Gay Scottsdale – Ultimate Travel Guide, Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Activities (Updated 2024)
Gay Friendly Travel Guides 07th Mar, 2022
Gay Scottsdale – a city in the eastern part of Maricopa County in Arizona, part of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Gay Scottsdale is a popular resort destination on the eastern outskirts of Phoenix, known for its exceptional art galleries, fantastic shopping and dining, popular spas, and a multitude of golf courses and leisure activities.
In addition to its high-end offerings scattered across its serene environment, Scottsdale’s Old Town features Native American products and Western-themed ‘Old West’ bars and restaurants.
Travellers have a wide range of activities and scenery from which to select: from day hiking, horseback riding, and exploring art galleries and rustic Western outfitters in Old Town to clubbing and enjoying some barbecue in the nearby Entertainment District.
If you are thinking about going somewhere else you can try other Gay Travel Guides.
Remember to always check out the latest rules and restrictions before you leave.
Gay Scottsdale – the Scene
Welcome to Gay Scottsdale, a city that embraces LGBTQ+ travelers with open arms.
Located on the eastern outskirts of Phoenix, Scottsdale offers a variety of attractions, activities, and accommodations tailored to the needs and interests of the LGBTQ+ community.
This travel guide will provide you with valuable information about the best gay-friendly hotels, dining establishments, bars, and attractions in Scottsdale.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or vibrant nightlife, Scottsdale has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore this vibrant destination!
Is Gay Scottsdale Safe?
In general, Gay Scottsdale, Arizona is a safe place to visit.
Crime rates are lower than the average in most American cities, and there are presently no pressing safety threats.
Although the city is considered generally safe, just like any other place in any other part of the world, there’s still a possibility of petty crimes, therefore, precautions should still be taken to avoid unpleasant situations.
Best Time to Visit Gay Scottsdale
Although there are benefits to visiting all year, each of the four seasons has its very own distinct charm.
The ideal time to visit Scottsdale is usually in the spring. Starting in April, you’ll have some of the finest weather for outdoor adventures in the Scottsdale area, with higher temperatures and minimal possibilities for rain.
You’ll also find the desert in full bloom with gorgeous wildflowers, rich greenery, and famous cactus blossoms, along with several concerts, festivals, and sporting events.
As Gay Scottsdale’s high-peak season though, large crowds, and hotel rates and accommodations are also high.
Summer is the best time to visit if you want to keep your travel expenses as low as possible. Due to the heat, Summer is without a doubt the least popular season to visit Phoenix and Gay Scottsdale.
Best Gay-Friendly Hotels in Scottsdale
Gay Scottsdale offers a range of gay-friendly hotels that cater to different preferences and budgets.
Whether you’re looking for luxurious resorts or boutique accommodations, you’ll find options to suit your needs. Consider these top gay-friendly hotels in Scottsdale:
Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix Cityscape
The urban renaissance of Downtown Phoenix has created a bustling crossroads of dining, shopping, entertainment, and sports.
Standing out as a celebrated downtown landmark, the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix adds to the excitement with its chic design, spacious guest rooms, and top-notch amenities.
From the nightly social hour in the stylish lobby living room to the sun-soaked rooftop pool and lounge, every detail has been carefully crafted to provide guests with an elevated Phoenix experience.
| Activities | Bar Fitness Center Pool Dining |
| Price | $$$ |
| Location | Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix Cityscape 2 EAST JEFFERSON STREET, PHOENIX, AZ 85004 |
| Contact | Call (602) 253-6633 No Email |
| Website | Kimpton Hotels in downtown Phoenix AZ | Kimpton Palomar Hotel Phoenix (hotelpalomar-phoenix.com) |
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows
Throughout history, the vast desert landscape has been a haven for those seeking solace and refuge.
A luxurious 23-acre resort in Arizona invites travelers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and immerse themselves in the beauty of the path less traveled.
| Activities | Spa Fitness Center Restaurant |
| Price | $$$ |
| Location | Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows 6114 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85253 |
| Contact | Call (480) 368-1234 guestexperience@andaz.com |
| Website | Luxury Resort in Scottsdale, AZ | Andaz Scottsdale Resort |
The Scott Resort & Spa | Scottsdale Resort With A Pool & Day Spa
The Scott is a boutique hotel in Old Town Scottsdale, offering a vibrant and elegant atmosphere. With 204 guest rooms and suites, two pools, and a full-service spa, guests can relax in luxury.
The Canal Club restaurant serves traditional American cuisine with a Caribbean twist, while La Vidorra spa offers a range of treatments.
| Activities | Spa Fitness Center Restaurant Pool |
| Price | $$$ |
| Location | The Scott Resort & Spa | Scottsdale Resort With A Pool & Day Spa 4925 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85251 |
| Contact | Call 800 528 7867 No Email |
| Website | The Scott Resort & Spa | Scottsdale Resort With A Pool & Day Spa |
Recommended:
Gay Massage in Scottsdale
Gay-Friendly Dining in Scottsdale
Scottsdale has a wide range of indoor and outdoor dining options. Alternatively, there’s a wide variety of takeout from which to choose.
From trendy Tex-Mex to Thai and all in between, Gay Scottsdale has a broad selection of cuisine.
1. Citizen Public House
The restaurant, which opened in downtown Gay Scottsdale in 2011, delivers award-winning cuisine and delectable cocktails.
Citizen Public House was named as Best New Restaurant by various magazines in its first year and their craft beers, traditional and contemporary drinks, and award-winning gastropub cuisine remains a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.
| Types of Food | Pasta, Chicken, Salads, Burger |
| Price | $$ |
| Location | 7111 E 5th Ave Ste E, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 |
| More Information | CITIZEN PUBLIC HOUSE |
2. Second Story
Located in Old Town Scottsdale, Second Story is an elegant, hidden gem of a restaurant and bar.
With over 400 whiskey varieties, the restaurant serves worldwide small plates and innovative chef-driven meals.
| Types of Food | Seafood, Pasta, Steaks, Desserts |
| Price | $$ |
| Location | 4166 N Scottsdale Rd Ste 102, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 |
| More Information | Second Story – A hidden gem restaurant in the heart of Scottsdale, AZ (secondstoryliquorbar.com) |
3. Culinary Dropout
Culinary Dropout delivers classic dishes prepared to perfection. You’ll want to try everything, including fan favorites like pretzel bites and provolone fondue, 36-hour pork ribs, and their famed honey-drizzled fried chicken.
You may also order an ice-cold craft beer or an in-house made killer cocktail while enjoying the games or free live music.
| Types of Food | Seafood, Nachos, Soup, Meat & Cheese, Salad, Pork, Vegetables |
| Price | $$ |
| Location | 7135 E. CAMELBACK RD. SUITE 125 SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85251 |
| More Information | Classic Bar in Scottsdale | Live Music | Culinary Dropout |
4. The Canal Club
The Canal Club offers a unique and private dining experience that combines American classics with Caribbean flavors.
The restaurant, bar, and lounge feature a great indoor-outdoor layout for a vibrant and comfortable atmosphere.
| Types of Food | Salads, Steaks, Chicken, Vegetables |
| Price | $$ |
| Location | 7135 E. CAMELBACK RD. SUITE 125 SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85251 |
| More Information | Classic Bar in Scottsdale | Live Music | Culinary Dropout |
Gay-Friendly Bars and Clubs in Scottsdale
If you enjoy the nightlife, you’ve probably already fallen in love with Gay Scottsdale. While there are lots of activities to participate in during the day, Gay Scottsdale comes alive at night.
Gay Scottsdale has something for everyone who wants to drink, dance, dine, or all of the above.
1. BS West Scottsdale
For many in the Arizona LGBTQ+ community, BS West, which was founded in 1988, has been a popular release, however, they aren’t confined to that!
Some people call BS West home, while others come across its diverse yet united population, which includes people of various colors, shapes, ages, and sizes.
BS West offers weekly events, karaoke, drag shows, and much more.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Drinks Only |
| Location | 7125 East 5th Avenue, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 |
| Contact | +1 480-945-902 |
| Website | Home Page – BS West |
2. The Anvil Bar
You will always find delectable beers at this bar, great staff and excellent service.
You’ll also be surprised by the bar’s reasonable costs. Weekly events include tea parties, karaoke, undie Mondays, and much more.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Drinks Only |
| Location | 2424 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016 |
| Contact | +1 602-334-1462 |
| Website | Anvil Home – Anvil Bar (anvilbaraz.com) |
3. Nu Towne Saloon
The Nu Towne Saloon is one of the oldest in town and still going strong. There’s a fantastic program of activities, as well as happy hour deals.
Nu Towne is a great spot to spend a night out with large crowds, chilled drinks, TV panels, and the traditional dart boards and pool tables.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Drinks Only |
| Location | 5002 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008 |
| Contact | +1 602-267-9959 |
| Website | Home (nutownesaloon.com) |
4. Cruisin’ 7th
Cruisin’ 7th offers a unique selection of drag shows, male and transgender dance revues, and special events. It has a laid-back vibe, and its shabby interior is popular with the locals.
You are also welcome to join locals and other travellers for karaoke.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Drinks Only |
| Location | 3702 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014 |
| Contact | +1 602-212-9888 |
| Website | Cruisin Events – Cruisin’7th (cruisin7th.com) |
5. Kobalt Bar
Kobalt is the premier karaoke bar in central Phoenix. Theme evenings, local performers, and special events have all become annual events.
The pub provides a distinctive and trendy atmosphere for events and theme evenings, as well as being a great location to catch up with friends or simply relax.
Kobalt has filled a long-needed niche in the Phoenix community with its mix of a neighborhood bar and contemporary vibe.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Drinks Only |
| Location | 3110 N Central Ave Ste 175, Phoenix, AZ 85012 |
| Contact | +1 602-264-5307 |
| Website | Drag Show | Kobalt Bar | Phoenix (kobaltbarphoenix.com) |
Gay-Friendly Activities and Attractions in Gay Scottsdale
Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a long-time local, there are certain must-do activities in Gay Scottsdale, from the wide-open expanses of the stunning Sonoran Desert to the quaint alleys of Old Town – and everything in between!
1. Phoenix Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
Embark on a nine-story hot air balloon ride over Phoenix and the Sonoran Desert, and let the gentle breeze carry you away.
As you relax back and take in the views of diverse wildlife, spectacular landscapes, and the vast variety of nature, raise a glass of champagne to salute the morning’s trip.
Feel the rush of flying 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) above the open desert.
| Activities | Sightseeing, Balloon Ride |
| Location | 715 E Covey Lane #100, Phoenix, AZ 85024 |
| Price | $$$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Hot Air Balloon Rides Phoenix & Scottsdale | Rainbow Ryders |
2. Grand Canyon with Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon
Take a tour of Arizona’s spectacular scenery, including the incredible Grand Canyon, the beautiful Red Rocks of Sedona, and the incredible Oak Creek Canyon.
A photo stop at Sedona’s Red Rocks completes an educational and visually stunning drive across the state’s heartland.
| Activities | Sightseeing, Educational Riding Tour |
| Location | 352 Thompson Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336 |
| Price | $$$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Oak Creek Watershed Council – To Protect and Preserve |
3. Two Flight Indoor Skydiving Experience
This is the ideal taster experience. Most people wish they had flown more, but this is a terrific way to get started.
Experience all of the plummeting, free falling, and soaring sensations of skydiving without ever boarding a plane.
This indoor skydiving adventure transports you to a vertical wind tunnel where you can float weightlessly in space for an incredible adrenaline rush in completely safe conditions.
| Activities | Indoor Skydiving |
| Location | Scottsdale, AZ |
| Price | $$$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | iFLY Indoor Skydiving | You Can Fly | Locations Nationwide (iflyworld.com) |
4. Apache Trail Tour & Steamboat Cruise
Immerse yourself in the Southwest’s unrivalled beauty and enchantment.
Expert tour guides will take you on a guided tour of the ancient Apache Trail, a Canyon Lake steamboat trip, and a stop at the long-established mining settlement of Tortilla Flat, illustrating the Sonoran Desert as you’ve never seen it before.
| Activities | Sightseeing, Cruise Ride |
| Location | Apache Trail Phoenix, AZ, USA |
| Price | $$$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | No Website |
5. Phoenix Zoo
Since 1962, the Phoenix Zoo has been inspiring and motivating visitors from all around the world to care for the natural world.
The zoo is a magical site of curiosity, imagination, and discovery, nestled on 125 acres within lovely Papago Park.
It is unlike any other site in the valley, with over 3,000 animals, including Bornean Orangutans, Asian Elephants, Sumatran Tigers, Komodo Dragons, Masai Giraffes, and many more!
| Activities | Sightseeing, Animal encounter |
| Location | 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008 |
| Price | $$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Home – Phoenix Zoo |
How to get to Gay Scottsdale?
From Canada
If you are traveling to Gay Scottsdale from Canada, flying is the best option. You cannot travel directly to Scottsdale; however, you may fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor Int’l (PHX), which is 9.33 kilometers away. You can rent a car or take a taxi from there.
Many airlines travel to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, with Air Canada, Delta, and WestJet being the most popular. These airlines also have flexible cancellation policies.
Flights from Montreal take 4h 59m, Toronto flights 4h 31m, and Calgary flights 3h 03m.
From the United Kingdom
Flying is also the easiest way to travel to Scottsdale if you are from the United Kingdom. American Carriers, Finnair, and British Airways are the most frequent flyers from the United Kingdom to Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl Airport; these airlines have also waived their change and cancellation fees for flights to Scottsdale.
If you want to travel to Scottsdale, the best way to get there is via London; flights from London take 10 h 35 m.
From Italy
For Italians who want to see Scottsdale’s breathtaking attractions, flying is the most pleasant and quick way. Alitalia Airlines provides a one-stop flight from Rome. This flight will take 17 hours to arrive at Sky Harbor International Airport from Fiumicino-Leonardo da Vinci International Airport.
From Australia
For Australians who want to visit Scottsdale, air travel is the best and quickest way to get there. Qantaslink Sunstate Airlines flies from Canberra to Phoenix with two stops. The journey from Canberra International Airport to Sky Harbor International Airport will take 20 hours and 5 minutes.
