The Ultimate Scottsdale Bachelorette Party Guide

Plus, we provide a sample itinerary to follow when planning a trip to this popular destination.

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Unsplash / Design by Zackary Angeline

Scottsdale, Arizona, is the perfect bachelorette party destination for laid-back brides who love adventure, good vibes, and warm weather—and there’s a reason this location has such a great reputation. While it can be a relaxing vacation, there are also plenty of activities to create an action-packed weekend that will leave everyone thinking this was the best bachelorette trip they’ve ever been on. With tons of trendy restaurants, nightlife, and outdoor activities, there’s something for every type of bride in this beautiful city. 

With all this in mind, and to help you create the best Scottsdale bachelorette trip, we tapped two experts for their tips and advice on where to stay, eat, and play. Here's the ultimate Scottsdale bachelorette party guide, in addition to a three-day itinerary you can use as a template when planning this trip.

Meet the Expert

  • Casey Hohman is the founder of Scottsdale Bachelorette, a specialty bachelorette planning company specifically for the Scottsdale area. Her company arranges everything from itinerary curation to decorating and kitchen stocking.
  • Dr. Terika L. Haynes is the CEO and lead travel consultant of Dynamite Travel.

The Cost of a Scottsdale Bachelorette Party

According to Casey Hohman, founder of Scottsdale Bachelorette, most Scottsdale bachelorette party attendees are spending between $800 and $1,200 excluding airfare. There are lots of affordable vacation rental homes in close proximity to all of the best restaurants and nightlife, which makes it much more affordable than other big cities like Miami or San Diego.

Where to Stay in Scottsdale

Hohman recommends booking a vacation rental home near Old Town Scottsdale using sites like Airbnb or VRBO. The good thing about booking a rental is that you can take over the accommodations and transform the home into your own oasis for the weekend. For example, you can book a private chef in your own kitchen or arrange a My AZ Picnic setup in your backyard. However, be sure to always keep in mind the occupancy rules when booking a home, advises Dr. Terika L. Haynes, CEO and lead travel consultant of Dynamite Travel. "These are usually strict so travelers need to make sure that they adhere to these rules to avoid any issues."

If you're planning on staying at a hotel, though, some of the top options include The Scott Resort & Spa, set in Scottsdale’s historic town with amazing décor; or Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows, featuring 185 spacious bungalows and suites, three luxurious pools, renowned dining, and more.

What to Pack for Scottsdale

As with all trips, what you choose to pack depends on the weather of the locale during the time you plan to visit. For Scottsdale, the best time to visit is anytime from March to June. "The temperature is ideal during this time of year because it’s not too hot," says Hohman. "If you want to do more outdoor activities, March, April, and May are the best months. May through June starts getting hot, which is great for pool parties."

Therefore, when packing your bag you’ll want to bring a mix of summer casual and athleisure outfits for the daytime, along with nice dresses or jeans for the nights you go out. Don’t forget to pack sneakers, sunglasses, a light jacket (for when the temperature drops at night), and sunscreen. Of course, bring bathing suits since the weather will be ideal for daily pool activities.

What to Do in Scottsdale

The unique thing about Scottsdale is that each trip can be a completely different experience depending on the bride’s interests. According to Hohman, brides should try a Pedal Bike Pub Crawl tour, hiking Camelback Mountain, doing a Jeep or ATV tour to explore the desert, day-tripping to Sedona, or planning a Vegas-style pool party at Maya Dayclub and W Hotel. If you’re into the nightlife scene, check out Riothouse or Whiskey Row to dance the night away. 

If partying isn’t your thing, you can plan workouts with the group at local spots like Balanced Bachelorette, which offers yoga classes for the bride and her friends with different packages and types of flows. 

If your group loves sweet treats (who doesn’t?), make a stop at Bear and the Honey Bakery, a BIPOC woman-owned bakery that specializes in gluten-free treats and other dietary restrictions. Another local bakery suggested by Hohman is Cookie Brokers, which can create customized cookies decorated however you’d like. These treats also make a cute gift for the bride’s friends, whether it’s for dessert one night or on their beds as a surprise upon arrival. 

According to Dr. Haynes, when traveling with a large group, be sure to set a few guidelines to ensure everyone remains together and safe for the duration of the trip. "Travel during the day for arrival and departures rather than after dark/at night for safety precautions," she shares. "Pre-arrange as much transportation as possible; create a 'buddy system' where no one is going anywhere alone; [and] do not post on social media real-time—wait until afterward so that the location is not disclosed."

Scottsdale Bachelorette Party Itinerary

Ready to plan the ultimate Scottsdale bachelorette party? Here's a sample itinerary to follow when putting together this pre-wedding celebration.

Day One

  • Morning: Enjoy a light bite at your accommodations and get ready for an adventure. This morning, go on a hike through Camelback Mountain. You’ll be able to see amazing views from every corner and get a workout in to kick off the weekend. Climbing the mountain is no easy feat, but there are different trails to choose from depending on the group’s hiking ability. 
  • Afternoon: Grab brunch at Hash Kitchen and then head back to your Airbnb to throw an at-home pool party with Scottsdale Cabana Boys, a cabana boy and bartending service. What do the "cabana boys" do? They’ll serve you drinks and refreshments, take pictures (or pose with you), be Spotify DJs, help with drinking games, keep the pool area tidy, keep you company (or stay out of the way, that's up to you), and take out the trash when they leave.
  • Evening: Head to dinner at Toca Madera for traditional Mexican cuisine (yes, lots of margaritas!) and get ready for a fun evening. After dinner, go for a night out in Old Town where there are plenty of bars, lounges, and clubs to choose from. 

Day Two

  • Morning: Start your second day off with an ATV tour with Desert Monster Tours for a fun way to see the desert scenery. Don’t forget to bring personalized bandanas for all your friends like these on Etsy.
  • Afternoon: After a full day of adventures, throw on your swimwear attire and head over for a pool party at Maya Day Club. Check the website to see upcoming events scheduled, as they have DJs and themed parties throughout the months. For VIP status, book a private cabana and bottle service for the group. 
  • Evening: Tonight, relax at your villa after being out all day and treat yourselves. Book a private chef dinner at home with Chef Will Turner. Turner is a top local chef and will be the highlight of your trip—making anything your heart desires from steak and chicken to crème brûlée. 

Day Three

  • Morning: Wake up and brunch at The Montauk for a delicious East Coast meets West Coast menu. You’ll feel like you’re in the Hamptons with its airy and beachy feel.
  • Afternoon: Arrange a pedal bike pub crawl with AZ Party Bike for a two-hour fun-filled tour of Scottsdale. Your crew will get exclusive drinks at every bar and a bike with LED party lights and top hits. Make sure to tell the group to coordinate outfits this day for the best photo ops. 
  • Evening: Close out the weekend with an unforgettable dinner at Olive & Ivy for flatbreads and Mediterranean cuisine. Sit on the outdoor patio while sipping on a glass of wine to celebrate the bride-to-be.

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