There’s no denying that June through August is hot in Scottsdale. But that’s no reason to steer clear. There’s plenty to do indoors, or on the water, or before the day heats up. So, whether it’s hitting the greens for an early-morning tee time or cooling off at resort pools, there’s always summer fun to be had.
Rejuvenate the Mind and Body
A refreshing (and, ahem, air-conditioned) spa day goes a long way to keeping your cool. Revive sun-drenched skin at Joya Spa at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia with a white tea tree and ginger body treatment, which includes a hydrating wrap, or opt for a revitalizing Desert Essence Wrap with cactus toning gel at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort’s Spa Avania followed by a dip in the spa’s Celtic mineral pool.
Enjoy Animal Encounters
Head indoors to meet water-loving creatures like penguins and otters, sharks and stingrays at OdySea Aquarium and the winged critters at Butterfly Wonderland, home of the largest butterfly conservatory in the U.S. Both attractions are located at Arizona Boardwalk, making for an easy two-for-one experience.
Ply Gentle Waves
Spend a summer day on the water with local outfitter REI Co-op Experiences. The guides lead stand-up paddleboarding excursions on Saguaro Lake — a tranquil lake tucked between the Four Peaks and Superstition Mountains — and rafting tours on the Sonoran Desert-ensconced Lower Salt River.
Unleash Your Creativity
Perfect for triple-digit afternoons, an art workshop helps you retreat from the heat while indulging your inner Van Gogh. A few to consider: seasonally inspired floral design classes at Cactus Flower florists, pouring candles at Light + Bark’s interactive candle bar or designing wow-worthy wall art during “Be the Maker” experiences at The Merchantile.
Stay Cool at Splash Pads and Water Parks
Scottsdale’s splash pads offer a playful way to keep cool. Find them at city parks such as Pima Park and Scottsdale Civic Center or at outdoor retail centers like Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter. You can also reserve day passes at area resorts, an ideal way to access a property’s pool oasis even if you’re not an overnight guest. One to try: Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort, which showcases a 2.5-acre complex with 10 pools, a beach, waterslides and luxe cabanas.
Stay Up Late
Old Town Scottsdale is famous for its nightlife, a bustling scene rife with both VIP experiences and relaxed dive bars. No matter if you seek chic cocktail lounges (Cottontail Lounge), buzzy nightclubs (Bottled Blonde), rollicking western bars (Rusty Spur) or an upscale spot for an interesting glass of wine (The Wine Collective of Scottsdale), Scottsdale has you covered.
Tee Off
Come summer, Scottsdale’s elite golf courses welcome players with inviting ways to beat the heat: sunrise tee times, golf carts with “stay cool” seats, water and ice stations along the course, even chilled towels. You’ll also find discounted greens fees at premier courses such as Boulders Golf Club, Grayhawk and Troon North.
Tour Renowned Museums
Escape to the air-conditioned interiors of Scottsdale’s most impressive museums. Make sure your must-see checklist includes the Heard Museum, a heralded repository of nearly 4,000 works of American Indian Art, and Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, which shows (and tells!) the rich story of Scottsdale’s western heritage.
Join a Pool Party
Summertime is synonymous with pool parties — tunes playing and drinks flowing — and you’ll find more than your fair share at Scottsdale’s resorts. Looking for a high-energy scene? Hotel Adeline hosts poolside DJs weekends May–September, complete with cabana rentals and bottle service, as does the W Scottsdale Hotel at its lively rooftop pool. For a relaxed fiesta, keep things chill in a private cabana at Sunset Beach, the laid-back pool at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
Explore the Desert’s Dark Side
When the sun sinks below the horizon, the Desert Botanical Garden comes alive during the Garden’s June Flashlight Nights. Walk the themed trails to explore the desert’s nighttime flora and fauna — from encountering nocturnal desert critters to stargazing. Plus, savor drinks and snacks at the Garden’s evening pop-up bars or make dinner reservations at the on-site Gertrude’s restaurant.
