Scottsdale Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
Scottsdale
Scottsdale
Scottsdale
Scottsdale

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 travellers looking for a warm Western holiday 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 Centre 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 kilometres) 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 Harbour 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

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Old Town

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Scottsdale Waterfront to Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West – discover Old Town, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Old Town
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Central Scottsdale

4/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Central Scottsdale, Scottsdale Ranch Park and Cactus Park are top sights worth seeing.

Central Scottsdale
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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
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Downtown Scottsdale

While visiting Downtown Scottsdale, you might make a stop by sights like Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West and Scottsdale Waterfront.

Downtown Scottsdale
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Pinnacle Peak

While visiting Pinnacle Peak, you might make a stop by sights like Troon North Golf Club and Boulders Golf Club.

Pinnacle Peak
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Arcadia

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Arcadia and surrounding area, you can visit The Palms and Camelback Mountain.

Arcadia
Talking Stick Resort
Talking Stick Resort
4 out of 5
9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ
The price is £119 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
£119
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Scottsdale. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,437 reviews)
"Great place to stay and relax. It is right next to the entertainment area in Scottsdale. There are several great restaurants on site. Beautiful scenery and landscape a great Southwest flare."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Talking Stick Resort
 Scottsdale Parkview Resort
Scottsdale Parkview Resort
3.5 out of 5
7707 E McDowell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
The price is £54 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
£54
19 Jul - 20 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Scottsdale. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8/10 Very Good! (4,865 reviews)
Great Place to Stay
"I stay here often as I go to the area to shop and see family. It is always comfortable and quiet!"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Scottsdale Parkview Resort
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 £116 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
£116
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Scottsdale. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,006 reviews)
"Easy check in/out, clean rooms with great hospitality and views. Although parking wasn’t free I still did enjoy the security of having our car parked in a garage. 10/10 would definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

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! (1,147 reviews)
Perfect for families
"We had an amazing stay! The room was spotless and super comfortable — perfect for our family. The pool was a definite highlight: clean, well-maintained, and great for both kids and adults to relax and have fun. The whole experience felt easy, welcoming, and just what we needed for a great getaway. ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Scottsdale Camelback Resort
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 centre, parking (surcharge) and a pool table. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (448 reviews)
"Great premise to have a condo/hotel service. Just could not control A/C at all so not as comfortable."

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025

Sentral Old Town
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
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Scottsdale. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (15 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Scottsdale

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
8
5 - Excellent 35%
4 - Good
12
4 - Good 52%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 4%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Disappointing and underwhelming. Not somewhere I’d rush back to. Meh...

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Weather very hot at this time of year. Overall a great place to relax and unwind.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Downtown is great. Lots of restaurants all over Scottsdale. Shopping easy and good if you want it. Golf courses are fantastic. If you are from UK then a football game watching the Cardinals is a must. Great fun.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Scottsdale old town well worth the visit, and Golf and shopping all good!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love Scottsdale. Second time visiting would definitely come back again in the future.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Go see Frank Lloyd Wright's Taelisin West, Cosanti, and Arcosanti! Very interesting for architecture tours.

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