A Vegan’s Southwestern Trip Guide Including Vegan Restaurants in Scottsdale

There is no shortage of luxurious resort and spa options in Scottsdale that offer lavish pools, spa treatments to relax and restore the mind, body and spirit. You will also find sunsets to remember for the rest of your life.

• The city has a vibrant art and culture scene, with numerous galleries, museums and public art installations. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) showcases cutting-edge contemporary art, while the Scottsdale Arts District is home to numerous galleries and studios featuring works by local and international artists.

• Scottsdale offers upscale shopping and dining experiences, with a variety of boutiques, designer stores and gourmet restaurants. Old Town Scottsdale, in particular, is known for its charming streets lined with boutiques, art galleries and vibrant eateries serving everything from Southwestern cuisine to international fare. Around the perimeter, a wider variety of vegan restaurants in Scottsdale are some of the best in the Phoenix/Scottsdale/Tempe area.

• Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Scottsdale, from hiking and mountain biking in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve to horseback riding and hot air balloon rides over the desert landscape. The city also offers opportunities for activities such as rock climbing, ATV tours and hot springs excursions. As your Travel Advisor, I can help plan and book tours and/or excursions aligned to your interests, skill levels and activity expectations.

• Scottsdale is renowned as a premier golfing destination, with over 200 courses in the area, ranging from championship layouts designed by top architects to more casual public courses. The city's sunny weather and picturesque desert scenery make it a golfer's paradise year-round. Leave it to me to find you the best course to challenge your skill level and provide maximum enjoyment.

• Throughout the year, Scottsdale hosts a variety of events and festivals celebrating art, culture, food and more. Highlights include the Scottsdale Arts Festival, Scottsdale Culinary Festival and the renowned Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction. Special Interest Travel is my passion and I'm happy to introduce you to all that Scottsdale has to offer during your special interest trip.

Overall, Scottsdale offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, luxury amenities, cultural attractions and outdoor activities, making it an ideal getaway destination in the southwestern United States.

Day Trips:

Do you have a little more time available in your Scottsdale itinerary? Let me help you plan a few unforgettable day trips to some of Arizona's most iconic destinations.

• Sedona: Known for its stunning red rock formations and spiritual energy, Sedona is just a scenic two-hour drive from Scottsdale. Visitors can explore hiking trails, take jeep tours through the rugged landscape and immerse themselves in the town's thriving arts scene and New Age culture.

• Grand Canyon National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's most iconic natural wonders, the Grand Canyon is approximately a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Scottsdale. Day-trippers can marvel at breathtaking vistas from various viewpoints along the South Rim. You can also embark on guided hikes, or even take a helicopter tour for a bird's-eye view of the canyon.

• Tucson: Located about two hours south of Scottsdale, Tucson offers a rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene and stunning desert landscapes. Visitors can explore attractions such as the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Saguaro National Park and the historic Mission San Xavier del Bac. Tucson also boasts excellent dining options, shopping and outdoor activities.

Whether you're seeking breathtaking vistas, spiritual rejuvenation or immersive cultural experiences, these day trips promise to leave you inspired and enchanted by the diverse landscapes and rich heritage of the Southwest.

In Scottsdale, Arizona, culinary delights meet compassionate dining experiences. In recent years, Scottsdale has blossomed into a haven for vegan cuisine, offering a diverse array of restaurants that cater to plant-based palates with creativity and flair. Whether you're a committed vegan, a curious foodie or simply looking to explore new flavors, you'll find a wealth of options to tantalize your taste buds in this vibrant desert city. Join us on a journey through some of the best vegan restaurants in Scottsdale, where innovative chefs transform fresh, local ingredients into mouthwatering dishes that are as nourishing for the body as they are satisfying for the soul.

• From a food truck to an all-vegan brick-and-mortar restaurant, Jose Bojorquez opened the colorful, authentic taqueria Tacos Veganos. Staple Mexican Street Food dishes reinvented with a soy base like asada, al pastor and pollo satisfy the traditional taste buds while in keeping with vegan guidelines. For a special treat, order the quesabirria tacos with birria ramen, made with a jackfruit base. This Instagrammable dish will turn your meat-eating friends envy green.

• A local favorite with a following like no other, Desert Roots Kitchen prioritizes local and organic ingredients in dishes like gluten-free tacos and air-fried falafel. A dynamic menu, Desert Roots gives a fresh take on vegan fare as the seasonality of ingredients changes. This is a sure-fire way to know the food is fresh and tasty. It doesn’t hurt that they also have a beautiful location for patio dining. For the most updated menu, check their Facebook page.

• How does this sound? Seasoned potato flautas over refried black beans, topped with San Gabriel sauce & purple curtido. Exactly. Amazing. So is the full menu. At Coronado, vegan dining doesn’t rely solely on meat alternatives, and it is super tasty. In addition to the potato flautas, the beet and quinoa burger with poblano corn relish and jalapeno marmalade and the cashew chevre quesadilla are also do-not-miss dishes. While it’s a bit of a drive (30m) from Scottsdale, it’s a first date you actually won’t regret.

• While Veggie Village is vegetarian, any dish on the menu can also be made vegan for dairy-free diners. A plethora of Southeast Asian dishes made vegetarian and/or vegan without compromising taste or texture, Veggie Village is a great option for a mixed group of eaters. Even the most carnivorous friends will enjoy the Beyond burger and vegetarian versions of sweet and sour shrimp and orange chicken. The vegans in the group will be happy with recognizable vegetarian and dairy-free dishes.

• Located in old-town Scottsdale, The Beverly on Main is an upscale cocktail lounge and restaurant with vegan options aplenty across starters, mains and desserts. Start your three-course meal with plant-based ‘meatballs’ smothered in marinara and topped with vegan mozzarella and truffle fries. Move to a crisp and fresh texture with the pear kale salad and then prepare your elastic waistband for the wingman sandwich or the margherita flatbread. No room for dessert? No problem because you’re in a cocktail lounge full of sweet and tart craft cocktails, so you can drink your dessert!

As your expert Travel Advisor, I can help plan your carefree itinerary, including restaurant recommendations/reservations. Let's plan your discovery of the best vegan restaurants in Scottsdale, Arizona!