Planning a trip to Scottsdale? You’re in the right place.
Scottsdale is such a fun desert getaway, with sunny weather, beautiful Sonoran Desert scenery, and a lively Old Town to explore. But there’s a lot to do here, so if you’re short on time, we’re here to offer a helping hand to ensure that you make the most of your days in this iconic desert city.
After visiting Scottsdale, we’ve put together this 3-day itinerary to help you make the most of your trip. It includes outdoor adventures, great food, desert views, and a day trip to Sedona. Let’s go!
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Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE thing we did in Scottsdale was this sunset Jeep tour through the Sonoran Desert. You’ll bounce along sandy trails, cruise past giant saguaros, and catch the most unreal desert sunset as the sky turns bright orange and pink. Such a fun way to get off the beaten path!
Itinerary Overview
Scottsdale is pretty spread out, and since it sits right next to Phoenix, you’ll definitely want a rental car for this itinerary. Public transportation isn’t really a practical option here, and while Uber and Lyft are available, the costs can add up quickly if you’re using them multiple times a day.
This itinerary gives you a really nice mix of what Scottsdale does best. You’ll spend time exploring Old Town, getting out into the Sonoran Desert, eating your way around the city, and even taking a full-day trip to Sedona.
Day 1: We’ll start with an e-bike adventure through Scottsdale and Tempe, then take some time to explore at your own pace before visiting the Desert Botanical Garden and exploring Old Town by golf cart.
Day 2: Start early with a desert hike, then head into Old Town for a guided food tour, before heading north for a sunset off-road Jeep adventure.
Day 3: Take a full-day trip to Sedona and Native American ruins, then finish your trip with dinner and cocktails back in Old Town Scottsdale – cheers!
Day 1
Breakfast – Breakfast Club
Start your first morning in Scottsdale at Breakfast Club, which is a super convenient choice before your bike tour. It opens early, usually around 6 or 7 am, depending on the day, and it’s less than a 5-minute drive from the tour meeting point, so you won’t have to rush around too much.
The menu has all of the classic breakfast favorites, from eggs and pancakes to breakfast burritos and lighter options. I’d keep things fairly simple here, though, because we’ve got some biking coming up next! A good coffee and something satisfying but not too heavy is the way to go.
Morning – E-bike through Scottsdale and Tempe
This e-bike tour is such a fun way to kick off your first day in Scottsdale, especially before the heat really sets in. The start time varies throughout the year, usually between 7:30 and 9 am, so keep that in mind when planning breakfast. On weekends, you may need to grab something quick at your hotel if you’re booked on the earlier 7:30 am tour, since Breakfast Club doesn’t open until 7 am.
The tour runs for about two hours, which makes it easy to fit into your morning without taking over the whole day. And honestly, the e-bikes make a huge difference! You can pedal as much or as little as you want, so you cover way more ground without feeling exhausted. Even if you’ve never ridden an e-bike before, the quick intro at the start makes it super easy to get comfortable.
What makes this tour stand out is the variety. You’re not just cycling through one area; you’re moving between lakes, parks, canals, and desert landscapes, which keeps things really interesting. Riding along Tempe Town Lake is a highlight, and the paths are nice and easy, so it all feels very relaxed.
The stop at the Hole in the Rock is probably the standout moment. You hop off the bikes and do a short, easy walk up to the viewpoint, and the views over the desert are so worth it. It’s also a great photo spot! If you’re looking for something active but low-effort, this is a great choice. It’s super scenic and a really enjoyable way to get to know the area.
Lunch – Original ChopShop
After your bike tour, head over to Original ChopShop for a light and healthy lunch. It’s located in Old Town Scottsdale, which is exactly where we’ll be spending the afternoon, so it’s a super convenient stop.
They’ve got protein bowls, salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and plenty of fresh options that won’t leave you feeling too sluggish. It’s a great place to refuel without feeling overly full before heading into the rest of your afternoon.
Afternoon – Explore Old Town Scottsdale
After lunch, you’ll have a couple of hours to explore Old Town Scottsdale at your own pace. This is one of the most fun parts of the city to wander around, with its Old West-style streets and artsy desert feel. We couldn’t get enough of it!
There are lots of boutique shops here, although fair warning, some are definitely on the pricey side! You’ll also find local art galleries, Native American artwork, street art, coffee shops, and plenty of little places to pop into as you walk around.
You’ll be exploring Old Town in more detail during the golf cart tour later, but it’s worth having some time here on your own first. It gives you a chance to shop, take photos, grab an iced coffee, and just get a feel for the area before diving into the food scene.
Late Afternoon – Desert Botanical Gardens
Once you’ve had some time exploring Old Town Scottsdale, make your way over to the Desert Botanical Garden, a quick 5–10 minute drive away. This was one of my favorite stops in Scottsdale because it’s just so beautiful.
It’s filled with desert plants and towering cacti, and the walking trails that wind through everything really showcase the Sonoran Desert in such a stunning way. It feels peaceful and open, and it’s a nice change of pace from the busier streets of Old Town. You’ll want to allow about 1.5 to 2 hours here.
That said, visiting during the day can get very hot, and the garden will sometimes close its walking trails if temperatures rise too high. A late afternoon visit is often a bit more comfortable than midday, as the heat begins to ease and the atmosphere becomes quieter and more relaxed.
There are often evening events here as well, so it’s worth checking the schedule before you go. Admission usually ranges from around $19 to $35 USD, depending on the time of year.
Dinner – Olive & Ivy
After you finish exploring the Desert Botanical Garden, head over to Olive & Ivy for dinner.
This is a really popular Scottsdale restaurant with a lively, bustling atmosphere that makes it feel like part of the experience rather than just a place to eat. It’s set right in Old Town and is actually a super convenient stop after your day out—just about a 10-minute drive from the Desert Botanical Garden.
The menu is inspired by Californian-Mediterranean cuisine, with fresh pastas, grilled dishes, and plenty of shareable plates, which makes it a great spot to unwind and refuel. If the weather is nice, try to grab a table on the patio—it’s one of the best seats in the house and really adds to the experience.
It does get busy, especially in the evenings and on weekends, so it’s best to make a reservation ahead of time here. Just make sure to give yourself enough time to enjoy dinner without rushing—you’ll want to wrap up in time for your 6:30 or 6:45 pm golf cart tour departure, just a 4-minute drive away.
Evening – See Old Town Scottsdale’s highlights on a golf cart tour
Finish off your first day with this evening golf cart tour through Old Town Scottsdale. We honestly think this is one of the best ways to end the day because it’s fun, relaxing, and lets you see a different side of the city once the temperatures start to cool down.
We recommend booking the 6:30 or 6:45 pm tour, which runs for around 90 minutes, so you’ll be finished by about 8 or 8:15 pm.
This is such a fun way to learn more about Scottsdale without having to walk around in the afternoon heat. Instead of sitting in a typical tour vehicle, you’ll cruise through the city in a stretch limo-style golf cart, which feels very Scottsdale somehow!
What we like about this tour is that it covers a lot in a short amount of time. You’ll pass through different parts of Old Town and see over 30 points of interest, including spots like the Old Adobe Mission and the Scottsdale Arts District. It gives you a really good overview of the area, especially if you want to understand a bit more about the history and local culture.
The open-air setup makes it easy to take photos, and since it’s a small-group tour, you can ask your guide questions along the way.
It’s quick and easy, plus it’s a really fun way to explore Old Town and see a different side of Scottsdale once the temperatures cool down for the evening!
Day 2
Morning – Go Hiking
Scottsdale is an absolute dream if you enjoy hiking, and we highly recommend starting your second day on the trails. Just make sure to go early! The desert heat is no joke, so aim to be at the trailhead by 7 am at the latest, or even earlier if you want to catch sunrise.
The good news is that there are lots of great hikes within a 30-minute drive of central Scottsdale, and some are only around 10 minutes away. Camelback Mountain is one of the most famous, with the Echo Canyon and Cholla trails both offering a challenging climb and amazing views from the top.
If you want something slightly less intense, Tom’s Thumb is a great option. It’s still a decent workout, but the incline is more gradual, and the desert scenery is stunning. Phoenix Mountain Preserve is another good choice if you want more flexibility, with trails ranging from easy walks to tougher climbs like Piestewa Peak.
No matter which trail you choose, bring plenty of water, wear proper shoes, and don’t underestimate the heat. It’s one of the best things to do in Scottsdale, but timing really matters here!
Lunch – Postino Highland
After your hike, head to Postino Highland for lunch. And don’t worry, it’s totally normal to show up in your post-hike clothes in Scottsdale! This place has a lovely open-air feel, so it’s a great spot to cool down, relax, and refuel after a morning on the trails.
The menu has a nice mix of salads, sandwiches, boards, and lighter bites, so you can go as hungry or as casual as you like. We love Postino because it feels relaxed but still fun, and it’s exactly the kind of place that works well after an active morning. That said, I’d recommend keeping things on the lighter side because you’ll have a food tour coming up later this afternoon with plenty more eating ahead!
It usually opens at 10 or 11 am, depending on the day, so you should be wrapped up with your hike by then. After lunch, head back to your hotel for a quick shower and change before making your way to your 1 pm food tour.
Afternoon – Taste your way through Old Town Scottsdale
We’re huge fans of food tours because they’re honestly one of the easiest (and most delicious) ways to get to know a new city, and this Scottsdale food tour ended up being one of our favorite experiences here! We’d recommend booking the private 1–4:30 pm option because it fits this itinerary perfectly and still gives you enough time for your 6 pm Jeep adventure afterward.
This tour is such a fun mix of food, history, and wandering around Old Town Scottsdale. Instead of ending up in random touristy restaurants, you’ll visit a handful of locally owned spots that really showcase Scottsdale’s Southwest food scene and local history. And yes, there’s a lot of food involved!
You’ll snack your way through things like crispy chimichangas, roasted green chili cheese crisps, Hawaiian luau pork sliders, a Native American-inspired Three Sisters Salad, and an old-school chocolate malt shake from the iconic Sugar Bowl. Honestly, we were full by the end, and there’s even a secret dish thrown in, too, which is always fun.
Since it’s a walking tour, you also get to explore Old Town along the way, passing art galleries, historic buildings, and landmarks while learning how Scottsdale transformed from a tiny citrus-farming town into the desert hotspot it is today.
The private setup keeps everything feeling super relaxed and flexible, so you can take your time at each stop and really enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. But don’t just take our word for it either—check out the glowing five-star reviews here, and you’ll see why this is such a Scottsdale favorite!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
Evening – Enjoy the sunset in the Sonoran Desert on an off-road Jeep adventure
This Jeep tour was hands down our favorite thing that we did in Scottsdale. If you only book one experience here, make it this one!
The tour meets in North Scottsdale, which is about a 30-minute drive from central Scottsdale. It starts at 6 pm, so give yourself extra time to get there, as you’ll be driving during rush hour. It wraps up around 8 pm, giving you plenty of time to head out for a late dinner and enjoy the rest of your night in Scottsdale.
We think this tour is the perfect mix of adventure and sightseeing. Within minutes of setting off, you’ll feel like you’re in a totally different world, bouncing along sandy trails and weaving through giant saguaro cacti. It’s such a fun way to get properly off the beaten path without needing to do any intense hiking.
What really makes this experience special is the guide. Ours was super knowledgeable and pointed out desert plants, wildlife, and little details we never would have noticed on our own.
And then there’s the sunset, which is the real showstopper. You’ll stop at a panoramic viewpoint as the sky turns vivid shades of orange and pink over the desert. It’s incredible!
This tour is really popular and often sells out, so we’d book it early. It includes free cancellation and THOUSANDS of five-star reviews you can read here, so you’ve got nothing to lose.
Dinner – OHSO Brewery
After your Jeep tour wraps up around 8 pm, head north to OHSO Brewery for a well-earned late dinner and a local beer.
Even though it’s after a busy evening, this spot works perfectly since it’s open late (usually until around 10 pm or even midnight depending on the day), so you won’t feel rushed getting there around 8:30 pm. It’s a lively, laid-back brewery with a fun patio vibe and views toward Camelback Mountain, and if you’re lucky, there are often dogs hanging out too, which just adds to the relaxed atmosphere.
The menu is casual and satisfying, think burgers, tacos, salads, and shareable plates, so it’s exactly what you want after an evening out in the desert. They also brew their own beers on site, making it a great chance to try something local if you’re in the mood to wind down with a drink.
It’s an easy, no-stress stop to finish off the day before calling it a night!
Day 3
Full day – Explore Sedona and see Native American Ruins
For your final day, we recommend taking a full-day tour to Sedona and Montezuma Castle National Monument. Pick-up is early, usually around 6:30 am, but it’s worth it because you’ll get to see a completely different side of Arizona without having to plan the drive yourself.
This small-group tour takes you north from Scottsdale/Phoenix into red rock country, with plenty of photo stops along the way. One of the biggest highlights is Montezuma Castle National Monument, where you’ll see ancient cliff dwellings built into the limestone rock. It’s such an impressive site, and it adds a really interesting historical element to the day.
Once you reach Sedona, you’ll visit famous spots like the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, and Airport Mesa Overlook, as well as having some free time in Uptown Sedona to wander around, browse the shops, grab lunch, or check out the galleries.
Sedona is so worth visiting because it feels so different from Scottsdale, with its dramatic red rock formations and quirky, spiritual energy. It’s also a bit of a celebrity-loved escape, with great boutique shopping (hello, crystals!) as well as galleries and unique wellness spots. As soon as we got here, we totally understood why A-listers love it so much,
Now, this is a long day, and you’ll get back around 5:30 pm, but we think it’s a fantastic way to see Sedona if you only have one day to spare. But don’t just take our word for it, because you can read hundreds of 5-star reviews right here! Just check the weather before you go, as Sedona can be cooler than Scottsdale.
Dinner – The Mission Old Town
After a full day exploring Sedona, head back to Scottsdale and finish the trip with dinner at The Mission Old Town. It’s located right in Old Town Scottsdale, next door to the Old Adobe Mission Church, so it’s a convenient choice if you’re staying nearby or planning to go for drinks afterward.
This is one of the most popular restaurants in the area, and it has a stylish, low-lit atmosphere that feels perfect for your final night. The menu focuses on modern Latin cuisine, with tacos, ceviche, grilled meats, and really good cocktails. It’s definitely worth booking ahead if you can, as this place gets busy!
Evening – Grab cocktails at The Beverly on Main
For your final night in Scottsdale, head to The Beverly on Main for cocktails. It’s located in Old Town, so it’s an easy stop after dinner at The Mission, and it has that stylish but fun Scottsdale energy that makes it perfect for ending the trip.
Scottsdale has quite the party scene, so tonight is your chance to join in if you’re in the mood! The Beverly is a great place to start, with creative cocktails, a lively atmosphere, and a more polished feel than some of the louder bars nearby.
If you’d rather keep things low-key, that works too! Old Town has plenty of relaxed cocktail and wine bars where you can grab a quiet drink, or casual dessert spots if you’re craving something sweet! The nightlife scene here is very varied, so you can make your last evening as lively or as chilled as you’d like.
Where to Stay in Scottsdale
Now that your Scottsdale trip is all sorted, you just need a great place to stay! Scottsdale is quite a sprawling area, and some of the best resorts are just outside the city center, but still only about a 10-minute drive away. We suggest basing yourself near Old Town to make things easier, especially if you’re planning tours or heading out in the evenings. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up our top hotel picks for every budget!
Luxury – $$$
We think that Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia is such a great “treat yourself” option if you want something that really feels like a getaway. The setting is honestly stunning; it sits right at the base of Camelback Mountain, which means you get gorgeous views the whole time. We also love the architecture, which is inspired by a Spanish village!
The whole place has a resort-style feel, so it’s a great choice if you’re planning to do a lot of relaxing on site. You’ve got multiple pools, a spa, and a great restaurant (Prado) that people rave about. It’s also in a great location, close enough to Old Town for easy dinners or tours, but far enough out to feel peaceful and tucked away – that’s the perfect balance if you ask me.
Rooms here cost between $350–$900 USD per night, depending on the season and room type. Read the amazing reviews and book your stay here!
Mid-range – $$
We think Scottsdale Marriott Old Town is a fantastic option, especially since this is where we stayed in Scottsdale! The reason we chose it is that it’s in the heart of the Old Town, which meant that we were able to walk to pretty much everything, from restaurants and bars to tour pickup points.
This hotel is not super flashy, but you get everything you’d expect from a Marriott property, like spacious rooms, comfy beds, a gym, and an outdoor pool. We really liked the poolside cabanas! The staff here are super friendly, and staying here made our trip easy because we had everything we needed on our doorstep. It’s perfect if you’re short on time, and we’d definitely stay here again.
Rooms here usually start at around $200 USD per night, which we think is great value for such a central location. Check availability and book your stay here!
Budget – $
We think Sonesta ES Suites Scottsdale Paradise Valley is a great budget-friendly option if you want a bit more space without spending a fortune. It’s not right in Old Town, but you’re still only about a 10-minute drive away, so it’s easy enough to get around.
The rooms are more like small apartments, with kitchenettes and separate living areas, so you’ll have plenty of space to spread out. There’s also a pool, hot tub, and some outdoor seating areas, so you’ve got a few nice extras to enjoy during your downtime.
Breakfast is included, too, which is always a win and helps keep costs down. It doesn’t have that luxury resort feel, but it’s clean, comfortable, and practical, which is exactly what you want at this price point! Rooms here usually cost at around $100-$150 USD per night, depending on the season. Check availability and book your stay here!
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Check out more great hotel options for Scottsdale here!
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
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Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
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Thanks for reading!
Three days in Scottsdale is the perfect amount of time to experience the city’s desert scenery, amazing food, fun nightlife, and outdoor adventures. We quickly realized there’s still so much more to see here, so another trip is definitely in our future! Follow this same itinerary we did, and I know you’ll have an incredible time.
Before you go, be sure to check out our other USA travel guides here. We love sharing our favorite places, tours, and hidden gems to help fellow travelers plan unforgettable trips. Here are a few related blogs to get you started!
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How to Spend TWO DAYS in Page, Arizona: 2-Day Itinerary
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