The Ultimate Fall Weekend in Scottsdale: A 3-Day Arizona Itinerary

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway that combines sunshine, desert scenery, great food, shopping, art and plenty of ways to relax, Scottsdale, Arizona should be at the top of your list.

Fall is one of the best times to visit Scottsdale. From mid-September through November, temperatures become much more comfortable for exploring the outdoors, with average fall highs around 87°F and lows around 56°F. It’s the perfect time to trade a traditional city weekend for a few days of desert sunshine and adventure.

Whether you’re planning a couples getaway, a girls’ trip, a family vacation or a long weekend with friends, here’s how we’d spend three days in Scottsdale.

Day 1: Explore Old Town Scottsdale

Start With Breakfast

Ease into your Scottsdale weekend with a leisurely breakfast or brunch. One of the best things about staying in a vacation rental is that you don’t have to rush out the door first thing in the morning. Make coffee, enjoy breakfast together and take your time getting ready for the day.

Then head to Old Town Scottsdale.

Spend the Morning Exploring Old Town

Old Town Scottsdale is one of the easiest places to get a feel for the city. The area combines galleries, restaurants, boutiques, Western-inspired architecture, public art and historic sites in a walkable district.

Spend a few hours wandering through the different districts, popping into local shops and galleries, and stopping for photos along the way.

If you’re interested in the history and culture of the American West, consider visiting Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. It’s an excellent addition for anyone who wants to experience more of Arizona’s Western character.

Walk Along the Scottsdale Waterfront

After exploring Old Town, make your way toward the Scottsdale Waterfront.

The canal-side area is an easy place to slow down for a little while. Walk along the water, check out the public art and enjoy the patios, shops and restaurants nearby.

It’s also a great place to photograph Scottsdale’s mix of desert landscape, architecture and modern city life.

Spend the Evening in Old Town

Head back into Old Town for dinner.

Scottsdale has an impressive restaurant scene, so this is the night to choose something you’ve been wanting to try rather than squeezing in as many activities as possible.

After dinner, stroll through Old Town or grab a drink before heading back to your vacation rental.

Tip: Don’t underestimate the value of downtime on vacation. One of the best parts of staying in a Scottsdale vacation rental is having a comfortable place to come back to after a full day of exploring.

Day 2: Experience the Sonoran Desert

Day two is all about experiencing the landscape that makes Arizona so unique.

Start Your Morning With a Hike

Get up early and head out for a hike while temperatures are still comfortable.

Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers miles of trails and incredible views of the Sonoran Desert. Pinnacle Peak is another popular option for visitors who want to experience the desert without spending the entire day on the trail.

Bring plenty of water, wear appropriate shoes and check trail conditions before heading out.

And don’t forget your camera. Early morning light can make the desert landscape especially beautiful.

Brunch and a Slow Afternoon

After your hike, reward yourself with brunch.

Then take the afternoon off.

Seriously.

One of the easiest mistakes visitors make is trying to fit too much into a Scottsdale weekend.

Head back to your vacation rental, enjoy the pool, take a nap, grill lunch or simply sit outside and enjoy the Arizona sunshine.

That’s one of the advantages of choosing a vacation home over a traditional hotel room: you have space to actually relax.

Choose Your Evening Adventure

Once the temperatures cool down, it’s time to head back out.

For an adventurous evening, book a desert Jeep or UTV tour and experience the Sonoran Desert from a completely different perspective.

Looking for something more relaxing?

Enjoy dinner on a patio, explore more of Old Town or plan a sunset experience.

Scottsdale is particularly beautiful around golden hour, so don’t be afraid to slow down and simply enjoy the scenery.

Day 3: Pick Your Own Scottsdale Adventure

For your final day, choose an activity based on the kind of trip you’re planning.

For Couples

Make your final morning about relaxation.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, visit a spa, browse local galleries and finish your trip with a memorable dinner.

Scottsdale is known for its wellness and spa experiences, making it an easy destination for a romantic getaway or relaxing weekend.

For Families

Head somewhere that everyone can enjoy.

The Arizona Boardwalk and OdySea Aquarium are popular family-friendly options, especially if you want a break from outdoor activities.

You can also spend some time at Scottsdale’s parks or explore Old Town at a slower pace.

For a Girls’ Trip

Make the day about shopping, food and fun.

Start with brunch, spend a few hours shopping, book a spa treatment and finish the afternoon with cocktails before getting ready for your final night out.

Don’t forget to leave room in your suitcase.

For Adventure Seekers

Use your last morning for another outdoor adventure.

Depending on the season and conditions, you can choose from hiking, biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, horseback riding or another desert experience.

Then head back to your vacation rental, pack up and enjoy one last Arizona sunset before heading home.

What to Do in Scottsdale This Fall

One of the best reasons to plan a Scottsdale getaway during the fall is the event calendar.

Scottsdale’s fall season runs from September through November, and the cooler weather makes it much easier to enjoy outdoor events and activities.

If you’re visiting in November, Canal Convergence: Western Nature takes place November 6–15, 2026, at the Scottsdale Waterfront.

The free 10-day event features large-scale light-based public art installations, nightly fire shows, live music, dance performances, workshops and food vendors along the Arizona Canal.

It’s a particularly fun event to add to an evening itinerary because the artwork comes alive after dark.

Other fall events and experiences vary each year, so check Scottsdale’s current event calendar before your trip.

Where to Stay in Scottsdale

After a full day of hiking, shopping, sightseeing and exploring, where you stay can make a big difference in your trip.

A vacation rental gives you more than a place to sleep. You can have a full kitchen for breakfast or late-night snacks, comfortable living spaces to gather with your group and outdoor spaces where you can enjoy Arizona’s beautiful weather.

For families and groups especially, having everyone together in one home can make a weekend feel much more comfortable than splitting up across multiple hotel rooms.

At Voyago Vacation Rentals, our goal is to make your Arizona getaway feel less like a hotel stay and more like having your own place in Scottsdale.

Explore Voyago Vacation Rentals in Scottsdale

Your Perfect Scottsdale Weekend at a Glance

Friday

Breakfast → Old Town Scottsdale → Shopping & galleries → Scottsdale Waterfront → Dinner

Saturday

Desert hike → Brunch → Pool & relaxation → Sunset adventure → Dinner

Sunday

Brunch → Choose your adventure → Shopping or spa → One last Arizona sunset → Head home

Ready for Your Scottsdale Getaway?

Scottsdale is one of those destinations where you can do as much—or as little—as you want.

Spend the morning hiking through the Sonoran Desert, the afternoon relaxing by the pool and the evening enjoying a great meal. Spend a day shopping and exploring galleries, or fill your weekend with outdoor adventures.

However you choose to spend your time, fall is a fantastic season to experience Scottsdale.

And when the day is over, it’s nice to have a place that feels like your own.

Start planning your Scottsdale getaway and find your Voyago vaca