Travel guide
Phoenix & Scottsdale Weekend Guide: Pools, Hikes, and Old Town
How to spend a long weekend in the Valley of the Sun — desert hikes, resort pools, and the best spots in Old Town Scottsdale.
6 min readUpdated August 16, 2026
Day 1: Old Town Scottsdale
Start with coffee and a stroll through the Scottsdale Arts District, then browse Western galleries and boutiques. Dinner on a patio — think Sonoran Mexican or modern Southwestern — sets the tone.
Day 2: Desert hiking and pool time
- Hike Camelback Mountain or Piestewa Peak early
- Brunch at a resort or local cafe in Arcadia
- Spend the afternoon at your rental pool or book a spa treatment
- Sunset drinks with a Camelback Mountain view
Day 3: Arts, food, and a day trip
Visit the Desert Botanical Garden, the Heard Museum, or take a morning drive to Sedona. Return for one last patio dinner before heading home.
Planning a Phoenix & Scottsdale stay?
Read the full Phoenix & Scottsdale destination guide — neighborhoods, seasons, and booking tips — then browse example rentals.
