Arizona’s desert communities bring to life the ultimate warmth and paradise. Hidden among palm trees and botanicals you’ll find the quaint town of Scottsdale, while it’s recognized as The West’s Most Western Town, Scottsdale Arizona is quite modern and architecturally intriguing. Beyond the pools and spas, golfing, and desert hiking spots, you’ll find that that the sun becomes more than just a viable resource for some much-needed vitamins.  In the summer, when the sun berates the town with its heatwaves, the temps can be sweltering at times, so the winter season brings relief. While the sun contributes to the outdoor activities and daily life of guests, visitors, and locals who live in the area, there is also an excellent reason that the sun makes for more than just a toasty vacation. The sunset’s here in AZ are one to remember; they span from the rooftops of buildings to some of the finest luxury rentals Arizona is known for, and from the pool decks to any outdoor activity that you’ll encounter. Here are our five incredible things to do at sunset which will enhance your vacation by turning the landscape into a pleasurable experience for the eyes.

A Meal with a View

First up on our list, you’ll find that if you’re hungry for more than just food, head to the Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale, located at Troon North. The Talavera Restaurant by far has one of the best views in the city if you are expecting to catch the sun setting while sipping on a rich and full-bodied red. Whether it’s cocktails or full course meal, your sightline of Pinnacle Peak will lighten up when dusk occurs. It also makes for lovely meal time spent with family, friends, and loved ones as you dine underneath the stars.

A Desert Full of Color

While Arizona is known for having some of the most spectacular deserts, you’ll want to make sure you’re out around dusk to see them first hand. You can view many photographs taken on the internet, but there is nothing like actually being outside in the desert when the sun sets. Nights can include warm reds, bright oranges, and even the calming baby blue to lavender shades that irrupt across the sky. Mixed with the brown of the clay and the green of the botanicals at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, create a lovely night. In winter, we recommend going to the Las Noches de Las Luminarias to experience the beautiful sunsets while then enjoying the garden lit by luminaries.

A Hike to Remember

Throughout your stay in Scottsdale, there will be many locations for you to hike and thus experience a sunset unlike any other. Some of these trails include Pinnacle Peak Summit Trail at Pinnacle Peak Park and the Sunrise Peak at the Sunrise Trailhead within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve; beyond that, we recommend the South Mountain in Phoenix. The South Mountain brings one of the most stunning and picturesque views you’ll find. At the top of the mountain, looking down onto the city of Phoenix, as the sunsets around you, you’ll be surprised by how moving sunsets can be mainly in the way they change colors by shifting on the horizon to create a masterpiece. It’s definitely one of the best photo-worthy moments you’ll want to capture.

A Relaxing Sight

Sanctuary at Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa is renowned for its fabulous spa setting giving guests the ultimate in relaxation, meditations, and rejuvenation. It is also a hidden gem among those searching for more than just a facial. When we think of relaxing at a spa, massages, facials, and body wraps can come to mind. While those all help to bring tranquility and serenity to visitors wanting those treatments, guests can often find relaxation through the immaculate view of the property. Located on Camelback Mountain, there is almost no other place you’ll want to be when the day gives way to the night. Finish out your day at the Sanctuary by watching the sun caress the horizon and before the moon takes over for the evening; It’s honestly an ultimate way to end a day full of relaxation.

A Work of Art

Tropical oases are sometimes what people think about when a beautiful array of color soaks the dusk skyline. Imagining a turquoise ocean nestled in the background which can highlight the warm tones in the sky, but many often forget to look at the desert as a place to see some of the most beautiful colors as the sun sinks behind the horizon line. When finding some of the top luxury rentals Arizona is highly noted for having, a crucial part of Holiday Rental properties ensures that you’ll be able to experience some of these sunset moments, whether it’s with family, a group of your closest friends, or your loved one. When looking for the perfect vacation rental that utilizes the sun and particularly its sunsets to its’ advantage, you’ll want to take a peek at City Views. While the home itself is stunning in more ways than one, the long porch provides the perfect sitting area as the painted colors dance across the skyline like an artist at their canvas.

Experience more than just a vacation when you step into one of the top luxury rentals Arizona has to offer this winter season. Ignite the night sky when you feast your eyes on the stunning vistas that the desert brings to life every time the sun begins to fade. Holiday Rental is here to help you pick a marvelous property to fit all of your needs and give you the best views that create a work of art high above the clouds. We recommend that you do not leave your camera at home; though taking in the much cherished moments yourself via through your own eyes and not a lense, is not a wrong way to spend your trip, either!

To find out more about our culture, follow us on Twitter.

The post 5 Things to do at Sunset in Arizona appeared first on Holiday Rentals Travel Magazine.

While we’re on the cusp of the fall season and soon to have that beautiful transition into winter weather, it’s a great time of the year to head to Scottsdale AZ for an end of fall vacation. This time of the year, it’s hard to tell when fall ends and winter begins, we don’t have the added benefits of ice-cold temps and snow on the ground to signal, winter is officially here. For us, autumn ends, and winter comes to town when the holiday season rolls around. Scottsdale brings more than just a desert landscape, with its stunning vistas, fabulous restaurants and nightlife, and fantastic holiday vacation rentals to choose from; we’re sure you’ll be inspired to get outside during your seasonal stay at the perfect Holiday Rental of your choosing.

The great outdoors and Scottsdale go hand in hand, because of our desert of a city, plays host to a wide assortment of activities that get you to enjoy the sun and warm air. Whether it’s during the day at a spa and pool to catch offseason rays of sunshine, or you’re out hiking through the palms and desert grasses that make up an array of vegetation and life. With so much to do outside, you’re sure to miss it if you don’t visit!

Miles and Miles of Outdoor Fun

Outdoors can mean so much in Scottsdale and Arizona, in general, but if you want some fantastic time under the sun make sure you’re hiking somewhere, anywhere! Scottsdale and the surrounding areas offer thousands of miles of trails for you to explore. The wilderness is where it’s at, and you’ll see flora and fauna that are natural to our area. Just like the vegetation, there are unique rock formations at many of the local trailheads that are worthy of photo-opportunities. Tom’s Thumb Trailhead is an attractive location for hiking; it actually links up with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and Preserves that can create an additional three-mile hike. Featuring large boulders and impressive views you won’t go wrong with any of the trail options you choose throughout Scottsdale and the surrounding Phoenix areas.

Go for a Ride, not a Drive

We mean it! Here in Scottsdale you can hop aboard one of our railways at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park and go for a peaceful ride. With a few options to choose from, families will love a day spent outdoors at this park. Offering a wide range of kid-friendly fun, your littlest members of the family will enjoy playing on the grass or taking a ride on our carousel. Plus, don’t miss out on their seasonal option of the Arboretum Train, which is open from October through May and with this train ride, you’ll get to experience a ten-minute loop through the Arboretum gardens. Check out all the options here and make sure you enjoy some time outside.

Outdoor Animals in Phoenix

The Phoenix Zoo is an excellent option for an outdoor day trip. With much of the zoo featuring outdoor elements, as well as indoor ones, you’ll be able to cool down when you need to while also enjoying the animals of all sizes. When the holidays come around, we highly recommend seeing the Zoo Lights; an event hosted at the Phoenix Zoo! This illuminated outdoor display is perfect for those wanting to get a taste of the winter and holiday season while still enjoying time spent outside. Kids and adults will enjoy this event as the lights and music, dance and blend to create a melody of excitement for the merry season.

Seasonal Attire

When packing for time spent in the Scottsdale area, especially if you know you’ll be outdoors, it’s important to think about what you’ll bring with in regards to clothing. Summertime in Arizona is a hot one; there is no doubt about that! So apparel for that season includes linens and light colors to keep you cool and refreshed throughout the day. Autumn and winter, especially, brings colder weather to our desert towns. With mild temps during the daytime, nighttime can often get colder, and winter can experience temps in the 30s if not 40s. So, you’ll want to bring a variety of options, and that means layers, lots and lots of layers. Lighter weight sweaters and pants are suitable for those occasions where you’re dining outdoors, and it’s starting to get a bit chilly. Though we do suggest, making sure you have the right attire for spending time outdoors whether it’s in the daytime or night, you’ll want to check the weather to help you decide what is best to wear in Phoenix-Scottsdale area during your trip!

After you’ve decided on your location, what you’ll be doing here, and what to bring, you might be wondering about finding the perfect holiday vacation rentals? Choosing the right holiday vacation rentals this season might be tough due to all the marvelous options you’ll have at your fingertips. With our town known for luxury and high-end options, Holiday Rental has just what you need to satisfy any sort qualms about picking the best accommodation during this time of the year. As we’re about to head into a very thankful week, you’ll want to make sure you book one last trip before the winter season encompasses our desert communities. Enjoy your time outdoors this season, as fall turns into winter and winter brings the bright lights and promises of the New Year.

To find out more about our culture, follow us on Facebook.

The post Get Inspired by the Outdoors this Fall and Winter Season appeared first on Holiday Rentals Travel Magazine.