Cooler weather is right around the corner, and if you’re like most people, you’re looking for ways to enjoy our beautiful scenery this fall. Check out the five best fall picnic spots in Scottsdale so you can have a mini-getaway on a weekend afternoon this month!

The 5 Best Fall Picnic Spots in Scottsdale

Whether you’ve just moved to Scottsdale or you’ve lived in the area all your life, these hidden gems are the perfect places to bring a few sandwiches to enjoy solo or with friends and family:

  • Scottsdale Waterfront
  • McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
  • Pinnacle Peak Park
  • McDowell Sonoran Preserve
  • Bartlett Lake Recreation Area

Here’s a closer look at each.

Best Picnic Areas in Scottsdale, #1: Scottsdale Waterfront

Downtown, just near Scottsdale Fashion Square, the Scottsdale Waterfront is a great place for a picnic lunch or romantic dinner for two. You’ll find plenty of grassy spots ideal for picnic blankets, as well as benches overlooking the water, seasonal flowers and beautiful shade palms.

Related: 9 must-see Scottsdale-area attractions

Best Picnic Areas in Scottsdale, #2: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is known for being a perfect place to spend an afternoon. Kids and adults love the space, which spans 30 acres and features the Paradise & Pacific Railroad narrow-gauge train. The carousel is currently operational, too, and there’s plenty of shade to enjoy your lunch.

Best Picnic Areas in Scottsdale, #3: Pinnacle Peak Park

The best picnic spots feature sweeping views and take a little work to reach. If you agree, you’ll love having a picnic at Pinnacle Peak Park, where you’ll need to hike 3.5 miles out and back. There are several picnic tables at the park, but no grass – so leave the blanket behind. Remember, too, that you have to leave the park by dusk and bring plenty of water.

Related: 5 things you never knew about Camelback Mountain

Best Picnic Areas in Scottsdale, #4: McDowell Sonoran Preserve

There are lots of fabulous picnic spots at McDowell Sonoran Preserve. You’ll find beautiful winding trails that afford you a beautiful view of the Sonoran Desert and its gorgeous array of cactus and wildlife. Exercise caution and watch out for snakes, and enjoy your picnic lunch at a table or on a bench rather than on the ground.

Best Picnic Areas in Scottsdale, #5: Bartlett Lake Recreation Area

The Bartlett Lake Recreation Area, tucked in the Tonto National Forest, is part of the Bartlett Reservoir. Known for spectacular mountain views and Sonoran Desert plant life, this secret fishing spot also makes for great picnicking. You’ll find plenty of spots to unroll a picnic blanket or sit at a table under a ramada.

Are You Buying or Selling a Home in Scottsdale?

If you’re selling a luxury home in Scottsdale, we can help. You can use our home value calculator to get a ballpark idea on what your home may be worth – and you can call us at 480-351-5359 to talk to a REALTOR® about how we can market your home to all the right buyers.

If you’re also looking for a new home, we’ll be happy to show you the homes that interest you most. While you’re here, explore all our Scottsdale real estate listings or look in specific communities:

Don Matheson
REALTOR® | Founder
The Matheson Team
RE/MAX Fine Properties
21000 N. Pima Rd., #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-351-5359
don@scottsdalerealestate.com


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