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Scottsdale, Arizona, is worth visiting year-round. It’s located east of the state’s capital city, Phoenix, and is perhaps best known for its array of golf courses and spa resorts, and its proximity to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Don't overlook this city in favor of nearby popular stops like Sedona or The Grand Canyon when passing through Arizona. Travelers looking to explore the Grand Canyon State cannot miss this historic and vibrant city. Here's everything to know before planning and booking a trip to this southwestern gem.
Best Time To Go
The best time of year to visit Scottsdale is subjective. Many people consider the best time to go as the spring and fall. From March to May and late September to November, temperatures are warm but not unbearably hot, making it the perfect weather for enjoying the local nature trails or lounging by the swimming pool.
Summer in Scottsdale is the hottest time of year and may be too sweltering for some people’s liking. From late May to late September, the average daily high temperature sits above 97 °F. July is the hottest month of the year in Scottsdale with average temperatures ranging from 105 °F and low of 84 °F.
Some people consider winter (December to March) to be the best time of year to visit Scottsdale. Temperatures sit around 72ºF on average during this season so for travelers who want to do some hiking in the iconic Sonoran desert, it’s more comfortable.
What To Know When Visiting
Scottsdale is an underrated slice of paradise in the southwestern USA, boasting more than 330 days of sunshine per year. Many people who come to Scottsdale choose to extend their trip for staycations or even purchase second homes here thanks to the incredible weather year-round.
It’s also a huge hub for artists and art lovers. There are plenty of opportunities here (in a surprisingly affordable city) for visual artists to get their start at one of the 125 art galleries and studios.
Best Ways To Get Around
One of the easiest ways to get around Scottsdale on a budget is to utilize rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft. These services are widely available in the city, 24/7, and eliminate the hassle of finding accommodation with free parking on-site.
Travelers who want to experience the walkable side of Scottsdale will want to book their accommodation in the Downtown Scottsdale neighborhood. This is the easiest part of the city to explore on foot with shops, cafés, bars, and restaurants all within reach.
However, visitors planning excursions into the desert for hiking, horseback riding, and other adventures will need to arrange for a private transfer from their tour company or look into renting a car during their stay.
For getting around the city outside the downtown neighborhood, travelers can review maps of the Scottsdale Trolley System to plan their trips. The public transit system is free and frequent, with trolleys running at 20-minute intervals along each route.
- Trolley Ride per Adult: Free
- Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 5:45 AM to 7:45 PM
Where To Eat In Scottsdale
Scottsdale is a great destination for food lovers who want to dine in style at Instagrammable cafés and fine dining establishments. There is a wide variety of cuisine types to choose from and truly something to satisfy every palate.
For budget eats, travelers can check out the Street Eats Food Truck Festival taking place in January. The event has 40 food trucks with each one offering a $2 sample as part of its menu. Vendors accept cash and credit cards.
- Dates: January 28-29, 2023, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Address: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
Check out these ideas of where to eat in the city for some of the best food that Scottsdale has to offer:
- Best restaurants for breakfast: U.S. Egg Breakfast & Lunch Old Town Scottsdale, Breakfast Club, Butterfield’s Pancake House & Restaurant
- Top eateries for lunch and dinner: Grassroots Kitchen & Tap, Thai Spices Restaurant, True Food Kitchen, Olive & Ivy, Roaring Fork, Bourbon & Bones, The Mission Old Town
- Best coffee shops: Cartel Roasting Co., Echo Coffee, Press Coffee - Scottsdale Quarter
- Greatest bars: The Beverly On Main, Rusty Spur Saloon, Boondocks Patio & Grill
Where To Stay In Scottsdale
Scottsdale is a sprawling city with plenty of accommodation options that make it accessible for every budget. Quaint hotels and inns are ideal for budget travelers visiting Scottsdale.
Those coming to town for the famous spas will want to indulge in a luxury hotel with facilities like The Phoenician.
Luxury hotels:
The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale
- Address: 6000 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
- Amenities: Spa and Wellness Center, Outdoor Pool, Waterslide
Four Seasons Resorts Scottsdale at Troon North
- Address: 10600 East Crescent Moon Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85262
- Amenities: Outdoor Pool, Tennis, Spa
Mid-range accommodation:
Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town
- Address: 7142 East 1st Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
- Amenities: Outdoor Pool, Fitness Center, Restaurant
Hotel Adeline, Scottsdale, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Address: 5101 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
- Amenities: Outdoor Pool, Restaurant, Business Center
Budget accommodation:
Rodeway Inn Old Town Scottsdale
- Address: 2934 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
- Amenities: Free Toiletries, Coffee Machine, TV
- Address: 7707 East McDowell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
- Amenities: Outdoor Pool, Fitness Center, Bar/Lounge
Top Things To Do And See In The City
Scottsdale is full of attractions with everything from relaxation and pampering at spas to adventure and beautiful scenery on desert hiking trails. These are some of the top ways to spend time in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Go Hiking At McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Outdoor enthusiasts will want to plan their travel to Scottsdale for the spring, fall, or winter seasons so that conditions are comfortable for hiking in the desert.
Then, they’ll have the opportunity to explore the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a 30,000+ acre nature area that is the biggest urban park in the country.
- Address: 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, United States
- Cost: Free
- Hours of Operation: 7 AM to 6 PM
Do Some Shopping At Scottsdale Fashion Square
Scottsdale is known as a city of luxury and it's no wonder with the incredible shopping opportunities it offers.
Travelers can spend an afternoon perusing the shops at Scottsdale Fashion Square, a contemporary mall complex with more than 200 brand-name stores and restaurants.
- Address: 7014 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, United States
- Cost: Free
- Hours of Operation: Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 9 PM, Sundays 11 AM to 6 PM
Treat Yourself At A Spa
Scottsdale offers lots of unique spa facilities either as stand-alone establishments or as part of its many resorts, like The Phoenician. Travelers opting for a luxury stay should consider a hotel with a spa service to make the most of their time in Scottsdale.
However, travelers on a mid-range budget can still access many popular day spas in the area, such as the top-rated Spa Avania.
- Address: 7500 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258, United States
- Cost: Varies by treatment
- Hours of Operation: Thursday to Tuesday, 8:30 AM to 6 PM
Visit Taliesan West
Taliesan West is one of Scottsdale’s most notable attractions. The historical landmark was once the winter home of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Today, it remains operational in his name as the headquarters of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Travelers can take a tour of the impressive property either with an audio guide or a local tour guide.
- Address: 12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, United States
- Cost: From $39
- Hours of Operation: 10 AM to 5 PM
How To Spend The Perfect Day In Scottsdale
The perfect day in Scottsdale depends on the time of year travelers choose to visit. To make the most of the incredible desert scenery, visit in the early spring, late fall, or winter and start the morning with a hike at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, exploring the desert.
Then, head into town for breakfast at U.S. Egg Breakfast & Lunch Old Town Scottsdale.
After breakfast, make your way to Spa Avania for a scheduled appointment. Opt for a hot stone massage, a therapeutic deep tissue massage, or a facial.
Following an hour or two of pampering and total relaxation, it’s time for lunch at Thai Spices Restaurant.
In the afternoon, take a guided tour of Taliesan West to learn about the history of the estate. Then, do some shopping at the many luxury stores at Scottsdale Fashion Square.
Before dinner, head back to your accommodation to change into something a little fancier for a night out in Old Town Scottsdale. Some fantastic upscale options for dinner and drinks include The Mission Old Town or Bourbon and Bones.
FAQ
Q: Why is Scottsdale Arizona so popular?
Scottsdale is an attractive tourist destination because it offers a long list of things to do in a convenient continental United States location.
Q: Is it better to visit Phoenix or Scottsdale?
Whether to visit Scottsdale or Phoenix comes down to personal choice, but Scottsdale is a smaller area that often helps vacationers feel more comfortable exploring. Of course, all of Arizona is worth visiting with many unique things to do.
Q: What is the best month to visit Scottsdale AZ?
Much of Arizona is hot year-round, and the best months to visit Scottsdale are around December to March to take advantage of cooler weather, especially for hiking.