More than golf courses and bachelorette parties, Scottsdale maintains a unique blend of luxury, relaxation, artistry and adventure. And with 330 days of annual sunshine, it’s easy to explore the sun-drenched, lush, Sonoran Desert landscape any time of year.

In the heart of Scottsdale, find Old Town western charm, infused with shopping, dining, galleries and nightlife. Meander shops with vintage finds and Western Wear, peruse the Native Art Market and pick up local products from The Merchantile of Scottsdale, passing by parks with public art installations and historic sites from the 1880s. After dark, slip into a wine tasting room, craft cocktail lounge, nightclub or award-winning dining establishment.

There is something to excite everyone in this energetic urban landscape. Come, get away and see what blooms in Scottsdale.

Hike the McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Nature nurtures, and a third of Scottsdale is open space. So, get out for a peaceful early morning hike in the lush Sonoran Desert – with towering saguaro cacti, palo verde trees, cholla cacti and majestic mountains. A private guide from Cliff Creek Outfitters can help to understand and appreciate local flora and fauna, offering a unique perspective of the area. Hike the 4.5-mile Gateway Loop Trail with an elevation gain of 650 feet. A sudden rain spurt can enhance the trek with glistening rocks, shining mountains, and rainbows cascading across the vast desert floor.

Horseback ride in the Tonto National Forest

Less than an hour drive from Scottsdale, wild horses run free along the Salt River in the Tonto National Forest. At rustic Saguaro Lake Ranch stables, an early morning guided horse ride will have you in awe, trotting through saguaro-studded ridges in the majestic Goldfield mountain range, in the shadow of the glowing Bulldog Cliffs. While we witnessed a wild stallion from the get-go who wanted nothing to do with us, back at the stables, the friendly horses love to be pet. Inside the front ranch office, ask about the ranch hand’s collection of treasures – from rattlesnake skin to a tarantula paralyzed by a spider wasp.

Stay: Four Seasons Scottsdale and Royal Palms Resort and Spa

Read the full article on JohnnyJet and MSN, published January 2026.