Last weekend I escaped to Scottsdale for a long weekend to visit friends and recharge.
It was my first time in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area that I can remember, so I didn’t know what to expect. I ended up having a wonderful time.
The city surprised me with a variety of excellent restaurants, charming shops, and several attractive hotel options—perfect for a short getaway.
If you’re planning a trip to the Scottsdale or Phoenix area, here are my recommendations from a four-day visit, based entirely on places we ate, shopped, and stayed.
Warning: expect lots of colorful photos!
Below is a concise breakdown of the places we visited and what I’d recommend if you’re organizing your own Scottsdale weekend.
Places to Eat in Scottsdale
Flower Child
We had lunch here on Saturday and it was excellent. After indulging the night before, the fresh, healthy menu and relaxed atmosphere were just what we needed.
Recommendation: try the Skinny Cobb salad with chicken for a satisfying, lighter meal.
Joyride Taco House
This lively spot serves great tacos, guacamole, and burritos in a fun setting. The vibe is upbeat and perfect for a casual meal.
Must-try: Mexican street corn—delicious and full of flavor.
Churn
Located right across from Joyride, Churn is a convenient and tasty ice cream option if you’re craving a sweet snack while exploring.
The Henry
The Henry is worth a visit for the attractive décor and well-crafted cocktails. It wasn’t my absolute favorite meal of the trip, but the atmosphere and drinks make it a solid stop.
The Saguaro Restaurant
We ate at the hotel restaurant several times for breakfast and lunch and were consistently pleased. The sweet potato fries stood out, and the guacamole was a daily favorite—yes, we ate guacamole every day.
Pro tip: you can order poolside, which makes for a relaxed and colorful dining experience.
Postino
If you love bruschetta, Postino is a must. Favorites for our group were the brie and apple bruschetta and the classic mozzarella and tomato combination.
Note: Postino serves only beer and wine—no cocktails—but the food makes it worth a visit.
Places to Stay in Scottsdale
The Saguaro
We stayed at The Saguaro and I highly recommend it, especially if you enjoy the bright, playful aesthetic similar to The Saguaro in Palm Springs. The hotel features vibrant colors throughout and offers good value.
Many photos in this post were taken around the property, which gives a clear sense of its lively design.
Valley Ho
We toured the Valley Ho near the end of our stay. If you prefer a retro mid-century vibe, it’s a stylish alternative that captures a classic tiki-inspired aesthetic.
Shopping in Scottsdale
We didn’t spend a lot of time shopping, but several stores stood out and are worth visiting if you have the time.
Urbana
Urbana is a charming shop for entertaining items and small home accessories. It’s the kind of place where you can easily find a unique piece to take home—four of us left with purchases, and the owner was exceptionally friendly.
Fashion by Robert Black
If you enjoy vintage clothing, this store is a must. The pieces are organized by color, and there are some high-end finds tucked away in a curtained room. Prices vary, but I scored a red vintage shirt for $17, so bargains do exist.
That wraps up my highlights from the Scottsdale trip. I still have many photos that didn’t make this post, so I’ll likely share more on Instagram if you’d like to see additional snapshots from the weekend.
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