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Planning your Scottsdale Stay

Here is a quick guide to Scottsdale/Phoenix area should you want to start planning a stay.  This article is broken down by Things to Do, Hikes, and Restaurants. Click on link for further information.


THINGS TO DO


Butterfly Wonderland: amazing glass conservatory filled with thousands of butterflies from around the world.   You can see other rainforest animals, reptiles, and exotic fish.


Escape the Room Scottsdale: Escape the Room AZ has five exclusive unique escape rooms located in Old Town Scottsdale.


iFly Indoor Skydiving: We booked this experience and had a blast!  We purchased two flights for each, including a high flight and we thought that was the perfect amount.  After a brief training, the kids were able to experience indoor sky diving with an instructor.  They joined a bigger group, and everyone had lots of fun!


Goodyear Ballpark: The state-of-the-art training facilities and 10,000 seat stadium attracts two of Major League Baseball's most storied franchises to relocate to Arizona from Florida.


McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park: truly unforgettable experience with model railroad exhibits, playgrounds, and a ride along the Paradise and Pacific Railroad.


Musical Instrument Museum: located a short distance away in Phoenix, this museum boasts over 15,000 musical instruments.


Odysea Aquarium: visit sea creatures, sharks, penguins, sea turtles to name a few.  Enjoy the world’s only revolving aquarium.


Old Town Scottsdale: charming Old West feel with unique spots and shops to explore.


Phoenix Glass Center: a skilled instructor will guide you through the creation of piece of your choice. 


Salt River Fields at Talking Sticks: we came across this by accident and were so excited to see spring training in the Scottsdale area.  My son caught fly balls during practice.  We booked a game during our stay.


Scottsdale Fashion Square: premier shopping, dining and entertainment.


State Farm Stadium Tour: go behind the scenes as you explore the home to the Arizona Cardinals and host of NFL games, as well as a variety of sporting and entertaining events.

 

HIKING

Family friendly:


Double Butte Loop: Explore this 2.2-mile loop trail near Tempe, Arizona. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 45 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, mountain biking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.


Hunt’s Tomb: Hunt's Tomb is a tomb in the shape of a small white pyramid behind a fence at the top of a hill within Papago Park, Phoenix, Arizona, United States. George W. P. Hunt (Arizona's first governor) had the tomb built in 1931 to entomb his wife. He was placed there after his death in 1934. Their daughter and his wife's family are also buried there.


Pinnacle Peak: Enjoy this 4.1-mile out-and-back trail near Scottsdale, Arizona. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 15 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are October through May.


McDowell Sonoran Conservatory The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy provides a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy and is home to many species of animals, plants and birds.


Tom’s Thumb Trail Get to know this 4.0-mile out-and-back trail near Rio Verde, Arizona. Generally considered a challenging route. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.


Harder:

Enjoy this 2.6-mile point-to-point trail near Paradise Valley, Arizona. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 11 min to complete


The Freedom Trail is an awesome circumference trail that skirts the base of Piestewa Peak. The trail is moderately difficult and has multiple rocky sections.

 

RESTAURANTS:


Breakfast






North Italia: from the warmth that draws you in, to the vibrant energy letting you know you’re in for something special, the North experience invites you to indulge in not just what you taste, but what you

feel.



RA Sushi :swim in for lunch or dinner and feast on your favorite sushi, signature rolls and Japanese cuisine or simply relax on the patio with some of the nest Happy Hour specials in town.



Diego Pops :inspired by taco and tequila-fueled conversations on the beaches of the Yucatan, Diego Pops takes a modern and playful twist on authentic Mexican favorites.


 

There are so many wonderful activities, hikes, and restaurants in Scottsdale and the surrounding areas.


Have a wonderful stay in Arizona!

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