Whenever you take your family on a vacation getaway you always want to make sure you treat them to the best. This can include taking them to sought after destination such as Scottsdale where the temps are heating up along with the fun. You will find that Scottsdale has tons of exciting activities for the whole family to join in on for the holiday. Take a look at the top Scottsdale Memorial Day Weekend activities taking place here around the area:

Enjoy a Little Retail Therapy This Scottsdale Memorial Day Weekend

Going on vacation is all about treating yourself, so make sure you hit the hottest shopping areas here in Scottsdale. Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to unwind with shopping as the latest summer fashions are just coming out. Scottsdale is home to the Scottsdale Fashion Square, Scottsdale Quarter, and Kierland Commons, all premier level shopping areas where residents from all over the Phoenix Valley will come to. You will find the best clothing and apparel boutiques within a short drive of your vacation rental.

Hit Up the Arizona Boardwalk

Memorial Day Weekend is a popular holiday to travel with the family as the kids are finally off school for summer. Make sure to treat them to a little bit of fun during your stay in Scottsdale by heading over to the Arizona Boardwalk. This is a massive entertainment venue located just off Arizona State Route 101. Arizona Boardwalk is best recognized with the OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland here on the premises. Each attraction offers a stunning way to get a closer look at majestic animals in the water and in the air. OdySea Aquarium is Scottsdale’s very own aquarium that features thousands of underwater animals. You will find all of your favorites including penguins, jellyfish, octopus, rays, and of course, sharks. You will be able to see each animal in spacious habitats. What really sets OdySea Aquarium apart is their hands on attractions that let you pet sharks and rays, go scuba diving with fish, or feed the penguins. Your kids will absolutely love OdySea Aquarium.

Butterfly Wonderland is another great spot where thousands of butterflies fly freely in a massive atrium. You will be able to walk around where butterflies are known to land on visitors for a perfect photo op. You can get a discount on passes when purchasing passes for both attractions in the same day. Don’t miss out on these attractions and many others at the Arizona Boardwalk.

Salt River Tubing

Everyone knows that Memorial Day Weekend is the start of summer but locals in Scottsdale really know it as the start to Salt River Tubing. While Salt River Tubing is open on weekends earlier in the late spring it really comes to life over the holiday weekend. For the unaware Salt River Tubing is the ultimate relaxation activity nearby on the Salt River. Salt River Tubing is the onsite tube rental service where you can rent a tube for an extended float down the river. Simply arrive, rent a tube, and take the bus to the drop off point to start your day. Tubing down the Salt River takes a few hours depending on the course you take. Visitors frequently will rent a tube for a cooler where they can keep snacks and drinks in during your float. The water is bound to be nice and cool for an enjoyable experience. Don’t miss out on the ultimate summer experience found here near Scottsdale.

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Hike the McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Scottsdale and quite a bit of Arizona are huge destinations for hiking enthusiasts. When you visit Scottsdale you will find the Superstition Mountains the in background along with local peaks that are no far away. Scottsdale is a great spot to go hiking with the McDowell Sonoran Preserve being so close to our vacation rentals. Perhaps the most popular trail in the preserve is Tom’s Thumb Trail. This is a challenging hiking trail that is roughly 4 miles in length. You will have a 1,200 foot elevation gain over the trail that consists of switch backs. While the trail is difficult you will find the views to be well worth the effort. If you are hiking with family, there are several other trails to explore as well. Trails including Gateway Loop Trail and Sunrise Peak are both considered to be moderately challenging hikes that are more easily accessible. Memorial Day Weekend is a great time to hit the trails before the higher summer temps arrive in the valley.

More Fun Right Here in Scottsdale

These exciting activities and much more are what you have to look forward to here in Scottsdale. Memorial Day Weekend is just around the corner so now is the perfect time to start preparing for your visit. Book your favorite vacation rental with us today.

The new year means we are gearing up for more winter holidays here in the Valley and none are quite as exciting as Valentine’s Day. If you have been looking for the one destination that your loved one will absolutely love to visit consider nothing else but Scottsdale. Our Arizona community is the ideal spot to treat your loved one to a romantic getaway complete with candlelit dinners, time at the spa, and more romantic activities. Here is how you can spoil your partner when you visit Scottsdale for Valentine’s Day:

Romantic Dinner for Two

Whenever you think of a romantic dinner you may be picturing a candlelit table, glasses of champagne, and a luxury menu complete with entrees of all cuisines. You will find that and much more when you dine out in Scottsdale for Valentine’s Day. One of our favorite spots to dine out at for the romantic holiday is Reserve. This is one of Scottsdale’s most luxury fine dining establishments that offer an inventive menu with a set price. Reservations are required for this upscale restaurant where you will enjoy candlelit, white table cloth tables and a five course meal. Each course brings out a new decadent dish that will elevate the senses. Each course also features a wine pairing to bring out the flavors further. You will find popular items on the menu including Siberian caviar, Maine lobster tail, wagyu steak, and much more. This is one of Scottsdale’s pricier restaurants but is well worth the cost of admission. To feel at home in Scottsdale you can book a reservation at Olive & Ivy. This has become a staple for the Scottsdale community and continues to be a favorite. Olive & Ivy serves up California Mediterranean fare in a bustling restaurant setting. You will find a variety of dishes including steak, pasta, seafood, much more. Try out local favorites such as the shrimp scampi risotto or share some bacon wrapped dates. The beer and wine list is extensive with plenty to pick from. No matter where you end up at for dinner make sure you place a reservation well in advance to secure a table for Valentine’s Day night.

Hit the Spa

Getting a delicious meal is just the start to the romance here in Scottsdale for Valentine’s Day. Treat your loved one to a day at the spa where they will walk away feeling completely rejuvenated. Spa Avania is one of the popular spots in the city where you can enjoy the French Celtic mineral pool along with 19 treatment rooms. The onsite salon is perfect if your loved one is also looking to change up their style for the trip. Inspire Day Spa is another local favorite that offers a waterfront day spa. You will find all of the services you want from a spa including individual and couples’ massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and much more. The serene setting will make sure you both are feeling at peace here in the spa. It is also recommended to place a reservation at the spa in advance prior to your trip to secure a spot over Valentine’s Day.

Book a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Seeing Scottsdale from the ground is always great but seeing it from high up in the air is even better. Create lasting memories with a hot air balloon ride that will take you up and over the Phoenix Valley. This is a unique experience that will take you for up to an hour in the air as you take in the beautiful desert vistas. Rainbow Ryders is a local hot air balloon company that features rides here in Scottsdale. You can book a sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride that will add to the romantic ambience. The experience is over 3 hours in length with up to an hour in the air. You have never seen sights quite like this.

See the Beauty at the Desert Botanical Garden

Enjoy the perfect date night during your stay with a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden. The Desert Botanical Garden is home to thousands of different species of desert landscape including cactus and trees. You will be able to explore the 55 acres of space that is set up in gorgeous exhibits. This year, the Desert Botanical Garden will have their Light Bloom exhibit open over Valentine’s Day. Beautiful geometric light installations will be set up over the garden offering a stunning convergence of nature and light. Don’t miss out on this unique and romantic outing in Scottsdale.

Get Ready for the Romance in Scottsdale

Our vacation rentals will keep you comfortable all trip long when you book ahead for Valentine’s Day. Treat your loved one to a stunning property found nowhere else.

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated worldwide on March 17th. It is a day to commemorate Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who is said to have brought Christianity to Ireland. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in many ways, from parades and festivals to wearing green and drinking beer. St. Patrick’s Day in Scottsdale is a fun and festive time with plenty of events and activities to enjoy heading into spring.

Festive Events

One of the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Scottsdale is to attend the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Phoenix is a highly anticipated yearly event that draws people from all over the city to celebrate Irish culture and heritage. The parade is a colorful and lively spectacle, with over 100 entries that include marching bands, dancers, bagpipers, floats, and more. The parade route takes participants and spectators through downtown Phoenix, starting at 3rd Street and Oak Street and ending at Faire on the East side of Margaret T. Hance Park. Along the way, parade-goers are treated to a vibrant display of green, white, and orange, the colors of the Irish flag, as well as traditional Irish music and dance.

The parade is organized by the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire Committee, a group of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to make the event successful each year. The committee selects the best entries to participate in the parade, ensuring that each one represents the spirit and culture of Ireland. Participants range from local schools and community groups to businesses and organizations, and each brings unique flair and enthusiasm to the event.

One of the parade’s highlights is the presence of bagpipers, who play traditional Irish music as they march through the streets. The sound of the bagpipes is a powerful symbol of Irish heritage, adding an emotional and patriotic element to the parade. Other notable entries include marching bands, who provide upbeat and lively music to keep the energy of the parade high, as well as dancers, who perform traditional Irish step dancing and other dance styles.

For those looking for a more active way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the Phoenix Shamrock 10k/5k Run is a fun and festive way to do so. The run occurs yearly in Tempe and kicks off at Kiwanis Park in Tempe. Participants are encouraged to dress in green and show their Irish spirit!

Food and Drinks

Of course, no St. Patrick’s Day celebration would be complete without some traditional Irish food and drink. Many restaurants in Scottsdale serve traditional Irish fares, such as corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and Irish soda bread. When it comes to St. Patrick’s Day drinks, there are plenty of options as well. Many bars and restaurants in Scottsdale serve green beer and Irish whiskey, while some even offer specialty cocktails made with Irish ingredients. Many bars and restaurants in Scottsdale hold St. Patrick’s Day events featuring live music, drink specials, and plenty of fun. Some popular spots to check out include The Kettle Black Kitchen and Pub, Rúla Búla Irish Pub, and The Skeptical Chymist.

Another great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is by hosting brunch at your vacation rental in Scottsdale with friends and family in a relaxed and intimate setting. You can create a festive atmosphere by decorating your rental with green and gold accents, such as tablecloths, napkins, and balloons. For the menu, you can serve traditional Irish fares, such as corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, and shepherd’s pie, as well as classic brunch dishes like quiches, frittatas, and pastries. Don’t forget to serve plenty of green beer, Irish coffee, and other St. Patrick’s Day-themed drinks to get everyone in the spirit of the holiday. Hosting a brunch at your vacation rental allows you to enjoy the holiday in a more personal and private way while still being close to all the action of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Scottsdale.

Spend It Outdoors

For those who want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a more relaxed setting, plenty of parks and outdoor spaces in Scottsdale are perfect for a picnic or barbecue. Chaparral Park, Indian School Park, and McDowell Mountain Ranch Park are all popular spots for outdoor gatherings, offering plenty of space for games, grilling, and socializing. Bring some green beer, Irish soda bread, corned beef, and cabbage, and enjoy the beautiful Arizona weather with friends and family. In addition to these parks, Scottsdale has several other outdoor attractions, such as Camelback Mountain and Pinnacle Peak Park, that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and are perfect for a scenic hike.

Book Your St. Patrick’s Day in Scottsdale Getaway

St. Patrick’s Day is a fun and festive time in Scottsdale, with plenty of events and activities to enjoy. So, wear your green and prepare to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Scottsdale!

Scottsdale is home to some of the best outdoor activities, fun things, local restaurants, live music, and endless attractions that make it so famous for kids, young adults, and couples alike! It is no wonder that people flock here all year round to enjoy hiking in the summertime, water spots in the hot months of July and August, skiing during the winter season, and biking during the springtime.

But should you head to the sunny and warm state of Arizona during the month of February? Although this may not be your first thought, this is THE ideal spot to head to during the beginning of spring and the end of winter. You can take part in some of the tail-end winter sports, like skiing and snowshoeing, and begin to take part in warm-weather activities, like hiking and shopping outside in the downtown area of Scottsdale.

Plus, during the middle of February, you can attend local Scottsdale Valentine’s Day events with your partner to really reignite the spark in your relationship.

Check out the top things to do on February 14th with your partner to make this an unforgettable vacation and a love-filled holiday.

Head to Kelly’s at Southbridge

Kelly’s is a mouth-watering fine-dining restaurant in Southbridge that is great all year round. But suppose you want to take part in a romantic evening with your partner. In that case, you can sit on the heated patio, share an appetizer with your loved one, and sip on some of the carefully-crafted signature cocktails. Listen to some live music to really get in the mood, share a pub classic with your husband or wife, and then rejoice as your taste buds sing with bites of modern cuisine.

We recommend splitting the truffle fries with truffle oil and parmesan with your loved one to start. Or, you can try the Brussels sprouts with pancetta and salsa to start the meal off in the best way possible. Another big hit is the bruschetta with warm ciabatta, featuring your choice of prosciutto, pesto chicken, ricotta, or mozzarella. For an entree, you really can’t go wrong with the prime Argentine grass-fed ribeye steak with steamed broccoli, the Lucca’s pesto penne with grilled chicken and pine nut pesto, or the Pepper Jack burger with guacamole.

To end the night with a bang, we recommend splitting the tiramisu or the house cheesecake with your date. Wash down all of the mouth-watering food with a bottle of bubbles, like the Gemma di Luna prosecco or the Veuve Clicquot yellow-label prosecco for a real splurge.

Have a Scottsdale Valentine’s Day Dinner at Hearth ‘61

Another great spot to spend the incredible holiday is at the Hearth ‘61 restaurant at Mountain Shadows Resort. Head here for brunch, dinner, or to sit at the bar and have a few tasty drinks. If you come here for dinner on Valentine’s Day, we recommend splitting the Hiramasa Crudo with your date, featuring red harissa and shallot rounds. Or, split a charcuterie and cheese board, which pairs perfectly with a glass (or bottle) of house red wine or white wine.

As a main dish, we recommend trying the Niman Ranch tenderloin of beef with red wine demi sauce and bleu cheese fondue. If you are not a meat eater, don’t worry! Try the mustard-crusted salmon with haricot vert or the quinoa and lentil stew with potato and tomato curry. Veg lovers rejoice! To end the meal, wash down all of the incredible cuisines with the ‘Taken for Granite’ cocktail, featuring tequila, pomegranate and ginger syrup, and lemon-lime garnish.

Take Part in the Scottsdale Coffee, Wine, and Ale Trail

Our last fun activity that you MUST take part in during your time in Scottsdale over Valentine’s weekend is to go to the Scottsdale Coffee, Wine, and Ale Trail! This do-it-yourself experience is ideal for those who want to take the weekend by the horns and really see all that this vibrant city has to offer. Download the map from the Scottsdale city website and start exploring!

Some of the best coffee houses that are ideal for a strong espresso in the morning or an iced latte during a rarely-hot winter day include Berdena’s on Fifth Avenue, Four till Four on First Avenue, Press Coffee Roasters on Camelback Road, or Schmooze Workspace and Cafe on Marshall Way. You can’t go wrong with any of these laid-back and relaxed coffee shops!

After starting the day off right with some caffeine, head to one of the numerous wine-tasting rooms or breweries. If you are a wine connoisseur and would love some Cabernet Sauvignon, head to the Aridus Wine Company, Carlson Creek Vineyards, or LDV Winery on Stetson Drive for a romantic afternoon.

For those who are more into craft brews and pilsners, we highly recommend healing to the Scapegoat Beer and Wine Bar, Sip Coffee and Beer House, Brat Haus, Craft 64, or Bottled Blonde in the heart of Scottsdale!

Book Your Scottsdale Valentine’s Day Getaway Today

Check out I Love Scottsdale to book a romantic getaway for you and your partner this Valentine’s Day Weekend!