- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Scottsdale
Scottsdale's Old Town preserves its 1888 roots, founded as Orangedale by Winfield Scott. It blends Western heritage with modernism, heavily influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West, a UNESCO site. This guide to top attractions in Scottsdale must include it.
Explore the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a vast urban wilderness with over 225 miles of trails. Hiking Pinnacle Peak offers panoramic views, while hot air ballooning at dawn provides a unique perspective. The preserve is a vital wildlife corridor for javelinas.
Scottsdale's dining scene fuses Southwestern traditions with modern culinary art. Prickly pear margaritas are iconic. Local chefs often use native ingredients like mesquite flour. Don't miss the Scottsdale Culinary Festival, one of the oldest of its kind in the US.
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- ScottsdaleUnited States
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Mar-Maymild, blooming desert landscape
- Jun-Aughot, peak tourist season
- Sep-Novpleasant, fewer visitors
- Dec-Febcool, ideal for outdoor activities
- #LightClothing
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #WaterBottle
- #Hat
- #PowerAdapterTypeA
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 5-7 with day trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #DesertBotanicalGarden
- #TaliesinWest
- #OldTownScottsdale
- #ScottsdaleMuseumOfContemporaryArt
- #CamelbackMountain
- #McDowellSonoranPreserve
- Hiking at Camelback Mountain
- Explore art galleries in Old Town
- Visit the Desert Botanical Garden
- Golfing at top-rated courses
- Dining at local Southwestern restaurants
Recommended Hotels in Scottsdale by Experience
Things to do in Scottsdale
Discover
Exploring Scottsdale reveals stunning Sonoran Desert landscapes and unique architecture. Discover Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home at Taliesin West, wander through Old Town Scottsdale's historic districts, and hike the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Experience
Hike or bike desert trails, play a round at a championship golf course, or take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Experience the weekly ArtWalk in the Arts District or attend seasonal events like the famous Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction.
Old Town Scottsdale
Historic district with art galleries, boutiques, and saloons.
Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and architectural school.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Vast desert preserve with over 225 miles of hiking trails.
Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West
Museum showcasing the art and history of the American West.
Scottsdale ArtWalk
Weekly evening event exploring local art galleries.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Family park with a vintage carousel and train rides.
Pinnacle Peak Park
Scenic park with a popular trail for panoramic valley views.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), just 15 mins away. The Scottsdale airport to city center journey is quick via taxi/rideshare (~$25) or a pre-booked Scottsdale shuttle bus. A car rental in Scottsdale offers flexibility for exploring the wider area.
Getting Around
Public transport in Scottsdale is manageable with the free Scottsdale Trolley, connecting downtown attractions. Valley Metro buses serve the larger region. Rideshares and bike rentals are popular. There is no train to Scottsdale; a car is often best.
Local Essentials
When driving in Scottsdale, watch for golf carts on local roads. Many intersections use traffic cameras. Always carry water, especially in summer. While cards are widely accepted, have some cash for valet services or smaller vendors.
Where to Stay in Scottsdale
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore authentic food Scottsdale offers, from Sonoran hot dogs to prickly pear margaritas. The local dining culture revolves around vibrant happy hours on sun-drenched patios, the perfect way to unwind and eat with friends.
Enjoy
For the best restaurants in Scottsdale, visit Cafe Monarch's romantic space, book ahead. Taste craft drinks at Citizen Public House's moody bar, expect crowds. Grab a bite at Breakfast Club's bustling cafe vibe, arrive early.
Cafe Monarch
Elegant, multi-course American dining. Reservations are a must.
The Mission
Modern Latin cuisine in a romantic, moody setting. Book ahead.
Olive & Ivy
A bustling Mediterranean spot with a beautiful waterfront patio.
Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse
Upscale all-you-can-eat meats carved tableside. Come hungry.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Scottsdale's heritage through events like the Parada del Sol, a tradition since 1953 celebrating Western roots with a historic parade. Discover Native American culture at the Arizona Indian Festival with dance, art, and traditional food.
Enjoy
Discover must-see contemporary Scottsdale attractions. Experience large-scale light art at Canal Convergence. Enjoy classical and contemporary concerts during the Arizona Musicfest from November to April.
Barrett-Jackson Car Auction
The world's greatest collector car auction, held every January.
Scottsdale Parada del Sol
Historic parade with floats and riders celebrating Western heritage.
WM Phoenix Open
A major PGA Tour golf tournament held annually in February.
Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show
World's largest Arabian horse show, an annual February event.
Canal Convergence
November festival with large-scale, light-based public art.
Scottsdale International Film Festival
A multi-day event showcasing global cinema each November.
Arizona Indian Festival
February event celebrating Native American culture and traditions.
Great Desert Getaway
Scottsdale is such a fantastic place, super clean with stunning mountain views everywhere. It has this perfect blend of relaxed desert living and upscale city fun. There are so many great restaurants and shops, especially around Old Town. A really pleasant place to be.
Golfer's Paradise
Came for the golf courses and they were immaculate, as expected. What I really liked was how easy everything was. The resort service was top-notch and finding a great steakhouse for dinner was never a problem. It's a very laid-back, high-quality experience.
Fun Weekend Trip
Scottsdale has an amazing bar scene, perfect for a girls' trip. The entertainment district was packed with places to go, all within walking distance. By day, we shopped at Fashion Square and relaxed by the pool. It's set up perfectly for a fun, easy weekend.
Amazing Hiking and Scenery
The desert landscape is just beautiful. Did a few hikes in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and the trails were well-marked with fantastic views. It's incredible to have that kind of nature so close to a bustling city. The weather in February was absolutely perfect for it.
Loved Old Town
Really enjoyed wandering through Old Town with its western-style storefronts and numerous art galleries. There was a great energy in the air, probably because of all the baseball fans in town. Found some great little cafes and unique shops. A very cool part of the city.
Perfect Winter Sun
It was just what we needed to escape the Canadian cold. The days were sunny and warm enough for the pool. Evenings were cool but pleasant for walking around and eating outside on a patio. The pace felt very relaxed and everything was so beautifully maintained.