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 Starfire Golf Club at Scottsdale Country Club.

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
Taliesin West which includes a pool and a house

DC Ranch

Though DC Ranch might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Grayhawk Golf Club.

DC Ranch
Talking Stick Resort

Talking Stick Resort

4 out of 5
9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ
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! (3,698 reviews)
"It was a nice experience staying at the resort"

Reviewed on 2025/8/20

Talking Stick Resort
Hotel Valley Ho

Hotel Valley Ho

4.5 out of 5
6850 E Main St, Scottsdale, AZ
The price is NT$4,337 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
NT$4,337
NT$4,943 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
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! (1,885 reviews)
"A unique remake of a 1950's hotel vibe. Seems to be a weekend destination (Fri/Sat) with a party vibe around the pool. Sunday night & Monday were peaceful and quiet. Room was very modern and nice. Toiletry items provided were VERY nice, eco-friendly and unique scent profiles that were enjoyable. ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/20

Hotel Valley Ho
Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town

Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town

4 out of 5
7142 East 1st St, Scottsdale, AZ
The price is NT$4,479 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
NT$4,479
NT$5,105 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Scottsdale. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,010 reviews)
"I love the lifestyle boutique hotel. The canopy offers. We stayed at one in Chicago 3 years ago and really enjoyed ourselves, so I made it a point to find another one in Scottsdale. It's a home way from home and feels commensurate with the type of comforts we enjoy. The only thing I didn't like was ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/19

Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale 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.
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! (1,179 reviews)
"Is an older resort but well stocked and very well-maintained. We had a great visit."

Reviewed on 2025/8/19

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! (33 reviews)
Great, except breakfast
"Front desk staff were excellent. Rooms were nice. Several little areas we could see trim was coming off etc but overall condition was nice. Breakfast was lacking (no coffee, waffles only on certain days because the batter wasn't "ordered right")"

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

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! (457 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 2025/7/22

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

Cities near Scottsdale