Scottsdale, Arizona
Arizona's premier destination for luxury resorts, world-class golf, upscale shopping, and vibrant arts scene, set against stunning desert landscapes.
Scottsdale is a sophisticated desert city in Arizona's Valley of the Sun, renowned for blending luxury amenities with Western heritage and natural beauty. With approximately 250,000 residents, Scottsdale has earned international recognition as a premier destination for tourism, recreation, and high-end living, often called "The West's Most Western Town" and the "Beverly Hills of the Desert."
Founded by U.S. Army Chaplain Winfield Scott in 1894, Scottsdale began as a small farming community before evolving into a high-end tourism destination by the 1950s. The city has strategically preserved its unique character through careful planning and development, maintaining a balance between its historic downtown, upscale resorts, and dramatic Sonoran Desert landscapes. Today, Scottsdale attracts over 9 million visitors annually to experience its luxury resorts, championship golf courses, and renowned culinary and arts scenes.
Scottsdale's distinctive character spans from the historic Old Town with its Western charm to the sophisticated shopping of Scottsdale Fashion Square and the contemporary masterpieces at Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home. The city stretches northward into the pristine desert foothills of the McDowell Mountains, offering stunning natural landscapes alongside modern urban amenities. Named by the New York Times as one of the "hippest and most happening" places in the country, Scottsdale continues to evolve as a center for culture, recreation, and innovation while maintaining its distinctive Southwestern charm.
City Information
Climate & Travel
Photos
Major Attractions
Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale represents the historic heart of the city, where Western heritage meets contemporary sophistication. This walkable district features a blend of preserved historic buildings, art galleries, boutique shops, and award-winning restaurants. The area is divided into distinct neighborhoods, including the Gallery District with over 100 art galleries, the Arts District with cultural venues like the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, the Entertainment District with nightlife options, and the Fifth Avenue Shopping District with unique shops and restaurants. Regular events like the weekly ArtWalk (every Thursday evening), farmers markets, and seasonal festivals bring the area to life. Historic landmarks include the Little Red Schoolhouse (now the Scottsdale Historical Museum) and the rustic storefronts along Main Street.
Location: Downtown Scottsdale, centered around Main Street and Scottsdale Road
Features: Western architecture, art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, nightlife, museums
Taliesin West
Taliesin West was legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and school from 1937 until his death in 1959, now serving as the headquarters of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this architectural marvel represents Wright's deep connection to the desert landscape, using local materials and innovative design to create spaces that harmonize with the environment. The complex includes Wright's personal living quarters, drafting studios, theaters, and workshop spaces, all exemplifying his principles of "organic architecture." Visitors can explore the site through guided tours that showcase Wright's vision, including the Garden Room with its dramatic desert views, the Cabaret Theater with unique acoustics, and outdoor spaces that frame the McDowell Mountains. Taliesin West continues to operate as a center for architectural education and inspiration.
Location: 12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259
Features: Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, guided tours, desert setting, UNESCO World Heritage Site
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is Scottsdale's crown jewel of natural conservation, encompassing more than 30,500 acres of pristine Sonoran Desert. This urban preserve, one of the largest of its kind in the United States, protects the McDowell Mountains and surrounding desert landscape while providing recreational opportunities for visitors and residents. The preserve features over 225 miles of non-motorized, multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, suitable for all skill levels. Popular trails include Gateway Loop, Tom's Thumb, and Sunrise Trail, each offering unique perspectives of the desert ecology and mountain views. Multiple trailheads with educational facilities provide access to different areas of the preserve. The varied terrain supports diverse desert ecosystems, home to iconic plants like saguaro cacti and wildlife including javelinas, coyotes, and numerous bird species.
Location: Multiple access points; Gateway Trailhead: 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Features: Hiking trails, mountain biking, rock climbing, desert ecology, scenic vistas
Scottsdale Fashion Square
Scottsdale Fashion Square stands as the Southwest's largest shopping destination, featuring approximately 2 million square feet of retail space with over 200 stores and restaurants. This upscale shopping center attracts luxury shoppers with its collection of high-end retailers, including the only Neiman Marcus in Arizona, as well as Nordstrom, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, and Tiffany & Co. The mall is divided into distinct wings, including the Luxury Wing that showcases prestigious global brands in an elegant setting. Beyond shopping, Fashion Square offers elevated dining experiences at restaurants like Nobu, Ocean 44, and Francine, as well as entertainment options such as a Harkins Camelview movie theater showing art and independent films. The center regularly evolves with expansion projects and new additions, maintaining its status as a premier shopping destination in the southwestern United States.
Location: 7014 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Features: Luxury shopping, fine dining, entertainment venues, seasonal events
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA)
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) is a cultural centerpiece dedicated to contemporary art, architecture, and design. Housed in a minimalist building designed by award-winning architect Will Bruder, the museum features five galleries that showcase rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, with a focus on emerging artists and innovative expressions. Permanent installations include James Turrell's "Knight Rise," a skyspace where visitors can experience the changing desert sky through a precisely engineered aperture, and the SMoCA Lounge, designed by architect Jaime Velez as a community gathering space. The museum's outdoor courtyard features the "Skyspace Garden" with desert landscaping and public art. Throughout the year, SMoCA hosts educational programs, artist talks, film screenings, and special events like SMoCA Nights that combine art with social experiences. The museum's gift shop offers unique art-inspired merchandise and books.
Location: 7374 E 2nd St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Features: Contemporary art exhibitions, James Turrell Skyspace, architectural design, educational programs
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to visit Scottsdale is from November to April, when temperatures are most pleasant with daytime highs typically ranging from 65°F to 85°F (18-29°C). This period is considered Scottsdale's high season, particularly January through March when winter visitors or "snowbirds" arrive from colder regions.
Winter (December-February) offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities like hiking and golf, but also brings the highest hotel rates and largest crowds, especially during events like the Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament (early February) and Cactus League Spring Training (February-March).
Spring (March-April) is particularly beautiful with desert wildflowers in bloom and comfortable temperatures, though Spring Break periods can bring larger crowds to resorts.
Fall (October-November) offers warm days, cool evenings, and fewer tourists than winter months, making it an excellent time to experience Scottsdale with lower rates and shorter wait times at restaurants and attractions.
Summer (May-September) brings extremely hot conditions with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F (38°C) and occasionally reaching 115°F (46°C). However, this is when you'll find the lowest hotel rates (often 50-60% less than peak season), pool parties at resorts, and less crowded attractions. Many activities are scheduled for early morning or evening, and indoor attractions like museums and shopping centers provide air-conditioned relief.
Scottsdale offers several transportation options for visitors:
- Rental Car: Having your own vehicle provides the most flexibility for exploring Scottsdale and the surrounding areas. The city has a well-designed grid system with ample parking at most destinations. This is particularly useful if you plan to visit multiple areas like North Scottsdale, Pinnacle Peak, or nearby attractions in Paradise Valley or Phoenix.
- Free Trolley: Scottsdale offers a free trolley service with multiple routes connecting major tourist areas including Old Town, the Waterfront, the Arts District, and Fashion Square. The Old Town Trolley runs daily with 15-20 minute frequency and is an excellent option for navigating the downtown area.
- Rideshare and Taxis: Uber and Lyft operate extensively throughout Scottsdale, typically with short wait times. Traditional taxi services are also available but tend to be more expensive.
- Golf Carts: In Old Town Scottsdale, several companies offer golf cart services that operate like taxis, providing a fun way to navigate the downtown area. Some are free (tip-based) while others charge modest fares.
- Bicycle and Scooter Rentals: Scottsdale is increasingly bike-friendly with dedicated paths and bike lanes. Rental bikes and electric scooters are available throughout Old Town. The Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt offers a 11-mile car-free path through central Scottsdale.
- Walking: Old Town Scottsdale is highly walkable, with most attractions, restaurants, and shops within easy walking distance of each other. During hot summer months, walking is best limited to early morning or evening hours.
- Valley Metro Bus: Public bus service connects Scottsdale to the broader Phoenix metropolitan area, though service is less frequent than in urban centers.
For visitors staying primarily in the Old Town/Central Scottsdale area, a combination of walking, the free trolley, and occasional rideshare services provides excellent mobility without needing a car. Those planning to explore North Scottsdale, visit multiple golf courses, or take day trips to surrounding areas will find a rental car most convenient.
Scottsdale spans approximately 30 miles from north to south, with distinct areas each offering unique character and attractions:
- Old Town/Downtown Scottsdale: The historic and cultural heart of the city, further divided into:
- Historic Old Town: Western-themed shops, historic buildings, and the Scottsdale Historical Museum
- Arts District: Home to SMoCA, Scottsdale Artists' School, and weekly ArtWalk events
- Entertainment District: Nightlife hub with clubs, bars, and restaurants popular with younger crowds
- Fifth Avenue Shopping: Boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops in a charming setting
- Scottsdale Waterfront: Upscale shopping and dining along the canal with public art
- South Scottsdale: The city's most affordable area, undergoing revitalization with new developments and businesses. Home to SkySong Innovation Center and close to ASU Tempe.
- Central Scottsdale: Primarily residential with established neighborhoods, shopping centers, and the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt park system. Includes the Resort Corridor along Scottsdale Road with luxury properties.
- North Scottsdale: Upscale area with master-planned communities, high-end shopping at Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter, and numerous golf courses. Generally refers to the area north of Shea Boulevard.
- Gainey Ranch/McCormick Ranch: Prestigious planned communities in central/north Scottsdale featuring lakes, golf courses, and upscale homes.
- DC Ranch/Silverleaf: Exclusive North Scottsdale communities nestled against the McDowell Mountains with luxury homes, golf clubs, and the Market Street shopping area.
- Desert Mountain: Ultra-luxury community at Scottsdale's northern boundary featuring six Jack Nicklaus signature golf courses and stunning desert views.
- Pinnacle Peak/Troon: Upscale North Scottsdale area surrounding the iconic Pinnacle Peak, known for golf communities and natural desert landscapes.
For visitors, Old Town offers the highest concentration of attractions, dining, and cultural venues within a walkable area. The Resort Corridor provides luxury accommodations with easy access to golf, while North Scottsdale offers a more secluded desert experience with upscale amenities.
Scottsdale has earned its reputation as one of the world's top golf destinations for several compelling reasons:
- Quantity and Variety: The Scottsdale area boasts more than 200 golf courses within a 30-mile radius, offering incredible variety from desert target courses to traditional parkland layouts. This concentration of courses is among the highest in the United States.
- Year-round Play: Scottsdale's warm, arid climate allows for golf virtually 365 days a year, with winter highs typically in the 60s-70s°F (15-25°C), making it particularly appealing during winter months when many other U.S. golf destinations are unplayable.
- Course Quality: The region features numerous championship courses designed by legendary architects including Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf, and Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw. Many Scottsdale courses consistently rank among Golf Digest's and Golf Magazine's "Top 100 Courses."
- Iconic Desert Golf: Scottsdale pioneered the concept of desert golf, with courses like Troon North and We-Ko-Pa that integrate the natural Sonoran Desert landscape, creating dramatic holes framed by saguaro cacti, rugged arroyos, and mountain backdrops.
- Tournament Prestige: Scottsdale hosts the Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, the highest-attended golf tournament in the world with its famous stadium-style 16th hole. This PGA Tour event draws over 700,000 spectators annually.
- Golf Resorts: Many of Scottsdale's luxury resorts center around golf, offering stay-and-play packages with preferred access to premium courses. Properties like The Boulders, Four Seasons Troon North, and The Phoenician combine world-class golf with luxury accommodations.
- Golf Academies: Scottsdale is home to numerous top-tier instructional facilities, including the PGA Tour Superstore, Boccieri Golf Center, and the Jim McLean Golf School, attracting players looking to improve their game.
- Complementary Amenities: Beyond the courses themselves, Scottsdale offers excellent après-golf experiences with world-class spas, dining, and entertainment that create a complete golf vacation experience.
Popular courses in Scottsdale include TPC Scottsdale (home of the Phoenix Open), Troon North (Monument and Pinnacle courses), We-Ko-Pa (Saguaro and Cholla courses), Grayhawk (Talon and Raptor courses), and The Boulders (North and South courses). Green fees vary significantly by season, with peak winter rates (January-March) often 2-3 times higher than summer rates (June-August).
Major Neighborhoods and Areas
Old Town Scottsdale
Historic district with Western charm, galleries, and nightlife
Scottsdale Waterfront
Upscale dining and shopping along the Arizona Canal
North Scottsdale
Upscale area with luxury resorts, golf courses, and mountain views
Gainey Ranch
Prestigious planned community with lakes and golf course
Kierland/Scottsdale Quarter
High-end shopping and dining district in North Scottsdale
South Scottsdale
Revitalized area with emerging businesses and SkySong Innovation Center
DC Ranch/Silverleaf
Exclusive communities nestled against McDowell Mountains
Pinnacle Peak
Scenic area surrounding the iconic desert landmark
McCormick Ranch
Established planned community with lakes and pathways