The Best Travel Guide to Scottsdale, Arizona

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Scottsdale

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North America United States Scottsdale, Arizona

Overview

Scottsdale, Arizona The guide was updated: 2021-05-03

Described by the New York Times as “a desert version of Miami's South Beach,” Scottsdale is Arizona’s biggest hit. The city is rich in culture and natural grandeur. The Scottsdale Arts District lends to proud attractions of galleries, studios, and museums, while architectural majesties like Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West supplement the city’s Western heritage. Its position on the northern stretches of the Sonoran Desert and the McDowell Mountain Range makes the Scottsdale experience a spectacular one.

Facts

Population:	249,950 (2017)
Currency:	U.S. Dollars $1 = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	911
Newspapers:	Chronicle Scottsdale Independent Scottsdale Republic Scottsdale Times Topix Scottsdale Airpark News
Opening hours:	Most stores are open seven days a week 10am to 8pm or later. Bars and clubs tend to close around 2am.
Tourist information:	Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce 7501 E. McCormick Parkway #202-N +1 480 355 2700 Experience Scottsdale 7014 E Camelback Rd #582, Scottsdale, AZ +1 480 421 1004

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Section in Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale is a hot spot for shopping, dining, history and entertainment. In accompaniment to upscale attractions, the Sonoran Desert creates an assortment of rugged outdoor activities.

Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town Scottsdale is perfect for a romantic evening stroll while window shopping, meeting a friend for lunch, getting in touch with your artsy side, and more. Old Town is also close to the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. Enjoy fine dining, wine bars, and other great attractions all in one location.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West

Scottsdale’s theme of bonding man and nature continues with the Taliesin West. Built by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1937, the desert escape served as Wright’s winter home. Make the trip to the foothills of the McDowell Mountains in the Sonoran Desert and discover one of Wright’s masterpieces. Both the Taliesin West’s indoor and outdoor spaces will impress.

Troon North Golf Club

Troon North Golf Club

Troon North Golf Course is championed as not only one of Scottsdale’s finest courses, but one of Arizona’s best as well. Such an acclaim is understandable as the club is designed by the British Open Champion Tom Weiskopf and also has perfect fairways and bent grass greens.

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Geologically, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is unlike any other in the Valley: forests of cacti, unique fauna, and rolling landscapes of mountains and hills all cohabit here. The preserve covers 27,800 acres of Scottsdale grounds. To avoid the heat, visit early in the morning or later in the day.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park encompasses 40 acres of famous replications and antique carousels. The park features a 15 foot gauge railroad, a Magma Arizona Railroad locomotive, a railroad museum, three model railroad clubs, and a seven-and-a-half foot gauge live steam railroad.

AZ on the Rocks

AZ on the Rocks

If you're seeking to beat the Sonoran heat but still want to climb the mountainside, head to AZ on the Rocks. As Arizona’s largest indoor climbing gym, the Rocks has walls nearly 30 feet high. Aside from just having fun, the Rocks also offers an opportunity to work on climbing techniques and learn the ropes. Children under 18 must have a signed waiver allowing them to climb.

Cosanti Originals

Cosanti Originals

Cosanti, an architectural site, showcases earth-crafted structures native to the Scottsdale and Sonora Desert area. A ceramic workshop and foundry may be explored. Be sure to check out their famous wind chimes.

Pinnacle Peak Park

Pinnacle Peak Park

Pinnacle Peak is a hike of 150 acres and 1,300 feet. The trail has a variety of elevations and descents, as well as a smooth tread. It's ideal for hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. Find a wealth of plants native to Arizona’s desert geography. Expect to see animals such as bobcats and Gila monsters. Neither dogs nor bicycles are allowed.

Penske Racing Museum

Penske Racing Museum

For car enthusiasts, Penske Racing Museum is an ideal place to spend an afternoon. Come discover cars, trophies, and racing memorabilia from over 40 years of racing history. The esteemed Penske Racing has over 300 major race wins, highlighted by 15 Indianapolis 500-mile race victories.

Cave Creek Outfitters

Cave Creek Outfitters

Take yourself to the beautiful Sonoran Desert on horseback with Cave Creek Outfitters. They are open seven days a week to accommodate all visitors. Call ahead to make reservations for your ride.

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theater

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theater

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theater is an award-winning dinner theater. Wonderful for all ages, it offers child-friendly, professional productions. Call to reserve tickets.

IPIC Theaters

IPIC Theaters

IPIC Theaters combines movie and dining experience. Guests pick their own seats (which include recliners) while enjoying blankets and pillows. Food is served if you so choose, and the sound and video quality of the theater is premier. Customize your experience!

Soleri Bridge and Plaza

Soleri Bridge and Plaza

The Soleri Bridge and Plaza was designed by the illustrious Paolo Soleri. The artist, architect and philosopher brought his creation to the Scottsdale Waterfront. Soleri crafted it to be a passage for pedestrians, a solar calendar and a gathering place all-in-one. Representing a connection between man and nature, the Soleri Bridge has become a marquee attraction for Scottsdale.

Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center

Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center

The Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center is a nonprofit organization that rehabilitates sick, injured, orphaned, displaced, and abandoned wild animals with the intent of reintroducing and releasing them back into the wild. The Conservation Center is the largest sanctuary for animals in the Southwestern United States.

Civic Center Mall

Civic Center Mall

The Civic Center Mall is a verdant pedestrian mall right next to the vibrant Old Town. Some of Scottsdale’s famous public art collections make their home at the Civic Center, including Robert Indiana’s “LOVE” sculpture and James Turrell’s “Knight Rise” Skyspace at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. There are over 21 acres of lush landscaping, a lagoon, an amphitheater, and more.

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