Scottsdale Arizona Travel Guide & Things To Do
Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on
Scottsdale Arizona Vacation Guide
Scottsdale, Arizona is a major Sonoran Desert vacation destination in the Greater Phoenix area, known for luxury resorts, championship golf, hiking, Old Town, art galleries, shopping, restaurants and outdoor recreation. Visitors can explore desert trails, relax at resorts and spas, enjoy Scottsdale's dining and nightlife scene, or take day trips to nearby mountains, lakes and desert attractions. With activities ranging from golf and hiking to shopping and cultural experiences, Scottsdale offers a broad mix of things to do throughout the year.
- Why Visit Scottsdale
- Things To Do
- Golf & Outdoor Recreation
- Old Town, Shopping & Dining
- Best Time To Visit
- Places To Visit Nearby
- Scottsdale Travel Tips
- FAQ
Indulge yourself in Scottsdale Arizona. A one-of-a-kind vacation pleasure. It’s a place to refresh, fill the senses and to test your adventurous side. Just imagine any desire and when the sun rises, it all comes to life. Scottsdale AZ is simply gorgeous, world-class and passionate. Its purpose is to entertain you. Southwestern style. See our Scottsdale Area Map for nearby cities and directions.
Why Visit Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale attracts visitors with its unique blend of outdoor adventure, luxury amenities, and cultural experiences. Travelers can spend their days exploring desert trails or relaxing at high-end resorts and spas, then enjoy fine dining, art galleries, and nightlife in Old Town. Seasonal events, golf tournaments, and spring training baseball add to the city’s year-round appeal, while nearby destinations like Camelback Mountain, the Salt River, and the Superstition Mountains offer even more opportunities for exploration. Whether seeking relaxation, recreation, or a vibrant social scene, Scottsdale delivers one of Arizona’s most complete and enjoyable vacation experiences.
Best Things To Do In Scottsdale, Arizona
- Explore Old Town Scottsdale: Visit restaurants, galleries, museums, shops, nightlife and historic districts in the walkable downtown area.
- Hike the Sonoran Desert: Explore Camelback Mountain, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and other desert trails.
- Play desert golf: Scottsdale is known for championship golf courses surrounded by Sonoran Desert scenery.
- Visit resorts and spas: Relax at Scottsdale's luxury resorts, pools, spas and wellness destinations.
- Shop and explore art galleries: Browse Old Town boutiques, galleries and Scottsdale Fashion Square.
- Enjoy dining and nightlife: Scottsdale offers chef-driven restaurants, patios, cocktail lounges and entertainment.
- Take a desert tour: Jeep tours, horseback rides, hot-air balloon trips and other guided adventures explore the surrounding desert.
- Visit nearby lakes and rivers: Saguaro Lake and the Salt River offer boating, fishing, kayaking and seasonal water recreation.
Golf, Resorts & Outdoor Recreation In Scottsdale
Scottsdale is one of Arizona’s premier destinations for golf, luxury resorts, spas and Sonoran Desert recreation. Visitors can play championship desert golf courses, relax at full-service resorts, explore hiking and biking trails, or take scenic tours into the surrounding desert. The city’s combination of sunshine, mountain views and upscale amenities makes it especially popular for winter vacations, romantic getaways, golf trips and resort-style relaxation.
- Golf: Scottsdale is known for desert golf courses with mountain views and year-round play.
- Resorts & spas: Luxury resorts offer pools, spa treatments, dining and relaxing desert settings.
- Hiking: Camelback Mountain and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve are popular nearby hiking destinations.
- Water recreation: The Salt River, Saguaro Lake and other nearby areas offer kayaking, tubing, boating and fishing.
Golf is one of Scottsdale's signature attractions, with a large concentration of desert courses throughout Scottsdale and the surrounding Valley. Well-known names include Troon North, Grayhawk and The Boulders, along with many resort and daily-fee courses. Sonoran Desert landscapes, mountain views and mild winter weather make Scottsdale especially popular for golf vacations from fall through spring.
Outdoor adventure extends well beyond Scottsdale's golf courses and resorts. Visitors can hike and bike Sonoran Desert trails, take hot-air balloon flights, join guided Jeep and horseback-riding tours, kayak or tube the Salt River, and enjoy boating or fishing at nearby Saguaro Lake. Scenic drives through the Superstition Mountain area provide another way to explore central Arizona's desert landscapes, while several nearby tribal casinos offer gaming, dining and entertainment.
Scottsdale's resort scene ranges from large luxury properties to smaller boutique hotels, many offering pools, spas, golf, restaurants and views of the surrounding Sonoran Desert. Resort stays are especially popular for winter escapes, romantic getaways, spa vacations and golf trips. Amenities and rates vary widely by season, so travelers should compare location, resort fees, dining options and recreational facilities before booking.
Old Town Scottsdale, Shopping, Dining & Nightlife
Scottsdale is also known for its shopping, restaurants, art galleries and nightlife. Old Town Scottsdale offers a walkable mix of Southwestern shops, galleries, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, while Scottsdale Fashion Square provides one of the region’s largest upscale shopping experiences. After sunset, visitors can enjoy rooftop lounges, live music, fine dining, casual patios and a lively downtown atmosphere.
- Old Town Scottsdale: Popular for restaurants, nightlife, galleries, shops and Southwestern character.
- Scottsdale Fashion Square: A major shopping destination with upscale stores and restaurants.
- Art galleries: Scottsdale has a long-standing arts scene with galleries, public art and seasonal events.
- Restaurants & nightlife: Visitors will find everything from fine dining and cocktail lounges to casual patios and live entertainment.
Shopping options range from independently owned boutiques and Southwestern shops in Old Town to luxury retailers and major brands at Scottsdale Fashion Square. Old Town is also home to numerous art galleries and cultural venues, making it easy to combine shopping with dining, sightseeing and gallery visits. Scottsdale Fashion Square provides a large indoor shopping option that is especially appealing during the warmer months.
Best Time To Visit Scottsdale, Arizona
- Fall: Warm days and cooler evenings make fall a great time for golf, hiking, patio dining and resort stays.
- Winter: Winter is peak visitor season, with mild weather ideal for outdoor recreation, golf, shopping and events.
- Spring: Spring is one of the most popular seasons for Scottsdale, with excellent weather, spring training baseball, festivals and desert blooms.
- Summer: Summer is hot, but visitors can find lower resort rates and enjoy early morning activities, pool time, indoor attractions and evening dining.
Early mornings are often one of the best times to enjoy Scottsdale's outdoor attractions, especially during warmer months. Visitors can hike desert trails, bike through the Sonoran Desert, play an early round of golf or simply enjoy mountain and cactus views before afternoon temperatures rise. Spring can be especially scenic when favorable conditions produce desert wildflowers and cactus blooms.
Evenings in Scottsdale offer a wide variety of dining and entertainment options. Old Town features restaurants, cocktail lounges, patios, live music and nightlife, while theaters, museums and special events provide additional choices. Visitors can also enjoy sunset desert tours, resort dining and seasonal sporting or cultural events throughout the Greater Phoenix area.
Places To Visit Near Scottsdale
Scottsdale’s location in the Valley of the Sun makes it easy to explore nearby cities, lakes, desert parks and scenic drives. Visitors can stay in Scottsdale while taking short trips to Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, the Salt River, Saguaro Lake and the Superstition Mountains.
- Phoenix: Visit museums, sports venues, restaurants and downtown attractions just west of Scottsdale.
- Tempe: Explore Tempe Town Lake, Arizona State University and Mill Avenue.
- Camelback Mountain: One of the area’s best-known hiking landmarks with challenging trails and city views.
- Salt River: Popular for tubing, kayaking, wildlife viewing and desert scenery.
- Saguaro Lake: A scenic desert lake northeast of Scottsdale for boating, fishing and cruises.
Scottsdale works well as both a destination and a base for exploring the Greater Phoenix area. Visitors can combine resort stays, golf, hiking, dining, arts and shopping with day trips to nearby lakes, mountain parks and desert communities. Whether planning a weekend getaway or a longer Arizona vacation, Scottsdale offers enough variety to build an itinerary around relaxation, outdoor recreation or sightseeing.
Scottsdale Arizona Travel Tips
- Plan outdoor activities early: Morning temperatures are generally more comfortable, especially from late spring through early fall.
- Reserve peak-season lodging early: Winter, spring training and major events can increase hotel and resort demand.
- Use sun protection: Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and water are important for desert activities throughout the year.
- Allow for driving: Scottsdale is spread across a large area, and attractions in North Scottsdale can be far from Old Town.
- Check trail conditions: Hiking access and recommendations can change with extreme heat, storms or maintenance.
- Plan for summer heat: Schedule outdoor activities early and use afternoons for pools, spas, museums, shopping and indoor attractions.
- Explore Old Town on foot: Restaurants, galleries, shops and entertainment are concentrated within a walkable central district.
- Verify current hours: Attraction, restaurant, tour and event schedules can change seasonally.
Scottsdale Arizona FAQ
What Is Scottsdale Arizona Known For?
Scottsdale is known for luxury resorts, golf courses, spas, Old Town, restaurants, shopping, art galleries, nightlife, hiking and Sonoran Desert scenery.
What Are The Best Things To Do In Scottsdale?
Popular activities include exploring Old Town Scottsdale, hiking desert trails, playing golf, visiting resorts and spas, shopping, dining, touring art galleries and taking outdoor excursions into the surrounding Sonoran Desert.
Is Scottsdale A Good Vacation Destination?
Yes. Scottsdale combines resorts, outdoor recreation, golf, dining, shopping, arts and nightlife, making it suitable for weekend trips, winter getaways, golf vacations and longer Arizona stays.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Scottsdale?
Fall through spring offers the most comfortable weather for golf, hiking, outdoor dining and sightseeing. Summer is extremely hot but can offer lower resort rates and excellent pool, spa and indoor recreation options.
Is Old Town Scottsdale Worth Visiting?
Yes. Old Town is Scottsdale's central visitor district and includes restaurants, galleries, museums, shops, public art, nightlife and cultural attractions within a relatively compact area.
How Far Is Scottsdale From Phoenix?
Scottsdale borders Phoenix on the east side of the metropolitan area. Driving time varies considerably depending on which parts of Scottsdale and Phoenix you are traveling between.
What Outdoor Activities Are Popular In Scottsdale?
Popular outdoor activities include hiking, mountain biking, golf, horseback riding, hot-air ballooning and guided desert tours. Nearby lakes and the Salt River also offer seasonal boating and water recreation.
Where Can You Hike Near Scottsdale?
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers an extensive trail system within Scottsdale, while Camelback Mountain and other desert hiking areas are nearby.
Is Scottsdale Good For Golf?
Yes. Scottsdale and the surrounding area contain a large number of desert golf courses, including resort, public and championship-level facilities.
What Are Good Day Trips From Scottsdale?
Popular nearby destinations include Phoenix, Tempe, Saguaro Lake, the Salt River, the Superstition Mountains and other attractions throughout the Greater Phoenix area.
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