The 42 best places to propose in Scottsdale

I’d give this place 10 stars if I could! The Desert Botanical Garden is absolutely beautiful and so well maintained. Every trail and exhibit is thoughtfully designed, and you can really see the care that goes into keeping everything in top shape. The staff were attentive, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable; they were happy to answer questions and share insights about the plants and desert landscape. It’s such a peaceful and inspiring place to explore, whether you’re a local or just visiting. There’s also a restaurant on site that feels like fine dining without being stuffy. The food was excellent, the atmosphere was relaxing, and they cater to a wide range of dietary needs. Overall, it’s a must-visit spot in Phoenix.

The botanical garden is a must visit. The trails are no lesser than any state park/national park. The gathering tours were really informative. The staff is friendly. Gift store is so beautiful. There are water stations every now and there. Hydration is not all a problem. Loved watching butterflies and hummingbirds in the butterflies trail. Saguaros are unique.

Must experience. Absolutely beautiful. We were fortunate to arrive after the monsoonal rains. Everything was green and blooming. We arrived a little before sunset, so we're able to see the gardens during the day, at sunset with a beautiful Arizona sky, and the gardens lit at night. The Botanical garden is open till 9:00 pm. If you have a layover at Phoenix Airport, the gardens aren't very far away. I would encourage anyone younger old to take time to visit.

I was not sure if I would like this, but I ended up loving it. It can be a bit of a walk, but I went in Nov and it was not overwhelmingly hot, but still warm. I enjoyed the cactus and plants so much, they bloom beautifully. Of course they have a lovely butterfly exhibit so worth going to. The shop and restaurant was not to bad, slightly pricey, still nice though. I had a refreshing margarita. I would recommending giving this place a visit, was most enjoyable.

The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is absolutely incredible! I was blown away by the breathtaking views—towering saguaros and colorful cacti create this surreal, almost magical desert landscape. There are so many cool cactuses, from spiky barrels to funky agaves, and I loved wandering the shaded trails snapping photos. It’s super peaceful, like a total escape from the city, with hummingbirds zipping around adding to the calm. The paths are easy to navigate, and the sunset glow on the red buttes was unreal. It’s about $40 to enter, but worth every penny for the curated beauty. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves nature or just wants a chill, inspiring outing. Bring water if it’s warm, and go early for fewer crowds. I’m already excited to come back!

I love this place! It makes me happy. It gives me time to reflect and regain focus on life. We all have a happy place we go to recharge. This is one of many places I go to feel a sense of peace. I love nature, so this is a great place to visit. It’s also a learning experience as well. Many different types of plants and cactuses. They also have special events. A lot of fun stuff. I enjoy going when it’s cooler out. I make it a me day. Enjoy! 😊

Desert Botanical Garden is a fantastic place to visit. There are so many varieties of desert plants, and the massive cactuses are especially impressive. The butterfly garden is also great, with lots of different species to see. If you’re visiting on a hot day, make sure to stay hydrated—thankfully, there are water stations throughout the grounds. The staff are friendly and there’s tons of helpful information about Arizona’s incredible cacti. The entry fee is a bit pricey, but for a one-time visit, it’s worth it.

This tour—no kidding—changed my brain. Walking through the property was an expansive journey, and the audio tour was educational and really helped ground me in the space and pull me into the details of Frank Lloyd Wright’s design and philosophies. I can’t recommend this enough for lovers of design, story, and interesting spaces. I left inspired and with an augmented appreciation of the power of organic architecture, playfulness, and of spaces designed to foster community. If any questions come up for you, I highly recommend asking them to the staff present throughout the tour— they provided additional anecdotes and history that very much enriched our experience. My one regret is we didn’t go earlier in the day to be able to take more time soaking up the unique spaces.

It’s really easy to drive past the entrance since the sign blends in with the landscape. So keep an eye out! We took the self guided tour. The property was stunning, and we really enjoyed learning about Wright’s process and the history behind the property. Absolutely beautiful. The gift shop had so many unique items, too! Lots of locally made pieces.

The house in relation to the geography creates an ethereal setting that will leave you dazzled. It's an incredible way to experience Right's genius as you look through a window or a vista and realize that every turn, every view was meant to inspire. The tour goes by too quickly, like a dream you don't want to end. The controlled number of guests is also very important as the interior spaces are smaller than you think.

This was a great introduction to the complex. It was discovery day so the cost was only $5.00 each to go on a self guided tour. All the grounds and buildings were accessible and along the way they had hosts to provide details at various locations as well as answers questions. They also invited some other groups to provide information about their services. They also had some food vendors, activities and music. Free parking was provided and the fee allowed us to stay as long as we wanted. I was surprised that for a Saturday it not crowded and it was easy to view each location and enjoy the grounds.The store has a variety of keepsakes and beautiful creations for sale and the staff are very friendly.

Loved it! So informative and the guided tour was simply wonderful. Hard to imagine how all this was built in this hot landscape so many years ago! Very inspiring! Highly recommend!

Frank Lloyd Wright's genius design skills are at work here. The buildings look like they have always been there, which is the hallmark of his designs. Definitely a must see attraction in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area.

Such a great tour. FLW was so iconic to both Arizona and architecture. We did the hour audio tour which was very informative. This is a must see attraction.

Absolutely recommend a morning hike in this beautiful Scottsdale preserve. I visited from Colorado and was impressed with the clean trailhead restrooms, volunteer staff helping you find the perfect trail for your time frame and skill level, and amount of free parking. Gateway Trail and nearby bridge are perfect for a morning walk/hike with not much incline although there are some little rocks so no strollers. The trailhead starts right after the restrooms. Easy to find parking lot. Our Lyft driver had never been there and we found it easily on map.

Beautiful area. Many well-marked trails of different lengths. All seemed to be fairly flat in the sections we traveled. Appropriate for many levels of fitness/ability.

During my bachelorette celebrations in Scottsdale, the nine of us thoroughly enjoyed exploring the trails at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and pristine trails make it a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable outdoor adventure in Scottsdale.

Great place. Nice to visit in cooler weather. Very helpful volunteers as you enter the preserve.

Go early! This is a beautiful preserve and it’s very popular. The parking lot is big, but fills up by 9 or 10 a.m. in the cool months. There are lots of different hikes in the preserve, but the main trail is the Gateway Loop, about 4 miles. You’ll definitely work up a sweat, and the trail is rocky (wear hiking shoes), but it’s awesome. It takes me about 2 hours. I’m slow 😉. (p.s. There’s a nice park building with restrooms too)

Absolutely beautiful nature preserve with a lot of hiking trails and biking trails. Make sure to bring water as fill up stations are limited. Highly suggested for a short morning hike and afternoon bike adventure.

Hiking day ! This trail is an amazing view. Lots of big cactuses 🌵 🌵. The trail is flat and easy to walk. So you will have time to look up and see the cactus ❤️. Also, McDowell has some of the best mountain biking in arizona and is a must hit place if you’re in to mountain biking. The trails can be very technical so it's not exactly a great place to learn, try desert classic if your not experienced, but if your in to technical difficult climbing and intense descents then it is the place for you.

This was such a beautiful hike, it is pretty difficult but so worth it. You hike most of your elevation in the beginning and so perfect. It’s super busy on the weekends, I recommend early in the morning on a weekday.

It was one of the most amazing experience I’ve ever had. Even though I’m an athlete, it was very difficult probably because I went at 12pm midday in the month of May. It was difficult but the view at the summit was worth it. Parking was free and access was also free. Stay safe, follow safety rules and stay hydrated.

The hike was hard but rewarding!! Anyone can do it if you put your mind to it! I did it 15 weeks pregnant and made it to the top and down! Take a water bottle back pack !!! Hydration and multiple stops helps make it bearable. Took us about 3 hours up and down

A hard hike. If you don't usually exercise, I recommend training before going. But it's nice; the trail is well marked, and handrails are installed in difficult areas to prevent falls.

Very crowded on the weekends with limited parking. I would go early, like 5am early! 😌Beautiful scenery. Bring your hiking boots, hiking gloves and plenty of water!! No dogs allowed and nice clean restrooms.

Was in PHX for a conference and could see this place from my hotel room. So got up a 4:30 am and took a scheduled Uber (15-20 minute ride from the Sheraton/downtown) to hike during sunrise. - I hike a lot, but this is pretty rugged. Took me an hour to get to the top at a moderate pace. - about halfway up, there are several spots that require all four limbs. A non-technical climb of sorts. No climbing gear needed though. It’s doable but you’ve got to be adventurous. - I took the Cholla trail, which I understand to be the easier of the two trails (but not “easy”) - look for blue hash marks mark the trail all the way up — especially around the climbing parts - coming down is slow too. Plan for time. Less physical effort but got to be careful about foot placement. Some rocks are slippery. I suggest keeping three points of contact at all time. - a dozen or so people on the trail too when I went; so very public; everyone was friendly and polite. - I was worried about sticking my hand in a rock and getting a snake bite, but it’s so highly used, I’d bet they stay away. Wasn’t an issue. - it was cool and windy mid-May. Maybe 60 degrees; but the day before a colleague of mine did it at the same time of day and it was hot. So plan for both. Best to have a sweatshirt in a back pack. - bring ample water; I drank 60 ounces of fluid on this trek; bananas are a good idea too. My colleague said someone put a box of them out for hikers when she went; none when I was there. - the moon was out too on my hike (see photo) Gorgeous. I’m so glad I didn’t this. Great way to start the day — before sitting in a conference room all day!

This hike is tough but rewarding! Some sections are a full body workout! I avoid the railings for extra challenge. Once in June, I nearly got heat exhaustion, so bring plenty of water! Spotted big lizards, but watch for bees everywhere, even at the fountain. Parking is limited. The mountain will close for rescues or extreme heat index.

Great hike for easy to moderate hike with 360⁰ views. While there is a fair amount of elevation change, the 2 mile trail is very well maintained with steps, benches, and signage. It's a 4 mile out and back or can be through-hiked. The park facility is very good. I'm not a super fast hiker but did the out and back in about 2 hours.

Great 3.2km (2 miles) one-way trail with beautiful views. Gets a bit challenging by the end but easy-moderate to hike

We had an amazing hiking experience here today. Along our way a volunteer, Gary, told us some impressive facts about the plants, trail, and tips to see the best views. He then proceeded to continue the hike as our guide. He made our whole experience better than we could have imagined. Lots of laughs and plenty of sweat was had haha

What a fantastic hike. Absolutely beautiful views. The visitor Center has a place to fill your water bottles as well as clean bathrooms. There is no fee for the parking or for the hike. Bring sunscreen and plenty of water. Like most of the desert There is almost no shade.

Open at 5:45 am Has lot of parking Has restroom Scenic points Shady Can go with family and friends 2 miles one way Moderate and easy Carry liter water

Beautiful views of homes I wish I could afford. Nice pleasant hike but there are some tough parts. Parking lot fills up early but spots start to open up around 9 am.

Fun hike, lots of good views of the surrounding neighborhoods and greater area. The parking is limited, but everything is super well maintained and the trail is well marked. I will say it was harder than I expected. A lot of significant inclines and declines. But a fun hike for sure.

It's a small venue with 4 or 5 exhibits going at the same time. Walked through will take about an 1 hr depending on how much time you spend at each peice. It is a nice indoor retreat from the summer heat. I suggest checking for their free times or if you are part of your local library. See if you can snag a culture pass for free entrance for the adults.

This review highlights one of workers who made visiting this museum more memorable. He is an older Hispanic gentleman, who speaks English and Spanish, by the name of Lou (I didn't get his name initially but the front desk was able to provide it to me). Lou was fantastic! He took the time to explain some of the art pieces to me and my mom. He also showed me how to view some of the art pieces from different angle to display something I wouldn't have notice on my own. However, my favorite exhibit was Infinite. I had no idea each sphere has a speaker and played by a string quartet. It plays for about 16 minutes, so watching the spheres illuminate and listening to the music during that time was magical. I told Lou how I enjoyed this museum more than the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego but he was part of the reason why I enjoyed it. Thank you, Lou for making this museum more wonderful 😊 Will definitely be making another visit.

Honestly my favourite museum to go to. The staff are so chill and welcoming. The fees are nonexistent, which is great if you’re a broke college student. The exhibits are always really creative in nature and at times interactive. Recently I may or may not have been trapped in the room full of lights (Life on Mars exhibit) for hours on end. Just staring at the shifting patterns and lights. Truly mesmerising. 10/10 would get hypnotised for free again. Honestly wish I had the money to donate to this place 😭

I had a wonderful time visiting the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. On the day that I went to visit with my family, they had limited exhibitions open because they were in the process of finalizing their full set of exhibits for the season. But the ones we were able to experience were extraordinarily and memorable. The “Squid Soup Infinite” room was fantastic and makes you want to stay there for hours. This is certainly a must visit for those visiting Arizona!

When we visited, two halls were being reinstalled, so we only saw a reduced exhibit. That was good enough, though the outdoor one was disappointing: it is to be seen during sunset or sunrise, not an obvious time to visit a museum.

Really cool! A short visit is all you need if you're pressed for time.. if you have time I could definitely have spent hours in the Squid space

Small but very nicely done. I love the free parking ready as well. We enjoyed the exhibits very much. It is not very big so plan on an hour.

For anyone that loves butterflies and other insects, this is the place for you. An awesome video at the beginning that talks about stages of the butterfly, thought was very interesting. Once in the butterfly area, it was awesome, had a few land on me, that was cool. Go here early, when its cooler, but definitely a must see!

Butterfly Wonderland is awesome, let me start with that before getting into the few downsides. The whole concept is brilliant and beautiful. Not only are they helping preserve butterfly species and supporting conservation efforts, but they’re also giving the public a chance to experience these incredible creatures up close. That’s amazing! My only real complaint is the price. For two people, it’s about $75 for an experience that lasts roughly an hour or two at most. It’s a bit steep, but it feels better knowing the money goes toward something meaningful rather than just another theme park. Overall, I’d definitely recommend checking it out if you’re in the area. Be sure to spend enough time in the sanctuary, you’ll want to slow down, take it all in, and hopefully have a few butterflies land on you!

You cant go wrong walking through a tropical jungle with butterflies flying all around you! It was so soothing and calming! The staff were super helpful answering all our questions and giving us directions! Be warned, it's humid so dress accordingly! You won't regret stopping here in your visit to Phoenix!

Awesome attraction especially if you have kids, my 2 small toddlers really enjoyed themselves, and it was a fun mixture of entertainment and education. Staff are all very friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to share info on the butterflies. They have some small indoor exhibits with fish and reptiles as well. They also have inclusive options for children with processing difficulties or other challenges. Definitely a worthwhile place to visit when at the boardwalk

10/10 would recommend this place to anyone in the area! They had a short video on the monarch butterfly migration. They also have a near area where they show the life of a butterfly and the stages there before they release them with the others. There were so many and they were so gorgeous and perfect! Their snack area was clean and tidy. The staff was super friendly. There was so much to look at and I wanted to take pictures of everything. It’s def worth every penny!

Love bringing my daughter here! We have so much fun. Beautiful butterflies and fun experience. We go first thing when they open because they get pretty busy! Worth the money in my opinion.

Fascinating world of butterflies. From their birth to their death, and everything in between. Neat facts to learn about migration, and other things about butterflies. 3-D movie explains it, then you can walk in a huge garden with lots of butterflies. They also have some reptiles, sea life, and bees.

We come here every year for our anniversary and it’s above and beyond every single time!! Scott took such great care of us and made our night extra special. The food was incredible as always. I love that they explain each dish they bring out so I know what to look for. Each dish brought out was a little masterpiece and our entrees were what dreams are made of! Pure heaven!! . I love sitting outside in their beautiful little enchanted garden. Makes you feel like you are in a quaint spot in Europe! If you are looking for an elevated experience in food, service, and atmosphere, this is the place!! Thank you Cafe Monarch for always taking such good care of us.

We went to Cafe Monarch to celebrate my birthday and wow—what a memorable experience!! From the courteous complimentary valet to the very last bite of our meal, I was absolutely enchanted. The restaurant is stunning inside and out, and the romantic candlelit ambiance set the perfect mood. Every staff member was attentive and genuinely friendly, which made me fall in love with this place even more—I half expected a bit of snootiness from such a fancy spot, but there was none of that here. The attention to detail was incredible—from the décor and lighting to the elegant uniforms and dishware. They even printed a special menu with “Happy Birthday!” at the top, and every staff member made sure to wish me one. Such thoughtful customer service! We chose the four-course prix fixe menu with the oyster & caviar add-on (possibly my new obsession). Each dish was truly delicious and so perfectly paced that we were comfortably full by the fourth course. We ended with a dreamy white chocolate passion fruit mousse cake topped with a pretty butterfly biscuit, sparkler, and a cup of coffee. 🥰 Overall, it was a beautiful experience from start to finish. I felt so well taken care of. It may not be a place for casual dining since it is on the pricier side, but it’s absolutely worth it for special occasions!

We visited this restaurant to celebrate our child’s birthday. While the atmosphere was lovely and the staff provided excellent service, the food was far below our expectations, and I honestly don’t understand why this place is so highly rated. Nearly every dish had an overwhelming sourness to it, to the point that it made us question whether the acidity was meant to cover up ingredients that weren’t fresh. The seafood, in particular, was disappointing. We were expecting fresh oysters but were instead served deep fried ones that lacked both flavor and freshness. The lobster had a strong, unpleasant odor almost like stagnant water and was completely inedible. When we asked for it to be replaced, they simply removed the lobster and brought back the same dish with just shrimp on the plate. It felt careless and unprofessional. Overall, the presentation of the food was visually appealing, but the taste and quality were far below average. The chef seriously needs to refine their craft. There are many other restaurants that offer far better food without relying solely on looks.

My wife and I were excited to try since its rated so high. The atmosphere , service and food presentation was definitely 5 star. The food taste for us was not the greatest. Maybe its our palettes.

I’m going to start off by saying that this restaurant is definitely worth the hype. I went last night solo to celebrate my birthday and sat at the bar, from the moment I walked in I felt welcomed & special. On the menu they put happy birthday on it & catered to my vegetarian wants lol. One of the reasons I picked this place is because they offer a vegetarian menu. I picked this place over Maple & ash because of it. That’s very important for me since I don’t eat meat & prefer to stick w/ veggie options or seafood. The food was delicious. I did the vegatarian 4 course. I was so stuffed after & loved every bite of my courses! The bartenders also told me I had the option to mix it up so I was able to get salmon as my first course on the main menu. Serafin & Jeronimo (the bartenders) are fantastic!! They made me a delicious cocktail that was gin based. It’s called the Rosairie (I prob spelled it wrong lol) They are both very informative, gave great suggestions and just everything you want to have as a customer at a restaurant. They really helped to make my bday dining experience special. I highly recommend this place! I love that every dish they bring you they describe to you what you’re about to eat! Everything is beautiful inside and you can tell there was A LOT of thought that went into this place. From the bathrooms to the bar set up to the jasmine outside. Amazing!! The next time I’m in Scottsdale I will try their restaurant across the street& I’ll definitely come back to Cafe Monarch!! Also, I think it was Jeronimo that offered to take pics of me on my phone since I went solo! I really appreciated that. Photos came out amazing. I couldn’t have asked for a better bday experience. I loved every minute of it!! ❤️

Really nice & worth it. Make sure you understand tasting menus and that culture. Use the internet if not sure. This place gets it. Solid pairing menu and great explanation/demonstrations. Would recommend & return again. Thanks team, and keep up the good work!

This restaurant goes above and beyond. The food is phenomenal, the service is impeccable, and the ambiance is sexy. They printed my name on the menu for my birthday and made my special day feel amazing. Highly recommend!

My sister/best friend of 34 years set out on the journey today. It was definitely majestic even with all the chatter that was going. Word to the wise if you go for meditation be sure to find a spot away from folks. That was definitely the only downfall of the day.

This park is definitely always wonderful in nature and peace! It’s an easier park to travel through since your agility level may be beginner yet it’s fun and always memorable. It’s a clean park and a safe one as well. The sunset is my favorite, definitely have been here for 15+ times, and recommend this place to lots of people!

This was much needed stop and reflect location. Being out with nature when it was not too hot or cold. Such beautiful views and area. I loved that there were bikers and walkers on the same trails.

This is a beautiful, picturesque park with a lot of different amenities! The walking trails on the mountain are easy to do and breathtaking, but even the more common features are in excellent shape! We have utilized the archery range many times, and it’s a neat addition to the area. You won’t be disappointed if you visit!

Super chill with easy trails to walk around and get some nice desert views right next to the city. The Hole in the rock is a fun quick 2 min climb and perfect to catch a sunset or some photos. Stop by if you’re in Phoenix.

Absolutely gorgeous park! Plenty of spots to sit and chill with breathtaking views of the mountains. The grounds are clean and well maintained. There are plenty of walking and biking paths, which is nice for a bit of solitude even when other people are there. There are picnic areas, water fountains, and restrooms as well. The famous hole in the rock formation overlooks the park, however it was slightly crowded when I went so I chose not to climb it. It was still pretty cool to see! Good place to kick back and enjoy some fresh air. Parking is easy and close by to everything.

This was magical, coming from Florida. Did a few of the small loop trails and climb to hole in the rock. First time coming out west can only imagine what larger parks would feel like.

Such an interesting spot to wander in Scottsdale, and there always seems to be a fun event that's being hosted on site. We went out to see the Canal Convergence light & sound art exhibits when they were set up along the Scottsdale Waterfront, and it was amazing.

Had the best time ! So many shops and restaurants! Plus the awesome artwork is a vibe! Love Scottsdale!

Came for the italian festival and had a great time. Easy walking and great areas to check out. Definitely recommend.

Not so much a waterfront, but a canal maybe? Cool area with lots of shopping and places to eat. Attended Festa Italiano, nice event.

This is a lovely area with plenty to do! Get out there and enjoy!

We walked around the waterfront during the Canal Convergence light festival. It was interactive and very interesting. We had such a good time looking at all the lights and playing around with the installations. You can grab libations and walk around, drinks in hand. There are lots of shops, restaurants, bars, etc, in the surrounding area, so there is plenty else to do and see as one walks around. Currently, there are places like Olive & Ivy, Urban Outfitters, Culinary Dropout, Primp and Blow, and others surrounding this waterfront area in the heart of downtown Scottsdale. There are other events along the waterfront other than the light show, and many are free to the public. This is a charming area for a breezy afternoon of shopping and lunch or a cool evening out for dinner and drinks. Parking can get a bit congested on the street, but there is plenty of parking in the Fashion Square garage. There is also a valet at Fashion Square. During events and on weekends, I highly recommend using the parking garage. The area has more people during the winter months as this is the tourist season in Arizona. There are also winter residents known locally as "snowbirds" that come down from Northern states and Canada for the winter months, and this creates additional traffic. Just something to keep in mind for planning purposes.

Beautiful spot to walk and shop and enjoy the atmosphere. Canal Convergence in November, Scottsdazzle in December are both lit up and magical for the holidays. The art markets are fun. Even just riding an electric scooter along the canals is a relaxing time.

The Phoenix Zoo is such a fun place to visit! Definitely bring good walking shoes — there’s plenty to see and explore. We went in December, and the weather was perfect, though we did need light jackets. We especially loved seeing the lion, and the ZooLights experience was an absolute blast. A great place for families or anyone who loves animals!

It is a good size and very accessible with adult scooters, kid and adult animal themed scooters, and stroller rentals. The zoo membership was worth it since it pays for itself in about 2 visits. The cafe is decent and if you come on less busy days or less peak hours, it is really peaceful and serene with lots of areas to sit. The animal variety is pretty good for being in the desert and it even has a Siberian Amur tiger, one of the most expensive zoo animals and endangered big cats, that not even the San Diego Zoo has.

Had a great time at the Phoenix Zoo! The animals seem well taken care of. Enclosures are fairly large and well kept. There are animal ambassadors at most of the areas that are very informative and knowledgeable. They were able to answer all our questions and some were quite funny. They have the only open walk through attraction with squirrel monkeys in the United States, which is in my opinion a must see for any visitor to the zoo. Also you can feed giraffes, ride a camel or play in the water park. Their is something for everyone. Overall my experience was enjoyable and I recommend if your are in Phoenix to add a stop at the zoo!

We recently went here for zoo lights as part of an event from work, and it was beautiful. We have never been here for this, but now that we have, we enjoyed it very much. All of the lights and the details that they did to make all of it happen was worth it. I didn't take many pictures as I was enjoying my self that I forgot.. but it is beautiful and a really great experience. The animals are sleeping so you dont really see them. The trails are closed to some areas, but they make the animals come to life with, all the lights! There was only a few things open for snacks and drinks, and they had long lines so I guess bring yoir drinks and snacks with you? Otherwise is a really great experience for everyone!

We had a wonderful time at the Phoenix Zoo! The grounds were clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed. For being in the desert, there was plenty of shade, which made walking around very comfortable even on a warm day. There were lots of drink stations and food options throughout the zoo, so it was easy to grab a refreshment or snack without having to go far. The layout was easy to follow with maps and signs everywhere, which made exploring stress-free and enjoyable. The giraffe area was absolutely huge, and we loved the elevated platform walkway that connects exhibits that gives a unique view of the animals below. Overall, the Phoenix Zoo is a fun, family-friendly place that clearly takes pride in both guest experience and animal care.

There really were marshmallows for roasting! Amazing seeing all of the fun cars inside the zoo! There were 6, or maybe even 7 of them! Thank you for your very kind support of HopeKids everyone! #HopeKids 🌞 #ShareHope 🌻 #SuperFastRacing 🚙

We had an absolutely phenomenal day at the Phoenix Zoo, and I can't recommend it enough as a perfect way for kids to spend a couple of hours walking around and getting up close with wildlife. Our visit today was exceptional because the animals were incredibly active! Sometimes you walk past exhibits and the animals are sleeping, but not today. We saw so much lively action: • Monkey Business: The monkeys were putting on quite a show, swinging and playing all over their habitat. It was non-stop entertainment! • A Spiky Surprise: one porcupine was wide awake and busy, which was a real treat to see. Hehe did a little of dance for us, and it will be a memorable porcupine dance experience for us to keep in our family. Beyond the great animal viewing, we loved that there were a couple of animal encounters happening, which added an extra layer of engagement for the little ones. We also took the carousel ride, camel ride and stingray feeding. It truly was an awesome day at the zoo. For families looking to make a whole outing of it, the Phoenix Zoo is great. We were smart and brought our lunch, which made the midday break easy and relaxing. And of course, on a warm day, the splash pad was the perfect grand finale to cool off and burn the last bit of energy before heading home. If you're looking for an engaging, manageable, and exciting outdoor activity for your kids, the Phoenix Zoo is a winner. Especially if you catch the animals on an active day like we did, it's a memorable experience!

It’s definitely an easy adventure to the lovely hole in the rock center, usually a crowd to witness the beautiful horizon. We always love coming here and enjoying Mother Nature at its finest. The great outdoors! Plenty of parking and everyone is friendly, safe and enjoyable for a short yet mesmerizing experience, been here many times and will keep visiting!

It is actually a very short hike up to the hole in the rock. Who was easily able to do this in slides. I would definitely recommend bringing some water, because it gets very hot, and there is nothing else around unless you want to pay to get into the zoo. The hole was pretty cool, and we were also able to go through it and sit on the other side in the rocks and get a really nice view.

What a fantastic way to kick off our Phoenix adventure! As our very first stop on the trip, this quick and easy 0.3-mile out-and-back trail in Papago Park was the perfect low-key intro to the city’s desert vibes. The path is super family-friendly—mostly flat with just a gentle 45-foot elevation gain and a few simple stairs carved into the red sandstone—butte, making it a breeze even if you’re not a hardcore hiker. We zipped through it in about 10 minutes, leaving plenty of time to soak in the magic.

An amazing rock formation with a natural hole, surrounded by a park with a few scenic ponds. The trail offers a unique hiking experience, surprisingly close to built-up areas and road access. It’s well worth walking the trail to enjoy the view through the rock’s opening. Also an ideal spot for birding, especially at dawn or dusk. I even spotted a few species, including a roadrunner, around midday.

Breath-taking views. Especially at sunset. There is a fairly easy climb up. If you are going to watch the sunset get there early to get a good seat.

Fantastic place to watch the sunrise. It gets crowded but everyone is polite and respectful. Parking is alittle difficult but it’s a very laid back atmosphere. Everyone is there for the same reason and no one is in a rush. When the sun starts to set it gets really quiet and as the sun disappears behind the mountains everyone showed their appreciation to God for the beautiful of it all by cheering and clapping.

Beautiful! Can definitely get crowded. If you exit and shift to the left, you can still have a beautiful view just not as cool as being in the hole!

Arguably the best "small" museum I've ever been to. Incredible exhibits, great layout, super friendly staff. The Johm Clymer and John Clayton exhibits were as good as anything I've seen in years. Strongly recommend checking this out.

This is rated the best Western Museum in the US. A wonderful collection, tastefully displayed and volunteers are taking efforts to explain the contents. The bronze sculptures, the pottery and the paintings are very beautiful. Really good experience.

It's a good museum, the architecture of the building is great. As a person who grew up in Arizona I didn't personally find the museum content that interesting. The price is pretty comparable to other museums, but overall the collection and space is a little small. I would say the thing I disliked most was that it predominantly uses the voices and art of white people to talk about native people and cultures. If this wants to be a museum about the time and history of this area, they might include more accurate information on how the land was stolen, how the people and cultures were destroyed, and other painful but true parts of the history of the south west. If they want it to be a museum about the American gold rush, cowboy life, and the history related to that, that's fine too, but that isn't what they are claiming in the messaging. Overall a good museum but I wouldn't ever need to go twice

I was blown away by how much I enjoyed this museum! It has you classics... statues, paintings, pottery. It has the wild.... card cheating devices and thumbscrews. It tells you history and gives you insight to American Indians and Pioneer relationships. The docents are super informative!

This is a fabulous museum with a personable and knowledgeable docent staff. It's spacious, modern and the perfect backdrop for astounding bronze statues of western figures, both indigenous and immigrants. The paintings, Navajo weavings, jewelry and too much assorted bric-a-brac to count made for a wonderfully immersive experience into Western history. I cannot recommend more highly! Plus easy parking. Go there! Allow several hours.

Must visita I don't care how far you are from this museum, it is amazing. great pictures, statues. don't forget to go to the second floor. Thank you

This is such a great museum to visit if you’re in the Scottsdale area! So much to learn from the incredible art and history that this museum is storing. Not only is this a great museum, it’s a magnificent place to hold an event. The staff provided everything we needed to create an event experience for our guests. The facilities are perfect for hosting a corporate event with clean washrooms and the ability to use the centred courtyard, also known as a sculpture garden, for an outdoor style feeling.

Marcelino’s patio is really attractive, and I especially like that it’s below street level shielding it from car noise. Our friends loved their cocktails, and we enjoyed the selection of Italian wines - there’s enough variety for all budgets. Our server was efficient and attentive, and we were never left wanting. The only negative of all of our dishes was the mussels in a tomato-based sauce. The sauce was quite tasteless and definitely not at all spicy.

We just celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary here. Originally we had planned to go elsewhere, but changed our minds after having drinks at Marcellino's bar the night before. So glad we did! This is the absolute best restaurant at which I've eaten! Anywhere! Everything was perfect: our delicious entrees, the wine, the service, the decor, the lighting, the live music (with a fabulous singer), the beautiful dessert -- even the simple salad we ordered. It's obvious that the owner, chef, and staff pay attention to EVERY little detail. I wish that we lived in Scottsdale so that we could dine here more often!

My husband and I went tonight to celebrate our anniversary and cannot wait to go back again! We sat in the chef's cove private alcove and experienced the 5 course meal that accommodated our every want and need. The service was impeccable- friendly, thorough and professional. The food was AMAZING! The flavors extremely well blended, with a great variety and we felt like we were back in Italy! We over ate- but happily! Compliments to the chef- and the entire staff for making our evening memorable!

My wife and I ate at this outstanding Italian restaurant recently and it did not disappoint. We sat at the bar and had a great conversation with the chef/owner and his wife. They have been in business over 20 years and serve a variety of authentic made from scratch pastas and other dishes. It was truly a memorable night. We liked the food and atmosphere so much we made another reservation to come back on Saturday night to hear live music (the owner's wife was a professional singer) but unfortunately our plans changed and we missed the experience. It is definitely on our list to return to next time we are in Scottsdale.

Lovely staff the owners are Amazing and the food is Deeeelish!! They even cooked up some noodles for Furbaby and large whipped cream for his birthday cake, Thank you ! Excited to dine here in the future.

We tried this restaurant in old town Scottsdale by the canal. The setting is beautiful with the lights, and the weather was great on the patio (in May) after 7pm. Expect to pay a decent amount. The quality of the food is good. Portion size varied. My wife had a seafood dish that was a special with lobster. It was probably the best (and biggest) dish. The pasta dishes we tried were very tasty, and adequate. The veal and chicken dishes were pretty small, so if you order that don't come hungry. The mule in spring drink was refreshing, though my wife's espresso martini was really tasty.

Everything about this restaurant is amazing! The food, the service and the staff. There’s a reason they are number 1. Even made me a special card to give my girlfriend.

Very nice place to visit with family

Nice little park, great place to walk around and enjoy the morning or afternoon.

In reality It's just a statue of love. Having said that it really was fun to walk to it. We picked oranges. We saw some other beautiful statues. We took pictures of the kids in a giant chair. We sat and visited in the park and looked at the fountains. We also took lots of pictures at the love statue and maybe reflected on love a bit. It was a nice interlude on our trip to the phoenix area.

We recently did a charity event for MS and The Greater Purpose Project and added this FUN stop to our walk. Sharing the fun LOVE sign with out of town guests is always LOVED by everyone! I have been there many times. I like this location of where it is now better. The stroll through the park like area around it is really pretty

Beautiful place nice clean n scenic nice place to go for a walk

The sculpture is a great spot for photos! Kids can climb up into some of the letters so you can be creative with different photo ops!

Very few people know about this hidden art installation. If you cannot take a picture with the Love installation in Philadelphia, Phoenix gives you a second chance. To get the perfect shot visit the place during the late afternoon as the installation faces west.

Excellent museum! It is a huge place. You wear a headset which plays music as you approach the various exhibits. Exhibits are well labeled and so many interesting details. I loved hearing and seeing people playing the instruments on display via the headset and videos. There is a room where kids and adults can play a variety of instruments. Highly recommend!

Very amazing and educational museum. Would definitely recommend to anyone to go! 2 stories of history and cultures! Plan for it to take a good portion of your day. They have a cafeteria on site that has amazing food as well! Also an interactive instrument room where you can try out some of the different instruments you saw in the exhibits!

This museum is now firmly within my top 5 favorite museums in the world. I was pleasantly surprised at how large the museum is after deciding to visit last-minute. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated and include not only visuals but optional audio for everything you are viewing. With interesting facts about instruments, artists, and music styles from around the world. I only had the chance to see about 1/4 of all they have in my quick 2 hour visit so I’d recommend planing a few hours to come here and experience it all. There is a gallery where you can play a variety of instruments which as a musician was a dream. I’ve always wanted to play a harp and got the chance to do so here! The gift shop had such a fun variety of unique items, I came away with jewelry made from piano strings that I love! And on top of it all, this museum was truly inclusive for folks who need special accessibility accommodations. I recently injured my foot putting me on crutches. The staff kindly offered my choice of a wheelchair or electric scooter at no charge to use while in the museum. I can’t wait for the day I can come back to experience more!!

It is the best museum I ever seen! I am not a fan of music, but I am deeply touched by all kinds of music and instruments from all over the world, hundreds of countries and hundreds cultures. Staff in this museum are super nice, they are ready to answer your questions and provide useful information you need. This museum is not only good for adults, but also great place for kids! If you want your kid to learn instruments, bring kids to this museum and kids will start to fall in love with music. I will definitely come back to this museum again with my kid. Overall, I strongly recommend this museum. It is the No.1 best museum among the hundreds of museums I have seen.

MIM is worth the drive, no matter where you're staying in Phoenix. It's not just for music lovers, but also about history and engineering. We drove up from Tempe with our ASU student - we already plan to go back! The mechanical music room was fascinating and the artists room had so much variety - do not say no to the headphones. The experience of floating in and out of the sounds of the instruments on display really was magic. We finished with watching the short introduction film they offered. After experiencing the museum, it really brought home the universality of music through out all of human history... and it seems all to be represented right there in MIM. Really well organized and displayed: unique instruments, how instruments are made, antidotes from artists, instruments and musical styles from every corner of the world. Love!

Really wonderful museum. So much to see and the staff/volunteers are friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. If you're interested in music at all, this museum would be worth your time and money.

I had a wonderful time going in here and seeing all the different instruments from way back in the day took stuff that's current. I enjoyed all the way the sections were broke out so you could see different instruments from different locations and also just to come to the place of understanding where music builds our societies and who we are and also molds and changes people and cultures. I would definitely go back here again because I got overwhelmed after I had been there a few hours and had gone through a whole bunch of stuff. There are two sections on it I didn't even get through.

A great choice for lunch! Both salads tasted great. The complimentary breag and pesto was awesome. We also ordered the crispy brussel sprouts, cooked very well, not overcooked at all, great flavor! The outside seating was nice, noticed running fountain and the misting stations were a great addition to the patio! I would recommend this lovely place. Oh the inside seating looked spacious and inviting as well. 0ur server Collin (hoped I spelled his name right) he was friendly, helpful with recommending menu items as well.

Every time at Olive and Ivy is a fun experience! Their menu changes with the season and it's freshly prepared to order. You can taste the freshness from the high quality ingredients used and the care taken to cook. Hats off to the kitchen team! The service staff are always warm, welcoming and knowledgeable about the menu. They make you feel special. If it's your first time, spend a few minutes to hear about the restaurant...it's worth it! Ideal for a celebration, get-together with friends or colleagues and intimate dining with a loved one. Parking in the garage nearby is easily the best choice as you can walk across the street to the restaurant. Outdoor seating is fun with heaters galore and feels cozy on a soon-to-be winter night in AZ. If you are up for a stroll, take a leisurely walk post dinner across the waterfront bridge to a street with boutique shops selling interesting wares. You'll enjoy perusing the stores. A treasure in the Old Town Scottsdale area!

Delicious food, phenomenal service. My only complaint was the overall volume of the place. It is completely lacking any acoustic dampening, so it was very loud the entire time of our visit. It was almost shocking at first. Once we acclimated to the chaos, we were able to settle in and enjoy our booth. But it took the whole time we were waiting to be sat before we adjusted. They also have a patio we would have loved to sit at, but due to the recent rain it was not open for service. Overall, if are not too sensitive to noise, it is worth a visit. I would not have taken my kids though as they get overwhelmed in an atmosphere like this.

Diner and a show.... First time trying this spot. It's a calming atmosphere with an old world class. Visually stunning presentations, unique menu options and delicious is an understatement. Pictured lamb meatballs clean and tasty, bacon wrapped dates worth the drive for just this, White truffle prosciutto flat bread, crispy Japanese sweet potato has the peppers and cauliflower two desserts creme brulee and warm butter scotch cream cake. Special thanks to Mark Anthony for your recommendations. P.S. If you're interested in a show check out The Celebrity Theatre.

Great vibes, great food, great wine selection. Always busy, but worth the wait if you have one. Vegetarian friendly menu, enough where you can try various items and go home with a full and satisfied stomach. The fresh pesto with their house bread is delicious and an appetizer in its own.

Highly recommend!!! My wife and I visited Arizona for the first time and ventured upon Olive & Ivy when going to the Scottsdale Waterfront. Lunch was delicious, and our server Bryce provided great service and great recommendations. The bread provided to start was excellent, and the bruschetta trio (pictured are the Strawberries & goat cheese, Mozzarella, and Salmon Lox) was fantastic. My wife got the chicken panini and I had the bacon cheeseburger. You can’t go wrong with choosing a side between the potato salad and the fries — both were delicious sides to great sandwiches. Plenty of Wine and beer options to wash it all down. It was by far the best meal of our trip, and one of the best lunch experiences we’ve had at a restaurant!

Had a lovely afternoon with friends grazing the share plates. We chose Indoor seating to beat the Scottsdale heat, but outdoors offers lovely views over the water. Great food and good company! Enjoyed the lamb meatballs and fig and ginger mule.

This is a great park. The new splash pad is small and isn't shaded directly, but there is plenty of shade around it with seating. The outdoor playground is huge and recently got sun sails so it mostly shaded. There are a few things that you need to pay for to do, but they are small amounts. The indoor playground, the train ride, and the carousel. The train ride is a ten minute ride around the park field and is so fun for the kids. There is a gift shop, and an ice cream/ snack bar also which are indoor and really nice. Plenty of seating throughout. Love this park.

Such a neat place! Large retired train cars throughout the park. They have a small train ride that's about an 8-10 min ride, a large carousel that you can ride either for $3 per person. Ages 2 and under are free. Huge outdoor playground with many unique obstacles. Lots of space to run and play. Small restaurant, museum, gift shop and a large miniature train set with interactive buttons. You can pay $12 for a wrist band for unlimited train and carousel rides for the day. Highly recommend and such a great value!

Nice place to visit. They have several different buildings to explore. The one with the miniature train sets is free and quiet expansive. The grounds are well kept and they have several areas for kids to play along with a small locomotive to take a ride on. Overall a wonderful place to go with large trees, benches, and beautiful shade.

I completely forgot to post my review last christmas. Me and my family went during christmas time and it was so beautiful. I can say it was a magical time especially with the music and reasonable food prices. We mustve rode the train 100times that night. We will be there again this year!!! Highly recommend

Amazing place. I got to spend the morning there today with my godsons, and it was as I remembered it. They LOVED the train. The conductor handled the teen standing on the track very well, but the office staff we told couldn't do anything about it since they left. If you want a place that has both indoor and outdoor sections, this is the place!

Excellent park and playgrounds. There is also a fun train ride and carousel which are $3.00 each. There is a new interactive play train which I think is $6.Other than the for mentioned costs every thing else is free. We rode the train but that's it and the kids played on the playground and never got bored. Lots of picnic areas and plenty of parking

Great place to take the kids. The highlight for me was the model train building. It was a huge building with model train lay outs from N scale to O scale. Unbelievable, the detail in the layouts. The train ride is more for kids, and is a short ride around the facility. The serve ice cream and good lunch foods. I had their chili with corn bread. It was home made I thought. Lots of train history to explore. It's not very expensive to get in , and is worth the time to experience.

Love the location of this restaurant that you are able to see the beautiful view of the valley. We come at a time that just right after sunset, amazing colors seem like a majestic painted art. Service was OK was really nice knowing all the specials and server explain it each dishes, spray thoroughly. We could have more water throughout the dinner. The Tomohawk Steak is enough for 3 to 4 people to share. We love the taste and portion of it. Salmon and halibut were OK, they were a bit dry, but I love the sauce that goes with the dishes. Highly recommend the cookie and cream cheese cheesecake, layers of cream, chocolate, cheesecake, and chocolate Oreo like base makes a beautiful dessert

The food was not great, wasn't bad either, just not as high quality as we were expecting. The environment was nice, but the table was wobbly (had to shove their napkin under it to fix it) and the area had live music on one side and completely different music on the other which was very conflicting, really didn't sound great. It took a good 10 minutes for the waiter to show up, and even longer to come back and take our order and she didn't put in everything we asked for (forgot the potato puree), but it worked out b/c we weren't impressed anyways. The food did come out relatively quickly, but I was disappointed by the quality. The steak flavor wasn't great, but the rice bites were pretty good. All in all I would not recommend this place, seems like mostly hype.

We had a beautiful evening sitting outside just after sunset. Bill, our server was attentive and the food was great, both in taste and presentation. Being vegetarians, we usually have to pick through the menu. But, not only did they have a lot of options for us, they even had a separate menu with just the vegetarian choices. After we were almost stuffed from the fantastic shishito peppers, herbed parmesan truffle fries, and roasted baby beets, we had a wonderful Thai green curry tofu for our entree. To finish up Bill recommended the sticky pudding desert, which was more like a moist cake with ice cream - it was yummy! The atmosphere, sitting outside, the food and the service made for a wonderful date night.

Had an amazing dinner and experience here! The staff was extremely friendly and helpful when it came it ordering. The cocktails were delicious I’m still dreaming of them. The food was fast and fresh. The view for sunset was to die for!

We celebrated our anniversary at elements, and the experience was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, our table was thoughtfully decorated with fresh rose petals. Our server was warm and attentive, greeting us each time with genuine hospitality. We chose the Dinner for Two, which was perfectly curated: a crisp salad, two delicious sides, 40oz tomahawk steak cooked to perfection, and dessert to finish. The views were absolutely breathtaking, and the ambiance struck the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. Highly recommend for any special occasion—or simply when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.

Our server Bill was absolutely amazing. He did such a great job and explained everything on the menu and made suggestions. The view was beautiful and staff took time to ask if we wanted photos outside during the sunset. The food was incredible.

LOVE this place, absolutely gorgeous views and the food is wonderful. What a welcoming experience from the moment you get out the car until the moment you leave. They treat you like royalty, I am already planning my return.

Stepping into The Sugar Bowl is like stepping back in time in the best way possible. This charming little gem in Scottsdale has been around for decades, and it's easy to see why it's still going strong. The pink aesthetic is absolutely adorable – from the striped walls to the nostalgic decor, it feels like you're dining inside a vintage postcard. The framed photos of the original soda fountain setup add a nice historical touch and give you a real sense of the place's legacy. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making the whole experience even sweeter. The food was great – I had some classic tea sandwiches that were fresh and tasty, and we couldn’t resist trying one of their sundaes. It was everything you'd want from an old-fashioned ice cream treat: rich, creamy, and topped with the perfect cherry. And don’t miss the arcade in the back! It’s such a fun, unexpected addition – full of retro games that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Whether you're a local or just visiting Old Town Scottsdale, The Sugar Bowl is definitely worth a stop. It's not just a meal – it's a full experience packed with nostalgia, flavor, and charm.

They didn’t lie with the name—my sundae was pure sugar. I ordered the Creamed Walnut Fudge Sundae and somehow tasted no chocolate, no marshmallow, no pecans, not even ice cream. Just sweet and cold. I genuinely wondered if it was my taste buds malfunctioning… until I tried my sister’s food. Her finger sandwiches (egg salad and corned beef) were delicious. The kettle chips? Perfectly crisp and salty. Her Coke float was solid too, but that’s hard to mess up—just Coke and vanilla ice cream. Meanwhile, folks around us seemed thrilled with their banana splits, so maybe I just picked the wrong item. Despite the sundae flop, our server Olivia was an absolute gem: kind, attentive, and genuinely lovely. She made the experience feel cared for, even if the dessert didn’t.

The Sugar Bowl is a must of you are visiting Old Town Scottsdale. We went in the evening on a Friday night. I had the Tin Roof Sunday, and my wife had the Golden Nugget!! They were both delicious! The atmosphere is very much old school, and it will hit the nostalgic vibes. The staff was very kind and efficient. Don't forget to buy a coffee much for the collection in the way out.

This place is straight out of the 60s, pink walls, diner booths, and the kind of vibe that makes you feel like you should be wearing a leather jacket and ordering a sundae with a jukebox playing in the background. The ice cream was everything you want ice cream to be, cold, creamy, and full of flavor. I went with a double scoop because I keep it simple, and it was spot on. My partner got a parfait and it looked like something straight out of a magazine, stacked and layered perfectly. The best part is you actually sit down, order, and it comes out made fresh, none of this “stand in line, get scooped, and shuffle away” routine. Portions were generous, the flavors were dialed in, and the whole place just nails that classic throwback charm. If you have not been here yet, fix that. Seriously. It is ice cream that tastes like happiness, nostalgia, and childhood all mixed together, and it is absolutely worth the stop.

Stopped in last Friday for a traditional banana split. What a treat! Absolutely delicious. A little slow getting service at first, but the server was so sweet and the dessert came so quickly, we didn't mind at all. If you're new in town and love delicious ice cream in a vintage setting, don't miss this Scottsdale landmark!

I had passed the Sugar Bowl many times. After a night out at a different restaurant I decided to stop here for a desert. Oh my... This restaurant has been here since 1958 and is in resemblance to a 1950's ice cream parlor. I loved the atmosphere. And even at 9 pm, it was still fully packed with customers. I had the "Gosh-Awful-Gooey Banana Split. It had coffee and strawberry ice cream to die for. Covered in Whipping Cream and Carmel sauce. With a Cherry on top. Definitely coming back. Such a great happy atmosphere.

Friendly and quick service. A lot of choices and the ice cream is delicious. Don’t pass on the root beer float! It was delicious! Great way to cool down with the Arizona heat!

The view, the services and the food are all perfect. We had a nice dinner here. All of us enjoyed the sunset and night view. How a beautiful night.

My dinner at J&G Steakhouse was absolutely amazing. The view was incredible, with a scenic sunset patio that let us dine under the stars. The customer service was excellent, and the food was fresh and delicious. The wine selection was also fantastic. Overall, a sophisticated and memorable dining experience at the base of Camelback Mountain. Highly recommend it!

We had a large dinner party of around 20 girls come on a Sunday. The service was great and prompt. The view from the restaurant is beautiful. I ended up going for the peppercorn steak which I ultimately regretted. The peppercorn was insanely overpowering and also had way too thick of chunks, so it was kind of inedible. I also ordered sides like the potatoes and mac & cheese, but unfortunately, they never made it to the table. I think they were forgotten. My friends, however, got the prefix menu which I was able to taste and actually really enjoyed. I thought their steak was a lot better than mine. Other than that, the drinks were really good and so is the company which was more important overall.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 Superior J&G Steakhouse completely exceeded expectations. The setting is absolutely stunning—sunset views over the mountains make it feel like a true Scottsdale gem. The service was top-notch from start to finish—professional, warm, and genuinely attentive without ever being overbearing. The steak was cooked perfectly, tender and flavorful, and the sides were just as impressive (heirloom tomato salad & roasted mushrooms are a must!). You can tell every detail is intentional—from the cocktails to the presentation. It’s the kind of place that makes any dinner feel like a special occasion. $$$$$ Must try; Heirloom Tomato Salad Chilled Lobster w/ lemon aioli Jumbo Shrimp cocktail East & West Coast Oysters Roasted Mushrooms Filet Mignon

I’m usually not into steakhouses or fancy dining, but J&G totally changed my mind. My husband convinced me to go, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the whole experience from the friendly hostess to our awesome server and the perfectly cooked food. Everything was tasty, the service was top-notch, and even though I was super full, I still made room for dessert.

Absolutely wonderful experience. My hubby and I came here for our 11 year anniversary - so glad we came here. The view and ambiance was unmatched. The GM (I think was Frank) came out to say to us as well. We will be back soon :)

The GM Frank Armanetti is a truly horrifying human being!!! I’ve been going to J&G for the last 15 years had my family even did my cousins engagement dinner there!! Compared to Patrick his predecessor Frank leaves A lot to be desired. I have a 6lb Maltese service dog and a second even smaller Maltese that I’m training to be a service dog. These dogs don’t shed and very quiet and sit in a stroller. Mr Amanetti literally kicked us out of the EMPTY restaurant because he accused me of my dog not being a service dog and had zero interest in seeing the letter from my Dr as to why I have this dog. I’m a Platinum Elite Bonvoy member and usually travel with my dogs!! They’ve stayed at multiple Ritz Carlton’s this past year and go to all fine dining restaurants in AZ regularly. I’ve never been treated this way. It’s beyond appalling and distressing. I will put in a formal complaint to Marriot and most likely not go to J&G again until he is removed!!!

I spent a good while selecting seats that had the best view I was looking for. Their website helps a lot since it warns you if you select a seat with an obstructed view, so be sure to take that seriously! There are a few areas off to the sides (on all levels?) that block your view of half the stage. Just FYI! We enjoyed our evening and all of the staff we encountered were very friendly and helpful. A small bottle of water was $4 but there was also a water fountain handy so I can't complain. A can of beer was $11, but I couldn't find a beer fountain.

Clean well managed place for large events, plenty of views from all seating areas. Great sound system and friendly staff. Bathrooms were very clean. My o my gripe is the parking isn’t amazing here. Parking ramp is a little tight and not super well marked.

Mesa Arts Center hosted a Día de los Muertos annual event in collaboration with the community. It was a great event that had a variety of vendors (food and merchandise), music and dance performances, a community ofrenda, plenty of seatings and it was all laid out through out the art center. We had a great time and loved all the whole experience. Día de los Muertos Festival Oct. 25 - 26, 2025

I recently had my graduation at the Mesa Arts Center and it was absolutely beautiful and amazing. The entire space is stunning from every angle. In my opinion, there are no bad seats in the entire venue. The layout, design, and atmosphere made the event feel so special. The building itself is also impressive and adds an elegant touch to any occasion. I could not have imagined a more perfect place to celebrate such an important milestone.

First trip to this place. Show was a weekday holiday but still not crowded. Parking a breeze and reasonable. Wait time was minimal. Organized, well staffed that were both engaging and very helpful. The auditorium itself a good size for music events. Only holds 1500 people so that controls the crowd. Ample bathrooms on three of the four floors, clean and stocked. Comfortable seats with leg room, good viewing from just about any seat. Acoustically seemed fine. The bar service seemed overwhelmed at times. Better planning on their part needed. Shouldn't have to miss any part of the performancec to get a cold drink. Lines before the show and during intermission were too long. Pricing as you would expect, high.

Wonderful facility for concerts. Plenty to free parking around the area and very helpful staff inside. Comfy, big chairs and room to move around. Great views from any seat in the house. Had to wait a bit until doors to theater opened, but fast entrance through security outside.

This was my first time visiting this venue for the show of Penn & Teller. Comfortable seats and gorgeous, clean venue. Staff running the event friendly and helpful.

Took a family trip to the Museum and enjoyed it very much. My 4 year old Grandson loved the Dinosaur exhibits and especially liked panning for gold. You can't erase history it's happening everyday. Great Job to the Museum.

Me and the family had such a great time visiting the museum of natural history. My kids are infatuated with dinosaurs, so be able to see the fossils and skeletons was really neat to see their eyes light up. I love to exploring most of Arizona’s natural history as well. It was a very educational day for us and we are excited to come back.

I spent an amazing friday afternoon at this museum with my kids and it was a hit! The dinosaur exhibit with a real waterfall was a wow moment, and the hands-on activities and play areas were a huge hit with my 4-year-old twins. They loved exploring the Native American and Maya exhibits, and learning about the wildlife native to Arizona. One of my twins was initially scared of the mammoth skeleton, but with some encouragement, she faced her fears and we ended up staying for almost 4 hours. The museum is well-curated and engaging for kids, and the staff were friendly and helpful. Highly recommend for a fun and educational outing with little ones.

A cool experience for everyone and I got in for free! Natives get in for free with Tribal ID. Lots to read and look at. Real fossils! I took my time and read just about everything I could. Even with it being crowded, we got in smoothly, and enjoyed our experience. It's 3 stories big. Take your time to look at everything. For $16! Worth it.

Please lower your standards and you will have a great time. Unfortunately for us we read in advance about all of their amazing features such as “the flood” and their animatronics. Nothing worked and quite frankly it was like walking into Bass Pro Shops. I gave them 2 stars because at least their staff was very nice.

Attended the Rock on the Rock fundraiser on Saturday, September 27th at the museum. First time attending the museum; enjoyed an amazing night of music, good food and learning about AZ history. Plan to visit again during regular hours for a tour and gaining more knowledge about the wonderful finds made throughout Arizona.

Educational and fun for the entire family! The interactive kids room was popular but not crowded on a Saturday afternoon. A wide variety of exhibits kept us busy for a couple of hours. Lots of dinosaurs, rocks, crystals & panning for gold, cultural relics of the indigenous Indians of the area, the jail, the mine, plus more. Lots to learn & see in a smaller museum. Fair entry prices. Clean restrooms & exhibits. Really fun museum! Well done!!!

Wow! We wanted to try the House Brasserie in Scottsdale and it did not disappoint! Upon arrival, Joe, the owner greeted us and had our table reserved in front of the fireplace on the patio as requested. It was a birthday dinner for my wife and let me tell you the staff made it very special. We were seated immediately and from then on the service was spot on. Our server, Katie was amazing, she had great suggestions on wine and made sure our evening was simply perfect. Our appetizer and dinner were served promptly and timed well, the drinks were spot on, the atmosphere was amazing and to top it off they helped us celebrate with a very nice dessert. All in all this was one of the best dinner experiences we have ever had. A big thank you to Joe, Katie, Tommy and the rest of the staff for making our evening perfect!

This place has an undeniable charm. It feels like an old cottage tucked into Old Town, warm lighting, vintage décor, chandeliers, and a small bar that looks straight out of a vintage classic movie. The photos I posted tell the story, it's intimate, cozy, and visually interesting inside and out and the food looks incredible. However, looks can be deceiving. Read on. *Atmosphere: The outdoor space is where most of the action is, with string lights, heaters, candles, and a very Scottsdale supper-club vibe. It's pretty, but honestly not the most comfortable setup. Chairs are just okay, tables are tight, and the whole layout feels a little cramped for how long you're expected to sit for a full dinner. You sit directly next to the street and parking lot, it doesn't go unnoticed. It looks great in pictures, but comfort-wise, it's just average. *Food: the food looks fantastic, beautifully plated, elevated presentations, the kind of dishes you take pictures of. And it's good. Not great, not memorable, just good. The steak was solid, the fish was plated beautifully, and the risotto-dish looked impressive, but overall the flavors didn't live up to how dramatic the plates appeared. The bigger surprise is how limited the menu is. Fewer choices than I expected at this price point, and not much variation across the entrées. You're basically choosing from a handful of items. *Service: service was good, friendly, attentive, and about what you'd expect at this price point. Nothing negative, but nothing especially memorable either. *Price: definitely expensive. Not outrageous, but high for the comfort level and the food itself. You're paying for the ambiance and the ambiance is great in photos but the value feels a bit stretched. *Overall: this is a charming, photogenic dinner spot with good food, a small menu, and higher prices. Worth trying once for the atmosphere, especially if you want that Old Town romantic-cottage feel, but I'm not sure it becomes a regular go-to for me.

Reservations made over phone. We had dinner and it was delicious. We enjoyed the cheese board, wine, sea bass, filet mignon, and prime rib. Nice pace of service. Very attentive servers. Worth the price and time. Parking was hard to find on a Saturday night.

Wow! Our food was amazing. Started with the whipped feta. It just kept getting better. The cauliflower did not disappoint. Order it NOW!! Sooo GOOD!! Crab cakes are all crab!! ❤️ Don’t forget dessert! Key Lime Cheesecake 🤤🤤🤤This place is a hidden gem. I give it a 10! Service is phenomenal.

House Brasserie is a hard to find old home turned into a restaurant. We enjoy learning the history of the home and their maitre d provided it. We started with the crab cakes-2 excellent ones. The Mary's Chicken breast was outstanding and the Filet Mignon was perfectly seasoned and cooked. They have a great selection of cabernet and chardonnay wines. It is walking distance from the Hotel Valley Ho. It is a great venue where we have stayed. Parking is a challenge so Waymo, Uber or Lyft are suggested. Other great homes turned into restaurants in the Valley: Feeney's on 12 Street and Casey Moores in Tempe.

Very nice restaurant with a particular atmosphere. We had a dinner in the outdoor patio close to the fireplace and it was really great. The dishes are fine and indeed, as advertised, with a French influence. Dishes are well presented and designed and really good. Highly recommended.

This was our favourite dining experience in Scottsdale! Such a unique + beautiful space! The service, the food, and the atmosphere all blew us away. Lupita was our server- she was top notch and every single staff member really cared about our overall experience. The amuse bouche as well as the treat at the end was such an appreciated touch.

We had such a memorable afternoon at Joya Spa! The whole vibe was relaxing and beautiful, but what really stood out was the incredible poolside service from Carlos. He made us feel genuinely cared for and went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable. You can tell he really takes pride in his work—and it made a difference. The pool area has a stunning view of Camelback Mountain, and even though it got a bit crowded after our afternoon spa service, we didn’t mind. We just lounged around, soaked up the sun, and waited for the pool to clear out a bit. Honestly, it was all part of the chill experience. We’re planning to check out a few other spas in the area, but we’d definitely come back to Joya—especially if Carlos is still there. He really made the experience feel special.

I had such a wonderful experience at this spa! The facilities are truly amazing and everything about it is designed to help you relax. The facilities are exceptional, offering a serene escape at every turn. The quiet room invites you to truly unwind, while the steam room, sauna, spacious hot tub, and invigorating cold plunge create a perfect balance of relaxation and renewal. The poolside setting is kept at an ideal temperature, making it a delightful place to lounge. The massage was deeply soothing and left me feeling completely restored. I also appreciated the thoughtful details, a plush bathrobe and slippers upon arrival, secure lockers, and a beautifully stocked vanity complete with everything from mouthwash to body lotion. Every detail has been carefully considered to ensure the ultimate spa experience. The restaurant downstairs had a variety of options to choose from, everything was delicious.

Joya is absolutely stunning, and the massage from my therapist Antoine was fabulous. The spa was busy, and between the tours, regular chatter from other guests and someone watching a video on their phone, the Whisper Lounge was not what I'd consider a relaxation room. But, the sunshine and the view from the pool made up for it!

I loved my afternoon at Joya. The entryway is absolutely beautiful, with interactive elements that ease you into a wellness mindset. The locker and shower areas were spacious and comfortable. The hammam ritual room was a real surprise—the gentle warmth was perfect after my massage. Speaking of, I had a fabulous massage that worked my tight areas while also helping me relax. I had two small complaints. One, that no one greeted me to show me around. I had to find my way around until I found someone to show me where everything was. Second, the terrace pool was the temperature of a hot bathe despite it being 87 degrees outside. I also think it was a touch overpriced. My massage was good but nothing special. But I also want to give BIG kudos for easily accommodating plus size bodies. They had spacious robe sizes and wider shoes easily available, and even the massage table felt wide enough to fit on comfortably.

We had an amazing experience at the Joya Spa!! The staff was friendly and welcoming, the service at the pool was excellent, the amenities (sauna, cold plunge, hot tub etc.) were spacious… My husband and I both had excellent massages and after we enjoyed a yummy lunch by the pool overlooking the mountain! Definitely recommend!!

Hannah was amazing! I loved my Hydrafacial and she was very informative and made my face feel amazing! I saw an immediate difference. I recommend getting the collagen add on for sure. Our server, Emma, at the pool, was very attentive and fun. We had a couples 80 minute CBD massage with the salve add-on and it was incredible! My husband and I both left feeling lighter, relaxed and had no idea how badly we needed this service. I was worried I would be disappointed or uncomfortable going into this experience and that was not the case at all. The view from the spa pool is breathtaking.

This was a surprise for myself and family members. The hotel/spa itself is beautiful, but the attention to client could be better. I felt that everything was rushed. Get you in and out. 50 mins is more like 40. We got a massage, then had time for ourselves, lunch and then a scheduled body polish. I’ve been to multiple spas around the world and for this to be one of the best in Scottsdale (and pricey) was a disappointment. Staff is super friendly, but one should never feel rushed during a treatment.

First, I want to think insomniac for throwing on a great event at an awesome venue. I want to thank Scottsdale Arizona for letting us use such a treasured venue for an insomniac event. Ravers are a little bit to handle being one myself, I know , with a little bit more understanding of what PLUR is, and communication with the locals. It will be a strong venue for future events. Thank you Scottsdale Arizona for having Us and letting us use such an exclusive venue. Mr. CLEAN

I enjoyed the Westworld venue for the Black Rodeo. Or was 100 degrees outside and the dome what's air conditioned I didn't even need to bring out my fan unless I was dancing, lol. I wore heels and could walk around the entire venue with no problems because it's not too expensive. VIP seating you can see everything. Bleachers not so much.

My friend and I went for the Junk in the Trunk event. Great vendors and lots of things to see/buy. We saw the sign for the free Arabian horse final show and popped in to see that. I thought it was very exciting and the horses were beautiful. It was a great Saturday!

Black Roseo was an absolute hit. Fun time. The Rodeo was so entertaining. The music was great. The venue was well air conditioned. There was plenty of security. Those cowboys and cowgirls were super talented and brave.

It was easy to find. The bathroom was clean. The bleachers had a back to them which was different. It prevented me from having back problems so I really appreciated it. Parking available for $10.

Went to my first Barrett Jackson car auction, very well organized, plenty of excitement and history

1st time there, and it was a great experience. All you can eat brisket, burgers, dogs & side were 🔥. The cupcake display was amazing! We didn't stay for the fireworks show as we didn't want to deal with all that traffic. Overall, it is very much worth the price.

Love the fresh seafood and upbeat, yet laid back, atmosphere here for brunch, dinner and the Tower Hour. All have been luxurious and satisfying with friendly and professional service. We will certainly be back again soon. This time we enjoyed complimentary drinks and onion dip with caviar to start. We followed with mezcal and a draft IPA, then started with a roasted seafood tower with butter, chili oil and pasta finished table side. Next, lobster with truffle frites, prime French dip and oyster Rockefeller dip. Another good time and great meal! Cheers! 🙏🏼🍻🥂🦪 🦞

My husband and I went there to celebrate for my birthday. The food was great! I love the seafood tower. You can really taste the wood fire smokes. The seasoning was excellent touch. The steak was also good. The wedge salad was surprisingly very good. The onion ring made it so much better! The bone marrow was a bit too salty in my opinion. However, for the price of the food I feel like I could go somewhere else. The chocolate cake wasn’t that good. Don’t recommend it. The service was not so great. Usually when we visit fancy restaurants, they ask if we are celebrating anything or if there’s special occasion. The waiter didn’t ask and we didn’t really had a chance to share that we were celebrating my birthday. I was kinda bummed out because I thought my husband had noted it in the reservation. I didn’t get the cool menu that others get for their birthdays. The waiter was very pushy for ordering food. There were only the two of us and we already ordered big entree portions but the waiter kept on asking us if we wanted appetizers even after my husband said no. We ended up getting the wedge salad. The salad was good but we had so much leftovers because we had too much food. The atmosphere was great for dates and special occasions! Love the vibe and overall aesthetic of the restaurant.

Maple & Ash Scottsdale was worth every penny — hands down one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had. The vibe was amazing from the moment I walked in. The food was amazing. The service was top-tier without being uptight, and the whole night felt special. It’s definitely a splurge, but totally worth it. I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Wow, what an experience! My husband and I were celebrating his birthday and our wedding anniversary and I’m so happy we chose Maple and Ash! From the complimentary welcome drink and app, to ambience, to the service, and not to mention how perfect the food was. Unbelievable! Drea was our server and she was amazing. We didn’t feel rushed through dinner, enjoyed each course thoroughly with lots of time to chat in between. It wasn’t too quiet like most steakhouses, a great house music playlist. The beef tartare was a new experience for me but so delicious. The pillows of love were insane. We shared the NY strip and it was cooked perfectly. Espresso martini was very coffee heavy but tasted amazing. 10/10. Can’t wait to go back!

Amazing customer service! They took care of our large group. We didn't have a reservation but they graciously welcomed us. We went from a party of 16 to 40, and they just kept accommodating for us. Their hospitality was beyond our expectations. Food was also delicious.

Every time we visit the experience is absolutely exceptional. The food is consistently delicious, the service is attentive, and the attention to detail really sets this place apart. The ambiance is elegant without being stuffy, it feels special the moment you walk in. Their seafood tower is delicious 😋. If you’re celebrating a birthday, it gets even better. They make the occasion feel unforgettable with little touches that truly elevate the night. It is gorgeous and cozy!

Forgot to take a picture of the “Tour Hour” seafood tower. It was on the small side, we got two and had them put together. I’ve had the large one before and it was way better portion wise but also what you actually get in it. Service and environment were great as usual just a little underwhelmed on what 2 small seafood towers put together equated to.

This was a very unusual art experience. Many of the exhibits move and tell a story. The cocktail bar is a great touch. Good value yet strange location- under the escalators @ Fashion Sq. Mall. Worth a try. 45 minutes to an hour tops.

Fun experience. Inside the mall. The exhibits change every few months so it's different things to see. Sad we didn't get to see the hot air balloon room and the tape wall but it was cool to see all the different exhibits.

We are in Scottsdale for vacation and I had found Wonderspaces on TikTok. Located inside the Fashion Square Mall. On bottom floor near food court area. Very cool art museum. Had about 10-12 different art areas. Seems they switch them out , not sure how often. We walked up, no wait, we paid , sign waiver and we were good to go! Staff was very sweet. Kid friendly. Very clean. Had a bar to purchase drinks , but it was not open when we were there. Only wish it was bigger and they had more space to put more things!

This was such a fun art exhibit. Everything is so creative and interesting. Purchasing tickets was easy and it's not a bad price for spending 45-60 minutes to experience something new and different.

You have to buy your tickets online or by scanning a QR code when you get there. There are some things to fill out but it only takes a few minutes. All the exhibits were great. My 14 year old and I really enjoyed it.

Overall really cool, this last time they didn't have as much I feel like. It's fun but it does feel very short and it is kinda expensive for how long you're there. Regardless though, I'd rather them stay in business and stay at this location then be forced out, it's fun

This was an absolutely incredible art experience. It engaged my mind more than anticipated. Absolutely worth the price. Makes for a great date!

The ASU Art Museum is free to the public and open Wednesday thru Sunday. Parking is complimentary right in front of the museum at the Southeast corner of Mill and 10th St. The building itself is just as intriguing and unique as the art. Check in at the front desk for a paper guide, snacks, and a few souvenirs. Check out their website to see which exhibits are currently up and any special events. The museum has a cool moody vibe, and the different exhibits were interesting. The U-shape of the building makes it an easy wall to not miss anything. We turned it into a date day by walking the museum, then checking out campus shops, and finishing with a cocktail in a rooftop bar overlooking the city.

All the exhibitions are so unique and interesting We love our tour at the art museum, we visit all the rooms and all had great stuff I have my favorites, and best of all we had fun.

I hope this continues to be free, because everyone needs to see this museum! It is absolutely stunning with the content being very relevant to today's world

Loved the exhibit. Love the architecture. Very helpful staff

Defiently an amazing art gallery. Was suprised with some of the art they had from asia. Location was very quite and not overly crowded. Will be returning next time the update the exhibits. Was able to make it through in about an hour to an hour and half.

My wife and I had not been on a college campus for a number of years. Upon entering the ASU art museum it was saddening to see what was represented there! The brochure about the museum stated it was about social justice and in the five galleries we did not see any real art. We saw something that was very angry and a lot of open space. It was sad to see that such a beautiful building is wasted on so little content. Save yourself some time. Nothing redeeming for the hard or soul in this building.

Small university museum. There are about 5 galleries in there. Free admission. The building is nice, with unique architecture. Showing more identity kind of exhibits - like Indian tribes, or Mexican heritage. The student staff is super nice. Great place to just chill and cozy up in the heat of Phoenix

After 5 years of trying to get tickets through the raffle, we got lucky and received an email that provided a link to pay for the tickets. 4 months later we got to finally see it. The tour goes through the property and they tell you about the history of the family etc. The castle itself is only open for tours on the 1st floor and basement, the 2 upper floors are not available for the tours and that was very disappointing as we hoped to explore the whole castle. Lots of history there and the volunteers do a good job explaining it to the visitors. They have sometimes cancellations and you can check with them and if there is open spaces they allow you to take the tour. They have a small gift shop/welcome center were you arrive and check in.

It is a beautifully place but it is not open to the public so they have a lottery and you have to plan your visit ahead

Lived in Arizona for 30+ years and have always driven by the "birthday cake" castle but never been on a tour. Cool old nostalgic building. The tour was great and worth it to me as I enjoy visiting historic sites. On the guided tour you aren't allowed to the upper levels of the castle but there is interesting things to see on the first floor and the basement. Somewhat reminds me of visiting Hearst Castle in California. This is obviously much smaller and less to see but still interesting. The grounds aren't refurbished except for the cactus gardens but it sounds like there are plans at some point to redo some of the other buildings that have fallen down.

Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights: Historic Icon and a “Jewel in the Sonoran Desert” is an intriguing site tucked off the highway with 100+ years of Arizona History surrounded by beautifully maintained cactus gardens.  I did not get to tour the castle itself due to the lottery for tickets however the view from the shop area was beautiful! Want to go back for a tour sometime!

Historic house that is iconic for AZ. Great information learned on the tour. I would recommend signing up to get tickets and take the tour. Very cool!

It's a very pretty place, very verbal and visual tour, but you have to order tickets several months in advance. I placed my tickets at the end of September 2017 and attended the castle June 2018. The tour is an hour long, no hikes. They only show you two rooms and not the upstairs :( kinda bummed about that, I wanted to see the upstairs. It is very clean, neat, and there is not much AC so it gets warm almost immediately. When you want to take phots, the photos are rushed, I wanted at least 20 minutes to take photos,but they rush you out. It is an Arizona experience, I do recommend to look around, but just be prepared several months in advance with tickets. Tickets were $20 each for an adult. No student discount.

The "wedding cake castle" certainly invites curiosity when one first sees it from the freeway or when one flies into Sky Harbor airport. When it was built in the late 1920, it was meant to become a "boutique" luxury hotel, but the Great Depression curtailed Mr. Cararro's dream. Then the castle became the residence of the Tovrea family who own stockyards in the area. The city of Phoenix now owns the grounds and castle. A tour of Tovrea Castle isn't exactly oriented for the more "casual" or thrillseeking tourist. Why not? Well, for starters the castle is only open for part of the year (September to June) and tours are done on the weekends. There are some midweek group tours available. Always closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. No "walk-in's" allowed at any time. Pre-purchased tickets for the docent lead tours are required. They're only sold on the castle's website, and the tours are generally booked out 6 months to a year in advance. Ticket sell very quickly once released! However, if you're a "local" and are very patient then the wait is definitely worth it! It took me two years to finally snag a ticket...and I still had to wait six additional months! My "twilight" tour was $20 but ticket prices can vary depending on the event taking place. Tovrea castle grounds and patio are available for private events and that includes a tour of the interior. The castle is worth visiting particularly if you are into either early Phoenix history, art Deco architecture or construction. The castle has a very interesting history that spans several families. Urban legends about the place are in abundance. The friendly and very knowledgeable docents are quite eager to set records straight and are very open to questions! The first part of tour is a tram ride through the grounds. They have planted an amazing array of cacti and succulents from all over the world. The white river rocks just gleam in the sunlight! The castle itself is smaller than one initially expects it to be. However, at sunset when the lights are turned on, she is a real beauty. The interior is sparse but much of the original Art Deco design remains. Only the first floor and basement are open to visitors and you are required to wear special booties in order to protect the original flooring. The plateau where the castle is built is a great place to view the skylines for both downtown Phoenix and Tempe. There is a small gift shop with restroom facilities. Lots of parking. Neither grounds nor castle are handicap accessible. Some restaurants are nearby including an iconic steakhouse opened by one of the Tovrea descendents.

I experienced the worst customer service to date from Sheryl the front room manager. My fiancé and I while walking around downtown Scottsdale decided to stop by and enjoy a tasting. From the moment we walked in .. the look of distaste on Sheryl’s face was evident .. however .. Grace right? I’ve been a server and although there was only one other table there who knows how the hour prior was. So we decided to stay and enjoy our engagement vacation. After getting our wine and meat and cheese board and witnessing the pleasure in which she attended to other tables I decided .. well let me get the bill and a box and just leave because why stay where you’re not welcome. Sheryl then gives me a dirty Tupperware container .. yes .. a stained dirty Tupperware container box to put my appetizer in which I refused and decided we’re just going to go. She then threatens to call the police on my fiancé and I for eating and refusing to pay. Which is the furthest from the truth. How do you offer a paying customer a stained and used container? I have never in all my years been so disgusted with an establishments service. I called the owner Peggy and she apologized. Attached are some photos of the meal. Very cute and cozy establishment The couple that was seated when we arrived raved about the boards however we didn’t even get a chance to taste it. All in all if you decide to go .. pray you encounter a different circumstance.

The wines here aren't just made; they're nurtured. You can taste the sunshine, the earth, and the gentle touch of a thoughtful hand in every drop. There was a moment when I was tasting a particular red and I swear, I could picture tiny gnomes toiling away in a vineyard, tending to the vines with care and a bit of magic. Every pour felt like a discovery, each aroma a forgotten memory brought back to life. This is what wine is meant to be—a heartfelt, honest expression of time, place, and passion. If you're looking for an experience that will delight your palate and warm your soul, you must visit. It's truly a one-of-a-kind place that makes you believe in a little bit of magic.

We really enjoyed our time here. The server was amazing and explained every detail. They stayed open for us even tho they were closed and I enjoyed my birthday tasting there. Even bought a bottle which was kind of pricey.

We had the absolute pleasure of being helped by Susan during our visit, and she truly made the experience unforgettable. Her knowledge of the wines was incredible—she guided us through the selections with such expertise and passion that it elevated the entire tasting. You can tell she genuinely cares about the guest experience and takes pride in what she does. Susan created such a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and her recommendations were spot on. Truly a lovely woman and a real asset to the team. We left feeling happy, relaxed, and even more in love with wine. Thank you, Susan!

Today, my friend and I had the pleasure of immersing ourselves in the Le Nez du Vin experience, affectionately described as “aromatherapy for wine lovers”, at LDV Winery Tasting Room while visiting in Scottsdale and what a deliciously educational afternoon it turned out to be! Hosted in an intimate, welcoming setting, this tasting went far beyond the typical swirl-and-sip. Peggy, one of the owners, was our guide for the day, and her expertise brought the experience to life! With warmth and depth, she walked us through the story of LDV Winery, the unique characteristics of their vineyard, and the complex notes woven into their red and white wine selections. We explored how aroma, flavor, and food pairing can elevate wine from simply good to truly memorable. It was like unlocking a new language of flavor, one sip at a time. This is the kind of experience that lingers in the best way. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just beginning your tasting journey, the Le Nez du Vin experience is a beautiful way to deepen your appreciation. Perfect for couples, friends, or a small group looking to share something special and memorable. Highly recommended!

Place was ok, outside seating available so you are able to people watch folks on the street. We got the robust red flight, all 3 had a good flavor, although the 2015 Sky Island Petite Sirah was our least favorite, and had a LOT of sediment in the pour we received. Our favorite was the 2016 Petite Sirah, which we have a slight nod to over the 2016 "The Signature" Petite Sirah.

We visited the tasting room tonight and definitely do not recommend LDV. The service was horrible, the staff was rude, slow, demanded that our entire group did the same tasting and although we gave the server our credit card, were given a receipt and a pen to sign it, which we did, they tried to say we left without paying. They need to improve their processes (and their wine!), not to mention their customer service.

The service is consistently exceptional, and as a wine club member, I’ve always appreciated both the quality of the wine and the overall experience. Unfortunately, I’ll be discontinuing my membership soon, as I now live too far away to continue enjoying it regularly. The only downside has been the cancellation process—I’ve emailed twice and even visited the location in person, but I still haven’t received a response or confirmation. It seems unclear who handles these requests, which has made the process a bit frustrating. Other than that, I’ve truly enjoyed being a member.

Classy wine bar in Old Town Scottsdale. Lots to love about Airdus- lovely ambience, the live music, nice wines and the best service! Came with friends, we thought would be a quick wine tasting but stayed for a few hours for the beautiful live music by Dante and more wine. We had a lovely time here, enjoyed chatting with the staff as they were all so nice & knowledgeable about the wines. This place is a real gem!

This was hands down the worst wine I’ve ever had in my life. Calling it wine is an insult to actual winemaking. It smelled like vinegar left out in the sun and tasted like a mix of cough syrup and dirty dishwater. The bottle promised depth and elegance, but what I got was a sour, bitter mess that I wouldn’t even use for cooking. On top of that, the company was shady — no clear vineyard information, no vintage details, nothing but empty marketing fluff. It honestly felt like a scam. The entire experience was a total waste of money and left me feeling duped. If I could give zero stars, I would. Save yourself the headache and stay far, far away from this bottle and this company.

We have been here a few times and Lodi has been delightful every time. We really enjoy the Aridus wines! We decided to join the wine club since we enjoy the wines so much.

This was the most disappointing wine experience I’ve ever had. The company was unprofessional, unresponsive, and completely uncommunicative. The bottle lacked even the most basic qualities you’d expect — the flavor profile was flat, unbalanced, and nothing like what was advertised. On top of that, they withheld basic product details such as vineyard sourcing, vintage information, and winemaker notes, which came across as evasive. The misleading marketing felt like a bait-and-switch, making the whole purchase unnecessarily frustrating. If you have the option, I strongly recommend choosing a different wine or producer.

The wine is great! But I wish there was more than just 1 person working the place. He wasn’t attentive and made us wait a log time for each flight. It’s really annoying to show up and there’s only 1 person working on a holiday weekend. Come on Aridus. I’m afraid to come back because I don’t want to be held hostage there for a whole afternoon.

We had the most amazing experience! We stopped in for some pre-dinner wine, and we ended up having the highlight of our trip. Not only was the wine very good and the tasting was fun. But we cannot say enough good things about Jen. She waited on us hand and foot and quickly became a friend. We were sad to leave and have to say goodbye to her! I would recommend coming to Aridus for anyone.

Beautiful Set up and completely free! One of the best places to see all the local Flora. If you are in the Pheonix area and are looking for some prestine Saguaro Cacti, than this is a perfect stop!

A very nice garden with seating to rest and cool off in the shade.

Small park to hang around and see plants. It was such smaller than what I thought, right next to a dog park. The entrance is through the park, it has no entrance on it's own. Google sent is to a non-existent entrance and we had to drive all the way around.

A very neat place to stop in a walk around! There’s a large dog park, two restroom locations, soccer fields, and decent parking. They have so many plants, trees, bushes, and cacti. Many of them are labeled with little signs giving the name. There’s multiple locations with a map to share where you are. The Mesquite Bosque was very calm and tranquil. I really liked that. The Water Harvest Basin was super cool and visually appealing.

Beautiful park! Very relaxing. I stopped by here while waiting for my flight out of Phoenix. Saw many birds and a few rabbits. ❤️

A beautiful place to have randomly pulled over and checked out. Educational, calming, lovely.

I highly recommend Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden. To elaborate, this destination offers informative insight pertaining to beautiful plants, a harmonious trail walk, alongside beautiful nature for contemplation, enhancing quality of life.

A great selection of excellent wines. Lots that you can drink today and some excellent library or collectible wines for your cellar. Many are award winning and are well deserved. Amara is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. My wife is often highly allergic to most wines, but she has never reacted to any wine from Savatore. They only thing I would love is if they had some sort of snacks we could add to our tastings.

Lovely staff (very knowledgeable and kind) and delicious wine for all pallettes. I liked the sweet wine tasting and my parents enjoyed the drier wines. A tasting is $20 per person, but if you buy 2 bottles of wine, then the tasting is comped.

Just a wonderful experience overall. We love stopping in for a quick tasting and talking to Amera, learning about the wines. Every wine we've tried, we have absolutely loved, and are members of 2 of the wine clubs and get so excited when its "wine time." Our favorites are the La Neve and the Spectre. Edit: I am not a rose fan, but decided to be adventurous and try the rose anyway. Holy cow! Best rose I've ever had - left with 2 bottles on top of our wine club wines.

Such a Hidden Gem and Amera Made It Even Better! 🍷✨ We were just out for a casual walk and decided to pop into this wine tasting spot on a whim! Amera greeted us with such warmth and genuine hospitality that we instantly felt welcomed!!! She had a great energy and made the whole experience feel like we were visiting a friend rather than just stopping in somewhere new. Even though it was a quick visit, she took the time to walk us through a few selections and shared her knowledge in a way that was both approachable and fun. The atmosphere is cozy, stylish, and perfect for both casual sips and deeper wine convos if you’re into that. As someone who lives right around the corner, I can already tell this is going to become one of my go-to neighborhood spots. I can’t wait to come back for a longer visit and try more of what they have to offer. Thanks again to Amera for turning a spontaneous visit into a highlight of our day. Cheers to many more visits ahead! 🍷🙌

This was such a gem! We were walking around and realized a lot of places were closed since it was Memorial Day weekend! And that’s when we found this cozy and chill place! We loved the atmosphere and the wine! The prices were pretty good! We had such great conversations with the staff ( I can’t remember his name but he was awesome and so sweet to us)! I would definitely go back!

As a wine club member, I’ll admit I might be a little biased—but honestly, the wine here is hands-down the best I've tasted from Arizona. That’s probably why I joined the club in the first place! Every visit reaffirms that decision. Exceptional quality, great flavors, and a true local gem.

Amera was a breath of fresh air. She was so welcoming and knowledgeable. I could spend all day with Amera!!!!! Great wine and even better company.

Very nice place with friendly staff. Took a tasting flight and added a sparkling wine. I respect others that seem to really enjoy those wines but to my personal taste….didn’t like them at all. Lacks of complexity. It’s hard to get the primary aromas on the nose and I never found the secondary and tertiary ones. Acidity was too high and not balanced. No real length on the palate. But we still had a good time at Merkin and I’m happy to have tried new wines with friends.

The pizza here was good and it was pretty early yet to comment on how a night would turn out here. That being said the the wine I had and the service were the shining stars and not so much the pizza. Thats also why i went here. Bridal party came in for some wine flights so I assume the place got pretty fun. It was a great glass and a nice setup!

Delicious foods!! I’ve want to go there for a while after seen pics of the bacon wrapped dates… They are so tasty and totally worth the trip. I live in Texas. The empanada was also delicious, it reminded me of empanadas I’ve had in Argentina and Chile. Had two glasses of wine a pink Jane and a red Shinola. Recommend by Derek who has to be one of the best bartenders I’ve ever met and I’ve met a few. Outstanding Merkin wines, I brought home two bottles. Also got to talk to another gentleman who was very kind and one of the cooks gave me a sample of salami that he was slicing in the bar area. Everyone’s kind and personable there 🙌🏼 This location is smaller than the Cottonwood one, it feels more intimate and cozy. The gelato was also incredible, a perfect end for a remarkable culinary / wine / social experience. I can only say: You all have to try it!!!

Best wine in old town Scottsdale. Best pizza in old town Scottsdale. Best pasta in old town Scottsdale. Chef Steve is a wizard, the guy should be on Iron Chef. Everything he creates and plates is grown fresh at the vineyards or sourced locally before being hand-delivered to the kitchen. Very creative and tasty options for all appetites that change with the seasons, check out the pics and try not to drool… Jim, the GM, is very on top of the business and takes great pride in the experiences of patrons. It’s the most reliable service in Scottsdale. He hires people who are super knowledgeable about wine and are fun to be around. So yeah, go eat and drink there immediately.

Great place! Great wine and great pizza! A bit pricey, but the food is tasty and the menu is always different. Sydney is a sweetest! She knows her stuff.

Second time coming here and it was even better than the first time !!!! As soon as we walked in it was busy and packed but we still managed to grab a table and we were immediately greeted by Anthony, he was incredibly genuine and friendly and made the experience so enjoyable !! There was only two workers in the front with a packed place and he still managed to take the time and help us out, he was incredibly attentive not only to us but to everyone in the restaurant. Truly an amazing worker with great work ethic, and even better customer service !!!!! It was absolutely amazing. Great ambiance and food followed by remarkable employees like Anthony and Luis that made it so special!!

It’s been a while since my wife and I had alone time. We found ourselves finishing early from some work we had on Sunday so we decided to check out the Merkin / Caduceus tasting room in Scottsdale. We have visited the one in Jerome a few times and enjoyed it. I was starving so I ordered a pickled plate and the Cuban sandwich. Marcus, was helping us through our food and drink decisions. Ericka ordered the Sancha because this is one of the wines we had at our wedding. Besides that he gave us a few delicious samples of wine and the food came out quickly. Great atmosphere, the windows were open to the street, the weather is beautiful in Az right now. (March) The music (coincidentally all maynards music) was not too loud. The food was locally sourced and fresh. The staff was knowledgable and friendly. Recommended for an easy going and mild mannered date night!

Parking can be tight at times but with the heat on the rise, we're finding ourselves alone atop the summit on weekday sunset nights. Be in shape, bring plenty of water, and take your time on your descent.

Very fun and challenging hike. Incredible views at the top. The trail is steep and rocky in parts, so be ready for a good workout, but it’s worth the effort. Go early if you can—it gets hot and busy later in the day. Make sure to bring plenty of water since there’s little shade along the way. Great hike if you’re looking for something active in Scottsdale.

It’s free. It’s beautiful. It’s super exercise. And you can hike as much or as little as you want. Go early - sunrise or late - just before sunset. The trail is open from sunrise to sunset. You won’t get on after sunset. And they’ll probably chase you off if you’re up there in elevation. It’s a double black diamond trail from trailhead to Summit. But if you only do the first 5 mile posts, it’s moderate. If you do just the first couple three to get a view it’s easy.

I attempted to hike Camelback Mountain in July, starting before sunrise. Unfortunately, the heat quickly overwhelmed me, and I was unable to complete the hike. I made it past the challenging "staircase" section with its steep incline. There are designated rest spots along the trail, which I utilized. The trail wasn't overly crowded during my early morning start. Overall: Camelback Mountain is a challenging hike, especially in the summer heat. I recommend starting very early in the morning and bringing plenty of water.

Beautiful hiking trail, quite strenuous, in the middle of the city. Worth recommending for 1-3 hour hikes.

Absolutely amazing hike. Possibly the coolest one I’ve ever been on, and I hike a lot. Imagine having the view of the world from above in a plane but being able to enjoy it for as long as you’d like. It is very challenging to make it to the top but totally worth it. We chatted with a friendly park ranger after the hike and he told us that a big part of their job is convicting people NOT to do this hike if they give off any sign of unpreparedness or inability to do it. Know your limitations and trust your instincts. Have plenty of water. It gets HOT and there is no shade. There is great signage sharing about the importance of not overdoing it.

Amazing hike! It’s super fun and the view is spectacular. We saw people of all ages doing the hike , though before the top it’s a bit tricky. Very fun hike 🏜️

Excellent run operation! Had a great experience here today with an impromptu horseback ride. Incredibly family friendly. Neat little petting zoo and western town complete with steer roping for the kids. All staff were beyond warm and welcoming. Would recommend highly! Thanks for the great time!

This is a must experience, not fast pace but really nice horses and team that manage. Lots of horses.?the one hour tour is more than enough due to horses walking slow. Very nice for a family as well. Great nature scenery as well

As a horse owner, I’m kind of a snob when it comes to trail outfits when I’m traveling, and these guys passed muster! Horses are fit, clean, and well cared for. Staff are friendly, the trails are beautiful, and I think I saw more wildlife on this ride than I have on any other ride I’ve had in my life.

The family did the sunset trail ride and had a good time. From beginner to expert, the staff was easy to work with and very knowledgeable. Can't speak to the other activities they have on the ranch, but the trail ride was fun and worth the time.

Clean family fun Pumpkins galore Live Pony rides for kids Horseback rides for adults. Food fresh Old Farm charm Sweet kettle corn. Friendly family atmosphere.

Amazing spot to enjoy the desert and the beautiful horses. Andrew and Kyle were amazing guides and went above and beyond to help and talk to the littles ones so much, which gave them so much courage to ride the horses. I would love to go on a sunset tour or enjoy the cowboy dinner. The morning trail ride was an awesome experience for out of towners ☀️

This was our second visit to McDonald’s Ranch, and we absolutely love it! The scenery is breathtaking, making for a beautiful and peaceful ride through the desert. The horses are incredibly well-trained, making it an enjoyable experience for riders of all skill levels. The staff is friendly, welcoming, and clearly passionate about what they do. Our guide, Lauren, was amazing—so sweet, knowledgeable, and made our ride an absolute delight. She ensured we were comfortable and made the experience even more enjoyable with her kind and positive attitude. If you’re looking for a fantastic horseback riding experience in Arizona, McDonald’s Ranch is the place to go. We can’t wait to come back!

We stopped by for a tasting and charcuterie board. We had such a great experience, the staff was fantastic and very knowledgeable. This was our first Arizona based winery experience and it was wonderful, can't wait to visit again!

My favorite spot for wine & wine tastings in Scottsdale! All of the wines are delicious and unique -- a standout favorite is the Malvasia Bianca. Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable! My boyfriend and I have been a part of their wine society for 3 years now and we absolutely love it! It's such a great value for the quality + price. Could not recommend Carlson Creek more!

Awesome atmosphere! Wines tastes great and our server Marcus was very knowledgeable and friendly, offering many good recommendations and explaining to us the process/tasting notes of the wines.

We stopped in at Carlson Creek Winery and we were attended to by Marcus. Marcus was entertaining, enthusiastic, and very knowledgeable about the wines he was serving and the wine industry in general. Carlson Creek Winery is an absolute stop! You will not be disappointed!!

Mark and Marcus are very knowledgeable about the grapes and vintages and provide a running commentary on what they are pouring. If you want to know more just ask. More importantly, have not had a wine I did not like. Always an enjoyable wine tasting. You’d be hard “pressed” not to join their club.

Excellent tasting! Our host was fantastic! What a great find out in Arizona. We’re not expecting to find wineries and good tasting experiences. Happened to stumble upon this while an old Scottsdale. The wines were really good and the host could not have been more fun and engaging. He definitely knew his wines.

Stopped by while waiting for the Van Gogh exhibit, and truly enjoyed my experience and the wine. Taylor helped us with our tasting and learn more about their wine and brand. Had a great time and found my new favorite wine, Rule of Three. Looking forward to stopping in again.