Best Rainy Day Golf Alternatives in Scottsdale
Got rained out in Scottsdale? Here are the best indoor golf spots, group-friendly bars, casinos, and spas for your golf backup plan.
September 22, 2025 · 6 min read
By Ryan at 18Away
Scottsdale is known for sunshine, but even the desert sees rain now and then. So what do you do when your golf trip takes a turn for the cloudy?
Whether it’s a pop-up monsoon in summer or a rare rainy weekend, here are the best rainy day golf backup plans that keep your Scottsdale trip fun, social, and totally salvageable.
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Quick Answer: What to Do When It Rains in Scottsdale
Try indoor golf lounges like Puttshack or Topgolf, explore casino resorts, plan a group spa day, or hit Old Town for an indoor brewery crawl. You’ve got plenty of high-vibe options when the forecast turns wet.
What Months Is Rain Most Likely in Scottsdale?
Scottsdale gets over 300 sunny days a year, but the two rainiest times of year are:
- Monsoon Season (Late June to Early September): Afternoon thunderstorms are common but quick.
- Winter Showers (January–March): Light rain for a day or two, more likely to disrupt golf.
If you're traveling in these months, build 1–2 backups into your itinerary using this list.
See the courses, hotels, and nightlife for the perfect 3-day getaway.
Indoor Golf Lounges & Simulators
Puttshack Scottsdale
Old Town — Puttshack Scottsdale
A high-tech mini golf experience with a full bar, neon lighting, and music. Perfect for groups. Great post-brunch or pre-dinner activity.
Topgolf Scottsdale
Near Talking Stick — Topgolf
Covered bays keep the rain out. Food, drinks, and friendly competition guaranteed. Great for large groups.
X-Golf Scottsdale
North Scottsdale — X-Golf
Full swing simulators with bar service and food. Ideal for serious players who want real-time swing data while staying dry.
Related: Check out our picks for the Best 9-Hole and Executive Courses in Scottsdale when the rain clears.
Hit the Spa or Hot Tub Circuit
Scottsdale is spa central, and there’s nothing better than steam rooms and saunas on a gloomy day.
- The Phoenician Spa – Luxe experience, full-day passes available
- Joya Spa at Omni Montelucia – Moroccan-themed escape
- Well & Being Spa at Fairmont Princess – Big group-friendly facilities
Many spas allow day access, even if you’re not a resort guest.
Looking for a place to stay? Check our handpicked list of the Best Scottsdale Home Vacation Rentals for Golf Trips.
Day Drinking and Brewery Crawls
Old Town Scottsdale stays lively even when it's pouring. Plot a brewery crawl, grab an Uber, and keep the vibes high:
- Goldwater Brewing Co. (IPAs and hazy pours)
- Craft 64 (Arizona-only beer + wood-fired pizza)
- Brat Haus (covered patio and steins of German beer)
Add Coach House for a dive bar stop that’s legendary.
Related: Here’s where to eat after golf in Scottsdale, even if the golf part gets rained out.
Casino Day Trips
When golf’s out, maybe luck is in?
- Talking Stick Resort Casino – Full casino, live poker, sports book, bars
- Casino Arizona – Lower-key but packed with games
- We-Ko-Pa Casino – Great dining, newer layout, easy to combine with lunch
Throw in a buffet or steakhouse dinner, and you’ve got a full day.
Want this exact Scottsdale weekend? Get the 3-day golf trip itinerary, courses, bookings, nightlife, and more.
Watch Sports, Eat, Repeat
A few rainy day sports bar picks:
- Zipp’s Sports Grill (casual and everywhere)
- Bottled Blonde (loud, party vibe with TVs everywhere)
- Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers (better food than you’d expect)
If your crew is into football, March Madness, or golf tournaments, these are reliable backups.
Other Rainy Day Ideas
- K1 Speed Indoor Go-Kart Racing
- Octane Raceway + Virtual Reality
- Bowlero Bowling & Arcade
- Scottsdale Fashion Square (shopping and food)
Even better: pair 1–2 of these with indoor golf or breweries for a well-rounded rainy day.
More Scottsdale Golf Trip Guides
- Best Public Golf Courses in Scottsdale for Groups
- Best Time of Year to Golf in Scottsdale
- What to Pack for a Scottsdale Golf Trip
- How to Plan a Last-Minute Scottsdale Golf Trip
- Scottsdale Golf Trip Mistakes to Avoid
Planning a Scottsdale Golf Trip?
Still deciding? Take the Golf Trip Quiz to get matched with your perfect trip plan.
Written by Ryan from 18Away, your go-to golf trip planner.
This rainy day survival guide makes sure your Scottsdale golf trip still hits the mark, even if Mother Nature has other plans.
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