Scottsdale (Arizona)

Scottsdale is a city in the state of Arizona. Scottsdale is home to many galleries, high quality resorts, and golf courses. It is also one of the wealthier parts of the Phoenix Metro Area.

Understand

It is east of Phoenix and part of the Phoenix Metro Area. High end shopping destinations are one of the primary attractions of the city. For example, the Fashion Square Mall is near downtown Scottsdale and is one of the biggest malls in the United States. The extensive galleries to the west of the downtown also offer upscale shopping and strolling. The galleries in this area display works from local artists and from around the world.

The Old Town section of Scottsdale is to the east of the gallery district. It showcases the ironic attempt of Scottsdale to both embody swank upscale style as well as a caricature of the gruff American West. This part of town is undeniably kitschy. Well over half the shops are gift shops. However, it is fun enough for a browse in a Disneyland sort of way.

The canals

The valley of the sun has over 130 mi (210 km) of canals. Most of them were built in the last 100 years to provide water for the irrigation of farm land. However, now that the valley is much less agrarian the canals are primarily used to carry away storm water. Some are also used to generate hydroelectric power.

These often overlooked gems are open to the public. One can take in the beautiful desert scenery and fresh air while strolling along them. They provide walkers, joggers, and bikers with a nice refuge from traffic. But don't try swimming in the canals, aside from being an obvious bad idea because the sides are so steep it is also illegal, along with motorized vehicles.

Golf

Be sure to try one of the 200 golf courses in the Scottsdale area. Although most of the green fees are relatively high during the high season (Nov - Apr) there are a few good courses that can be played year round at a reasonable rate. Green fees are very cheap during the summer ($10 - $50 per round with cart) and if you tee-off early in the morning the heat doesn't become too bad before you finish your round.

Visitor information

Get in
See also: Phoenix#Get in

By plane

The Phoenix metro area has several airports.

Alternative airports
  • 🌍 Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA IATA), 6033 S Sossaman Rd, Mesa (in Southeast Mesa), ☏ +1 480 988 7600. A growing regional airport that serves 35 nonstop destinations. Allegiant Airlines provides most of the flights in and out, with Sun Country flying to Minneapolis. (updated Nov 2023)

Get around

Scottsdale is undoubtedly a car-centric place. Most of the city is too spread out to reasonably walk, far more people use their own cars than ride the bus, and the light rail does not come to Scottsdale.

By car

Scottsdale is laid out for cars. The roads are large and the parking, even downtown, is usually more than ample.

To keep the speed limits and traffic signals well enforced, the city of Scottsdale extensively uses photo radar. Residents often learn where the cameras are and slow down near them. However, sometimes they slow down a bit abruptly. Drivers are often well served by expecting this from time to time.

There are 3 types of cameras.
  1. Intersection Cameras These cameras monitor for both speeding and the running of red lights. There will be a line painted in the intersection just past the crosswalk. This is the line that, if crossed, will trigger the cameras. There will be lights that flash in front and behind the car to get a clear picture of both the front and back of the car. Some GPS systems will indicate that there is a red light running camera coming up, so that the driver will be aware of the camera at the intersection ahead.
  2. Temporary Standing Cameras These monitor one side of the road and are intended to keep the speed reasonable. They generally are triggered 11 mph (18 km/h) over the speed limit. They look like a box sitting on the sidewalk, metal, with a lens pointing out one direction near the top. They will always have a sign posted within 100 feet (30 m) in front of the box indicating that traffic laws are 'photo enforced'.
  3. Mobile Vehicle Cameras These are speed-monitoring cameras that sit along the side of the road. These are harder to spot because they move locations regularly and park inconspicuously. They will always have at least one sign posted within 300 feet (90 m) of the vehicle to indicate that traffic is being photo enforced in the area.

Generally it is easiest and safest to simply drive the speed limit and not run red lights.

By foot

Getting around by walking can take a bit of planning. Not all roads have sidewalks and distances that seem reasonable can become quite uncomfortable in the warmer months. Usually, if people visiting want to walk, the best way to do this is to pick a place set up for walking, then drive there. If you're in the mood for walking, see #Do/Walking tours below.

By public transit

Downtown Scottsdale has a free public transportation system of trolleys. These modified buses come by every 15-20 minutes to designated stops along their routes, which run Monday through Friday. The routes are especially designed to help the elderly get to the senior center at Granite Reef & McDowell Roads.

The Valley Metro public transit system is also available in Scottsdale, also there are pay-as-you-go bicycles and scooters that are in racks at many bus stops around town. The bus, bicycles, and scooters all are paid via an app anyone can get on their phone. Bus passes can also be paid for with cash at Circle K convenience stores.

See
  • 🌍 Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West, 12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. (Free onsite parking available.), ☏ +1 480-627-5340, toll-free: +1 888-516-0811, . Oct-May: 10AM-5PM, closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, & Easter. Nightfall Guided tour dates: closing 6-6:30PM. Store is open daily from 10AM-5PM. Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and laboratory. One of eight buildings by Wright to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Reservations are required for touring the site. Audio tours: $39-44 for adults, $27-31 for students w/ ID, $19-22 for youth ages 6 - 12. Membership discount available. Guided tours: $49-54 for adults, $35-38 for students w/ ID, $24-27 for youth ages 6 - 12. Membership discount available. Nightfall guided tours: $49 for adults, $35 for students w/ ID, $24 for youth ages 6 - 12, $39.20 for members. (updated Oct 2023)
  • 🌍 Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA), 7374 East 2nd Street (Free parking lots available at the Civic Center Library, and the Civic Center Lot and Garage.), ☏ +1 480-874-4666, . W F-Su 11AM-5PM, Th 11AM-7PM. A museum of contemporary art, architecture, and design. Reservations required for everyone, even free participants. Non-members: $10 online, $12 at the door. Students, seniors, military, veterans, & teachers: $7 online, $9 at the door. Free admission for youth 18 years & younger, healthcare workers & first responders w/ ID, ONE members & guest pass holders, and active members in the NARM program. Pay what you wish on Thursdays and every second Saturday of the month. (updated Oct 2023)
  • 🌍 LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana, 3839 N Drinkwater Blvd (outside the Center for Performing Arts). This sculpture, and other versions of it, by Robert Indiana have become iconic symbols of Love. The design was made for a Christmas card. It has since been used in a myriad of mediums from stamps to sculpture. Other versions of this statue are in Philadelphia's Love Park, 6th Ave in New York, New Orleans, and outside the incredibly tall Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taipei, Taiwan. free. 
  • 🌍 Cosanti, 6433 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Paradise Valley, ☏ +1 480-948-6145, . M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 11AM-5PM. The gallery and house of the architect Paolo Soleri. Free. 
  • 🌍 Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E 2nd St, ☏ +1 480-994-ARTS (2787). A theater in downtown Scottsdale that hosts concerts, dances, and other performances. 
  • 🌍 Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, 3830 N Marshall Way, ☏ +1 480-686-9539, . Adults $15, seniors (65+) and active military $13, children (6-17) and students $8. (updated Jun 2019)
  • 🌍 Scottsdale ArtWalk, Scottsdale's Art District, along Gallery Row on Main Street and Scottsdale Road, ☏ +1 480-998-4323, . Thursdays 7-9PM. The art galleries in downtown Scottsdale have organized a walk on Thursday nights. The galleries stay open into the evening and there can be "music, munchies and more on the streets." Free. (updated Oct 2023)

Do
  • 🌍 McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E Indian Bend Rd (Car: Indian Bend Rd and Scottsdale Rd; Valley Metro Bus: 72), ☏ +1 480-312-2312, . Hours depend on time of year (9 or 10AM to 5:30 or 7PM). A children's park with playgrounds and a small train that children and parents can ride around the park. Free (admission), $2 (train rides for adults). 
  • 🌍 Rock and Roll Car and Bike Show, 9140 E Indian Bend Rd (Car: by McDonalds at the Pavilions Shopping Center, W of Hwy 101. Valley Metro Bus: 81 at Pima Rd and Talking Stick Wy/Indian Bend Rd). Sa 4:30PM-9PM. A large classic car show. Free. (updated Feb 2017)
  • 🌍 Cactus League Game (Baseball Spring Training), Salt River Fields at Talking Stick Stadium, 7555 N Pima Rd, ☏ +1 480-270-5000. 
  • 🌍 MacDonald's Ranch, 26540 N Scottsdale Rd, ☏ +1 480-585-0239, . Horsback riding stable. 
  • 🌍 Spa at Camelback Inn, 5402 E Lincoln Dr, toll-free: +1-800-922-2635, fax: +1 480-951-8469. 
  • 🌍 Barrett Jackson Collector Car Auction, 16601 N. Pima Road, ☏ +1 480 421-6694. Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2024 - January 20-28th, 2024. Large collector car auction featuring celebrity-owned vehicles, historic vehicles, and one-of-a-kind cars, trucks, boats, and other special items, all up for auction and sold to the highest bidder. Advance Online - Adult: $271, Senior, Military, Student, First Responder: $181, At The Door - Adult: $341, Senior, Military, Student, First Responder: $226. (updated Oct 2023)
  • 🌍 Salt River Project Canals (Scottsdale Bike & Trails), 5402 E Lincoln Dr (Visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “public amenities”). Sunrise - Sunset Daily. ”). The banks of the canals provide nice views and an escape from cars. They are open to the public for running, biking, and other recreational activities. Motorized vehicles and swimming are prohibited Free. (updated Oct 2023)
  • 🌍 Casino Arizona, 524 North 92nd Street (Loop 101 & McKellips), ☏ +1 480 850-7777. Open 24/7. A casino offering slot machines, table games, Keno, bingo, & sportsbook wagers. Fine dining, two casual dining restaurants, a sports bar, buffet, taqueria, coffee shop, a sandwich shop in the bingo hall, and special holiday meals on Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Thanksgiving, & Christmas. Free. (updated Sep 2019)

Tours

Walking tours
  • Scottsdale Quarter, 15059 N. Scottsdale Rd (take Scottsdale Road to Greenway Parkway, the mall is on the east side of Scottsdale Road). M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su noon-6PM. An open-air shopping center that has 100 stores, restaurants, and a movie theatre. Stores surround a grass area known as the "Quad," and offers live entertainment and other events during the year. Free. (updated Oct 2023)
  • Public Art Walking Tour, 7000 E Camelback Road (the first spot on the map is located at Scottsdale Waterfront, on the corner of Scottsdale Road & Camelback Road). The Scottsdale Public Art Walking Tour is a 60-minute tour of 10 public art displays in Old Town Scottsdale. Starting with "The Doors" by Donald Lipski, and ending with the "Love" sculpture by Robert Indiana. Free. (updated Oct 2023)
  • Historic Old Town Scottsdale Tour, 7333 E. Scottsdale Mall (the first point is close to Brown Avenue & Main Street). A 60-minute walking tour of 15 historical sites in Old Town Scottsdale starting with the Little Red Schoolhouse and ending with Scottsdale City Hall. Free. (updated Oct 2023)

Buy
  • 🌍 Scottsdale Fashion Square, 7014 E Camelback Rd (Car: Camelback Rd & Scottsdale Rd; Valley Metro Bus: 50, 72, and 68CM.), ☏ +1 480-945-5495. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM. One of the biggest malls in the US, this is an upscale place to fill your wardrobe. It can also be fun just to wander around and see what other people are wearing. free. 

Eat
  • 🌍 Ocean 44 (Dominick’s Steakhouse), 4748 N Goldwater Blvd (north of Camelback Rd), ☏ +1 480-867-0044. Su-Th 5-10PM; F Sa 5-11PM. Upscale restaurant originally modeled on a classic New York steakhouse, and then re-imagined into a seafood restaurant (with the steaks still available!). Open kitchen and lively bar. The dress code expects at least business casual. (updated Oct 2019)
  • 🌍 Eddie V's Prime Seafood, 15323 N Scottsdale Rd, #E1-160, ☏ +1 480-730-4800. Su-Th 4PM-11PM, F Sa 4PM-midnight. The food is great, and Eddie's has something for everyone, in comparison to the meat-centrism of common steakhouses. Try the Parmesan encrusted sol. Call ahead for a reservation. 
  • Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Fleming's is known for its prime steak and elegant, cherry wood atmosphere. Its wine list features over 100 wines available by the glass. This steakhouse also offers bar menu specials until 7PM. 
  • 🌍 Mastro's Steak House, 8852 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, ☏ +1 480-585-9500. Su-Th 5-10PM, F Sa 5-11PM; Su brunch 11AM-3PM. Mastro's also has a restaurant in Beverly Hills, with a plethora of well-known visitors that frequent it. Call ahead, as you'll most likely need a reservation. 
  • 🌍 Old Town Tortilla Factory, 6910 E Main St, ☏ +1 480-945-4567, fax: +1 480-945-0815, . Su-Th 5-9PM, F Sa 5-10PM. Modern Southwest cooking with Sonoran touches. Try the Red Chile Pork Chop, with an unlikely but tasty ancho-raspberry sauce. Patio seating, heated in winter, misted in summer. Reservations only accepted for groups of 6 or more, so prepare to wait (preferably in the adjacent tequillaria). $30. 
  • 🌍 Salt Cellar Restaurant, 550 N Hayden Rd, ☏ +1 480-947-1963, fax: +1 480-941-0929. Su-Th 5-11PM, F Sa 5-midnight. Highend seafood in a unique, historic underground location. 
  • 🌍 Uncle Sal's, 3370 N. Hayden Rd, ☏ +1 480-990-2533. M-F 11AM-3PM; Su-Th 4-9PM, F Sa 4-10PM. Nice Italian restaurant, reminiscent of an old-time New York restaurant, with a hint of the Old West. (updated Apr 2015)
  • 🌍 Vito's Pizza & Italian Ristorante, 10999 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd Scottsdale, Arizona 85259, ☏ +1 480-664-8260. Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM. Italian restaurant, includes a bar, and offers catering and banquet services. $$. (updated Mar 2017)

Drink
  • 🌍 Kazimierz, 7137 East Stetson Dr, ☏ +1 480-WINE-004 (9463-004), fax: +1 480-WINE-055 (9463-055). Nightly 2:30PM - 2AM full menu served until 1:45AM. A great nook of a place to drink wine, eat flatbread, and decompress on kooshy couches in their dimly lit main room. The massive (over 2000) wine list is well experienced in their nicely-selected and presented three-wine flights. Add a flatbread (a fancy word for a fancy pizza) and a few friends and it's easy to lose the whole evening in a place like this. It's also easy to run up a big bill ($40-60 per person) if you don't restrain yourself with the wine menu. $20-30. 

Sleep
  • 🌍 Holiday Inn Express Scottsdale North, 7350 E. Gold Dust Ave (Scottsdale Road & Shea Blvd.), ☏ +1 480-596-6559. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Offers guests a fitness center, an outdoor pool and a deluxe continental breakfast. $70-200. 
  • 🌍 Sonder The Monarch, 4000 N Drinkwater Blvd. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. Offers outdoor pool, bar, patio and a poolside DJ. Facilities also include golf, fitness center, hot tub, and of course air conditioning. Colorful and Mexican-inspired. You can see this inspiration all around the hotel. $98-149. (updated May 2023)
  • 🌍 Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas, 6333 N. Scottsdale Rd, ☏ +1 480 948-7750, fax: +1 480-948-2232. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: noon. A fairly typical Hilton hotel, though prettier than most. Quite comfortable, but housekeeping services are erratic. Good business services with $10/day wireless. $99-120. 
  • 🌍 Orange Tree Golf Resort, 10601 N 56th St, ☏ +1 480-948-6100. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. Suites with patio or terrace. Facilities include an 18-hole golf course, fitness center, restaurant and bar, outdoor pool, and sauna. Doubles $139+ (minimum 2-night stay). (updated Feb 2017)
  • 🌍 Scottsdale Plaza Resort, 7200 N Scottsdale Rd. Paradise Valley. Large resort with swimming pools, tennis courts, fitness center, racquetball. 
  • 🌍 Scottsdale Resort, 7700 E. McCormick Parkway. The resort is surrounded by a 36-hole golf course, a spa and fitness center, salon services, tennis, and two pools. Resort features 326 spacious guest rooms, casitas and suites. 
  • 🌍 Smoke Tree Resorts & Bungalows, 7101 East Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley (Near the intersection of Scottsdale Rd. and Lincoln Dr.), ☏ +1 480-948-7660, fax: +1 480-948-7661, . "Restaurant REM" is at the resort, a two-minute drive away from the Railroad Park (a park with a small train children can ride). 
  • 🌍 Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, 6902 E. Greenway Parkway, ☏ +1 480 624-1000. Beautiful property, with a great kids pool area, including a lazy river. They also have an adults-only pool area. Great service. Attached to a golf course and shopping mall. 
  • 🌍 We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 North Fort McDowell Rd, ☏ +1 480 789-4957. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: noon. Offers amenities including free wireless Internet, fitness center, swimming pool, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, Fort McDowell Casino, Fountain Hills Spa and Salon, and Ahnala Restaurant and Lounge. 
  • 🌍 Scottsdale Marriott Suites Old Town, 7325 East 3rd Ave, ☏ +1-480-945-1550. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: noon. An all-suite hotel in the heart of Historic Old Town. 
  • 🌍 Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale North/Perimeter Center, 8550 East Princess Dr, ☏ +1 480 515-4944. Located on Scottsdale north side close to Scottsdale airport and several businesses. Enjoy breakfast and dinner at the Great American Grill, free hi-speed Internet access, business center, meeting/banquest facilities, outdoor pool & whirlpool, fitness center and an Unconditional 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. 
  • 🌍 Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main, ☏ +1 480 248-2000. This modern hotel exceeds expectations for accommodations and food/beverage (don't skip breakfast). Service may vary, especially during high season. This property welcomes pets and goes the extra mile to welcome man's best friend. Green grass and fountains provide a rare desert oasis for you and fido. $175. 
  • 🌍 The Hermosa Inn, 5532 North Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley, toll-free: +1-800-241-1210. The Hermosa Inn is a boutique hotel featuring 34 hacienda-style, single-story casitas. 
  • 🌍 JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, 5402 E. Lincoln Dr, ☏ +1 480-948-1700. 279. 
  • 🌍 Hyatt Place Scottsdale / Old Town, 7300 East Third Avenue, ☏ +1 480 423 9944. (updated Sep 2016)
  • 🌍 Parsons Villas, 7129 E 6th Ave, ☏ +1 480-781-0717. (updated Nov 2018)
  • 🌍 Stay With Style Scottsdale, 10632 N Scottsdale Rd, ☏ +1 480-818-6559, . Short-term rentals. They own all the properties listed on their site. (updated Jan 2021)
  • 🌍 Porter Vacation Rentals, 7014 E Camelback Rd, Ste 1452, ☏ +1 866-468-2531. Vacation rentals in the Scottsdale area with various amenities. (updated Jun 2021)

Splurge

Camping

Stay safe

Flooding

It doesn't rain very frequently in Scottsdale. However, when the rain does come many lakes swell, bike paths are submerged, and roads become impassable.

If there is a notable amount of water on the road, don't drive through it. Drivers frequently become stranded in the middle of flooded washes. Cars can be swept away in a deceptively small amount of water. As you might guess, attempting to drive across such flooded roads is dangerous.

Arizona also has what they like to call a "Stupid Motorist Law." It says that if someone drives around a barricade to enter a flooded road they will be charged for their rescue.

Heat

In the summer it can get quite hot. Dehydration, heat stroke, and sun stroke become notable risks.

Drink plenty of water and stay indoors in the afternoon, during the hottest parts of the day.

Outdoor activities are usually far more pleasant in the early morning when it is still cool. Because the temperatures in the desert swing so much between night and day, morning temperatures can be quite pleasant even during the height of the summer.

Go next
  • Downtown Tempe has a lively night life, being a college town
  • There are many museums and other cultural venues in Phoenix
Routes through Scottsdale
Glendale ← Phoenix ←  W  S  → Tempe → Chandler


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