Discovering the Beauty of Arizona: A Traveler’s Guide to Scottsdale

Are you looking for a travel experience that you will cherish forever? Perhaps, a touch of everything you would want to have on your vacation? Welcome to Scottsdale, Arizona!

“The Beverly Hills of the Southwest,” as Scottsdale is nicknamed, is nestled amidst the breathtaking Sonoran Desert overlooking the beautiful McDowell Mountains. And that alone makes the city a charming holiday destination! But the mesmerizing scenic beauty isn’t all that Scottsdale has to offer. There is much more to it.

The city is ever-vivacious and considered Arizona’s finest urban center. It has over 800 restaurants, numerous art galleries, shopping centers, more than 70 luxurious resorts, and various other fun things to do. This makes Scottsdale one of the best destinations to indulge in upscale shopping, fine dining, outdoor adventure, and wellness.

This guide will help you explore everything you should know before visiting Scottsdale.

Things to Do in Scottsdale

Let’s begin with the varied experiences that Scottsdale brings to you, making your holiday most memorable.

Top Tourist Attractions

If you are visiting Scottsdale for the first time, here are some quintessential Scottsdale tourist attractions you cannot miss visiting:

● Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve: Spread over 30,500 acres and miles of shared-use trails, this is the ultimate place to enjoy nature’s beauty or indulge in hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

● Taliesin West: It was the architectural school and winter home of the famous architect Frank Llyod Wright. Today, it is an UNESCO World Heritage Site that will provide you a glimpse of his ingenious architectural designs.

● Desert Botanical Garden: The garden provides an exemplary look into southwestern USA’s desert life. You can witness a unique touch of creative artwork that makes the garden worth visit. Along with a wide range of flowers, you can also come across a variety of butterflies, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, and various other species of birds here.

● Museum of Contemporary Art: If you are an art lover, this is a must-visit place on your tour to Scottsdale. The museum celebrates modern architecture, design, and artwork through innovative and thoughtful exhibitions.

● Pinnacle Peak: If you are totally into hiking and adventure, then Pinnacle Peak offers you 1.75-mile trail with 1,300 feet elevation. And once you are at the top, you can indulge into the mesmerizing views of northern Scottsdale and the lushness of the Troon North Golf Club.

In addition to the above, there are several excellent museums and art galleries you can visit in Scottsdale.

Outdoor Activities in Scottsdale

When Scottsdale is nature’s treasure trove, you cannot miss indulging in some of the finest outdoor adventures you can have here. Here’s what is most famous among travelers and locals:

● Hike to Camelback Mountain for a spectacular view of the sunrise

● Hop onto an adventurous mountain biking experience across the desert trails

● Enjoy rock climbing on the giant rock formations in the Sonoran Desert

● Have a bird’s eye view of the stunning desert in a hot air balloon

● Try your hand at a game of golf in one of the several expansive golf clubs in Scottsdale

● Go horseback riding at MacDonald’s Ranch

● Explore an off-road experience at the mighty Sonoran Desert on a Jeep or ATV

Dining in Scottsdale

Now coming to one of the best parts of visiting Scottsdale – indulging in lip-smacking delicacies in a posh restaurant or a comfy eatery! There are over 800 Scottsdale restaurants, each serving some of the finest dishes from across the world. Whether you are looking for an upscale restaurant with a patio or a kid-friendly eatery, the best breakfast options or local eats, the city will live up to your expectations with its quality of food and service.

Shopping in Scottsdale

With over 2,500 luxury retail stores, shopping malls, and posh boutiques, you cannot have had enough shopping in Scottsdale. Do not miss visiting the Scottsdale Fashion Square, which is the largest shopping destination in the Southwest. The Old Town Scottsdale is famous for its Native American jewelry stores and numerous gift shops.

On the other hand, you have Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter in north Scottsdale where you can enjoy shopping at high-end stores amidst a sunny outdoor setting.

Where to Stay in Scottsdale

Scottsdale is a haven of luxurious resorts and premier hotels. So, finding the perfect place to stay isn’t much intimidating. Some of the finest hotels and resorts in the city are:

● Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

● Boulders Resort & Spa

● Scottsdale Marriott Old Town

● Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town

● The Scott Resort & Spa

● Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

● Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch

Nightlife in Scottsdale

Being in Scottsdale and not experiencing its pulsating nightlife is one of the biggest things you will miss. The city is dotted with numerous restaurants, swanky lounges, cocktail bars, bowling alleys, nightclubs, and pool parties. Some of the best places you cannot miss visiting are the Azul Clubhouse, Rusty Spur Saloon, and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row.

Off-beat Experiences in Scottsdale

And if you are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience in Scottsdale, you will be spoilt for choices. Here is a quick sneak peek:

● Get along with your family and friends on a Wild West Heist Puzzle Ride

● Indulge in exotic dining, signature infusions, and craft cocktails at Belle’s Nashville Kitchen

● Explore the stunning cactus flower creations at Cactus Flower

● Watch the historic highlights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

● Take a memorable scotch tour at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

● Wine lovers! Unwind with the aromatherapy of your favorite wines at LDV Winery

Best Time to Visit Scottsdale

Scottsdale enjoys 300 days of sunshine and you can also bag some great deals visiting the city in Summer. However, temperatures may rise steeply from May to September. Otherwise, October to April is the best time to visit.

How to Reach Scottsdale

The nearest airport is the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which is only 7.7 miles from Scottsdale. It takes around 15-20 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a taxi or a rented car. Corporate travelers can access Scottsdale Airport.

The Bottom Line

Scottsdale is the Valley of the Sun that gets you back to nature. At the same time, it is an upscale urban center that attracts travelers from all spheres of life. From its natural wilderness to exotic dining, from nerve-wracking adventure activities to rejuvenating spa experiences, there is something for discerning travelers to enjoy and memories to take back home.