One of the great things about living in Scottsdale is that it’s such a great launching point to get to so many other cool locations. Whether you’re looking for a day trip escape into cooler weather, planning a romantic getaway with your partner, or arranging an adventure-filled girls’ or guys’ weekend, you’ll find it all just a few short hours from the Valley. Buying a house in Scottsdale is like buying an easy-access pass to countless weekend getaways.
Here are our 3 favorite surprisingly easy weekend getaways when you live in Scottsdale:
#1 Sedona & Flagstaff
The Historic Route 66 runs just outside of the Scottsdale and the Valley, and takes travelers near two of Arizona’s coolest small towns: Sedona and Flagstaff. Sedona is world-renowned for its red rocks, which are beautiful and unique, and there are a variety of companies who offer Jeep tours to the most remote and spectacular of these formations. The town is a haven for hippies and is known for its art, food, and spiritual vortexes centered on ley lines. There are countless hiking and mountain biking trails accessible year-round, as well as food, beer, and wine festivals during every season. Art and culture is a huge part of the Sedona vibe and there is frequently art walks and festivals in addition to the galleries and stores regularly open to the public.
Just another 45 minutes further down the highway lies Flagstaff, a quaint mountain town and home to Northern Arizona University. Flagstaff is located in Coconino National Forest and the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest. This forest town is also home to Snowbowl, a snow sports resort offering skiing and snowboarding in the winter in addition to romantic and fun lodging options. The town itself is a combination of Route 66 nostalgia, Native American culture, and the Old West legacy, making it the perfect place to experience all that it means to be an Arizonan. During the summers, Flagstaff is the perfect destination for those who want to escape the heat to hike, mountain bike, and rock climb.
Sedona is just two hours by car from Scottsdale, and is perfect for day or weekend trips. AirBnB rooms can be found for as little as $25 a night, while hotels can go for as much as $200 a night, depending on the level of luxury you’re looking for. Flagstaff is similar in prices to Sedona, and can easily be a day trip if you’re not looking to book an overnight stay. Both Sedona and Flagstaff are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and culture connoisseurs.
#2 San Diego
If a beach vacation is more your vibe, then San Diego is the perfect weekend trip from Scottsdale. San Diego has a little bit of everything, making it a great escape for a girls’ weekend, a family vacation, or a solo excursion. The San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld are huge attractions with entertaining and educational exhibits. The weather in Southern California is generally 10+ degrees cooler than in Scottsdale, which makes it the perfect temperature to cool down a bit while still being able to enjoy summer activities like tanning, surfing, and boating at Mission Beach. Hiking trails are gorgeous year-round, or if you prefer, take a hike through one of the many wine vineyards up the coast instead. In the winter months, whale watching is popular as well.
Food and dining is more than just tasty in San Diego – it is a cultural experience. Whether you’re looking for a Michelin starred restaurant or a food truck that Anthony Bourdain raved about, you’ll find the best of the best here. San Diego is known for its wide variety of ethnic foods in every price point, fueled in large part by the city’s diverse cultural makeup. Of all food types, though, no food group outranks that of Mexican food in San Diego. Known internationally for its tacos and burritos, even Phoenix residents find themselves craving those San Diego flavors from time to time.
San Diego is easy to access from Scottsdale by both car and plane. An easy 6 hour drive separates Scottsdale and San Diego, or if you’d prefer, jump on a plane and be there in an hour for about $200 or less depending on the time of year. Lodging is available at any price point, with AirBnBs starting at about $30 a night and luxury hotels exceeding $400 a night.
#3 Las Vegas
Easily one of the most infamous cities in America, Las Vegas is a popular weekend getaway. With the abundance of shows, restaurants, and activities, it’s no wonder that Vegas is the destination of choice for both girls’ and guys’ weekend. Outside of gambling, the number one thing to do in Las Vegas is to see a show, and there are no shortage of them to choose from. If you’re into magic, check out David Copperfield or Criss Angel, Mindfreak. If you want to be wowed, be sure to catch Cirque du Soleil, the Blue Man Group, or one of the many nude or burlesque shows. Thrill seekers will enjoy activities like the Supercar Racing Experience at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, while the inquisitive might want to try a murder mystery dinner party.
Speaking of dinner, be prepared to eat a lot of it! Las Vegas is famous for its all-you-can-eat buffets which range in price and quality from $20 to hundreds of dollars. Vegas is also home to countless fine dining options with nearly every notable chain and chef having a flag planted somewhere in the Las Vegas food scene. So no matter who you’re traveling with, you’ll probably want to pack a pair of stretchy pants to wear home after hitting all the incredible restaurant options.
The price of a weekend in Las Vegas varies wildly depending on the experience you’re looking for. AirBnBs can be found for as low as $30 a night, while 5 star hotels can run from $500 to more than $3,000 a night. You can drive from Scottsdale to Vegas in under 5 hours, or fly there for about $100 and arrive in an hour.
Buying and Selling in Scottsdale with the Panozzo Team
Kim and Dave Panozzo have been living in Scottsdale since 1994 and are passionate about helping families and individuals buy and sell their homes in the Valley. The Panozzo Team goes out of their way to help their clients find the perfect home and settle into life in Scottsdale quickly and naturally. To learn more about Scottsdale and the Panozzo Team, check out the team’s official YouTube channel.
Both Kim and Dave Panozzo are military veterans and are active supporters of veterans and the military community. Kim served in the US Air Force while Dave served in the Army, and their daughter currently serves in the Air Force. Both Kim and Dave’s parents and grandparents actively served. The Panozzo Team works with and supports veterans and their families, and understands the unique needs of military families when buying and selling homes. Contact the Panozzo Team to learn more about real estate in Scottsdale.