Not sure what to do during your winter getaway this year? Well, once you decide where to go, the next step is penciling items into your itinerary. But if you choose somewhere overrun with snow, too cold to go outside, or too busy with tourists, that list dwindles to almost nothing. That is why we think that Scottsdale is a MUST visit vacation spot for you as a solo traveler, with your partner, with your family, or with your best friends. There is something to do for everyone here, even during the ‘cold’ winter months. Scottsdale never gets that cold, even during the dead of winter, so it means you can do SO much more than you could in other places. Check out our ultimate winter Scottsdale vacation guide below and plan the ideal winter trip!

Grab Breakfast with Your Family

One of the best things to do with your family while you are on a bonding winter vacation is to go to breakfast! Luckily for you, there are tons of spots for you to go during your stay here. You don’t have to choose somewhere that is cheap and out of the way — all of our luxurious rentals are right in the heart of the city, so you are just minutes away on foot from the best brunch spots, cafes, and cool coffee shops the entire state has to offer.

First off, we have Arcadia Farms Cafe. If you are in the mood for a casual, cozy, and laid-back atmosphere that will keep you warm on a cold winter day, Arcadia Farms Cafe is your best bet. We love coming here and sitting on the heated garden patio and gazing out at the incredible views over the rolling hills. Plus, the farmhouse aesthetic and open-air feel make this cafe feel like you are sitting in the south of France as you eat the savory and delectable croque-monsieur crepes! And when you order the scones and high tea, you might even feel like you are in the English Countryside in the Cotswolds. If you would rather have something savory for brunch, you can’t go wrong with the pulled pork hash or the healthy spinach and leek tart with a hot cup of joe to start the day.

If the idea of a patio sounds inviting, even during the brisk winter months, Lon’s at Hermosa is the best spot for you to sit outside, soak in the views, and enjoy a brunch meal with your guests. And when you vacation in Scottsdale, you can rest assured it won’t get too cold. You might even find yourself sitting in sunny and warm 70-degree weather in the winter when you go for a holiday in this sunny state! We recommend heading here any time after 10 am on Saturday or Sunday to feast on a huge brunch plate, like the fresh-baked monkey bread or short-rib hash, and then wash it all down with a beer or a mimosa.

For vacationers who have picky eaters in the family, the safest spot – with incredible food –is Herb Box. Even if you have no dietary restrictions, this is still a MUST visit for your holiday! Herb Box is arguably the top spot for people who are gluten-free or vegan, offering smoked salmon hash, kale and brie omelet, pancakes that are suitable for vegan eaters or those with celiac disease, and French toast that is simply to die for.

Doesn’t that sound nice and inclusive? We think so, too! If you are in the mood to go only to eateries and restaurants that use fresh ingredients that are locally sourced, Virtu Honest Craft is a tasty spot that is popular among tourists and locals alike. This Mediterranean-influenced eatery offers fresh cuisine and local fruit and vegetables that bring their plates to another level. We love the pork ragu as a meat-heavy dish, eggs fresh from one of the local farms, Parmigiano crepes for a savory French-inspired start to the day, and the grilled octopus to split with the table. Trust us!

Hit the Golf Course During Your Scottsdale Vacation

Even during the winter months, you can still whip out your nine iron and test your luck at getting a hole-in-one. Scottsdale is home to pristine weather all year round, which often means that it doesn’t snow here, or snows very little. No snow means you can hit one of the super-green golf courses that dot the rolling hills surrounding this bustling city when you head here on a winter holiday getaway!

We recommend starting at the infamous Kierland Golf Course in the Sonoran Desert. What could be better than being on the putting green, looking at the red rock desert out of the cornea of your eye, and seeing the Pinnacle Peak in the distance? Try your best not to get distracted by the jagged peaks, breathtaking scenery, and the hills and valleys of the golf course. It is difficult! And make sure you marvel at the pristine care of the golf course. The fast Bermuda grass is famous around the world for its high quality, featuring a bright emerald color, flat condition, and a variety of holes for golfers of all abilities.

Another cool golf course that you can hit up during your winter stay in Scottsdale is the Estrella Golf Course at the Estrella Mountain Ranch community. This is consistently ranked as one of the top 20 courses in the entire state due to its incredible views of the nearby Estrella Mountain Range, desert ranges, rolling green courses, natural surroundings, and first-class service.

For those who want another challenge during their winter Scottsdale getaway, TPC Champions Course is a fun afternoon out with friends! This famous course was built in 1986 by Randy Heckemper and features an 18-hole Championship style challenge that is right by the desert, featuring unique features like natural terrain and shrubbery.

Lastly, no visit to Scottsdale is complete without at least a half-day trip to Quintero Golf Course. Rees Jones created this masterpiece back in 2000 by using unique bunkers, long stretches of green, several tee boxes for different levels of golfers, pristine and flat surfaces, and a high level of service for tourists and locals alike. This course is so good that it has been consistently ranked as one of the ‘Best Public Golf’ courses by Golf Advisor for multiple years running!

Scottsdale Winter Events

When you go to Scottsdale during the winter months, you should also check out a few annual events that you won’t be able to enjoy or see at other times of the year. Scottdale is always a fan of holidays and parties, so it is no surprise that they throw annual winter events between October and January that are sure to have you raving for hours and hours on end!

One of the biggest events that bring in people from all over the world is the Sing-Along and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Even if you are not a huge fan of singing along to Christmas carols, this exciting event brings the community together and can be a great way to meet people, spread the holiday cheer, and snack on some sweet holiday treats.

Another Christmas-themed event that is fun to go to with your friends, family, or kids is the Holiday Lights Tour. This is a fun way to celebrate the winter season and jolly attitude throughout Old Town Scottsdale. Snuggle up and cozy up to your loved ones as you follow a professional and local tour guide as they bring you through the five districts in Old Town Scottsdale, providing you with an immersive way to learn more about the history of the city.

If you are on a Scottsdale vacation with your kids, it can be hard to keep them entertained. However, if you go on one of the infamous Puzzle Rides, we guarantee this is great for young and older teens alike to use their brains and solve puzzles with the entire family! Test your luck at beating the clock as you all go to the golf course with your Puzzle Master as they take you to work together, build teamwork, solve brain teasers, finish puzzles, and have fun along the way!

Enjoy the Best of Winter in Scottsdale

There’s plenty more to enjoy in Scottsdale in winter. Contact us today to book your winter rental property and start planning a fun-filled getaway!