Where to Eat, Stay and Play in Scottsdale in 2026

by Heidi Gollub on January 16, 2026 in Travels,
Cacti under a super moon
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From luxury desert resorts and immersive wellness experiences to standout restaurants and outdoor adventures, Scottsdale sets the standard for elevated Southwest travel. 

Scottsdale, Arizona, has a magnetic pull for Texans, with its incredible spas, sprawling pools, foodie delights and desert blooms. There is so much to enjoy in the Sonoran Desert, and it’s all just a three-hour flight away. Here’s the scoop on what’s new and coming in Scottsdale. 

Scottsdale’s health and wellness scene

Scottsdale is a top wellness destination for 2026, blending luxury spa experiences with longevity-focused treatments and nature-driven restoration. These five spas are worth adding to your list. 

Large pool with mountains in the distance
ADERO announced a huge renovation, including a major spa expansion in 2026. Photo Heidi Gollub.
  • ADERO Scottsdale Resort
    • What’s new: ADERO is getting a glow-up to become a destination boutique hotel. It’s kicking off a resort-wide transformation this month that will double the size of the spa. Spa improvements will include a hammam, infrared sauna, cold plunge and juice elixir bar. 
    • This resort is the only Autograph Collection hotel in a certified Dark Sky Community. The hotel’s Star Dudes bring their telescopes on select evenings to give you a stellar view of the planets. 
    • ADERO is expanding celestial programming with Solar Sundays solar telescope viewings and Sacred Sky Float sound bath meditations aligned with full and new moon cycles.
  • Agave, The Arizona Spa at The Westin Kierland Resort
    • What’s newsworthy: Agave offers Comfort Touch Therapy for cancer patients.
    • Be on the lookout for sound bath healing in 2026, with guided meditation and live music. A few times a year, the resort also hosts a floating sound bath in the pool. 
  • BluSONIL
    • What’s new: Scottsdale is home to the flagship location of this brand-new longevity and regenerative aesthetics studio. It just opened in December.
    • Treatments include IV therapy, cryotherapy, red light therapy, contrast therapy and advanced skin analysis.
Woman in a white robe, heels and sunglasses stands next to a cactus.
75% of classes offered at CIVANA are included. Photo Heidi Gollub.
  • CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa
    • What’s new: There are now more than 100 included classes offered at CIVANA each week. Try guided meditation, floating sound healing, numerology or a dance class. You can also pay extra for classes like aerial yoga and mocktail mixology. 
    • Located just outside of Scottsdale, in Carefree, Arizona, the Sonoran Desert landscape is the star of this resort. 
  • Spa Avania at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort
    • What’s newsworthy: This spa blends mineral water therapy blended with synchronized music. 
    • Fully renovated in 2024, Spa Avania has 19 treatment rooms and a Himalayan salt room. Spa offerings include cryo sculpt facials, desert essence wraps and CBD trigger point therapy massage.

Hot Scottsdale restaurants to try

Scottsdale’s dining scene continues to evolve in 2026, featuring globally inspired menus, refined classics and destination-worthy resort restaurants. 

A woman serves wine in the desert.
Grab a ticket for a unique pop-up dinner with Cloth & Flame. Photo Heidi Gollub.
  • Cloth & Flame
    • It’s not a restaurant, but make sure this culinary company is on your radar.
    • Be on the lookout for its immersive pop-up dining experiences in desert locations. 
    • If you snag a ticket, you’ll enjoy farm-to-table cuisine paired with local wines under the desert moon. 
  • The Ends
    • Its seed-oil-free menu offers a mindful take on comfort favorites, and every bite is mouthwatering. 
    • The biscuits are to die for. You could eat an entire meal of biscuits and have no regrets. 
  • The House Brasserie
    • Enjoy fresh food from local farmers’ markets. Chef Dustin Wheeler says, “If it’s not in season, I’m not going to put it on the menu.” 
    • This longtime Old Town Scottsdale dining favorite also makes a delightful espresso martini. 

Unique Scottsdale experiences

Outdoor adventure, arts, culture and entertainment make Scottsdale one of the most dynamic destinations in Arizona. Here are some outings to add to your 2026 itinerary. 

Pink flowers on a cactus.
A cactus blooms at Desert Botanical Garden. Photo Heidi Gollub.
  • Desert Botanical Garden
    • While technically not in Scottsdale, you’ll pass it as you exit the Phoenix airport. Don’t miss the opportunity to see world-renowned desert plant collections across five themed trails.
    • Dana Terrazas of Desert Botanical Garden says, “Come see the desert. It’s amazing and beautiful, like a Dr. Seuss movie, unique and grand.”
    • What’s new: Desert Pulse is an immersive artist show through May 10, 2026. This multi-sensory exhibit at the garden incorporates photography, motion and sound. \

 

ATV parked by a cactus in the sunshine.
Drive at ATV through the Sonoran Desert. Photo credit: Heidi Gollub.
  • Desert Wolf Tours
    • Take a 3-hour guided off-road desert adventure in military-inspired vehicles.
    • Your guide will teach you about the plants and animals of the desert and share survival tips. 
    • You’ll get to try your hand at driving a rugged Tomcar UTV over rocky, hilly terrain and possibly water. It’s exhilarating and exhausting. 

 

two hot air balloons fly toward mountains
Nothing beats an early morning hot air balloon ride over the desert. Photo Heidi Gollub.
  • Hot Air Expeditions
    • Book a sunrise or seasonal sunset hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert.
    • The panoramic views of mountains, cacti and desert landscapes are breathtaking.

 

Three saguaro cacti reach up to a cobalt blue sky.
Join a professional wrangler on a trail ride across MacDonald’s Ranch. Photo credit: Heidi Gollub.
  • MacDonald’s Ranch
    • Explore the Sonoran Desert on a guided hour-long horseback ride across the rugged 1,280-acre MacDonald’s Ranch.
    • Learn about native cacti and critters, from teddy bear cholla to tarantulas, from the safe height of your horse.

Scottsdale resorts — what’s new for 2026

Scottsdale’s resorts continue to raise the bar with refreshed spaces, new villa offerings and expanded amenities. There’s always a reason to come back and visit again. 

Cacti and palm trees frame a white building.
The newly renovated villas at Hilton Scottsdale Resort are perfect for families. Photo credit: Heidi Gollub.
  • Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas
    • What’s new: 45 villas were completely transformed at the end of 2025 as part of a $24 million resort-wide renovation.
    • Large two-bedroom villas include a full-size kitchen, washer and dryer. 
    • Get the best of both worlds: Feel like you’re in an Airbnb rental, but have access to all the hotel amenities, including room service.
    • Coming soon: A new Mediterranean restaurant by the villas with al fresco dining, a grab-and-go market, an evening happy hour and the ability to book a private chef to cook for your crew in your villa.
  • Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale
    • What’s new: Adding to its two 75-foot pools, the resort just debuted the new adults-only Sunset Pool. This area offers craft cocktails and light poolside bites. 
    • Try the resort’s bath butler experience. For $150, this package includes everything you need for the perfect bubble bath, plus chocolate-dipped strawberries, tea light candles, a bottle of wine and two bath-themed souvenirs. 
    • Book a private sound healing experience or join an aerial sound bath class. 

It’s the perfect time to start planning your next desert getaway. For more vacation inspiration, visit the Experience Scottsdale website. 

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Cover Photo Heidi Gollub

Heidi Gollub has been to Scottsdale three times in the past four years, and can’t wait to go back. She lives in Austin with her family.