Scottsdale’s weather can be sweltering sometimes, which makes it the perfect place to turn up the heat on your dating life. Whether you’re on a first date or taking out your significant other, you’ll need standout date ideas designed to take full advantage of the sunny days and beautiful nights that Scottsdale has to offer. No need to worry – we’ve got the perfect dates ready to go, all you need to do is provide a plus one!
FOR THE FOODIE
What better way to bond than over food? If you’re a lover of Italian food, then make your dinner plans at Fat Ox. Their bold menu features more than a dozen fresh pastas made in-house and a whole palette of incredible flavors. If you’re looking for something a little more intimate, Virtù Honest Craft is your restaurant of choice. Tucked away inside Old Town’s charming Bespoke Inn bed and breakfast, Virtu’s Mediterranean-inspired menu features handmade pastas and seasonally crafted cocktails made with fresh-pressed juices and unique spirits. Other great places include The Mission, House Brasserie, and Course.
FOR THE ROMANTIC
Take a romantic sunset stroll through the Desert Botanical Garden, home to more than 50,000 beautiful desert plants. You can wander through five thematic trails to explore the beauty of the Sonoran Desert plant life. If dining is more your thing, make a reservation at one of the city's most romantic spots, Café Monarch. With chic elegance and posh furniture, this high-end dining experience is truly romantic. The staff is sharp in appearance, dashing in attitude and fully knowledgeable of their four-course, pix fixe menu. If that doesn’t scream fairytale romance, I’m not quite sure what does.
FOR THE ARTISTIC
Exploring SMoCA’s numerous exhibitions and taking selfies in front of the nearby LOVE sculpture could constitute as a respectable date on its own. But why stop there? Walk down Main St. on Thursday evenings and meander through the Scottsdale ArtWalk to enjoy all the beautiful art the Old Town galleries have to offer – you may even find a piece you want to take home! If architecture interests you more, schedule a tour at the Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West or delve into history on the Magical History Tour at Hotel Valley Ho.
FOR THE RELAXED
Maybe going out isn’t what you had in mind. How does relaxing by one of Scottsdale’s amazing pools sound? Grab a bite and a drink and soak up the sun together right by the pool. Get even more relaxed with an amazing couple’s massage at The Phoenician or reserve a private poolside cabana for a full day of lounging. Who could say no to that?
FOR THE ADVENTURER
Take your date on an adventure that promises unforgettable views from above. Enjoy your morning and float together in a beautiful hot air balloon as you watch the sunrise illuminate the desert below. This is something they’ll remember forever! Or enjoy the desert on peddles and schedule a tour with REI Co-Op Experiences to experience Scottsdale’s outdoors by bike! They also offer tours by foot if you’d rather hike and hold hands (you know you want to!)
FOR THE CASUAL
Head to Old Town Scottsdale's Goldwater Brewing to enjoy craft beer in the very place where it’s brewed. After you've sampled their award-winning Machine Gun Teddy ale, head next door to Brat Haus for classy imported suds, house-made brats, giant pretzels and lawn games like corn hole and giant Jenga. After dinner, mosey over to the Rusty Spur Saloon for live music and two-stepping on their postage stamp-sized dance floor. Wrap up the night with a Gosh-Awful Gooey Banana Split or Tin Roof Sundae at the Sugar Bowl - a sweet ending to the perfect laid-back date!
