What to See and Do on an Upscale Spring Trip to Scottsdale

by Ken Shapiro
Last updated: 8:00 AM ET, Sun June 15, 2025

Residents of Scottsdale, Arizona, love to tell you how beautiful their home is in the spring — and they are not lying. With mild weather, stunning landscapes, and a range of activities, there are many reasons to visit this upscale enclave within the greater Phoenix region. And, in spring, perfect sunny days and comfortable nights (ideal for sitting around a firepit) call visitors from around the country.

Here are tips for your clients who are looking for an upscale spring getaway in Scottsdale.

What to Do

Spring in the Phoenix area means spring training baseball. Fifteen Major League Baseball teams make up the Cactus League, holding near-daily practices and games at 10 fields across the region. Fans can get close to their favorite players in cozy stadiums or by watching teams work out on the practice fields. Scottsdale, in particular, is home to the Giants and Rockies.

Another popular spring option in Scottsdale is world-class golf. Courses such as Troon North Golf Club, TPC Scottsdale, and Grayhawk Golf Club are bucket-list destinations for golfers and are well worth the price of playing. But there's a wide variety of courses for all budgets and handicaps across the city.

Families and less serious golfers might want to check out PopStroke Golf, Scottsdale’s mini-golf oasis. Between an elaborate mini-golf course, a fan-favorite ice cream parlor and food and cocktails served on the links, PopStroke has something for everyone.

Princess Pool at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

Finally, hiking is the unofficial sport of Scottsdale in spring. The city is surrounded by miles of amazing trails and a range of canyons and parks, often featuring incredible valley views. Just tell clients to do their research and pick a trail that is not too strenuous, and be sure to bring lots of water.

For clients who enjoy high-end shopping, Scottsdale offers some of the best luxury retail in the Southwest. Scottsdale Fashion Square is the crown jewel, featuring designer boutiques such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Saint Laurent, alongside upscale department stores like Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. Just a short drive away, Old Town Scottsdale blends art galleries, Southwestern jewelry shops, and curated boutiques for a more eclectic — yet still refined — retail experience. Whether clients are looking for couture fashion or one-of-a-kind artisanal finds, Scottsdale delivers a stylish shopping scene in a distinctly desert setting.

For a dose of culture and history, suggest visiting Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. Located in the heart of Old Town, this Smithsonian Affiliate showcases the art, history, and culture of the American West through rotating exhibitions of fine art, rare artifacts, and Native American craftsmanship.

Enjoy tranquil massage treatments at the Well & Being Spa within the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

Where to Stay

For clients looking for a desert oasis ambiance, send them to the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. Located on the north edge of Scottsdale, the vibes here are classic Southwestern style, with low casita-style buildings spread out across a desert landscape. Many rooms have fireplaces and a balcony for enjoying the tranquility and Scottsdale's vibrant sunsets. The resort is close to hiking at Pinnacle Peak Park and world-class golf at Troon North Golf Club and Grayhawk Golf Club.

For visitors who prefer to be closer to the action, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a great option. Centrally located near shops and spring-training stadiums, the Fairmont has 750 rooms and suites, including 66 Fairmont Gold rooms (with their lounge that serves breakfast) and 122 ultra-luxe Privado Villas (featuring their reception area, lounge, entrance, and amenities). There are also four restaurants on the property (for clients who are there on the weekend, tell them to check out the "donut wall" during brunch at Ironwood American Kitchen), as well as six swimming pools (plus a splash pad, water slides and a sand beach) and a great outside lounge area with firepits.

Where to Eat

Scottsdale offers both gourmet dining and a quietly vibrant local food scene. Instead of the usual chain steakhouses, check out Talavera at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. In addition to great steaks, this Spanish eatery features a variety of tapas and a delicious seafood paella. If your clients are coming with a group, book the restaurant's charming private room for family dining.

At the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, there are two excellent Richard Sandoval restaurants. Toro is located off the 18th green of TPC Scottsdale — home of the wildly popular PGA Tour Waste Management Phoenix Open — specializing in Latin-Asian fusion dishes. Be sure to suggest that clients try the Cuban sandwich and the sushi. La Hacienda, the other Sandoval option, is a fine-dining spot notable for its upscale Mexican cuisine paired with a vast menu of Tequilas and mezcals. A sommelier, the Tequila Goddess, can help you pick the perfect brand for your meal.

Send clients to Citizen Public House in Old Town Scottsdale if they want something local. The chopped salad here is legendary. Another option is Postino Kierland, in the Kierland Commons, featuring $6 pitchers of beer and glasses of wine every day until 5 p.m., which can be paired with a wide selection of bruschetta boards and other snacks.

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