In the above episode of Wander the World with Sharon on Big Blend Radio, award-winning travel writer and photographer Sharon K. Kurtz explores Scottsdale, Arizona, sharing insights on the Sonoran Desert, local cuisine, arts and culture, wellness experiences, and why this vibrant destination shines year-round. Scroll down to read Sharon’s accompanying article and dive deeper into her Scottsdale adventure.
SCOTTSDALE IN WINTER: SUNSHINE, CULTURE & DESERT MAGIC
By Sharon Kurtz
Winter travel is about finding light, space, and ease—and Scottsdale, Arizona delivers all three. With clear blue skies, crisp mornings, and warm afternoons, the city feels effortlessly inviting from November through March. During my recent visit to the Scottsdale Showcase, hosted by Experience Scottsdale, I discovered why this desert city makes an ideal winter escape.
A Resort That Feels Like Home
I stayed at the 65-acre Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and immediately felt the balance of luxury and relaxed desert vibes. The highlight for me? Being greeted by the hotel’s dog ambassadors, who made the lobby feel warm and welcoming in a way only a wagging tail can.
The resort’s six pools each have a distinct personality. Families gravitate to the Sonoran Splash pool with waterslides, while serenity seekers find quiet at the rooftop spa pool. My favorite was Sunset Beach, Arizona’s only sand beach pool, complete with palm trees and white sand—a playful oasis in the desert.
Dining at the Princess is an approachable and relaxed experience. Bourbon Steak anchors the resort with a classic steakhouse, while Toro brings Pan-Latin flavors and golf course views. Fire pits and light bites at the Plaza Bar round out the experience.
Gardens, Desert Trails, and Big-Sky Views
Winter is when Scottsdale invites you outside. I spent time wandering the Desert Botanical Garden, where softer winter light makes the cacti glow, and seasonal blooms pop against the red earth. The paths are easy to follow, and it’s the kind of place where you slow down without realizing it.
For a different kind of immersion, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve delivers wide-open space and quiet trails just minutes from the city. Pinnacle Peak is especially rewarding, with steady elevation and sweeping views across the Sonoran Desert. It’s not a technical hike, but it feels earned—especially at the top, when the scale of the landscape really sinks in.
For dramatic perspectives, sunrise hot-air balloon flights offer panoramic views of cactus forests, ridgelines, and distant mountains—a peaceful and unforgettable experience.
Cultural Highlights in Old Town: Art, Music, and History
Beyond the resort, Old Town Scottsdale pulses with creativity and history. I loved walking its streets, where preserved Western buildings sit alongside galleries, boutiques, and contemporary art spaces. Weekly ArtWalks invite visitors to wander gallery to gallery, meet local artists, and enjoy live music under the crisp desert sky.
Wine lovers should note LDV Winery’s Old Town tasting room, owned by Peggy and Curt Lawrence Dunham. I didn’t have time to stop in, but their Arizona-grown wines, crafted using Old World techniques, fit seamlessly into Old Town’s creative energy.
I couldn’t resist the museums either. Western Spirit: Museum of the West, located in Old Town, offers a thoughtful look at frontier life, ranching, and Native American heritage. Nearby, SMoCA—the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art—adds a modern counterpoint with exhibitions blending visual art, design, and architecture.
For a completely different cultural experience, the Musical Instrument Museum, about a 30-minute drive or Uber ride from Old Town, immerses visitors in global music traditions with exhibits that let you hear instruments from around the world.
Desert Dining Under the Stars
Our final night in the Sonoran Desert was unforgettable, thanks to
Cloth and Flame is known for stunning venues and immersive experiences.
Surrounded by saguaros and the desert sunset, we enjoyed cocktails and opening remarks before settling in for dinner. Then, on the opposite horizon, a supermoon began to rise—so large and luminous it felt almost close enough to touch. With cocktails in hand and dinner ahead, I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect evening.
Los Milagros Vineyards provided wine that paired beautifully with the meal, all under twinkling lights that made the desert feel magical. It was an intimate, sensory experience that showcased the beauty of Scottsdale’s winter evenings.
Wellness and Leisure
I can’t wait to return to experience the massages and wellness offerings at Scottsdale’s many spas, including BluSoniL Studio, Civana Wellness Resort, and the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Desert sunshine energizes outdoor experiences, and the city’s Blue Zones initiatives encourage healthy lifestyles through walkable neighborhoods and community spaces.
Why Scottsdale Works in Winter
Whether traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, Scottsdale offers sunshine, art, music, gardens, and desert charm in a season that invites you to slow down and recharge. It’s a winter getaway that leaves you with memories and a deep appreciation for the desert’s light, color, and Scottsdale’s unmistakable sense of place.
For more information and trip-planning resources, reach out to Experience Scottsdale.
Sharon Kurtz is an Austin-based freelance travel writer and award-winning photographer. She is passionate about exploring the world and sharing her experiences through captivating storytelling. She is an active member of The Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and The International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).
Follow her travels on:
https://sharonkkurtz.com/
https://www.instagram.com/shar_kurtz
See her new Big Blend “Wander the World with Sharon Magazine” a Digital Podcast Publication featuring Sharon’s articles and interviews.
