Unless you’re planning on living under a rock during your Scottsdale bachelorette party weekend, there’s a good chance you’re spending a lot of time in Old Town Scottsdale.
Old Town Scottsdale is where tourists and locals alike go to the best of Scottsdale. In the daytime, you can explore museums, farmer’s markets, brunch spots, boutiques, and galleries. At night, you can enjoy bars, wineries, restaurants, clubs, cocktail dens, cool activities, sightseeing, and oh-so-much more. Everywhere you look, it’s a cowboy-meets-palm-tree style, but every district of Old Town has its special vibe.
Old Town Scottsdale consists of nine walkable districts. The Historic District is great for getting a taste of Scottsdale history, the Arts District is home to chic boutiques and galleries, and beyond. If you want a lot of variability in your bachelorette day and night activities, you will probably travel all over the Old Town map!
Before you venture out, here are some quick tips for a weekend in Old Town Scottsdale.
- Take Advantage of alternative forms of transportation! You don’t need an Uber every day if you’re within walking distance of Old Town. In many cases, your own two feet will carry you to many places you want to visit. But if you want to level up from walking, one of the most convenient Old Town is the golf cart taxis. They are everywhere in Old Town and very easy to hail for a cheap and quick ride. They’re perfect to use during a night out, heading to dinner, the commute back to your accommodations, or just need a 2 am snack, the golf carts are the gold standard.
- Beat the heat by being prepared. If you’re visiting in the summer, there’s no doubt about it – you’re going to get sweaty. If you have a full day planned parading around Old Town Scottsdale, being prepared will save you from a big headache later! Wear sunscreen and hats, plan to break hot outdoor activities with some cool indoor activities, and most importantly – drink water! Especially if you are day-drinking, water will save you from the infamous sun-enhanced hangover later. Water water water!
- Have cash on hand! It’s in the name – Old Town can be old school. The small older shops, penny arcades, and other retro activities may be cash only. If you don’t want to miss out, have some money in your wallet!
Here are some activities that you shouldn’t skip in Old Town Scottsdale!
Coffee to start the day right
Coffee should always be step one on a great day. Whether you need to grab some quick caffeine on the go or want to enjoy the ambiance of a great coffee shop for a while, there are some Old Town Scottsdale coffee shops that will fit the bill.
JOJO Coffeehouse is the first place you should stop if your bachelorette group can’t agree on the ideal drink to start the day because they have everything you could ever need. From breakfast and brunch food to specialty coffee drinks to mimosas, bloodies, sangrias, and kombuchas, they cover the spectrum of morning fare. On top of that, with the great social atmosphere and live music, it’s a great place to sit back and get prepared for the rest of your bachelorette weekend plans.
Epic brunch spots in Old Town
Is it even a bachelorette weekend without a brunch date? After a wild night out, there’s nothing better than a big brunch plate to soak up all of the questionable decisions of the night before. There is a long list of spots that are up to the task, so raise your bloodies and mimosas to a life-saving meal!
The Montauk is a fan favorite, especially for those who believe that bigger is better. With mimosa punch bowls, breezy outdoor seating, and both fancy or comforting fare, you don’t need to choose between quality and quantity.
Only trust a place with a glowing reputation? The brunch at RnR is known for the best brunch in Scottsdale and has been voted “Best Brunch” by essentially every Scottsdale publication. And it’s for a great reason – from endless Mimosas & Bloody Marys to brunch tacos, it’s impossible to leave without a full belly and a full heart. But be warmed – you just may want to schedule a post-brunch nap to recover from the fantastic food.
Unique activities in Old Town
There are tons of activities in and around Old Town Scottsdale that could be the highlight of your weekend.
One of our personal favorites that will dip your toe into the best of Old Town Scottsdale is Arizona Party Bike – a bachelorette group-powered cycle that will take you from bar to brewery playing your favorite jams and hosting your favorite drinking games. It’s impossible not to have a good time while singing, sipping, and pedaling, and you’ll familiarize yourselves with the area for a night out on the Old Town!
If you want to go on a walking adventure dappled with amazing wine along the way, the Old Town Scottsdale wine trail may be for you. You can even procure an Old Town Scottsdale wine trail passport to make sure you experience all of the must-see wine stops. This is the best way to get your fill of amazing pours, and learn a little something about the local vineyards along the way!
A Fun and Relaxed Old Town afternoon
During the hottest part of a Scottsdale day, chances are you’ll want to sit back, relax, and enjoy some air-conditioned and low-impact activities until it’s time to party for the night. We have some Old Town spots we love for a bit of a break from the hustle.
Blue Clover Distillery makes special premium small-batch Vodka and Gin spirits – they say each bottle is made with love. This spot is perfect for casual, quality drinks enjoyed in a relaxed social environment. This is the perfect afternoon break because all you need to do is sit back, relax, and sip on some amazing spirits while you learn a little about the distilling process.
Want to get in a little green before a night out? Farm & Craft creates healthy and sustainable food in a farm-turned-contemporary-bistro. It’s also a lovely option if you have some vegan or gluten-free ladies in your group looking for a delicious meal.
A great start to an evening out in Old Town
If you don’t start your night right, you won’t get the most of the Old Town experience. Be sure to find a great dinner spot that offers a filling and delicious meal, the perfect group photo scene, and great drinks to kick off an amazing night out.
Talk about an adult playground. The Social Tap Eatery has everything you need in a social atmosphere to have a great time together and cute people to mingle with. Enjoy great drinks, watch a sports game on one of the dozens of TVs, hang out on the balcony and eat amazing food with your bach crew. There’s no better place to unwind and get loose for a great night out!
Looking for a bright and vibrant way to start your night out? Enjoy boozy snow cones and creative tacos at Diego Pops. This is the perfect Scottsdale restaurant for bachelorette parties that care about aesthetics as much as the food. Diego pops has fairy lights, colorful mosaics, mood lighting, outdoor seating… the list of good photo op amenities is endless. On top of that, the casual Latin cuisine is an epic late-night snack.
A wild night in Old Town
It’s no secret – the nightlife in Old Town Scottsdale is among the best in the state. This is because of the sheer versatility that a night out in Old Town can bring. A raucous sports bar with dozens of games on? Check. A classy little cocktail speakeasy with a cozy atmosphere? For sure. An exclusive luxury club perfect for celeb sightings? You got it. A down-to-earth honky-tonk and dance floor to keep you moving all night? Too many to count.
Don’t miss out on all of the opportunities Old Town has to offer! You can see an extensive look at many of the Old Town Scottsdale Bars in the Scottsdale Bach guide.
