Hotel at a Glance: Scottsdale Camelback Resort

Located a few blocks from Old Town Scottsdale, this family-friendly resort has something for everybody. Kids can swim in the outdoor pool, while parents grab a bite at the poolside bar. Among the myriad leisure activities available here: bocce ball tournaments, daily movies, and tai chi lessons. When it’s time to relax, you can schedule a desert-themed massage at the onsite spa.

• Suite amenities: kitchenette, whirlpool tub, wood-burning fireplace, private balcony, and free WiFi
• Sports facilities: lit tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, a putting green, and lawn games such as croquet, bocce ball, and horseshoes
• Start the day right with a complimentary continental breakfast.
• Poolside burgers and drinks are served at The Grille, which hosts a daily happy hour.

Scottsdale, Arizona: Stucco Mansions amid Rocky Desert Landscape

Located just northeast of Phoenix in the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale once served as ranch land where farmers grew oranges and lemons and cowboys kicked up dust in the fierce, dry heat. That era earned Scottsdale the nickname of “The West’s Most Western Town.” Today, it is an affluent city landscaped with lush green grass and lined with stucco mansions. For a glimpse of the city’s Old West roots, head to Old Town Scottsdale, where wooden boardwalks and hitching posts sit in front of a retro ice-cream parlor and rustic specialty shops.

Upon arriving in Scottsdale, you know you’re in the desert—cacti and tumbleweeds dot the landscape, and dry shrubs and gnarled trees cover the McDowell Mountains in the distance. To get a closer look at southwestern flora, head to the Desert Botanical Garden. There, themed trails wind past huge cacti and other moisture-hoarding succulents, best seen in the cooler early morning or twilight hours.

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