Fun Things for Couples to do in Scottsdale, Arizona
There are tons of fun things for couples to do in Scottsdale, Arizona. Keep reading for recommendations for romantic restaurants, resorts, and activities for couples in Scottsdale.
This year for my birthday the Hubs and I did a weekend in Scottsdale, Arizona. I had been to Phoenix a few times for work and always wanted to explore more of Arizona for fun. Scottsdale is full of beautiful scenery and home to some of the best spas and resorts. It checked all the boxes for a perfect baecation.
We went to Scottsdale in late February and the weather was amazing. It was a bit chilly at night, a light jacket was enough. During the day it was sunny but breezy and pleasant. Scottsdale can get very hot in the late spring and summer. I was told late Fall and the end of winter was the best time to visit.
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Best resorts for couples in Scottsdale, Arizona
There are so many romantic hotels and resorts in Scottsdale. Many include spas and great restaurants onsite. We stayed at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. I absolutely loved our hotel and highly recommend it. I will warn you, the resort is not adult only, and we saw a few families with young children, however, it didn’t bother us at all.
The rooms are all villa style, so we weren’t disturb by noise or anything you would find in your typical hotel. The staff was friendly and helpful. I told them it was my birthday and they sent us a complimentary bottle of prosecco and sweet note.
There are picturesque views of the mountains everywhere you turn. The resort has an onsite spa, but I didn’t get to visit it before we left. There are lots of activities to do at the resort, so if you wanted to, you could spend your whole trip hanging out there and not be bored.
We booked our hotel and rental car through Costco travel for a great deal. Our package included a $50 daily resort credit which we could use towards the spa or at the restaurants on site. Definitely check out Costco Travel if you’re a Costco member.
Fun Things for Couples to do in Scottsdale, Arizona
What I really like about Scottsdale, is that there is so much to do depending on the type of trip you want to have. Whether you want to do spas and relax, hike, horseback ride, and have an adventure trip it’s there.
I was going for a little bit of both on this trip. Some adventure, relaxation and luxury, and of course great meals! Since this was a birthday trip I had some bucket list activities I wanted to do.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
The Hubs and I took our first ever hot air balloon ride. We booked our trip with Rainbow Ryders. Our ride was magical! That’s honestly the best way to describe it. It felt so serene and peaceful. Our pilot shared a little bit of Scottsdale history during our ride. It wasn’t bumpy or scary at all. After the ride we had a champagne toast.
Hiking Camelback Mountain
Camelback mountain is one of the most popular attractions in Scottsdale. The hike was rigorous, but we got it done and felt so accomplished at the end. We met hikers of all ages, from kids, to older people, and even someone hiking with an infant in a baby carrier! As well as people at every fitness level. The other hikers were all so encouraging as we were going up.
Tips for hiking Camelback Mountain
- Wear good hiking shoes. I wore sneakers that were worn down and had me slipping at the end.
- Wear sunblock. The weather was nice when we went, but I still recommend sunblock
- Bring lots of water. You will be sipping as you go and return. You don’t want to.
- Take an Uber or cab to and from the mountain because parking is limited.
Phoenix Art Museum
On the last day of our trip when we were back in Phoenix before going to the airport we visited the Phoenix Art Museum. I had high expectations for this museum but I was a little disappointed at the exhibits. I’m not sure if was the time of year we visited but I’d say check the site to see what exhibits are being featured.
Some other activities I considered doing and I hope to do next time:
- Desert Rock Winery & Distillery – wine tasting
- Scottsdale Wine Trail
- Botanical Gardens
Where to Eat in Scottsdale
I had so many places on our itinerary that I wanted to visit and came highly recommended. Scottsdale has lots of cute restaurants and the Southwestern and Mexican inspired flavors are big here.
The Mission
After our hot air balloon ride, we were starving! We quickly changed at the hotel and headed to dinner at The Mission, located in Old Town Scottsdale. I had such high hopes for this place because it kept popping up on lists for best places to visit. However, we were a bit disappointed.
We ordered the tableside guacamole which people kept raving about. It was fresh and made well. We also ordered elote, and street tacos. These tacos are small and are not served with any sides. The food was decent, but coming from Dallas, where street tacos are prepared with excellence, I just wasn’t impressed. Especially for the price. Also, the seating was tight and the lighting was very dark and moody. I would return for drinks and guacamole, and maybe grab dinner somewhere else.
Rita’s Cantina & Bar | JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
This restaurant was located on our hotel property, and the food was great. I was skeptical because it was resort food, but I was pleasantly surprised. The Hubs and I enjoyed brunch here, before our hike and we also grabbed a late lunch and drinks after the hike. We were so exhausted from hiking that we just wanted to enjoy a meal and head back to the room for a nap. It was pretty awesome, sipping our cocktails and enjoying lunch on the patio while taking in views of the mountains. The scenery never gets old!
It was pretty awesome, sipping our cocktails and enjoying lunch on the patio while taking in views of the mountains. The scenery never gets old!
This restaurant was located on our hotel property, and the food was great. I was skeptical because it was resort food, but I was pleasantly surprised. The Hubs and I enjoyed brunch here, before our hike and we also grabbed a late lunch and drinks after the hike. We were so exhausted from hiking that we just wanted to enjoy a meal and head back to the room for a nap.
It was pretty awesome, sipping our cocktails and enjoying lunch on the patio while taking in views of the mountains. The scenery never gets old!
We had a late dinner at SumoMaya. The restaurant had a dj and all the vibes of a swanky scene. I was happy to see that the food and service was also great, and they weren’t just trying to get by on looks and vibes alone.
Our waiter was friendly and made great suggestions. The drinks were strong and the sushi was delish! I recommend this place for couples or girl friends.
Sumo Maya
The hubs and I had a late dinner at Sumo Maya, which was hands down my favorite dinner spot during our trip.
The vibe felt like a sexy lounge because there was music. We enjoyed sushi and great cocktails. The service was excellent and the waiter even brought me dessert when he found out it was my birthday.
Sugar Jam
Since my Houston trip, with Houston Hosts, I’ve been making more of an effort to visit black owned restaurants and businesses when I travel. Sugar Jam is a black owned brunch spot in Scottsdale, located in a shopping plaza. They didn’t take reservations and when we arrived there was a wait for a table. We were able to snag a seat at the bar, and proceeded to have a grand old time the bar tenders.
There was a DJ on Sunday, playing old school R&B and hip hop, everyone was enjoying the jams. The food was great too. I had shrimp and grits, and the Hubs had chicken and waffles. Portions were huge, and the food was flavorful and yummy. We didn’t have cocktails but there was a mimosa flight that looked like a good time!
The Churchill
We hung out in Phoenix on our last day and visited the Churchill area. The area has lots of murals and street art. There are coffee shops, bars, and restaurants within walking distance of each other. We grabbed lunch at a Biergarten we stumbled on while exploring the area. There was a food hall I wanted to try but most of the stalls were closed by the time we got there.
There are so many fun things for couples to do in Scottsdale. I highly recommend it for a baecation or couples trip. I can’t wait to visit Arizona and explore other parts of the state.
