What are the Best Locations to go on a Date in Scottsdale?

Although it’s a little quieter than neighboring Phoenix, Scottsdale is an art lover’s and food lover’s dream. It’s also packed with golf courses and entertainment options. So, whether you’re planning a first date with someone you’ve only just met or a date night with your spouse, you won’t be short of options.

Here are some of the best ideas for date nights in Scottsdale, all separated into different types to help you find the right one for you.

 Top Culinary Date Ideas in Scottsdale

Food, chat, drinks—there’s a reason restaurants are the most common first date destination.

• The Marketplace on 1st: The best spot in town for freshly baked pastries, as well as delicious coffee and other delights. There is even a community table where strangers meet, chat, and enjoy great food in each other’s company.
• Francine Restaurant: An award-winning restaurant that serves amazing French food and has been the talk of the town since it opened, with glowing reviews from both critics and the general public. It’s the finest of fine dining—a classic but great date idea.
• Los Olivos: Sitting in the heart of the Scottsdale Old Town, this restaurant has been open for over 70 years and serves traditional Mexican fare.
• FnB Restaurant: Another award-winning restaurant, this one serves only seasonal, locally sourced produce, and has one of the biggest wine lists you’ve ever seen.
• Hula’s Modern Tiki: If the menus at the above locations are a little out of your price range, check out this one instead. It’s a Polynesian-themed website with a 1950s vibe.
• La Hacienda at the Princess: An upscale Mexican restaurant that’s perfect for a romantic date night thanks to a gorgeous outdoor dining area.

Scottsdale Best Artistic Date Ideas

Scottsdale has a fantastic arts scene, and the city is home to excellent works by both local and international artists. If you and your date have an artistic side, check out these destinations:

• Marshall Way Arts District: A great day out for any art lover, the streets around here are full of art galleries, including sculptures and paintings. You’ll see some of the best work from artists across Arizona.
• The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art: Easily one of the best date ideas for art lovers, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art showcases an array of top talents and hosts some incredible art exhibits.
• Wonderspace: Located at Scottsdale Fashion Square, this is an art show and a cocktail lounge rolled into one. It’s a fun date idea for couples who enjoy contemporary art and want to loosen nerves and tongues with a few fruity cocktails.
• Taliesin West: A vast stretch of land in the McDowell Mountains that was once owned by Frank Lloyd Wright. For a unique date experience, take your date on one of the nighttime tours and stroll under the stars.

Top Sports Date in Scottsdale

Sporty dates usually revolve around some kind of activity, but it doesn’t have to be intense. You want to look your best for your date, and sweaty armpits definitely don’t help with that. There are some relatively low-intensity options that will still get the heart pumping, though:

• Golf and Mini-Golf: There are over 50 golf courses in Scottsdale, and this number doubles if you’re prepared to venture 20 miles outside of the city. If 9 or 18 holes sound too much like a chore, check out one of the city’s mini golf destinations, including Top Golf, Glow Putt, and Puttshack.
• McDonald’s Ranch: It’s time to feel like a Texas (or Arizonan) rancher as you saddle up and go for a ride at the ranch. It’s definitely one of our favorite fun things to do in Scottsdale, but make sure your date is happy with the idea before you surprise them with a saddle and a rented steed.
• Try an Escape Room: Whether you’re looking for date ideas in Phoenix, New York, Los Angeles, or right here in Scottsdale, we’re always going to tell you to check out the local escape rooms. It’s a fun, tense, and exciting experience that gets the mental juices flowing and gives you an excuse to show off your problem-solving skills. There are a couple of options in Scottsdale, including Bam Kazam.
• Simply Smashing Rage Release Room: Whether you’re taking out your frustrations or just getting your rock star vibe on, this location provides a first-date experience that your partner won’t forget in a hurry. Choose your weapon and start smashing!

Romantic Things to Do in Scottsdale

A few years ago, Scottsdale was said to have the most destination spas per capita of anywhere in the United States. Nothing much has changed, and it’s still a great place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the scenery. So, if you want a date night with a difference, visit one of the following:

• Spa Avania
• Well & Being Spa
• The Phoenician Spa
• Spa at Four Seasons

Alternatively, if you drive a few miles out of the city and into neighboring Phoenix, you can check out the vast Desert Botanical Garden, where you can explore the beauty and tranquility of the Sonoran Desert. There are all kinds of events throughout the year, including tours, live music, and meditation classes. You can also hit the trail and explore the unique fauna, including thousands of cacti species. Check the Botanical Garden’s website for all of the latest events.

Here are some other ideas for a romantic date night in Scottsdale:

Planning the Perfect Date: Tips for a Flawless Evening

The perfect date lives and dies on the destination, which is why we have provided so many options for you above. If you get this right, you can create a memory that will stay with them forever and ensure they constantly associate those positive feelings with you. If they feel awkward, uncomfortable, and out of place, however, the relationship could end before the night is over.

The key to a good date, therefore, is to find something that they will like, and not just something that you thought was unique or cool. If it’s a first date, check their dating profile or chat with them to get an idea of what they like and dislike. Are they painfully introverted and prefer movie theaters and strolls along the canal to nightclubs? Do they like sport, activity, and adventure?

Once you have the date idea locked down, try not to oversell it. You don’t need any grand gestures or big gifts. The destination itself will do the initial trick of impressing them. After that, you need to follow it up by being present throughout. Talk to them. Hear what they have to say. Most importantly, try to relax, as nothing kills a date quicker than awkward conversation punctuated by anxious giggling and terrible jokes.