Scottsdale, Arizona Travel Guide
City Desert city known for golf courses and resorts
Desert hiking and golf dominate Scottsdale: McDowell Sonoran Preserve trails, cactus-studded ridges and gallery-lined Old Town. Visitors book spas, catch art-walk evenings and eat Sonoran-style Mexican food with hefty mesquite flavors.
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Why Visit Scottsdale, Arizona? #
Scottsdale blends desert scenery with upscale leisure, making it a magnet for art lovers, golfers and spa seekers. Old Town Scottsdale’s galleries and nightlife sit alongside architectural highlights such as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, while the Sonoran Desert invites hiking, mountain biking and scenic drives. Luxury resorts and a lively culinary scene mean you can balance outdoor adventure with high-end relaxation.
Who's Scottsdale, Arizona For?
Scottsdale is a US resort hub with high‑end hotels, spa resorts and championship golf (Troon North, Scottsdale Stadium area). Upscale shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square and luxury dining make it a top pick for pampered stays.
Old Town dinners, sunset hikes in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and intimate resort spa packages are easy to combine for romantic weekends. Many resorts offer couples’ treatments and scenic dining terraces.
The city’s restaurant scene mixes Southwestern flavors with high‑end tasting menus and craft cocktail bars in Old Town. Seasonal chef‑driven spots and brunch culture give plenty to explore over long weekends.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve and numerous desert trails give straightforward access to Sonoran Desert scenery and hiking. Sunrise and sunset routes are walkable from many hotel areas, with good signage and maintained paths.
Old Town Scottsdale has lively bars, late‑night lounges and weekend crowds, particularly during high season. Nightlife skews upscale but stays busy into the early hours, especially around the entertainment district.
Scottsdale hosts conferences at resort hotels and has solid meeting infrastructure close to Phoenix‑area transport links. Many resorts cater to corporate retreats with event space, AV support and group activities.
Best Things to Do in Scottsdale, Arizona
All Attractions ›
Scottsdale, Arizona Bucket List
- Old Town Scottsdale - Historic downtown district with galleries, Southwestern restaurants, nightlife, and weekly ArtWalk events.
- Taliesin West - Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and architecture campus offering guided tours and desert context.
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve - Expansive desert preserve featuring miles of trails, diverse flora, and skyline-to-sonoran vistas.
- Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West - Comprehensive museum celebrating cowboy, Native American, and Western art and cultural history.
- Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) - Small but focused museum of contemporary art, architecture, and design with rotating exhibitions.
- McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park - Family-friendly park with vintage trains, model railroad museum, playgrounds, and shaded picnic lawns.
- Butterfly Wonderland - Indoor rainforest habitat hosting thousands of butterflies plus a 3D theater and exhibits.
- Pinnacle Peak Park - Granite ridge trail rewarding hikers with panoramic desert and city views; moderate climb.
- Arizona Canal Path at Scottsdale Waterfront - Scenic multi-use path along the canal, ideal for walking, biking, and people-watching.
- The Rusty Spur Saloon - Historic Old Town bar serving live country music and a classic Western atmosphere.
- Kierland Commons - Open-air shopping and dining plaza with patios, community events, and seasonal concerts.
- Sedona, Arizona - Red-rock scenery, hiking trails, and art galleries; excellent for scenic drives and photography.
- Jerome, Arizona - Perched former mining town with art galleries, wine tasting, and panoramic Verde Valley views.
- Montezuma Castle National Monument - Ancient cliff dwellings remarkably intact, offering short trails and interpretive exhibits about Sinagua life.
- Lost Dutchman State Park - Trails through Sonoran desert foothills offering close-up views of the Superstition ridgeline and wildlife.
- Boyce Thompson Arboretum - Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden showcasing desert-adapted plants from around the world.
Regions of Scottsdale, Arizona #
Old Town
Old Town is the place for galleries, walkable streets and a strong restaurant scene - think gallery openings by day and lively bars by night. It’s tourist-friendly with boutique hotels, public art and a main street full of shops. Easy to navigate on foot and good for first-time visitors.
Top Spots
- Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) - compact modern art museum in the civic core.
- Old Town Scottsdale ArtWalk - evening gallery stroll on Thursdays.
- Rusty Spur Saloon - historic western bar with live music.
Scottsdale Fashion Square
Centered on the Fashion Square mall, this area is for shoppers and visitors who want a more polished, mall-oriented stay. It’s less about local colour and more about convenience, brand-name stores and higher-end dining. Comfortable and central, with easy access to Old Town.
Top Spots
- Scottsdale Fashion Square - one of the region’s premier shopping malls with high-end brands.
- Upscale restaurants - dining options clustered around the mall.
- Hotels - many higher-end hotels nearby for a luxury base.
North Scottsdale
North Scottsdale stretches into desert foothills and feels more resort-like and outdoorsy. Expect desert preserves, hiking and a scattering of luxury resorts and golf courses. It’s quieter at night and best if you want nature access and a more upscale, spread-out feel away from the core.
Top Spots
- Taliesin West - Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and studio.
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve - trailheads and desert hiking near the northern neighborhoods.
- Resort spas and golf - high-end resort properties with golf courses.
Plan Your Visit to Scottsdale, Arizona #
Best Time to Visit Scottsdale, Arizona #
Best time to visit Scottsdale is November through April when mild, sunny days and cool nights make hiking, golf and patio dining enjoyable. Avoid June-September: extreme desert heat and the July-September monsoon bring high humidity and sudden storms.
Best Time to Visit Scottsdale, Arizona #
Scottsdale, Arizona's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 40°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 19°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 32 mm of rain and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is hot with highs of 39°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 40°C and lows of 24°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is hot with highs of 39°C and lows of 24°C. The wettest month with 32 mm of rain and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is hot with highs of 37°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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How to Get to Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale is typically reached via Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX); Phoenix-Mesa Gateway (AZA) handles some low-cost flights and Scottsdale Airport (SDL) serves general aviation. There is no direct passenger rail into Scottsdale, so most visitors arrive by air and continue by rental car, rideshare, taxi or local bus connections.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): Phoenix Sky Harbor is the main commercial airport serving the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. The PHX Sky Train (fare-free) links the terminals to the 44th Street/Washington Valley Metro Rail connection; from there you can take Valley Metro buses or a short rideshare to Scottsdale. Taxis and rideshares go directly to Scottsdale - expect a door-to-door trip of roughly 15-30 minutes depending on traffic; fares vary by provider and time of day.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA): Located in Mesa, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway handles a number of low-cost carriers. There is no direct rail link to Scottsdale; common options are rental car, shuttle services, or rideshare/taxi. Travel time to Scottsdale is typically around 25-45 minutes by car depending on your destination in Scottsdale.
Scottsdale Airport (SDL): Scottsdale Airport is a general-aviation facility in the city and does not offer commercial airline service. If you arrive here via private or charter flight you can reach Old Town Scottsdale by taxi or rideshare in about 5-15 minutes.
Train: Scottsdale has no Amtrak station and no intercity passenger rail service directly into the city. The closest Amtrak stop is in Maricopa (Maricopa station) south of Phoenix; travellers using intercity trains generally transfer to a car, shuttle or bus to reach the Phoenix-Scottsdale area.
Bus: Intercity bus carriers (Greyhound, FlixBus and others) serve the Phoenix area (downtown Phoenix / Greyhound station). From Phoenix you can connect to Scottsdale via Valley Metro buses or rideshare. Local fare on Valley Metro buses and light rail is $2 per one-way trip; Scottsdale also operates the free Scottsdale Trolley circulator for downtown/Old Town connections.
How to Get Around Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale is easiest to navigate with a car or rideshare for flexibility across the city and surrounding desert areas; rental cars are handy for day trips. For visiting and moving around Old Town and the Arts District, walking combined with the free Scottsdale Trolley and local buses works well and avoids parking hassles.
- Rideshare & Taxi ($10-$40) - Rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) and taxis are the most convenient way to get around Scottsdale, especially for point-to-point travel and evenings out. They provide fast links from PHX and AZA and work well for hopping between neighborhoods like Old Town, Scottsdale Fashion Square and the Scottsdale Arts District. Surge pricing applies during peak times and special events, so factor that into cost and timing.
- Rental car ($35-$80/day) - A rental car is useful if you plan to explore greater Scottsdale, nearby desert parks (McDowell Sonoran Preserve) or make day trips around the Valley. Parking is plentiful in many shopping and hotel areas, though Old Town can fill up during events - check parking rates at destinations. Renting gives the most flexibility for golf courses and trailheads that are poorly served by transit.
- Valley Metro Light Rail & PHX Sky Train ($2) - Valley Metro Light Rail serves Phoenix and Tempe but currently does not extend into central Scottsdale; the closest rail access is the 44th Street/Washington station where the PHX Sky Train links the airport to the light rail network. A single-ride fare on Valley Metro light rail is $2; use light rail plus a short bus or rideshare to reach Scottsdale neighborhoods efficiently.
- Valley Metro Bus ($2) - Valley Metro buses connect Phoenix and Scottsdale with frequent routes along major corridors (look for routes serving Scottsdale Road and Camelback Road). Single-ride local fares are $2; passes are available for more travel. Buses are the budget option but can be slower than driving, and service frequency varies by route and time of day - check schedules for evening/weekend plans.
- Scottsdale Trolley (Free) - The Scottsdale Trolley is a free local circulator serving Old Town Scottsdale and nearby points of interest (seasonal schedules apply). It's convenient for short hops within downtown, getting you between entertainment, dining and gallery strips without paying for parking or a taxi. Service patterns can change for events, so verify routes and hours before relying on it late at night.
- Walking - Old Town Scottsdale and parts of the Arts District are very walkable - you can comfortably explore galleries, shops and restaurants on foot. Sidewalks are generally good, though summer temperatures can make daytime walking uncomfortable; plan walks for mornings or evenings in hot months.
Where to Stay in Scottsdale, Arizona #
Where to Eat in Scottsdale, Arizona #
Scottsdale’s dining scene leans upscale but stays approachable: Old Town is full of lively restaurants and late-night spots, while the broader city hosts chef-driven kitchens that emphasize local produce and Southwest flavors. Reserve at places like Café Monarch for a special night, or plan a relaxed evening at FnB to taste Arizona-focused small plates.
International options are plentiful, from Mediterranean riverside spots to contemporary sushi and craft-driven American restaurants. Vegetarian and plant-forward choices are well represented, so it’s easy to eat seasonally without meat.
- FnB - Seasonal Arizona-focused small plates and wine list.
- Café Monarch - Multi-course tasting menu - reserve ahead.
- The Mission (Old Town) - Modern Latin dishes and tableside guacamole.
- Olive & Ivy - Mediterranean riverside dining and mezzes.
- Sushi Roku (Scottsdale Fashion Square) - Stylish sushi with modern presentations.
- Citizen Public House - Modern American fare with craft cocktails.
- True Food Kitchen - Vegetarian-forward bowls, wellness-minded dishes.
- Farm & Craft markets - Local produce and prepared plant-based options.
- Green New American Vegetarian-friendly cafés - Meat-free mains and creative salads.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Scottsdale, Arizona's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Scottsdale, Arizona #
Scottsdale’s nightlife centers on Old Town: cocktail bars, late-night lounges and upscale clubs packed on weekend evenings. Beyond Old Town, hotel bars (Hotel Valley Ho) and the upscale dining near Kierland Commons attract after-dinner crowds. Dress tends to be dressy-casual in most downtown spots; some clubs enforce stricter dress codes. For concerts and events, check out nearby venues; expect busy weekend traffic and limited street parking, so plan rides or parking in advance.
Best Bets
- Old Town Scottsdale - Main nightlife district with bars, clubs and late-night dining.
- Hotel Valley Ho - Retro-chic hotel with a lively bar and poolside events.
- Kierland Commons - Upscale restaurants and relaxed evening patios nearby.
- Second Street entertainment strip - Cluster of bars and lounges popular with locals and visitors.
- Weekend clubs and bottle-service venues - Late-night dance clubs that peak on Friday and Saturday.
- WestWorld events (concerts) - Major events and festivals that kick off evening crowds.
Shopping in Scottsdale, Arizona #
Scottsdale is a top shopping destination in the Phoenix area - from luxury mall retail to walkable boutiques and art galleries in Old Town. Scottsdale Fashion Square handles designer labels; open-air centres like Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter offer curated lifestyle shops. Old Town’s galleries and weekly farmers’ market are great for unique gifts. Expect fixed pricing at malls but lively browsing in boutiques.
Best Bets
- Scottsdale Fashion Square - Major mall with designer brands, department stores and dining.
- Old Town Scottsdale - Walkable district with galleries, boutiques and southwestern souvenirs.
- Kierland Commons - Upscale outdoor shopping with national brands and restaurants.
- Scottsdale Quarter - Open-air shopping with boutiques, eateries and lifestyle stores.
- Old Town Farmers Market - Weekly market for local produce, crafts and prepared foods.
- Scottsdale Arts District shops - Gallery-lined streets offering art, jewelry and unique homewares.
Digital Nomads in Scottsdale, Arizona #
Scottsdale (Greater Phoenix) is a convenient US base with strong tech and small‑business networks. There’s no US digital nomad visa; short visits for visa‑waiver nationals use ESTA (up to 90 days), while others enter on B‑1/B‑2 visitor visas (typically up to six months) or pursue longer work/immigration pathways. Working for a foreign employer while on tourist entry has legal limits - check US immigration and tax rules.
Cost of living is suburban‑to‑urban US: expect roughly USD 2,200-3,500 per month for a comfortable one‑bed rental, utilities and food (downtown/Old Town on the higher end). Broadband and mobile are very reliable - cable and fibre providers (Cox, CenturyLink/Lumen) commonly offer 100Mbps-1Gbps plans, and 5G mobile coverage is widespread. The nomad and remote‑work community is active regionally; many remote workers plug into Phoenix meetups, SkySong programming and coworking chains for both social and professional networking.
- SkySong (ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center) - hot desks, events, startup support
- Regus Scottsdale - flexible offices, business services, meeting rooms
- Scottsdale Public Library - quiet work areas, fast public Wi‑Fi
- Cartel Coffee Lab (Old Town) - reliable coffee, laptop‑friendly seating
- Cox Communications - primary cable ISP, gigabit tiers available
- CenturyLink / Lumen - DSL/fibre business options, stable connections
- T‑Mobile / Verizon - strong mobile 4G/5G coverage across city
- SkySong Wi‑Fi and public hotspots - event Wi‑Fi, suitable for short sessions
- ASU SkySong events - startup nights, investor and founder meetups
- Meetup Phoenix / Scottsdale tech - regular developer and founder gatherings
- Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce - local business networking, mentorship programs
- Greater Phoenix startup community - large regional events, accelerators nearby
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