Scottsdale, Arizona
- More about your oliver guide: Matt Domich
- Trip type: Adult, Family, Group getaway, Solo, City, Desert
- Activity level: moderate
- Ideal length of trip: Two to five days
to & from
Scottsdale is spread out– a car is nice to have but Uber is accessible.
Where to Stay
- Hotel Valley HO and The Andaz are great for adults/business travelers. Both have a lot of character.
- With children I would probably stay at the Hyatt Regency Gainey Ranch for the water park and nearby attractions. Westin Kierland has also been recommended for families.
Where to Eat and Drink
- Favorite Mexican is the Mission in Old Town and Taco Blanco (casual)
- For sushi-Sushi Roku
- Steakhouse-Steak 44
- Hotel restaurant: Weft and Warp at the Andaz
- Pizzeria Blanco for Pizza. The Town and Country location is much easier to get into.
- El Charro in Paradise Valley – A little old-school with relish served with dinner and sticky buns as a “side”. Fabulous views on the patio
- The Rusty Spur Saloon – for drinking!
What to Do
Hiking:
Camelback Mountain. There are two main trails. They are very different and active people can do both.
Pinnacle Peak. Get there early. It has nice desert views to the North.
Cycling:
The Camby, where I also stay a lot, has bikes at the valet to ride. The canal that runs from Old Town through central Phoenix is a great trail to use. They have yellow bikes available for rent across town with an app. You can grab a bike and go.
Scottsdale, Arizona - Suggestions from the Oliver Community
Le Grande Orange is a great place to pick up a quick lunch or snacks for your hotel room.
The best boutique reastaurant in Scottsdale has to be Virtu! Wonderful vibe, great location, intimate for two yet can accommodate a party of 15 to 20(in a separate room off the dining area). Outdoor seating is a must, it can get loud inside. The menu is small but the flavor profiles are huge! A definite stop in Old Town Scottsdale…they even do a brunch. Best thing about it, The Bespoke Inn is part of the restaurant. Google that adorable place…location, boutique-y, spectacular…and you get to eat breakfast at Virtu! If you can’t get in to Bespoke or want a larger resort property Westin Kierland is great. Two 18’s, abuts the Kierland Commons an outdoor shopping Mecca, walking distance to numerous fabulous reataurants…Ocean Club and Dominick’s…just a beautiful property and close to North Scottsdale properties…which are where a lot of the action is in Scottsdale today! Like John Snow says…Don’t be afraid of the North…Scottsdale, that is! Another boutique resatuarnat fave is Richardson’s/ Rokerij in Phoenix. Unbelievable New Mexican based cuisine…from green chili enchilada’s, chili relleno’s, the best adovada, to sea bass, swordfish, steaks, and pork chops! Every dish comes with pinto beans, and a starch bathed in green chili! It’s a must “go to” when visiting Phoenix/Scottsdale.
Hiking option is Tom’s Thumb…very North Scottsdale from Old Town but worth the drive. Hiking Camelback mountain is no joke…bring your A game if you want to go to the top. Otherwise, consider halfway a victory. And don’t even attempt the Echo Canyon side of Camelback. The vistas aren’t as dramamtic as the Cholla side and Your heart rate will thank you! Email me with Q’s…jnissen78@gmail.com. Been an AZ resident since ‘67…kinda know the place.
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