The Essential Guide to Scottsdale, Arizona

Set between Camelback Mountain and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale is shaped by its desert backdrop, a growing arts community, and an ever-evolving dining scene. The city, officially nicknamed “The West’s Most Western Town,” mixes its heritage with design-forward hospitality spaces, accessible trails, and architecture that draws visitors far beyond the party circuit that it’s known for. All this, coupled with the city’s hundreds of miles of hiking paths, design-focused attractions, and a steady calendar of art, food, and wine festivals, makes it an easy pick for both weekend getaways and longer stays.

The hotel scene here is another major draw. Readers regularly recognize properties such as Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale, and Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows in Travel + Leisure‘s World’s Best Awards. And while Scottsdale spans several distinct neighborhoods, most first-time visitors start in Old Town, home to the midcentury Hotel Valley Ho, the walkable Arts District, and restaurants like FnB and The Mission. For arts and architecture lovers, the city also claims Taliesin West, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and sits just minutes from Papago Park and the Desert Botanical Garden, two of the region’s most accessible windows into the Sonoran landscape.

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Scottsdale, Arizona.

Best Hotels & Resorts 

Hotel Valley Ho 

Steps from Old Town’s shops and galleries, Hotel Valley Ho is a standout example of preserved midcentury-modern design. The 1950s-era property—voted one of the best resorts in Arizona by T+L readers—offers retro-chic rooms and suites with pops of color and private patios, plus ZuZu, the buzzy restaurant and bar, a spa, and two pools, one lively and one quiet.

Mountain Shadows

Sister property to Hotel Valley Ho, this World’s Best Award–winning resort offers a quieter retreat in nearby Paradise Valley, roughly five minutes from the heart of Scottsdale. Contemporary rooms with floor-to-ceiling glass look onto the mountains, and the sprawling grounds feature two pools (one adults-only), a scenic par-3 course, and two restaurants, including the acclaimed Hearth ’61.

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort

Another World’s Best Award–winning property, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort is known for its serene mountainside setting with uninterrupted desert views. Accommodations range from casitas to suites to multibedroom villas, and the property’s acclaimed spa and on-site restaurant, Elements, draw both guests and locals.

Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows

Topping the list of our readers’ favorite resorts in Arizona, Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows sits on 23 desert acres at the foot of Camelback Mountain and has stylish bungalow-style rooms and suites, midcentury-inspired design, three pools, and an overall relaxed atmosphere. For even more R&R, head to the on-site spa, where guests can mix their own body scrubs and book treatments made with local botanicals, including a prickly pear body wrap.

Best Things to Do 

Go on a whirlwind museum tour.

Scottsdale’s museum scene is much broader than many visitors expect. When you need respite from the desert sun, start at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West for a look at the art and stories of the American West; for more contemporary work, make a beeline for the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Just beyond Scottsdale’s borders, Phoenix is home to the Musical Instrument Museum and the Heard Museum, two of the region’s top cultural stops and easy additions to a Scottsdale itinerary.

Talesin West

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Frank Lloyd Wright’s former winter home remains one of Scottsdale’s defining landmarks. Guided audio tours lead visitors through drafting studios, landscaped terraces, and low-slung desert buildings that reveal Wright’s “organic architecture” principles, providing a look at how he adapted modern design to the Sonoran landscape.

Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town mixes preserved Western storefronts with contemporary galleries, boutiques, and restaurants in an easy-to-walk district. Visitors can explore local art, stop into tasting rooms, or join the city’s long-running Thursday night ArtWalk. It’s the best place to experience Scottsdale’s blend of history, culture, and modern desert style.

Hiking

Scottsdale has hundreds of miles of scenic hikes, from the moderate Gateway Loop in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve to the more challenging ascent of Camelback Mountain (technically in Phoenix, but considered a signature climb for Scottsdale travelers). Whichever route you choose, expect sweeping views and an up-close look at cacti, palo verde, and mesquite, and the native plants that define the Sonoran Desert.

Papago Park & Desert Botanical Garden

Just minutes from Scottsdale, Papago Park sits just a few minutes from Scottsdale and offers an easy escape into red sandstone buttes, short trails, and the quick climb to Hole-in-the-Rock. Within the park, the 140-acre Desert Botanical Garden has winding paths past saguaros, seasonal blooms, and art installations, creating a calm, photogenic tableau that focuses on the region’s desert biodiversity.

Best Shopping

FourtillFour

Primarily a coffee shop, FourtillFour draws a devoted crowd for its expertly made drinks—don’t miss the French toast or cookie butter lattes—along with a tight edit of vintage denim and indie apparel. The café is rooted in car culture, with a garage-style space and frequent automotive meetups. You can also buy their coffee to go, making it an easy stop for both caffeine and browsing.

Luv Luxe

Luv Luxe specializes in high-end vintage and preloved designer handbags and accessories, offering an impressive selection from brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hermès, and more. Its careful curation makes it a rewarding browse for shoppers seeking luxury without the full retail markup—or a one-of-a-kind statement piece to take home.

The Merchantile

Part boutique marketplace, part creative hub, The Merchantile houses dozens of small vendors showcasing clothing, home goods, jewelry, art, and handmade pieces. The mix changes frequently, so browsing feels like discovering a series of mini pop-ups under one roof. It’s a great stop for unique gifts or locally made finds.

The Poisoned Pen Bookstore

A longstanding Scottsdale institution, The Poisoned Pen Bookstore is beloved for its author events and impressive selection of mysteries, thrillers, historical fiction, and literary titles. The shop’s cozy atmosphere and sharp curation make it an ideal place to pick up a vacation read or discover your new favorite author.

Nightlife 

Hula’s Modern Tiki

As you might guess from its name, Hula’s Modern Tiki is known for its tropical cocktails (Painkillers or Hurricanes, anyone?) and relaxed, island-inspired atmosphere. It’s an easy place to start the night with something fruity, fun, and not overly sweet, and the patio stays lively year-round, drawing both locals and visitors.

Mother Tucker’s Tavern

Mother Tucker’s Tavern serves strong drinks, friendly bartenders, classic pub grub, and a come-as-you-are vibe. It’s the kind of spot where you can settle in for a game, chat with regulars, and enjoy an easy night out—especially on game days, when the energy ramps up.

Bottled Blonde

Bottled Blonde shifts from an Italian eatery by day to one of Old Town’s busiest late-night spots. The beer-garden setup and weekend DJ sets draw crowds for oversized pizzas, big screens, and bottle service, making it a go-to for groups looking for a loud, lively night out.

Riot House

With DJs, bottle service, and a neon-lit atmosphere, Riot House attracts a high-energy, dressed-up crowd ready to dance the night away. Weekends are loud and packed, and the space leans fully into its late-night party vibe.

Coach House

Dubbed Scottsdale’s oldest tavern, the 1959-era Coach House keeps things laid-back and low-key with its open-air setup, which fills up fast on weekends. Its over-the-top holiday decorations draw big crowds during the season and have become a true local tradition, but the bar remains a lively, welcoming haunt year-round.

Best Restaurants

Chin Up Donuts

A playful, small-batch donut shop, Chin Up Donuts turns out inventive flavors—think everything bagel, lemon poppy, brown butter and sea salt, maple bacon, s’mores, and even cheesecake-filled creations—along with brioche-style doughs that rotate frequently. The real standout is the gooey cinnamon roll, comically oversized and far better than its humble name suggests.

The Mission

The Mission has a modern Latin menu influenced by Spain, Mexico, and Central and South America. Led by Scottsdale native Matt Carter, the kitchen turns out pecan and mesquite-fired meats, housemade tortillas and salsas, standout pork shoulder tacos, table-side guacamole, and excellent cocktails, including margaritas in flavors like prickly pear and cucumber jalapeño.

FnB 

Led by James Beard Award–winning chef Charleen Badman, FnB is known for its hyper-local, vegetable-forward cooking and all-Arizona wine list. The seasonal menu highlights regional growers and producers, resulting in refined, farm-driven dishes served in an intimate, neighborhood gastropub setting.

Pizzeria Bianco

Chef Chris Bianco’s legendary pies have earned national acclaim, and the Scottsdale outpost of his Phoenix original follows the same formula. Wood-fired crusts, carefully sourced ingredients, and simple, balanced toppings keep the focus on flavor. Expect a wait: The pizza more than justifies it.

Best Time To Visit 

The best time to visit Scottsdale is between October and April, when daytime temperatures are mild and sunny, making it easy to get outside and explore. Fall and spring in particular bring the most activity, thanks to an abundance of art, food, and wine festivals, along with Cactus League spring training. Winter draws golfers and travelers looking for dry, sunny weather. That said, the shoulder months—October, November, March, and April—remain especially appealing, with warm days, crisp evenings, and lighter crowds than the busy winter weeks.

How to Get There

Most travelers reach Scottsdale by flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), about 15 to 20 minutes from Old Town and the city’s major resorts. PHX is the region’s central hub, while smaller regional airports—including Scottsdale Airport (SCF) and Phoenix’s Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA)—serve private aviation and limited commercial routes.

Neighborhoods to Visit

Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town is Scottsdale’s most visited district, blending historic Western storefronts with art galleries, restaurants, cocktail bars, and boutique shopping. It’s home to the weekly ArtWalk and several of the city’s top museums, making it an essential first stop for culture, dining, and nightlife.

Scottsdale Arts District

Anchored by galleries, public art installations, and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, the Arts District is one of the city’s creative hubs. Visitors can browse contemporary works, meet local artists, or join the long-running Thursday night ArtWalk.

North Scottsdale

Known for its luxury resorts, championship golf courses, and easy access to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, North Scottsdale appeals to travelers seeking a more tranquil side of the city. Here, wide-open desert landscapes pair with wellness-centric resorts and upscale dining, creating a calm, high-end base for a getaway.

How to Get Around

Driving or having a rental car is the easiest way to get around Scottsdale, especially when hopping between neighborhoods and nearby Phoenix attractions. You can pick one up directly at the airport and be on the road quickly. It’s also worth mentioning that parking is generally easy at hotels, trailheads, shopping areas, and most major attractions. Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are available, and wait times are usually short. Prices are also pretty reasonable outside of busy weekends.

Valley Metro’s bus system connects Scottsdale with Phoenix and Tempe, including access to Papago Park and nearby museums. The light rail doesn’t run through Scottsdale, but you can transfer to it via Valley Metro buses in Phoenix or Tempe if you’re heading farther across the metro area.

In Old Town, shared scooters and e-bikes provide a quick way to move between galleries, restaurants, and the waterfront. Several app-based providers operate in the area. They’re best for short trips, and riders should stick to bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly paths for a smooth and safe experience.