Scottsdale Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Scottsdale
While this town typifies the Old West, it also has amazing modern art, exciting natural outdoor attractions and dozens of golf courses.

The city of Scottsdale has become a beacon for travelers looking for a warm Western vacation with plenty to see and do. Enjoy art, hiking, golf and a bit of history.

Appreciate the art and architecture of Scottsdale. Frank Lloyd Wright established his winter home here, Taliesin West, in 1937 in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains. The site continues to operate as a training ground for architectural students and has become a national historic monument.

Take a walking tour to view some of Scottsdale’s nearly 100 pieces of permanent public art, ranging from the artistic and functional Soleri Bridge and Goldwater Bell to abstract objects and life-like human forms. Horses of the Old West are depicted in numerous statues across the city. Look for temporary art as well, including colored light installations along the Arizona Canal. Check to see what public workshops are being offered at the Scottsdale Civic Center during your trip.

In Old Town Scottsdale visit Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West to learn about the history of the 19 states of the American West. Nearby the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art displays the dynamic world of art, architecture and design with intriguing exhibits and interactive workshops.

Appreciate the dry heat in this part of the country, offering exquisite opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities. Golf is very popular here. Select from more than 200 courses, including famous Troon North and Grayhawk Golf Club.

Explore the hundreds of miles of trails in and around the city. Northwestern Scottsdale has the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a permanently preserved 30,000-acre (12,000-hectare) desert habitat with over 170 miles (274 kilometers) of trails for hiking, biking or horseback riding. Arrange a tour of the area on ATV or rent a boat, Jet Ski or paddleboard to enjoy the waters of Lake Pleasant.

The Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is centrally located to Scottsdale, Phoenix and Tempe. Fly here and rent a car to study the arts, nature and history of south central Arizona.

Where to stay in Scottsdale

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Old Town

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Scottsdale Waterfront to Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West – discover Old Town, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Old Town
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Downtown Scottsdale

While visiting Downtown Scottsdale, you might make a stop by sights like Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West and Scottsdale Waterfront.

Downtown Scottsdale
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Central Scottsdale

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Central Scottsdale, Starfire Golf Club at Scottsdale Country Club and Cactus Park are top sights worth seeing.

Central Scottsdale
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Paradise Valley Village

While visiting Paradise Valley Village, you might make a stop by sights like Kierland Commons and Orange Tree Golf Course.

Paradise Valley Village
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Pinnacle Peak

5/5(1 area review)

While visiting Pinnacle Peak, you might make a stop by sights like Troon North Golf Club and Boulders Golf Club.

Pinnacle Peak
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Arcadia

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Arcadia and surrounding area, you can visit The Palms and Camelback Mountain.

Arcadia
3 Palms
3 Palms
3.5 out of 5
7707 E McDowell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
The price is NZ$148 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
NZ$148
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Scottsdale. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (4,212 reviews)
Our home away from home.
"Every time we visit family in AZ we stay here. It's always clean and comfortable. The prices have always been average or a little higher than other hotels. But I know what I'm going to get when I book a room. I wish they had a discount for frequent guests because we used to come visit several times ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

3 Palms
Talking Stick Resort
Talking Stick Resort
4 out of 5
9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ
The price is NZ$409 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
NZ$409
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Scottsdale. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,832 reviews)
"Housekeeping requests were promptly attended to. Poker room is excellent. Friendly staff."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Talking Stick Resort
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Scottsdale North
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Scottsdale North
2.5 out of 5
13440 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
The price is NZ$184 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
NZ$184
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Scottsdale. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,011 reviews)
"Beautiful location"

Reviewed on 22 Mar. 2024

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Scottsdale North
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hotel Scottsdale
Hotel Scottsdale
3.5 out of 5
3275 N Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Scottsdale. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,250 reviews)
"Very quiet area but close enough to walk to the action. Its being renovated so no onsite lobby or eating areas but once renovated, it looks like it will be nice! Big rooms too and for families there are connecting rooms. You can walk to Old Town and shop, eat, and drink away! And plenty of parking ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Hotel Scottsdale
Scottsdale Camelback Resort
Scottsdale Camelback Resort
4 out of 5
6302 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
Stay at this 4-star spa condo in Scottsdale. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and a children's pool. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (736 reviews)
"Great family location. Kids had fun. Property is in a great location and solid for the price."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Scottsdale Camelback Resort
Palm Ridge Resort by LuxeKey I Resort Home w/ Lazy River, Spa & Outdoor Kitchen
Palm Ridge Resort by LuxeKey I Resort Home w/ Lazy River, Spa & Outdoor Kitchen
Scottsdale
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Scottsdale. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Kierland Commons and Talking ...
10/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Beautiful property!
"This property was amazing! It had everything for a group and the property manager was in communication our entire trip. A must stay if in Phoenix!"

Reviewed on 18 Mar. 2024

Palm Ridge Resort by LuxeKey I Resort Home w/ Lazy River, Spa & Outdoor Kitchen
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Scottsdale

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
5
" "5 - Excellent 62.5%
4 - Good
3
" "4 - Good 37.5%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
2 Oct 2019

Beautiful hot weather

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
6 Sep 2019

Great for golf and prickly pear margaritas!

5/5 - Excellent

Daniel
13 May 2019

Highly recommend a visit to Sedona. Hikes are amazing. Cave Creek is a nice place to visit as well.

Cities near Scottsdale