Girls Guide to Arizona: Scottsdale, Cave Creek, & Wickenburg

One of my favorite places to visit is the desert. The contrast to my city girl lifestyle is such a treat and the mountainous terrain has me in awe every time I visit. Arizona has so many towns that are a sight to see but this trip I spent time in my favorite areas of Scottsdale, Cave Creek, and took a trip for my first time to Wickenburg. Each area has its own unique charm and offers something special, from Scottsdale's upscale dining and shopping to the tranquil beauty of Cave Creek and the historic feel of Wickenburg.

Wickenburg

I started this trip in Wickenburg and stayed at the stunning property, Rancho de los Caballeros. Rancho de los Caballeros is a historic dude ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona. The resort is known for its genuine southwestern hospitality and rich heritage. It’s the type of place where families return to year after year and they even display photo album collages of all the memories created here in the years past!

The ranch offers many activities on site including horse back riding, weekend campfire cookouts, archery, trap and skeet, golfing, ATV, yoga and more. The resort also offers yoga sessions overlooking the stunning desert vistas, heated pools and tennis courts. They also have full-service spa for ultimate relaxation that was so needed after a day of horse back riding and golf. Rancho de los Caballeros blends adventure with relaxation, offering the ideal setting for those looking to experience the true essence of Arizona.

The resort is the type of property that you don’t need to leave but on your visit here you must check out Wickenburg Historic District. Wickenburg is a charming, historic town in Arizona, renowned for its Old West heritage. Stepping into the town square feels like entering a time capsule, with its quaint shops, classic saloons, and Wild West spirit.

To note: Wickenburg is a short hour from Scottsdale, where I typically spend more of my time in Arizona.

Scottsdale

Scottsdale is known to be a fan favorite spot for bachelorette parties because of it’s perfect blend of luxury and relaxation. You can spend your days lounging by the pool at chic resorts and your evenings at trendy restaurants and you have several options for places to go for a fun night out. As I know many of my readers are girls I’d like to also recommend it for an iconic girls trip. Especially if you have a cowgirl aesthetic like me, this is the place to be! Here’s my ultimate guide to where to dine, go out and play in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Old Town Scottsdale is the heart of the city, known for its vibrant mix of Western charm. This area shares similarities to the Wickenburg Historic District I previously described. Old Town too has a strong Native American and Western influence, with local markets and museums showcasing the region's history. Historic buildings stand alongside modern structures creating the perfect blend of past and present. The area is filled with art galleries, boutiques, trendy restaurants, and lively bars, making it a great place to stroll, shop, and enjoy the nightlife.

My favorite restaurant for a night out here is Diego Pops. This is where to go to have a fun dinner experience mingling and meeting new friends. They have an outdoor lawn area with picnic tables and Instagram worthy signs and fun decor.

Nearby Old Town is also the iconic Fairmont Princess Hotel. I plan to stay here on my next trip out to Arizona but even if you aren’t staing here go to dinner at La Hacienda. The Mexican restaurant is so amazing and they have a gorgeous balcony view of Camelback Mountain.

Etta Restaurant- Etta is a chic level 10 restaurant located in Scottsdale Quarter. They serve contemporary American cuisine and some of the best steaks I've ever had. The steaks are prepared on a wood-fired grill, giving them a perfect char and exceptional flavor. This was clearly the go-to spot for celebrating something special. All around us, people were marking birthdays and anniversaries, which added to the fun, lively vibe. Plan to hit the Scottsdale Quarter shops before or after dinner to elevate your experience.

Pizzeria Bianco- Charming restaurant with old vintage feels. Started by owner Chris Bianco in 1988 in the back of a neighborhood grocery store. I've been a few times and was lucky enough to meet the owner, Chris, on one occasion. We sat and chatted with him for a while, and I found myself as captivated by his story told in his thick New York accent as I was by the pizza.

Isabella’s Kitchen- Dining on a golf course is a must in Arizona. There’s so many beautiful golf courses here that also have amazing restaurants with stunning views of Grayhawk Golf Club and fun atmosphere.

Francine Restaurant- Amazing french food and rustic charming french vibes. You must get the branzino. We got a bunch of more appetizers as well and everything was so good! Also don’t skip the dessert with an espresso martini.

I am clearly a restaurant goer but I also love a good outdoor adventure! The Arizona desert setting provides unique outdoor activities like hiking. I hiked the Camelback Mountains this trip and although it was extremely difficult the breathtaking views made it all worth it! I highly recommend adding a hike to your Arizona Itinerary. For an easier hike I’d recommend Pinnacle Peak.

Cave Creek

Cave Creek is a charming town 25 minutes north from Scottsdale. Cave Creek is another gem with Wild West history and outdoor adventure. If you’re headed to Arizona be sure to add my favorite place in Cave Creek, Buffalo Chip Saloon to your itinerary.

Buffalo Chip Saloon is a historic cowboy bar and a country girls dream spot. With neon signs of “Long Live Cowgirls” and wine poured by the glass in a rustic setting, it’s the perfect combination of cowboy charm and cowgirl chic. The venue features country music, line dancing, and even bull riding! Every Wednesday and Friday Buffalo Chip Saloon has bull riding at their arena and it is such an amazing experience. I recommend getting the VIP seats which are $25 a person and you must order an entree which are around $14- $30. We stayed for a round of s’mores at the end of the experience, and they brought out a portable campfire for us. It was cooler than I could have ever imagined!

Shopping in Old Town Cave Creek is another must! Cave Creek has a charming, western-themed town center where you can find fun shops and galleries. I love the Cave Creek Trading Post for southwestern jewelry, pottery, and art.

Arizona is truly a destination that never disappoints, and I hope this blog post has given you some inspiration for your desert adventure. From the stunning landscapes to the rich history, there’s so much to do and see. If you have any questions or need more recommendations for your trip, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Happy travels and enjoy every moment in the beautiful Arizona desert.

xx

Jules