With the pandemic coming to a wrap and summer around the corner, we deserve a little something. Or — something more than just little. What better than a trip to a city internationally known for hotels, shopping, and fun? Even better, this city has leaped towards LGBTQ+ equality in recent years. Let’s face it — nothing is better than that, and Scottsdale is your answer. Here are the 10 best gay-friendly tourist spots in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Happy Pride and happy traveling!
Scottsdale is known for its superb weather, and the resort pool looks very inviting.Best Gay-Friendly Tourist Spots in Scottsdale
1. Hotel Valley Ho
Hotel Valley Ho is everything except a typical and boring hotel chain. We loved our stay here recently because of the style and location. From the suites to the pool area, the building is tinted with bold colors and classic midcentury modern designs. More than a fabulous exterior and interior, the service at Hotel Valley Ho is just exceptional. That means fantastic hotel restaurants, genuine smiles from staff, and a great way to finish Pride 2021 strong!
Triton relaxing in our mid-century modern suite at the Hotel Valley Ho.2. The Scott Resort & Spa
At The Scott, you’ll enjoy cocktails at your leisure and/or embark on multi-course food journeys. That’s having the best of two worlds! Adorned with natural aesthetics, great service, and exceptional food — The Scott is a relaxing mini-paradise for foodies and nature lovers alike. Being walking distance from the unique Old Town, there are endless things to do in and out of this resort and spa!
3. Arizona Sunburst Inn
Truly an underrated gem that’s sparklingly to be discovered. Arizona Sunburst Inn is a bed-and-breakfast owned by a gay man for gay men! What could be better than that? If traditional resorts or hotels aren’t your thing, Arizona Sunburst Inn is a fabulous change of pace. Make this your home away from home as you enjoy great accommodations and a relaxing environment. Plus, it’s walking distance from several of the best restaurants in Scottsdale.
4. BS West
We can’t create our list without mentioning an actual gay bar! With male gogo dancers, talented drag queens, and a high-energy crowd — your night is guaranteed to be a blast at BS West. If you plan accordingly, you can strut to BS West on Saturdays for a great time and super cheap drinks. Have your moment at the bar and patio that have served the queer community since the 1980’s!
Rainbow disco balls are a sure sign of good LGBTQ fun!5. Citizen Public House
Citizen Public House is a bar and patio that’s literally award winning. Their chopped salad has a literal Facebook fan page (deservingly so)! Every item on their menu will leave your palette twirling with joy and the service is nothing but the best. The decorations are inviting and sleek, and we know you’ll enjoy your time here! Oh, did I mention they had great happy hour specials? People from all over the world come here for a reason.
6. Cafe Monarch
Cafe Monarch is ranked by Yelp as the most romantic restaurant in America and is holder of several other awards. This family-owned restaurant is at the heart of historic Old Town, and combines ambiance, service and food to a perfectionist level. This place is what foodies literally dream about at night. Even without reservations, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Cafe Monarch. If you don’t, you’ll end up with serious FOMO.
Cafe Monarch is not only gorgeous but offers an award-winning menu.7. Butterfly Wonderland
The name itself must have already piqued your interest — a name fitting to be a song title for our favorite pop queens. Butterfly Wonderland is a one-of-a-kind indoor rainforest habitat that houses thousands of brilliant butterflies (duh) and other unique rainforest animals. Ready to support butterfly conservation and have an unforgettable experience? Now’s your chance!
8. Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
Another spot located in the Old Town neighborhood of Scottsdale is the awesome Museum of the West. It opened back in 2015 and creatively pays homage to the original 19 states compromising the American West. With rotating exhibits consisting of hundreds of western artifacts, each visit feels fresh and fun. If you’re a history or art lover, Western Spirit is an accommodating museum that’s a must.
The Museum of the West in Scottsdale is a great way to spend some quality time inside when it’s hot outside!9. Scottsdale Fashion Square
If the mall is calling, this is your ticket. With over 200 brand-name stores and a clean yet contemporary design, this upscale mall is a shopping mecca. Locals and visitors alike have praised Scottsdale Fashion Square for impressive food courts, a fun atmosphere, and many entertaining activities. Great for vacationing with your family or going on a romantic date. (Or, just treating yourself because you deserve it!)
10. Taliesin West
Being the headquarters of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, it’s no surprise that the architecture at Taliesin West is out of this world! Enjoy an excellent and educational guided tour of Wright’s brilliant winter home dating all the way back to 1937. And you can actually interact with the home! You have to be there in person to truly appreciate the beauty of Wright’s designs. You won’t regret it.
Taliesin West is a gorgeous tribute to Frank Lloyd Wright.More Ideas in Scottsdale
Looking for more gay-friendly tourist spots in Scottsdale? Here are a couple of other stories to help you planning process:
Visitors can have a stagecoach ride down the main street in Tombstone, Arizona.
