Of all the travel destinations in Arizona, there are perhaps none better than Scottsdale, Arizona when it comes to the full tourist experience filled with sunny days, great food, nightlife, shopping and art. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, a few days on the town or a family-friendly excursion with the kids, you’re certain to experience it here.

That’s not to mention all of the outdoor activities and sightseeing opportunities you’ll find in the surrounding area. You can take some time to explore the gorgeous Sonoran Desert, play one of the area’s pristine golf courses or take a day trip from Scottsdale to just about anywhere in Arizona to see some of the most famous and beautiful sites in the American southwest.

This is also one of the most popular times of year to visit Scottsdale, because it’s Spring Training season. Cactus League teams head to Arizona every February and March for baseball as they piece together their rosters for the coming season. Scottsdale is the Spring Training home of the San Francisco Giants, Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks, but it’s only a short drive to the other training complexes.

“There is an influx of Bay Area visitors in Scottsdale to experience Spring Training each year,” said Laura McMurchie, VP of communications for Experience Scottsdale. “In 2017, San Francisco came in as our No. 3 market, when ranked by visitation. While visitors from the area travel here year-round, March is the best month for San Francisco visitors, with the Giants playing in the heart of Scottsdale,”

Here are a few other activities you might enjoy this spring in Scottsdale:

  • An outdoor hike at Camelback Mountain: The most striking natural landmark in the area features massive red cliffs, the famous Praying Monk rock formation and the camel silhouette from which the mountain gets its name. The mountain is in a 75-acre park that draws hikers and climbers from Arizona and far beyond every year. There are some beginner-friendly trails but getting to the top is strenuous and not recommended for young or new hikers.
  • Shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square: Scottsdale has one of my favorite shopping scenes in Arizona, and you’ll find the very best brands at Scottsdale Fashion Square. It’s walking distance away from Old Town Scottsdale, where you can find a great all-around Scottsdale experience, including wonderful art galleries, restaurants and resorts. Here’s a tip: stop at the nearby Fashion Square concierge desk to get a complimentary Visitor Rewards download card to get some extra savings.
  • Old Town Scottsdale Farmer’s Market: Who doesn’t love a good local farmer’s market? Every Saturday morning until 1 p.m., the parking lot on the corner of Brown and 2nd Streets in Old Town doesn’t just have fruit, vegetables, pastries and other homemade goods—it also has live entertainment, cooking demonstrations and plenty of family-friendly fun.

The Scott Resort & Spa

Of course, as you prepare for your visit to Scottsdale, you’re going to need to find a great place to stay. During this trip, I booked The Scott in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. “Our resort is in a premier location with quick access to many renowned restaurants, galleries and shops that have helped make Scottsdale an internationally-recognized leisure destination,” said General Manager, Stephen Johnson. To make getting around super easy, The Scott offers a free car service with friendly drivers who will shuttle guests back and forth within a 3 mile radius. Very convenient benefit of booking here.

The Scott is “undergoing a $15M renovation, the first phase of which is complete and includes all public spaces and The Canal Club, the hotel’s new restaurant, bar and lounge. “The Canal Club is infused with the colors and comforts of 1930s Havana aesthetic, bringing together the culture and soul of New Orleans and the classic architectural geometry of The Bauhaus, all while celebrating the desert oasis sanctuary it calls home,” said Chef de Cuisine, Chris Castro. “The restaurant, bar and lounge area offer a casual, yet elegant ambiance throughout the dining room and lobby, while capitalizing on its ideal indoor-outdoor layout, creating a vibrant and comfortable atmosphere.”

The second renovation phase, debuting summer 2018, will revamp all 204 spacious guestrooms, each of which features private outdoor patios or balconies. Significant upgrades will range from new furniture packages and case goods to redesigned bathrooms. The renovation will also unveil an all-new Presidential Suite and the addition of four one-bedroom suites.

“The Scott artfully blends the upscale appeal of a downtown Scottsdale location with the casual elegance of a lush desert retreat. Guests can explore the nearby Old Town Scottsdale by day or lounge by the pool and cozy up by the warm firepits at night,” said Johnson.

Relax at the Spa

After a nice day hiking, shopping or taking in ballgame, find peace and quiet at The La Vidorra Spa at The Scott. The spa features six private treatment rooms and is open every day of the week at 10 a.m., with longer hours on Tuesdays through Saturdays.

In addition to the daily specials at the spa, you can select from individual spa services or packaged services. One of their popular treatments, is the 90-minute package, which includes a detoxifying soak in copper bathtubs featuring various minerals, herbs and essential oils, followed by a sugar scrub exfoliation treatment and a full-body massage. There’s also a gym at the resort, for those who want to keep their exercise routine while on holiday.

Play by the Pool

The Scott features two large outdoor pools. The La Boca Pool features private cabanas available for rent, as well as The Canal Club Poolside bar with a full selection of cocktails, beers and snacks. Just a few yards away, the La Playa Pool features its own sandy beach. Get a taste of the seashore in the middle of Scottsdale. The pool is mostly shallow, making it ideal for small children. Kids can bring their pail and shovel for a sand castle and adults can lounge comfortably in the mild springtime sun.

Eat and Drink in Scottsdale

Whether you want to venture out and explore the dining options in Scottsdale or simply remain at your resort, there are plenty of restaurant options to choose from.

The Canal Club at The Scott is open every day with brunch on the weekends led by Chef de Cuisine Chris Castro, you’ll find a wide variety of American cuisines with a Cuban twist. A large wine list offers plenty of pairing opportunities, and a selection of craft cocktails will help you relax and enjoy your getaway. The restaurant itself is designed based on 1930s Havana, making it both vibrant and comfortable—a casual yet elegant ambiance.

I recommend the Cubano sandwich—it’s a Cuban classic served with an arugula salad. “As a Cuban themed restaurant, a Cubano is a must. Ask for it with an egg for the ultimate experience. The top dishes are a toss-up between the Cubano and the grilled chicken torta with green Chile chicken,” said Castro.

For dessert, you have to try the churro donut holes. They’re too good to miss. And of course, if you’re just looking for a small snack for breakfast, order a Spanish latte and the almond butter toast with bananas and honey. Sip and eat on the patio—it’ll be a relaxing start to your day.If you want to get out on the town, here are a couple dining suggestions:

  • ZuZu: With fantastic food and a unique, updated retro ambiance, you’re sure to have an unforgettable dining experience at ZuZu. The food, much like the décor, is a modern twist on the classics. I’m a big fan of the Red Velvet Waffles for breakfast and the veggie burger for lunch. “ZuZu features incredible mid-century modern design, with a focus on shared plates and craft cocktails,” said Zuzu Area Director, Kristin Heggli. “Guests rave about the ‘Show Stopper Shake,’ which features house-made desserts piled on top, with the flavor changing every month. The restaurant was inspired by and named after a beloved local grandmother and excellent home cook.”
  • Citizen Public House: USA Today named Citizen Public House one of the top 10 restaurants in Scottsdale in 2016, and it’s easy to see why. The restaurant offers upscale American food in a relaxed environment. Chef Bernie Kantak offers a broad spectrum of dishes, from pork belly pastrami and grilled octopus appetizers to entrees like pan-seared scallops served over corn grits with snow pea greens, bacon and cola gastrique. If you’re just in the mood for drinks, you’ll find a tremendous selection of craft brews and contemporary handcrafted cocktails.

Wine Tasting

Old Town Scottsdale is home to multiple wine tasting rooms serving Arizona wines from Aridus Wine Company, Carlson Creek Winery, LDV Winery and Salvatore Vineyards. “At the tasting rooms you will find a close-knit community offering a wide variety of wines – some even 90-point wines – but what they all have in common is that they each provide a high-quality yet approachable experience for visitors looking to taste and learn about local wine,” said McMurchie.

If you’ve got spring fever, now’s the perfect time to visit this desert jewel. There are so many hotel options guests are sure to enjoy, especially The Scott. “This resort property is gorgeous. You feel as though you’ve stepped into an oasis when you walk in, and every time I have been, each staff member goes above and beyond to ensure a good experience,” said McMurchie.

Book your stay and begin planning out the restaurants, bars and galleries you want to visit on your getaway. Or bring your hiking shoes and enjoy the desert scenery. Whether you want to get away from it all or be in the middle of it all, Scottsdale has something for every kind of traveler.