Scottsdale, Arizona is a wonderful destination for a wellness vacation, stargazing, public art, and outdoor recreation in the Sonoran Desert.

Guest: Laura McMurchie, VP of Communications, Experience Scottsdale

Must-Do's:

1. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve — More than 225 miles of multipurpose trails, statuesque Saguaros, more than 30,000 acres. Hiking, mountain biking, etc.
2. Old Town Scottsdale – pedestrian-friendly city core where you’ll find boutique shopping, independence chef-driven restaurants like FnB, 7 AZ wine tasting room, public art and two museums (Western Spirit an SMoCA)
3. Horseback riding or off-roading in the desert (Windwalker in Tonto National Forest or Saguaro Lake Ranch Stable in the Bulldog Cliffs Tonto National Forest)
4. Spa and wellness – so many options!
5. Hotels:
   • CIVANA: Chakra balancing, gartitude circle, aqua therapy, yoga, massage, pool, SEED restaurant, hike.    
   • Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North    
   • JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
   • The Mission Old Town: Latin cuisine

     6.     Taliesin West – FLW’s winter home and school of architecture
     7.     Sunrise or sunset Hot air balloon

What's New:

1. Blue Zones Project Scottsdale 
2. Kayaking on the lower Salt River – wild horses, bald eagles, etc.
3. Cosanti
4. Wonderspaces
5. Cattle Track Arts Compound
6. PURE Pickleball & Padel 
7. International Dark Sky Discovery Center
8. Hotels:
   • ADERO — the only Autograph Collection Resort in a certified Dark Sky Zoneo
   • Sanctuary Camelback Mountain (Oxylight Machine)
9. Events:
   • Spring Training – Feb./March  
   • Arabian Horse Show – Feb.
   • Canal Convergence – Nov.
   • Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience – Nov.
   • Dreamy Draw Music Festival – Nov

For more information, go to https://www.experiencescottsdale.com.

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