Scottsdale in Winter: Sun, Space, A Slower Pace

By Sharon Kurtz

In winter, Scottsdale offers more than sunshine—its art, dining and desert light create a natural rhythm for slowing down and savoring the season.

I spent four days in Scottsdale in early December, and it wasn’t nearly enough to see everything the desert city offers. The sun warms the days, the resorts shine and the air is clear and crisp. In winter, while other places are gray and cold,Scottsdale draws you outdoors—to walk, explore and enjoy the slower pace. The desert feels alive in its own way, and it’s easy to settle into the rhythm of the season, taking time to move, relax and simply soak in the light.

Finding the Right Place to Land.

Scottsdale offers an impressive range of accommodations, making it appealing to seasoned travelers who know what they like. I stayed at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, a luxury local landmark, and appreciated its sense of space and easygoing elegance. But Scottsdale has choices for every mood—boutiques, historic inns, wellness resorts and contemporary urban stays.

Art, Architecture, and Cultural Depth.

Scottsdale’s cultural side is easy to miss if you’re not looking.

• In Old Town, historic buildings house galleries, shops, and cafés.
• I spent hours wandering and exploring. ArtWalk nights are fun but relaxed. You also don’t want to skip the Western Spirit: Museum of the West, which explores frontier and Native American history, or SMoCA, the city’s contemporary art museum, with changing exhibits.
• The Desert Botanical Garden is another must-see. Its trails showcase the striking diversity of desert flora, from towering cacti to vibrant wildflowers, all framed by the dramatic Sonoran landscape. Visiting here gives a real sense of the natural beauty that inspires so much local art and architecture.
• Just north of Scottsdale in Phoenix, the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) is worth a stop. It houses the world’s most extensive collection of instruments, and wireless audio guides let you hear each one in its cultural context—an immersive experience that stays with you long after you leave.
• Closer to town, Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home, blends seamlessly with the desert. Its design philosophy—living in harmony with place—feels particularly fitting in Scottsdale’s landscape.

Scottsdale’s Dining Scene Shines.

I first visited Scottsdale many years ago, and on this visit, I was impressed by the city’s creative, thoughtful and unhurried approach to dining. In Old Town, Virtù Honest Craft highlights seasonal ingredients. The Ends, a restaurant inspired by the spirit of Antony Bourdain’s food travels offers globally inspired cuisine paired with craft cocktails. At the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Toro by Chef Richard Sandoval is a standout, with Pan-Latin dishes and views of the TPC Stadium golf course—perfect for breakfast or sunset drinks. We wrapped up our dining in Old Town at The House Brasserie, a small restaurant in a historic home. The food was good and fresh, and the place felt easygoing. We lingered over our meal, enjoying the pace and the company.

Wellness, Desert-Style.

I spent my mornings enjoying Scottsdale’s crisp winter air shopping in Old Town, and took afternoon walks to soak in the desert sun and scenery. During this visit, I treated myself to the spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Their Well And Being Spa combines traditional massages and facials with steam rooms, cold plunge pools, and other facilities that make it easy to spend a morning or afternoon taking care of yourself.

On my next visit, I plan to stay a bit longer and include a few days at Civana Wellness Resort up in Carefree, where the thermal water therapies and hydrotherapy circuit promise a deeper sense of calm. I’m also curious to visit bluSONIL, a new Scottsdale studio offering red light therapy, IV hydration, microneedling and other intriguing wellness and aesthetics treatments.

Why Scottsdale Works in Winter.

Scottsdale has it all—sun, culture, golf and the desert. Winter is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy it. With luxury accommodations, standout dining, cultural treasures, and approachable wellness options, it’s a winter escape that leaves travelers with a lasting appreciation for the desert’s light, color and unmistakable sense of place.

For more information and trip-planning resources, visit Experience Scottsdale.

Sharon Kurtz is a freelance writer who shares her love for travel and food by exploring unique customs, cultures, and flavors at home and around the globe. At 12 years old, she traveled by train with her father to Montreal for Expo ’67, the exhibits inspiring her wanderlust. She vowed to get to all those countries someday, and she’s methodically working through the list. Enjoy more of Sharon’s writing on her website, or follow her on  Instagram or  Facebook.