Scottsdale, AZ

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
Downtown Scottsdale featuring street scenes, a small town or village and cuddly or friendly animals
Downtown Scottsdale which includes street scenes, horseriding and heritage elements
Downtown Scottsdale showing a river or creek
Western Spirit: Scottsdale\'s Museum of the West which includes a garden

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 WestOpens in a new window, 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 ArtOpens in a new window 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, PhoenixOpens in a new window and Tempe. Fly here and rent a car to study the arts, nature and history of south central Arizona.

Where to stay in Scottsdale

Old Town

Old Town

Old Town is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Scottsdale Waterfront and Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West.

Old Town
Sunset in the desert #nofilter

Central Scottsdale

4.5/5(275 area reviews)

While visiting Central Scottsdale, you might make a stop by sights like Scottsdale Ranch Park and Cactus Park.

Central Scottsdale
Millionaire's tacos with a view of the ceviche station. LOVED dinner at Deseo

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
Downtown Scottsdale featuring street scenes, a small town or village and cuddly or friendly animals

Downtown Scottsdale

If you're spending some time in Downtown Scottsdale, Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West and Scottsdale Waterfront are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Scottsdale
Exploring all that Phoenix has to offer on a rare day off as an intern #adventure

Pinnacle Peak

4.5/5(35 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Pinnacle Peak, Troon North Golf Club and Boulders Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

Pinnacle Peak
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Rio Verde Foothills

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Rio Verde Foothills and surrounding area, you can visit Tonto Verde Golf Club and Golf Club Scottsdale.

Rio Verde Foothills
Talking Stick Resort

Talking Stick Resort

4 out of 5
9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ
The price is ¥18,669 per night from Jul 23 to Jul 24
¥18,669
¥25,489 total
Jul 23 - Jul 24
includes taxes & fees
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. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,549 reviews)
"Hotel was so nice, rooms were spacious and quiet. We loved the food options. The Pool was so nice and we loved having a DJ out there playing so many different variety of music. The Casino was also fun and full of energy, and to top it off the staff was fantastic in every department. Cant wait to ..."

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

Talking Stick Resort
 Scottsdale Parkview Resort

Scottsdale Parkview Resort

3.5 out of 5
7707 E McDowell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
The price is ¥9,052 per night from Jul 23 to Jul 24
¥9,052
¥11,039 total
Jul 23 - Jul 24
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Scottsdale. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8/10 Very Good! (4,894 reviews)
"Amanda was very kind and welcoming. The property was well-kept and the room was clean. The owners were very helpful too!"

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

Scottsdale Parkview Resort
Hotel Valley Ho

Hotel Valley Ho

4.5 out of 5
6850 E Main St, Scottsdale, AZ
The price is ¥19,457 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
¥19,457
¥22,175 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Scottsdale. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,800 reviews)
"Our stay at the Valley Ho was great! All of the staff were very friendly and helpful. They offered suggestions for nearby coffee shops and gave restaurant recommendations. The ZuZu (on site restaurant) had the filet was too notch the server was superb. The pool was a vibe with DJ and good water temperature. ..."

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

Hotel Valley Ho
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.
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 breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,162 reviews)
"Liked the big rooms and full kitchen. The pool was in need of cleaning, we noticed some black stuff around the edge of pool in many spots."

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

Scottsdale Camelback Resort
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Scottsdale Old Town

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Scottsdale Old Town

2 out of 5
3275 N Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Scottsdale. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (25 reviews)
"I enjoyed my stay. The hotel was clean and in good condition."

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Scottsdale Old Town
Sentral Old Town

Sentral Old Town

4 out of 5
4753 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Scottsdale. Enjoy a fitness center, parking (surcharge), and a pool table. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (453 reviews)
"I like how secure the property is. The location is the perfect walking distance to everything one likes to experience at old Scottsdale. It is a five minute walk to Fashion Square! The apartment is modern and the bed is very comfortable with high quality linens. We will definitely revisit."

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2025

Sentral Old Town
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

Things to do

Reviews of Scottsdale

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2160
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
1237
4 - Good 34%
3 - Okay
180
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
22
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
16
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

We love the area. Just very disappointed in the hotel. And the resort fee with so much of the hotel not open

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

We appreciate Best Western being open and willing to provide accommodations, as the Nation is coming out of the pandemic insanity.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Super hot like expecting since i'm from california the weather is 40 degrees different. But was very limited due to COVID-19 and would love to come back when everything is normal again and i'm able to go to more places.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Scottsdale is a very nice place to travel too. Haven't been there in awhile. But will go back. People are very nice and the area is beautiful.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Amazing food and beverages, and so many to choose from! 3 nights and we merely scratched the surface! Try Second Story, amazing!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Clean, family-friendly, great weather, and very inviting.

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