Exploring the Area
Shopping, dining, events, adventures and more...
We understand when visiting a new area, it can be a bit overwhelming getting the lay of the land, especially as a newcomer. That's why we've created this page to provide our guests with what we hope are useful and positive recommendations throughout the Phoenix and Scottsdale area. Whether our guests are in search of the perfect pizzeria, a trendy boutique, or the next great outdoor adventure, we hope this page is a useful tool when planning the perfect getaway!
Kierland Commons: Kierland Commons is an open-air shopping and dining destination in the Kierland area of Scottsdale.
Scottsdale Quarter: Scottsdale Quarter is a unique shopping, dining, and entertainment destination. It is the premier shopping destination in North Scottsdale.
Scottsdale Fashion Square: The Southwest’s distinctive address for luxury shopping, dining and entertainment features Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Apple and select prestigious stores not found anywhere else in Arizona.
Old Town Scottsdale Shopping: Kick off your old boots and slide your feet into a pair of new ones, or a pair of designer shoes, or both! An art piece or authentic southwestern furniture might even catch your eye.
Desert Ridge Marketplace: Desert Ridge Marketplace offers premier shopping, chef driven restaurants, health and fitness inspired options and entertainment for every occasion.
Biltmore Fashion Park: Located in Phoenix, the Biltmore Fashion Park is Arizona's original outdoor luxury shopping center.
Spiga Cucina Italiana: From Italy to Iberia, Spiga Cucina Italiana imports the timeless flavors of the Mediterranean to Scottsdale.
Grimaldi's Coal-Fired Pizza: Grimaldi’s Pizzeria serves traditional coal-fired brick oven pizza using pizza-making traditions originating in Brooklyn over 100 years ago.
Dominick's Steakhouse: They offer several different sizes of cuts, plus numerous toppings to enhance your fine-dining experience.
The Mexicano: A search for great fajitas was no small task. After visiting many Mexican restaurants, The Mexicano was the solid winner. Full of fun and flavor, The Mexicano serves many favorites as well as an amazing Margarita Condiment Bar! Did we mention the fire-eating lady as well?
SumoMaya: SumoMaya combines the magnificent flavors of Asia with the robust culinary traditions of Mexico and essences of South America into a dynamic fusion concept featuring craveable tapas-style plates.
Culinary Dropout: A place where food and music are life. Culinary Dropout boasts an American cuisine style menu with everything from fried chicken to spicy Korean skirt steak.
White Chocolate Grill: The White Chocolate Grill is a contemporary American restaurant where every element of the design evokes a classic yet sophisticated setting.
Hash Kitchen: Home of the original build-your-own-Bloody Mary bar, the Hash Kitchen stands alone as one of the best breakfast and brunch eateries in the area.
Pizzeria Virtu: Pizzeria Virtù embraces the Napoletana tradition of pizza making.
Hiking at Papago Park: The trails in Papago Park are typically smooth with little elevation gain, providing easy access for walking, hiking, mountain biking or trail running. The park is split into east and west sides by Galvin Parkway.
Hiking at Pinnacle Peak Park: A groomed pathway provides easy footing for soaking up the scenic views, spotting wildlife and greeting passerby—it’s a popular trail, and not without reason. The incline to 2,750 feet is gradual and well-maintained.
Hiking Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain: The summit of Camelback is one of the highest hikes in Phoenix and arguably the best view you can achieve here on two feet. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain is one of Phoenix's best hikes and most popular attractions for thousands of visiting hikers each year.
Hiking Piestewa Summit Trail: The Phoenix Preserve's second highest point (after Camelback) is Piestewa Peak at 2,608 feet. If you want to enjoy the panoramic views, there's only one way up: The extremely strenuous Summit Trail (#300), challenging hikers with a 1,200-ft elevation gain and rocky, unrelenting climb. It's one of Phoenix's best hikes, but it's a challenge.
Horseback Riding at MacDonald's Ranch: MacDonald's Ranch is one of the premiere horseback riding stables in all of Arizona. With a longstanding history rooted in the area going back over 50 years. It's a perfect activity for the whole family, or a group of friends.
Rainbow Ryders: When you're looking to get away...up, up and away, give Rainbow Ryders a call. Rainbow Ryders is the official hot air balloon ride operator at events around the country and has been serving the area since 1983.
Jeep Tours w/Scottsdale Adventure Tours: The tour guides teach you about Sonoran Desert’s flora, wildlife, history, and ethnobotanical practices of the Native Americans who thrived in the Sonoran Desert for hundreds of years before the Valley was settled.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix: Hurricane Harbor is the biggest water park in Arizona.
Golfing in Arizona: Arizona is the mecca of golf, with courses of all kinds to suit any budget or style. Especially in Phoenix and Scottsdale, there are miles and miles of fairways to welcome anyone! Here is a list of some of the best courses in the area. Click on any of the names below to follow a link to more information about the individual courses. Of course, there are many more great courses, but the list here contains courses and clubs known for providing an excellent golfing experience.