Scottsdale is known for outdoor adventure set against the dramatic Sonoran Desert landscape, swoony wellness-focused resorts, and top-tier shopping. It’s also known for hot, arid summers, with highs spiking to 105 and beyond. While winter peak season is generally considered the best time to visit, Scottsdale in summer still has a lot going for it: killer resort deals, sparkling pools, and a rhythm that rewards staying cool in the shade by day and exploring after the sun dips.
Southwest and American operate multiple daily nonstop flights from Albuquerque to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Flight time is an hour and change, which puts Scottsdale solidly into a doable weekend trip range.
Luxe Stays and Cool Pools
One of Scottsdale’s biggest draws is its array of fine resorts and fun boutique properties, and the summer rates are designed to entice travelers to book a summer stay.
Hotel Valley Ho
This fun, retro hotel in Old Town was once frequented by celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra. Chill beside one of two pools, get pampered at the spa, or dine onsite at ZuZu. New: two Hideaway Suites that feature a separate King bedroom plus a living room with a sofa bed and adjoining bathroom, plus a wet bar and a private wraparound balcony. Other touches include a vanity inspired by mid-century dressing tables and Hollywood backstage lighting that align with the property’s vintage movie star vibe.
Best for: Couples and friend group getaways.
Hotel Solaya
This newly remodeled boutique property has art-filled common spaces, two curated dining concepts and an outdoor pool deck where Slo Social, a weekly Saturday pool series, runs through Labor Day.
Best for: Trendy friend trips and social weekends.
Privado Villas at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
This AAA Five Diamond resort is the ultimate in luxury and pampering. Expansive, private accommodations, dedicated concierge and host services, exclusive pools and dining venues, and seamless access to the resort’s award-winning amenities, such as six pools, onsite golf and spa experiences, chauffeur and concierge services, and a dedicated kids club.
Best for: Families and multigenerational groups.
Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas
This newly opened property is introducing signature weekly programming, including immersive sound baths, storytelling under the stars, Friday night live music, and floating mahjong. Set on 40 acres between Camelback and Mummy Mountains, the resort blends polished desert design with a wellness-forward atmosphere, multiple pools, spa experiences, and easy access to Old Town Scottsdale. It’s a fresh, stylish option for travelers who want resort comforts with a modern twist.
Best for: Girls’ trips and wellness-minded couples.
Fun In the Sun and When the Sun Goes Down
While summer visitors will want to save intense outdoor adventures for a cooler season—or head out first thing in the morning—there are still plenty of things to do beyond the resorts. Camelback Mountain can be manageable for early risers, but Scottsdale’s summer sweet spot is mixing light daytime activities with evening adventures.
On-Water Adventures
Take a guided paddle tour with Yak N Sup on Canyon Lake. Offerings include themed excursions such as history-and-nature tours and lantern-lit evening paddles with eerie storytelling. Self-guided tours and day rentals are also available if you’d rather explore at your own pace.
The Wonders of the Arizona Night Sky
Take an interactive astronomy tour in a dark-sky location away from the city lights with Scottsdale Adventure Tours. Guests can view constellations, planets, nebulae, and more through a high-powered telescope led by a professional astronomer.
No Party Like a Bike Party
If a pool-party bike crawl sounds like your jam, check out Arizona Party Bike’s collaboration with Hotel Solaya. These pedal-assisted group bikes are part rolling patio, part mobile happy hour, with shaded seating around a central bar-style setup as you cruise through town. Morning and afternoon tours stop at cheeky watering holes in Old Town such as Not My First Rodeo and 50 Shades of Rosé before ending at Hotel Solaya for poolside drinks and music.
Beat the Heat With Indoor Fun
If you want a respite from the pool, here are some creative ways to explore Scottsdale that keep you out of the heat.
Musical Instrument Museum
Located in greater Phoenix, the Musical Instrument Museum is one of the area’s most unique attractions, with galleries showcasing instruments and music traditions from around the world. Its popular summer concert series brings live performances to an intimate indoor theater, making it an easy evening escape from the heat.
Old Town Baseball Experience at Frasher’s Tavern
This free exhibit space inside Frasher’s Tavern in Old Town Scottsdale spotlights the city’s long connection to baseball, with memorabilia, books, and local history tied to Scottsdale’s Cactus League legacy. Pair your visit with a drink or meal at the tavern.
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
This Smithsonian Affiliate explores the art, culture, and history of the American West through rotating exhibitions, Western art, film, and artifacts. It’s a polished, air-conditioned stop that adds depth and context to any Scottsdale itinerary.
Summer Bites and Sips: What’s New
- Three James Beard Foundation standouts: INDIBAR, Café Monarch, FnB
- Newly opened Telefèric Barcelona brings a taste of Spain to Scottsdale
- Emerald Lounge at CATCH Scottsdale
- Summer cocktails at HULA’s Modern Tiki and Cala
While winter peak season is generally considered the best time to visit, Scottsdale in summer still has a lot going for it.
Flight time is an hour and change, which puts Scottsdale solidly into a doable weekend trip range.