39 Date Ideas in Scottsdale to Spark Romance in 2024
There are many date ideas in Scottsdale to explore, from its gorgeous Old Town, to a vast range of spas and golf resorts, to venturing into the McDowell Sonoran Preserve to admire the desert-scapes, rock formations and fields of cacti. This desert city has plenty of activities for couples or potential lovers, whether it's having a fancy meal at a refined restaurant or walking around famous architectural sites like Frank Llyod Wright’s former home and studio, Taliesin West.
You may be wondering, is Scottsdale good for couples? We certainly think so. First off, you can have a romantic stroll around the centuries-old olive trees and buildings that date back to the 1920s. For couples that have been together for a longer time, exploring date ideas in Scottsdale, can help to reduce stress and create mental clarity for both you and your partner, say the experts at River Oak Psychology. Whatever stage your relationship is at, having a variety of dates will likely make you feel happier and more connected as a couple.
So, where do people go out in Scottsdale for a date? In this guide, we'll go through all your options from indoor date ideas in Scottsdale to more active options, from first date ideas to foodie options that serve any budget. Plan your next romantic weekend date ideas in Scottsdale and broader date ideas in neighboring Phoenix with our exciting list.
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- Unique Date Ideas in Scottsdale
- Cheap Date Ideas in Scottsdale
- Indoor Date Ideas in Scottsdale
- Date Ideas in Scottsdale for Couples
- First Date Ideas in Scottsdale
Unique Date Ideas in Scottsdale
1. Cooking Classes
Cooking classes in Scottsdale are a fantastic way to get to know your date through the culinary arts. Instead of going on a traditional restaurant date, why not learn to cook romantic meals with your date in a hands-on cooking class? Engage in a guided session, led by an expert chef and you’ll not only have a romantic night, but you’ll gain new culinary skills to make amazing meals in the future.
2. Paint and Sip Fun
For more unique date ideas in Scottsdale, why not learn to paint together while getting a little boozy? Join a romantic and fun paint and sip class in Phoenix or Scottsdale to get to know your date intimately as you witness your partner's creativity. Express yourselves through the paintbrush while sharing some drinks together in this fantastically fun session.
3. Photography Classes
One of the most intimate things couples can do is to take photos together and of each other. Whether it's to capture the moment or pose by a beautiful backdrop, taking great photos is a really useful skill. Amazing date night ideas in Scottsdale involve photography, so why not take a few photography classes in Phoenix nearby and learn more about each other through photography? And if the date's a success, you'll have cute memento to show your kids one day.
4. Visit the Museum of Illusions
One of the many fun and unique date ideas in Scottsdale is to explore the 60+ exhibits at the Museum of Illusions. If you love learning new and exciting things or exploring how your brain interprets reality in different ways, then this could be a great option to share some laughs and be wowed together.
5. Eat a Romantic Meal at Café Monarch
Café Monarch is one of the most sophisticated places to eat in Scottsdale. So head here for a very special stylish date. They serve New American dishes in a chandelier-lit space. This family-owned restaurant in Old Town has redefined elegance and glamor to make you both feel like a million bucks. Just remember that there is a dress code, which means collared shirts for men and no activewear like t-shirts, baseball caps, shorts, sandals, and spandex.
6. Eat Homemade Mediterranean Food at Virtù Honest Craft
Another fine dining restaurant in the Old Town, Virtù Honest Craft serves Mediterranean cuisine that is absolutely stunning. Chef Gio will make sure you eat well with his ever-changing, modern and globally-influenced dishes on one of the more high-end date ideas in Scottsdale.
7. Visit the Scottsdale Farmers Market
Scottsdale Markets are full of great date ideas in Scottsdale — so you're getting many for the price of one! Whether you want to find local Arizona gifts for each other, enjoy some food, buy ingredients for a meal or have a drink, a visit is always a great idea. The Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market is buzzing from October through to May, the Uptown Farmer's Market is open all year, but closes on Wednesdays in the Summer, and the Farmers Market North Scottsdale closes in the Summer. The Native Art Market is divided into an indoor and outdoor market. While the former is open year round, the latter is seasonal, open weekends from November through to March.
8. Enjoy Wine at Merkin Vineyards
This is just one of many vineyards in the Scottsdale area. Merkin Vineyards has over 100 acres of vines located in the Verde Valley and Wilcox. There is an array of food served here, from pasta to pizza and charcuterie boards to go with the wine. This is one of the most amazing date ideas in Scottsdale because the sweeping views will instill a sense of calm and wonder and the spacious facility will provide you with calm to ease your nerves if it's a first date.
Cheap Date Ideas in Scottsdale
9. Stroll around the Desert Botanical Garden
If you and your date love wildlife and dessert flora then you should make a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden, one of your top date ideas in Scottsdale to explore the outdoors. This is a 140-acre botanical garden, located in Papago Park, is covered in cacti and has an array of wildlife to experience. So you can take a ride through, a quick and easy stroll or a longer hike.
10. Adventure around on the Scottsdale ArtWalk
Every Thursday evening you can meet artists, view galleries, enjoy beverages and listen to live music on the incredible Scottsdale ArtWalk. Since 1975, this has been a special part of the city and makes for some wonderful date ideas in Scottsdale for all those who love culture.
11. Explore the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
McDowell Sonoran Preserve is full of magical views and is home to many of the most glorious date ideas in the Scottsdale area for nature lovers. There are hundreds of miles of trails and 30,000 acres to mountain bike, hike, run and even ride on horseback through this preserve. There is plenty to do here, so you definitely won't get bored.
12. Embark on a Trolley Tour
The free and very enjoyable Scottsdale Trolley is a mix of modern-day convenience and nostalgia. The hop-on/hop-off nature of the trolley makes it a very unique date idea and a great way to travel for free across Scottsdale. There are four different routes, including a route to the Old Town. If you want to support a local vendor then opt for Ollie the Trolley, a 100% woman-owned business with some of the most professional operators in the city.
13. Be Romantic at Cosanti
Cosanti is a gallery and studio of the famous Italian-American architect called Paolo Soleri who lived in Paradise Valley. This gorgeous Arizona Historic Site is perfect to visit on a date because it doubles as a boutique that sells gorgeous chimes and jewelry made by local artisans.
14. Head to the Canal Convergence
Why not head down the canals that go through Downtown Scottsdale where you can enjoy the bodies of water and then have the opportunity to stop off at either wine bars, pubs or restaurants? The Scottdale Waterfront is a nice place for a stroll along the canals. There is also a 10-night art event that takes place called the Canal Convergence if you're looking for some fun in the dark.
15. Go To the Sunday A’Fair
If you want a relaxed Sunday with your date, you could head to the Scottsdale Civic Center Park to enjoy live outdoor music from 12 pm to 4 pm between January and the end of April. This is one of the better date ideas in Scottsdale for an outdoor picnic with a special someone where you can enjoy the open spaces and the creativity held at the Sunday A’Fair.
16. Explore the Old Town
Scottsdale Old Town is found in the southern part of Scottsdale where there are plenty of things to do. Even just walking through the Old Town and then browsing the various stores that sell upscale western wear, jewelry and pottery, is a great idea for a special date. This is one of many day date ideas in Scottsdale that can slowly become one of your top night activities.
Indoor Date Ideas in Scottsdale
17. Visit the State 48 Lager House
Arizona is the 48th state and this lager house celebrates that. If you want to enjoy a crafted pint with your date, then visit this establishment and enjoy a cold brew together. They have a large brewing system and a restaurant, so you can enjoy lots of beer with food while getting to know your date better.
18. Delve Into Art at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is an amazing museum in the Old Town that's dedicated to showing some of the best design, architecture and artwork in the modern world. This is the perfect date if you love art and exhibitions.
19. Visit the OdySea Aquarium
The brilliant OdySea Aquarium is located in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and is the largest aquarium in the Southwest of the United States with over 2,000,000 gallons of water. You’ll be able to learn a lot about the critters of the ocean while gazing at the calm abundance of the sea life. This will probably be one of the most calming indoor date ideas in Scottsdale you'll experience.
20. Eat a Gourmet Meal at the Arcadia Farms Cafe
There are many amazing Scottsdale date night restaurants that make for good indoor meet-ups. One of these is the Arcadia Farms Cafe, which serves delicious upmarket food and is also a great location for a brunch or lunch date. The owners are the same people as The Marketplace. So if you have been there, you won’t be surprised to know that this restaurant is full of quality.
21. Butterfly Wonderland
Get to know more about your date as you wander around the beautiful nature at Butterfly Wonderland. Butterfly Wonderland is an indoor and interactive rainforest-like habitat for thousands of butterflies. There is a café here as well if you're feeling a little peckish.
22. Eat an Incredible Meal at Francine Restaurant
The Scottsdale Fashion Square has many date ideas to explore. One of these great ideas is to visit the opulent French bistro, Francine Restaurant. Here, they serve French fare, but with influences from the Mediterranean. Something new and refined for your fancy French date.
23. Explore the Treasures of The Merchantile of Scottsdale
If you or your date love to explore various markets, then this boutique marketplace should be one of the top date ideas in Scottsdale to explore. At this market, you can expect to find wonderful collections by local designers, artists, artisans and creatives. This is an energetic place where local businesses get to show off their amazing work.
Date Ideas in Scottsdale for Couples
24. Go On a Tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West
A few hundred acres into the McDowell Preserve, Taliesin was the home of famous architect Frank Llyod Wright. This place is emotionally connected to the desert mountains and you can experience it together with your date on a 90-minute tour. You'll learn all about Taliesin and Frank Lloyd Wright’s life. They even do night tours which are fantastic for evening dates.
25. Have An Amazing Time at Platform 18 at Century Grand
The date ideas in Scottsdale for adults are vast and varied. Scottsdale has many date night restaurants, but it also has some upmarket cocktail bars, that will allow you to show your style off to your date. Established in 2019, Platform 18 is located at the Century Grand and makes outstanding cocktails perfect for a date, it was even voted as one of the top 50 bars in the U.S. in 2023.
26. Explore Scottsdale By Bike
Some of the most beautiful date ideas in Scottsdale involve riding a bike due to the romantic desert scenery. While plenty of tours allow you to explore Scottsdale on a guided bike tour, you can explore the 4.5-mile Gateway Loop in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve on your own. The Gateway also has fantastic services which will make you feel more at ease should something go awry.
27. Flying a Kite with Romance
With all the natural space in and around Scottsdale, one idea for a date is to go running with a kite and attempt to fly it in the sky. This has the potential to be a very romantic idea as you watch your kite soar among the others. There are so many parks to explore in Scottsdale to take flight like Paradise Valley Park or Granada Park.
28. Embark on a Sunset Sonoran Jeep Tour
Another date that involves going to a famous Sonoran preserve near the city of Scottsdale is to embark on a two-hour jeep tour in the evening. On this tour, you’ll likely experience the famous Arizona sunset on a low-speed scenic journey around the Sonoran Desert. If you and your date love learning about nature, then this is a fantastic date night idea. This is an example of the many wonderful anniversary date ideas available to enjoy in Scottsdale.
29. Go To The Love Sculpture
What are the most romantic date ideas in Scottsdale? Visiting the famous LOVE sculpture by the Civic Center Mall in Downtown Scottsdale is a must! Robert Indiana’s sculpture is iconic for romantic photos.
30. Relax at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Maybe going on a date where you can both relax and then enjoy each other’s company could be at the top of your agenda for date ideas in Scottsdale. In that case, enjoying a pampering day at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is a wonderful idea. Scottsdale is known for its spas and this is just one memorable place to relax and enjoy each other’s company. You could also make your day into a complete staycation!
31. Become Amazed at Wonderspace
Wonderspace at The Scottsdale Fashion Square is a great place to visit if you and your date adore art. Purchase tickets ahead of time to experience art installations that represent the creativity of Scottsdale. This is also a great place to have cocktails and is an especially nice date idea for married couples to have novel experience and for some inspiration.
First Date Ideas in Scottsdale
32. Play Some Top Golf
Do you and your date enjoy doing sport together and being active? Then you should consider playing Golf, which is for both beginners and newbies. This type of golf is fun for all. The hitting bays are climate-controlled and there is also a sports bar and a restaurant where you can relax. There are so many date ideas in Scottsdale that get you active, but this is at the top of the list.
33. Take a Magical History Tour
Hotel Valley Ho hosts a magical history tour that could be one of the top date ideas in Scottsdale for those who are intrigued by history and the unknown. This 90-minute walking tour passes along the buildings and grounds where you’ll explore the hotel’s magical history.
34. Enjoy Sweet treats at the Sugar Bowl
Visit the Sugar Bowl for one of the sweetest date ideas in Scottsdale. Whether you love desserts or want a place to talk, think about visiting the Sugar Bowl while sharing a scrumptious banana split.
35. Listen to Some Music at Rusty Spur Saloon
If you love live country music, think about ending a date night at the Rusty Spur Saloon. This bar serves cold beers seven days a week as live country music enhances the Scottsdale spirit. Find your inner cowboy and step through the swinging doors and enjoy what this 72-year-old establishment has to offer. This is one of multiple late-night evening date ideas in Scottsdale. Maybe you can even join an authentic line dance.
36. Chat at Berdena’s Coffee Shop
Berdena’s Coffee Shop serves gorgeous breakfast, brunch, lunch and drinks. There aren't many better date ideas in Scottsdale to have an uplifting or romantic chat while getting to know each other over some delicious food and artificial coffee. Some great food options include the burritos, the breakfast sandwiches and the Oliver — which is served with fried egg, cheddar, arugula and house-made chipotle aioli on a brioche bun.
37. Get to Know Each Other Better at Papago Park
Papago Park is home to many date ideas in Scottsdale to enjoy. From riding camels and greeting the animals at the Phoenix Zoo to roaming around the already-mentioned Desert Botanical Garden, there is much to do here. The Hole-in-the-Rock Trail is a very popular walking route in the park, perfect for a romantic stroll. Bring a tripod so you can take some memorable selfies. You can also play golf, wander around the desert at sunset and even fish in this amazing park.
38. Learn at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
The history of railways is fascinating and you can learn so much about trains in and around Scottsdale. There are many train-related date ideas in Scottsdale, from learning at the Scottsdale Railroad Museum to riding a model vintage carousel through the desert arboretum. When all is said and done, Scottsdale is perfect for couples who love the history of the railroads. The train cars you can ride date back to the 1920s and there are also 10,000 square feet of miniature trains. The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is also not far from Downtown Scottsdale, where you enjoy some wonderful drinks and food.
39. Kactus Jock Rydable Tour
We venture off once again to Downtown, where there are many unique date ideas in Scottsdale to explore. One of these is to join a Kactus Jock Rydables Tour. On this enjoyable tour, you can get to know the Scottsdale Downtown area more intimately as you travel on a motorized animal. You can learn about the Hohokam Native Americans and enjoy sweet treats at the Luxe Bar on their ‘Now You’ve Seen It All’ tour.
Now that you've explored some of the most exciting, romantic and fascinating date ideas in Scottsdale, you can plan your next romantic excursion. Whether you like sports, cooking, exploring or just having a coffee, there is something for everyone in Scottsdale. You may even be inspired to invite another couple to explore double date ideas.
Scottsdale might often be overshadowed by the neighboring city, Phoenix, but the city has so much to offer. From the vintage Old Town, the food, the art that defines the city and also the wildlife surrounding the urban area, there are many date ideas in Scottsdale to explore.
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