anytime of the day.
Turn Up for Thanksgiving in Scottsdale
Enjoy these exciting activities and more when you vacation to Scottsdale for the Thanksgiving holiday. Our luxury villas will provide you with a five-star experience without the crowds of nearby resorts. Stay comfortable this holiday season and let our rental experts find you the perfect home for your Thanksgiving in Scottsdale!
As you start planning that once in a lifetime vacation to beautiful Scottsdale, chances are your itinerary contains a long list of outdoor attractions you’ve been waiting to see your entire life. From Camelback Mountain to the Sonoran Desert and everything in between, the natural sights of our western town are a sight to behold. But don’t stop there! If you spend all of your trip outside, you’ll miss a lot of what makes our desert home so special. We want our guests to have a jam-packed and fun-filled western adventure, so we’ve created this guide to the top indoor Scottsdale attractions you will want to see during your vacation!
Ice Den Scottsdale, 9375 E Bell Road
One fact everyone knows about the desert is that summers can be hot, and when it’s time to cool down during your Scottsdale journey, the Ice Den offers public skating in an establishment that is the practice home to the Arizona Coyotes. Public skate hours are from noon until 2PM every day of the week and costs between $5 and $10 per person depending on age.
Kiwanis Wave Pool, 6111 S All America Way in Tempe
Many guests are surprised to learn that temperatures can get a little more than cool in the winter, but that doesn’t mean it’s necessary to avoid the pool. The Kiwanis Wave Pool is an indoor attraction that offers cool fun year-round; the waves make it feel as if you’ve found the ocean in a desert oasis!
Western Spirit: Scottsdale Museum of the West, 3830 N Marshall Way
This 43,000-square-foot museum that tells the story of the Wild West is an adventure you won’t soon forget. Featuring the art, artifacts, and culture of 19 western states (including Arizona, of course!), this fascinating museum may be worthy of more than one visit during your stay.
Scottsdale Fashion Square, 7014 E Camelback Road
Shopping malls are a trend that are rapidly fading from the American landscape, but in Scottsdale the tradition is live and thriving! Scottsdale Fashion Square is the 19th largest mall in the United States and is home to upscale shops and boutiques that include Armani, Gucci, and every woman’s fantasy store, Tiffany & Co. Spending a day walking the tile floors of this lush mall is no punishment and may end up being the highlight of your trip!
Parsons Villas is the Only Choice
When it comes to luxury accommodations in Scottsdale, Parsons Villas is the only choice. Reserve your stay with us today and experience a vacation filled with comfort, relaxation, and more luxury amenities than you dreamed possible!