11 Great Date Ideas for Celebrating Valentine’s Day in Scottsdale

Wondering what to do to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Here are are 11 ideas to inspire you—10 here in Scottsdale and one nearby.

 

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West

You’ve most likely driven on Frank Lloyd Boulevard, named after famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959), but have you visited and explored his Scottsdale home and school? Make it a date to explore this unique locale a Scottsdale mountainside. Taliesin West is where Wright spent his winters, and today, you can tour the destination—which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List—take in a movie in an iconic space here, attend a Sunset & Sips, and more.

12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wight Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85259

Knight Rise

Arizona-based artist James Turrell is known for his works exploring light’s complexity as a medium. He’s known for his Skyspaces, one of which—Knight Rise—is in Scottsdale at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art in the sculpture courtyard.

Step inside and take a seat on the concrete bench that encircles the interior, then look up through the elliptical opening in the ceiling. The design makes it seem as if the sky is descending into the space rather than hovering above. It also affects the perception of the sky’s color.

7374 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Tell Your Friends

Take your loved one and enter a world of glamour at the underground destination Tell Your Friends, a hidden cocktail lounge under The Americano restaurant in North Scottsdale. The space embodies a Gatsby-era allure with rich maroon velvet drapes, mirrored walls, fanciful lighting, and a stage from which there’s often live music. Reservations are suggested; note the dress code.

17797 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

LOVE Statue

Head to Scottsdale Civic Center’s park area to view one of artist Robert Indiana’s LOVE sculptures. The pop art design stands 12 feet tall. Whether you take photos by it to capture your relationship or plan a picnic nearby, what better way to celebrate love than with LOVE?

There is also a free public art scavenger hunt and walking tour from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Fri., Feb. 14, that begins at the sculpture and explores Scottsdale Public Art’s permanent collection.

7343 E. Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Rancher Hat Bar

Ready for a DIY date? Get hands-on at this custom hat bar, where you can choose your hat (styles include cowboy, trucker, and rancher), select your accessories, and then watch the team create your custom product. Walk-ins are welcome.

4225 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 and 6922 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Museum of Illusions Scottsdale

Find mind-bending fun—and lots of cute photo ops!—at this illusion museum. There are perspective-changing rooms, installations, and images that challenge how you see things. Located at Arizona Boardwalk.

9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85250

Puttshack

This is the next generation of mini golf. This indoor space at Scottsdale Quarter offers a few different mini golf courses, and each game is played with golf balls that track your every shot, so you can concentrate on your conversation, not how many swings you took. Challenge each other to a friendly game and enjoy the upbeat atmosphere, drinks, and food, too.

15059 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Scottsdale Wine Trail

Give a trip to Italy a run for its money (well, sip-wise) with time spent following the Scottsdale Wine Trail in Downtown Scottsdale. The trail is a collection of seven tasting rooms from Arizona wineries, which have their vineyards located around the state. Stop at one or stop at all. The wine trail map is located here. Tip: Purchase a SWT Passport for $5 at any of the locations and receive $2 off a wine tasting at each location (you don’t need to fill the passport in only one day!).

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

Harken back to times past at this dinner and a show locale, where you’ll both cheer on your favorite knight as he tries to joust his way to glory while you dine on a royal feast (sans utensils, just like they did back then!). You’ll bond over the food and show. There’s also a special date “knight” package available through Feb. 17, which includes a bottle of wine, two commemorative glasses, and a keepsake photo.

9501 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Hot Air Ballon

While they might not take off from a Scottsdale locale, you can book a romantic hot air balloon ride that floats over Scottsdale from either Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Co. or Hot Air Expeditions. Take in a view of your loved one framed against the city below.

Desert Botanical Garden

While not technically in Scottsdale, it’s worth noting that the nearby Desert Botanical Garden is a great place for a date, either during the day or at night. The limited-time exhibit LIGHT BLOOM by HYBYCOZO (through March 30) transforms the Garden with its stunning geometric light installations that illuminate the desert landscape’s beauty and create a romantic glow to the destination. Wander the trails, take in unique flora, and explore the exhibit. The Garden also has its first orchid exhibit (through May 11) in the Exhibit Gallery.

1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, AZ 85008