Scottsdale is a top destination for the ultimate bachelorette weekend full of sunshine, fun, and a little bit of adventure! From sipping cocktails by the pool to hiking scenic desert trails, this vibrant desert city offers the perfect mix of relaxation and night out dancing with your besties. Upscale spas, lively nightlife, and a stunning desert landscape, Scottsdale has something for every bride-to-be and her crew.
This travel guide is designed for bachelorette groups and will give you ideas on where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Scottsdale. Read until the end to get a curated two-day sample itinerary to use when planning the bride’s unforgettable bachelorette weekend in Scottsdale.
Where to Stay In Scottsdale
Scottsdale can feel pretty big since it’s spread out with many different neighborhoods and areas. It also borders several major cities: Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, and Paradise Valley. Finding the right area to stay depends on the vibe and size of your group.
- Old Town (Downtown): this is the most walkable area of Scottsdale. Old Town will have everything that you need. It is a vibrant bustling area filled with bars, restaurants, outdoor spaces, and a great nightlife for a bachelorette party.
- Scottsdale Waterfront & Scottsdale Quarter: this is near Old Town, but it has more of a laid-back vibe. It has a quieter atmosphere compared to Old Town, but it is still conveniently located near all of the shopping, dining, and along the Arizona Canal. You will still have easy access to all the bars and clubs being in this area.
- The Arts District (South of Old Town): this is still a very walkable area. It is south of Old Town with fewer tourists. It has an artsy, creative vibe that is filled with unique shops, galleries, and trendy spots. The Arts District has great cafes, wine bars, and smaller boutiques if your group is looking for a more chill experience. This area is definitely more affordable than Old Town and Waterfront!
- North Scottsdale (Desert Ridge & DC Ranch): this area is much more spread out and can feel a little bit more residential, but there are tons of luxurious resorts out there. There are also tons of amazing hiking trails. This area is great if you’re looking for scenic views and a beautiful desert landscape. This area is great for an outdoorsy group, but it is a further drive away from a bustling nightlife.
What to Do in Scottsdale
Sunny poolside hangs, vibrant nightlife, breathtaking desert views, there are endless activities and events in the area. Below are the must-dos for your bachelorette group in Scottsdale.
- Girls night out in Old Town. Dance at The District, Bottled Blonde, Kasai or bar hop around the area. There are so many options in this area that you cannot go wrong. If you’re not staying in Old Town, consider renting a party bus to get the group around!
- Pool Party. Rent an Airbnb with a pool to have your own pool party or check out private cabana rentals at The Saguaro, Hotel Valley Ho or the W Scottsdale.
- Wine Tasting or Brewery Tours. There are a few options in Old Town such as LDV Winery Tasting Room or Scottsdale Beer Company and O.H.S.O. Brewery & Distillery.
- Hiking in the desert. There are plenty of beautiful hiking trails to start your day. Camelback is one of the most iconic hikes, but there are also other easy and moderate spots such as Pinnacle Peak or McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
- Bachelorette Photoshoot. This one is a fun idea! Hire a professional photographer to capture some fun moments while you’re all glammed up!
Where To Eat in Scottsdale
There are so many fun brunch spots for the girlies in Scottsdale, but there are also a great range of options. Below are our recommendations for every meal.
- Hash Kitchen (Waterfront) – for brunch, check out this build your own bloody mary bar.
- Farm & Craft (Old Town) – for brunch, check out this healthy spot where most of their dishes are made with sustainable ingredients.
- Arcadia Farms Cafe (Downtown) – for lunch or quick bite to eat, check out this French-inspired dining.
- Diego Pops (Waterfront) – for lunch or dinner, grab tacos from this authentic Mexican restaurant. Every Monday is $3 Taco day. They also have a great daily happy hour from 3-6pm.
- Olive & Ivy (Waterfront) – for dinner, check out this Mediterranean-inspired eats spot. Bonus: it has a great patio!
- The Mission (Old Town) – for dinner, get dressed up for this modern and upscale Latin cuisine restaurant. You won’t be disappointed!
Easy Ways to Save Money
Who says the ultimate bachelorette weekend has to cost a fortune? With a few simple tips and tricks, you can have an amazing time without breaking the bank!
- Find Happy Hours: Diego Pops has one of our favorite happy hour deals, but there are other restaurants and bars with deals as well. Plan your outings around them to save!
- Incorporate Free Activities into your Itinerary: enjoy the outdoors by hiking the many trails or stroll through Old Town and the Arts District to window shop and check out art galleries.
- Book an Airbnb with a Pool: if you have great amenities, you’ll want to take advantage of staying in instead!
- Table Service at the Bars: do the math before you go out! Sometimes, splitting a bottle as a group is cheaper than everyone ordering their own individual drink.
2-Day Sample Itinerary
DAY 1
- Check into your Airbnb with a pool!
- Grab a quick bite to eat at Farm & Craft. Walk around Old Town.
- Head to Camelback Mountain to hike the Cholla Trail. This 1.5 miles trail will take about 1.5-2 hours.
- Get ready for a fancy dinner at The Mission.
DAY 2
- Start the day with building your own Bloody Mary at Hash Kitchen.
- Head back to the Airbnb to have a fun pool day with the group. Check this guide out for some bachelorette party game ideas.
- Have a professional photographer come by to capture fun pictures of the group while you get ready to go out!
- Enjoy the patio at Olive + Joy for dinner.
- Hit the Old Town for dancing and drinks.
We have planned two ultimate bachelorette weekend parties in Scottsdale, and it really is a fun city for the girls (and guys!) For more Scottsdale recommendations, check out 9 free & cheap things to do in Arizona.