After a short visit in 2016, we knew Scottsdale would be a place we’d be coming back to in the future. Fast-forward to 2019 when we discovered the unbelievable food scene, and we knew Scottsdale would now become an annual trip (at least). A pandemic and a newborn held us back in 2020, but it didn’t stop us from taking our first trip with our toddler (we CANNOT believe he’s one!) in 2021.
Now, when traveling with a mobile, always-hungry, always-busy, and always-loud toddler, you have to be selective. We need a spacious hotel room, tons of time outside, good food and drinks (because #toddlerlife), and ideally a dash of luxury. Scottsdale not only checks ALL of those boxes, but it’s an easy drive for us from SoCal.
Here’s why we think Scottsdale is a perfect family getaway!
Hotels Offer Space, Scenery, and Luxury (without breaking the bank)
When traveling with a toddler and a dog, it’s hard to travel light. Between our bags, a pack-and-play crib, Sally’s things… our hotel rooms can quickly feel extremely tight. But that’s not the case here! We’ve now stayed at four different properties in Scottsdale, and every room has been extremely spacious.
This trip, we split our time between the J.W. Marriott Camelback Inn and the Hotel Valley Ho—and both rooms were glorious. The J.W. Marriott sits at the base of Camelback Mountain, and we had a huge room with absolutely stunning mountain views. The Hotel Valley Ho could not be in a more ideal location (right in the center of town), and we joked that our Tower Suite room was bigger than our house.
And while we’re on the subject of hotels, we’re blown away by the amount of beautiful, luxurious, and unique properties there are in Scottsdale. It’s insane. Some of the best, most iconic and award-winning resorts are here, and they are often times running some incredible offers. And as temps start to heat up during the summer, the deals will only get better. We’re talking 60% off peak season, better. If we’re off the grid in August, it’s probably because we’re living luxuriously in a chic Scottsdale hotel cranking our AC. Keep an eye on ItsThatHot.com May-September to score some of these phenomenal deals! You’re welcome.
Not a bad sunset to be welcomed to Scottsdale!
Pool with a view at the J.W. Marriott Camelback Inn
We were obsessed with the layout and landscaping!
Loving the color at Hotel Valley Ho!
Sunsets from our balcony at Hotel Valley Ho!
Covid or Not, Dining Outside Can be the Norm
While we are currently in the midst of a global pandemic and dining outside is normal, it’s nothing new to Scottsdale. When we’re bundled up in the fall and winter, Arizonians are enjoying their happy hours outside with sunny 80 degree weather. It might be obnoxious when you’re looking at Scottsdale through social media and you’re sitting in a blizzard, but it is PURE BLISS when you’re there. Scottsdale offers a never-ending array of culinary delights (see next section), and it is always nice to enjoy a meal al fresco (especially if you have a baby in a high chair and a dog under the table).
Taking Jude on a stroll through Historic Old Town!
Let’s Talk Food.
I’m shocked we haven’t yet written a food-specific blog on Scottsdale. There are SO many amazing restaurants. They’re so good that it’s hard to branch out because every time we go we have to hit our favs. Here’s a list of our 10 current must-visit spots:
Cartel Coffee Lab - Always our first stop when we arrive. I (Bobby) bought some beans on this last trip and wish I would’ve brought more home. So good!
Fourtillfour - Our newest discovery, this coffee shop in Old Town Scottsdale has some delicious coffee. And they have epic car shows on the weekends.
Berdena’s - We love the vibe, and love the cappuccinos even more.
Kaleidoscope Juice - We eat a TON when we’re in town, so some days we need a juice or smoothie to start our day.
Hash Kitchen - Speaking of eating a ton… the food here is outrageous. Everything has incredible presentation and even better flavor. If you aren’t a Bloody Mary fan, this is the place to give one a try!
Belle’s Nashville Kitchen - A honky tonk featuring upscale comfort food and handcrafted cocktails? Sign us up! We went for breakfast and indulged in the hot chicken biscuit with a Bloody Mary (Bobby) and the French toast sticks with a mimosa (Alli). Enjoy shopping around Old Town after your meal!
Herb Box - A new favorite! From the salads to the sandwiches, everything here is healthy and SO tasty. It’s a perfect spot after a late-morning hike at the nearby McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Farm & Craft - One of our favorite lunch spots, here you can order anything and know that it’ll be amazing. Trust us.
The Mission - I’m sorry that we talk about The Mission’s guac on every blog we’ve ever written about Scottsdale. It is worthy of the praise. This Mexican restaurant is a must-eat on your first visit.
Postino WineCafe - Perfect for a date night, Postino boasts incredible bruschetta boards and an impressive wine list. You can bring the whole family, but this is a great date night spot.
Brat Haus - Brats and beers are always a good idea. Especially if the mustard is on point (for Bobby, not Alli). Brat Haus has a perfect beer garden to bring the kids (and dog), with house-made sausages and craft beer that will keep you there all afternoon.
Brunch at Hash Kitchen never disappoints! What a spread!
A new favorite - the Herb Box!
It looks like Jude has a giant Old Fashioned to himself :)
Brat Haus is definitely Sally-approved!
Here’s the thing… if you Google “Best restaurants in Scottsdale”, you’ll probably get a list with a variety of other spots sprinkled in. Go to those too! You can’t go wrong! (And leave a comment below telling us your favorites—you know we’ll be back!)
Hikes, Trains Sharks, Butterflies, and Stagecoach Rides
Now that it’s time to walk off all the calories, the easiest activity is to stroll around Old Town Scottsdale and do some window shopping. Our favorite shops include Cricket + Ruby, Leela Market, and The Merchantile of Scottsdale. If you’re traveling with the whole family, or you just want a little more adventure in your day, here are some of our favorite activities.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve - A hike among the Saguaro cacti is the perfect way to start out a morning. With trails for all levels of hiker, this protected area of land is a good to unplug and for the kids to get some wiggles out!
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park - This railroad museum will blow your kid’s minds with the model train exhibits, and there’s a train to ride on too!
OdySea Aquarium - Definitely one of the highlights of our visit, the aquarium is a perfect balance of education, entertainment, and technology. The best part? The bathroom. Have an undersea experience as you wash your hands!
Butterfly Wonderland - With the largest butterfly pavilion in the US, you can enjoy both interactive exhibits along with a lush rainforest atrium full of thousands of butterflies! Amazing!
Stagecoach Ride at MacDonald’s Ranch - Located out in the stunning Sonoran Desert, MacDonald’s Ranch is the best place for a horseback or stagecoach ride. Feeling like you’ve stepped back in the Old West, there are great photo opps and areas for the kids to play. Jude loved it!
The early morning desert landscapes never get old!
Jude was in awe at Odysea!
Trains, trains, and more trains! Insane!
Felt like we’d transported back to the 1800s on this stagecoach ride. So fun!
Christmas in Scottsdale!
If you happen to be in Scottsdale during the holiday season, check out our blog about Christmas in Scottsdale. It couldn’t be more magical!
So as you can see, we’re obsessed with Scottsdale (and we’re pretty sure Jude is too)! We can’t wait to come visit again, there’s still so many beautiful hotels to explore, restaurants to try, and family-friendly spots to show Jude! Who’s joining us next time?