Summer is the best time to visit Scottsdale. You get the best weather, long sunny days, and tons of activities to do with your friends. Keep reading to see a few must-do items to include on your Scottsdale summer itinerary.
Take Your Friends for a Scottsdale Summer Hike
One of the best things you can do in the summertime to see incredible sights, break a sweat, burn a few calories, and explore the great outdoors is to go hiking. Lucky for you, there is no shortage of trails in Scottsdale, ranging from easy jaunts to tough dessert walks that take multiple hours. Whether you are with your kids for an easy walk or are an avid mountaineer, there is truly something for everyone.
One of the best hikes we recommend for a hot summer day is the Gateway Loop Trail at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This exciting and easy walk is perfect for those who want to get outside in the desert without spending too long in the heat. You can walk on the well-defined path to see the numerous cacti, hills, lush greenery, and red rocks.
Another summer outing choice is the Pinnacle Peak summit Trail. We recommend heading here early in the morning to avoid crowds and hit the top before the sun gets too hot! Head to North Scottsdale early in the morning, ideally pre-sunrise, to tackle the 3.5-mile trail and hit the top as the sun rises. We promise you will love the incredible views, wildlife, and 1,300 feet in elevation gain!
Lastly, many more hikes in the large McDowell Sonoran Preserve make it easy for you to combine paths, find trails for everyone, and spend a few days trekking through this incredible wildlife sanctuary. We recommend hiking Lost Dog Wash, a moderate 5-mile hike that has minimal elevation gain but takes around 2-3 hours to complete.
Water Activities
Numerous watersports and water-based activities in Scottsdale can help you cool off during the hot and humid summer months. We recommend going on the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess to coast along the water, have fun hanging out on the boat, and watch kid-friendly movies with the entire family. Purchase some popcorn, sodas, and treats as you snuggle up together and get a great seat for this fun night out.
Next, of course, you need to visit a waterpark if you’re in Scottsdale with your family. Kids love this fun-filled and exciting destination that features large pools for swimming and diving, water slides for whizzing down into the cold water, and toddler play areas for smaller children. Head to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Grand Resort and Spa, or Oasis Water Park for floating down a lazy river and hitting the tiki bar.
Sip On an Iced Coffee
If you hit an early morning hike and come down to Scottsdale feeling a bit hot and flustered, we have just the solution. Many cafes in the downtown area are great for grabbing an iced coffee, relaxing, and chilling out after a pre-sunrise hike in the humid weather.
Head to Black Rock Coffee Bar on Thomas Road to sip on iced coffee, sit by the window, and see the expansive views. We love some of their unique offerings, like the Mexican Mocha with hints of vanilla and almond, Jackhammer with vanilla mocha and a double shot, Blackout With hazelnut mocha, or IV with Irish cream, vanilla breve, and a whopping 6 caffeinated espresso shots!
Another great spot to have an iced coffee, iced tea, or smoothie is Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea on 8th Street, featuring a casual and laid-back vibe that is perfect for light snacks, tea, and strong espresso-laden coffee. If you are more in the mood for a strong espresso or sitting and doing some remote work during a sunshine break, then head to Press Coffee in the Scottsdale Quarter for freshly roasted coffee and minimalist decor.
Stay with Us at I Love Scottsdale
Not sure where to stay during your upcoming summer getaway in the beautiful state of Arizona? Well, we have done the hard work for you so you can just show up, relax, and explore the breathtaking desert, bustling downtown area, and buzzy cafes.
At I Love Scottsdale, we offer the best of the best in terms of properties, locations, and customer service. We have properties dotted all around the city and countryside, offering close proximity to tell what there is to do and see in the city and seclusion so you can have privacy in your own home. We have homes and condos in Kierland, Old Town, Desert Ridge, downtown Scottsdale, and Rio Verde.
Plus, our homes are luxurious and high-end. We offer outdoor fire pits for roasting s’mores and sipping wine at night, private putt-putt golf courses for practicing your stroke, private outdoor pools for swimming during the heat of the day, and outdoor dining areas for nice al fresco meals. Contact us today at I Love Scottsdale to have the best vacation of your entire life — we guarantee it!
