The best places in Scottsdale, AZ for leisure and relaxation

Scottsdale is a destination that offers residents and tourists fantastic opportunities for fun and relaxation. There are resorts which offer high end luxury and pampering, world-class museums that reveal the richness of the history and culture, and also some of the best golfing to be had anywhere in the world. Framing all of this is the wild beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

Scottsdale is a place to create unforgettable moments and memories. Here are just some of the quintessential Scottsdale experiences that would make any visitor think about relocating to the area.

Immerse yourself in Scottsdale’s art and history

Here are some of the best places in Scottsdale, AZ to enjoy the city’s vibrant art scene and learn more about its culture and history.

• Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Who would’ve thought that this minimalist, ingeniously designed museum was once an old movie theater? Renovated by architect Will Bruder, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) is one of the city’s most popular art museums.SMoCA celebrates modern art, architecture, and design. They work with notable artists from around the globe as well as with up-and-coming local artists, showcasing masterpieces that spark conversations about the moving nature of art.SMoCA offers free admission to individuals aged 18 and below. Entrance is also free for hospital workers or first responders, and also for anyone who is a member of the North American Reciprocal Museum. Furthermore, online bookings and frequently discounted times allow anyone to visit at a much reduced price.
• Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. The Scottsdale’s Museum of the West recreates the story of the West and while it goes some way to show the spirit that triumphed over adversity, it does not shy away from featuring as full an account of that story as possible. Stepping into the museum is like exploring the past, present, and possible future.Officially opened to the public in 2015, the museum celebrates the American West by showcasing Native American and Western art as well as historical artifacts — from pottery, clothing, paintings, and much more.
• Art One Gallery. The Gallery was established by Arizona native Kraig Foote in 1993 to provide a space for high school and college students artists, as well as up-and-coming local Arizona artists to display their work. Kraig also set up a non-profit organization which has provided assistance to thousands of students who have the talent but lack the means to pursue their ambitions.The featured pieces here are as beautiful as the gallery’s mission. From paintings and sculptures to photographs and ceramic arts, the works on display show the enormous talent and potential of Arizona artists.By visiting Art One Gallery, guests not only get to appreciate the beautiful art pieces, but also help local Arizona artists make their mark.
• Taliesin West. Taliesin West is a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in the desert foothills of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale. This desert utopia was considered the winter home and architectural laboratory of the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Built by Wright and his apprentices in the late 1930s, Taliesin West demonstrates Wright’s unmatched ability to blend indoor and outdoor spaces.A variety of public tours are offered to give visitors insider access to the rooms and outdoor grounds of this national historic landmark, including the in-depth Behind the Scenes tour and enchanting Night Lights Tour. Guests can also join different programs and events such as Friday Night Films and Book Club gatherings so they can make the most out of everything Taliesin West has to offer.

Pampering yourself at the wellness centers

Scottsdale offers a tranquil escape for those who want to take some  time to refresh their mind, body, and soul. With the natural energy from the Sonoran desert and Arizona’s colorful sunsets and starry skies, it’s a great place for anyone to just slow down, breathe, and set aside time for self-care.

The city is home to various wellness destinations that will have guests feeling relaxed and renewed. Here are some of the best places in Scottsdale, AZ to visit for those who are looking for spa treatments and some fine dining experiences.

• • Boulders Resort and Spa. This luxurious resort offers everything their guests need for rejuvenation and renewal. There’s various spa treatments, including facials, and other therapies infused with ingredients from the Boulders’ desert environment. For guests who want some time alone, they can go and meditate in the resort’s signature labyrinth, or just simply recline alongside the heated swimming pool.Hungry after the spa treatment? Guests can proceed to the Spa Café and treat themselves to a delicious breakfast or lunch. The café offers menu items that are designed to deliver balanced, nutritious, and satisfying meals made from fresh ingredients. They also offer meals that are vegetarian, vegan, or for those with food allergies or an intolerance to lactose, gluten, or nuts.
  • JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. With stunning views of Camelback Mountain, this local favorite embraces the relaxing properties of nature and encourages guests to reconnect to a more natural rhythm of life.The Spa at Camelback Inn is famous for their Adobe Clay Purification Treatment, which draws out impurities using mineral-rich clay and releases tension using warm juniper and sage oils. After a massage, guests can enjoy a poolside breakfast or lunch at Sprouts, the spa’s on-site restaurant. Their nutritious and flavorful delights include gluten-free lemon-raspberry pancakes, bruschetta, Greek salad with seared tiger prawns, and other enticing dishes.
  • Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch. The Hyatt Regency’s Spa Avania experience centers on the philosophy of total care. It’s a place where every detail — from lighting and music to individual treatments and food options — is designed to help the body and mind reinvigorate, relax, and renew.For those who especially enjoy long dips in the pool, this resort is a great choice. Spa Avania has a beautiful and authentic French-Celtic Mineral Pool. To complete the experience try their Sacred Nature Facial to regain that natural glow.
  • Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. This sanctuary in the Sonoran desert offers a holistic approach to mind and body wellness. Surrounded on all sides by Arizona’s natural beauty, each moment in this 65-acre oasis is a healing and reinvigorating experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left.The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is internationally recognized for their Well & Being Spa. There are a range of treatments available, many of which incorporate some form of mineral, herb, and or oils to provide a complete treatment that not only stimulate all the senses, but also provides a greater sense of well being.

Schedule tee time with friends or family

Scottsdale has always been a popular golf destination. Very few places in the US can rival this thriving golf hotspot with its winning combination of world class golf courses and the truly majestic scenery that surround them.

Here are some of the best places in Scottsdale, AZ to tee off:

• • • TPC Scottsdale. The course is home to probably the most famous hole in one in history, the par-3 16th, played by Tiger Woods in 1997. Apart from 2 world class courses, there are also the two great places to relax, the Champions Patio and Bar and the Toro Restaurant and Rum Bar, both of which serve delicious food as well as drinks.Access to PGA tour quality courses in TPC Scottsdale is open to the public but reservations are strongly recommended.
    • Troon North Golf Club. This golf facility has two 18-hole courses that stretch through the natural ravines and foothills in the shadows of Pinnacle Peak. The giant granite boulders, immaculately groomed fairways and greeneries, and exceptional customer service are its hallmarks, making it rank consistently at the top of many golfer’s go-to list.Often described as Scottsdale’s crown jewel, the challenging courses, stunning landscapes, and overall ambience makes Troon North a premier golf destination.
    • Grayhawk Golf Club.  Grayhawk Golf Club is open to everyone, and the courses named Raptor and Talon offer daily fee entrance to world class golfing. The courses were designed by Tom Fazio and David Graham respectively. The Raptor course stretches more than  7,000 yards, with generous fairways and large greens protected by deep greenside bunkers and water. Talon, on the other hand, is known for its large multi-tiered greens, which gives room for error but greatly rewards accuracy.Grayhawk Golf Club is conveniently located and relatively easy to get to, making it a great place for corporate and charity golf events in addition to competitive tournaments.
    • The Phoenician Golf Club. For those who want to go on a luxury vacation with outstanding golf courses and family-friendly amenities, The Phoenician fits the bill nicely. The resort boasts a range of attractions and facilities that guests across all ages and varying interests can enjoy, such as the spa, kids’ club, and the pool and splash area.This luxury resort is known for its new, ultra-playable 18-hole course that winds through the Sonoran Desert. The golf course is a hybrid design, with no blind shots, hidden hazards or unpleasant surprises. It is beautifully maintained and the least intimidating out of all the courses in the area, offering a fun golf experience for pros and beginners alike.

Reconnect with nature

Scottsdale is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, and the city’s roster of well-maintained parks and recreation spaces is more than impressive. From clean, manicured public parks to rugged nature park destinations, Scottsdale has the ideal location for every type of outdoor recreation.

Here are some of the best places in Scottsdale, AZ to explore:

• • 1. Pinnacle Peak Park. At Pinnacle Peak Park, visitors can encounter the rugged beauty of the desert. This is one of the places where visitors can bask in the beauty of Arizona’s desert landscapes in its full glory.Pinnacle Peak is not for the faint-hearted. Here you’ll find Scottsdale’s hiking trails that cater to more experienced hikers, including the Pinnacle Peak Trail. From the top, hikers can enjoy sweeping views of North Scottsdale. It’s a challenging hike but the view at the end makes all the effort more than worth it!
    2. McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a hiker’s paradise, with more than 115 miles of trails, including more than 60 miles of shared-use trails.The preserve protects more than 30,000 acres of pristine desert in north Scottsdale.This preserve is a great place to soak up the desert’s natural beauty. It has various trails available for almost any interest and fitness level. For those who want to explore the preserve at their own pace self-guided hikes are perfectly safe. No need to worry about getting lost — trail stewards are stationed at strategic areas in the trail system to offer help and advice.
    3. El Dorado Park. El Dorado Park is one of the most popular parks in Scottsdale. The two lakes and many acres of lush gren space make it an ideal location for people to picnic and just take some time away from busier more worrying concerns.El Dorado Park is also a great option for those who want to engage in physical activity or take their kids out for some outdoor play. The park has two playgrounds for kids, a ground to play soccer, as well as 3 for softball. There are courts for both volleyball and basketball. Its also has with a 5K course, perfect for training or exercising, and during the summer, visitors can do laps or just enjoy a dip in the swimming pool.
    4. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a place for train lovers. It offers train and carousel rides for all ages and open green space perfect for family picnics. From historic Arizona railroad artifacts to model railroad displays, this park has a lot to offer. To cap off a fun day around the park, visitors can enjoy hand-dipped ice cream, food, and drinks at the shops within the park’s vicinity.

Why moving to Scottsdale, AZ is a great idea

Scottsdale is more than just a famous travel destination — it’s also a city that’s loved by its residents. Apart from the leisure and relaxation options we’ve been through, here are the reasons why so many have been charmed by Scottsdale and decided to stay here for good.

• • • Sunny weather. Scottsdale is known for its warm and sunny weather throughout most of the year. It’s has the perfect climate to enjoy the many outdoor activities the city has to offer.
    • Reputable schools. The city’s school districts are consistently ranked among the top in the state. BASIS Scottsdale in particular ranks #29 nationwide as the best high school in the country per U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, Scottsdale is a cradle to top higher education institutions and is in proximity to the prestigious Arizona State University.
    • Economy and employment. Scottsdale has seen the job market increase by 3.3% over the last year. It is one of the top places in the country for job seekers, with most of the employment opportunities in the aviation, tourism, and healthcare industries. Weebly and Yelp have opened their branch offices in the city, making Scottsdale home to a growing tech sector but with a lower cost of living than Silicon Valley.
    • Vibrant atmosphere. Scottsdale residents love the perfect blend of arts, culture, and nature with business, shopping, and nightlife. The city’s perfectly of balanced sense of live-work-play makes it an attractive place to relocate and settle down for families, retirees, and young professionals.

Finding the perfect home in Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale offers so many great neighborhoods, that people looking to relocate here are sure to find one that fits their desired lifestyle.

With the team from Carol Royse Luxury Division, homebuyers get step-by-step guidance to keep them on the right track toward their real estate and lifestyle goals. Their CEO, Carol Royse, brings with her more than 33 years of experience in the industry making buying or selling property smooth and successful.

Schedule a consultation today by filling out their contact form. You can also reach out to the team at 480.797.2724 or by sending an email to here. Let’s begin your journey to your place in the sun.