Things To Do
in Scottdale
Scottdale is a small borough located in Pennsylvania, United States. It is known for its charming small-town atmosphere and friendly community. The area is surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it a peaceful and picturesque place to live.
Scottdale offers a variety of local shops, restaurants, and outdoor recreational opportunities for residents to enjoy.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hike at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, surrounded by stunning desert landscapes. Capture picturesque views and enjoy the native wildlife.
Head to the Scottsdale Waterfront for lunch and a leisurely stroll along the Arizona Canal. Check out local shops and art installations in the area.
Wrap up your day with dinner at a rooftop restaurant offering views of the sunset. Enjoy a relaxing evening by sampling local craft beers.
Visit the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art to absorb modern art and design. Stop by the nearby Scottsdale ArtWalk for a taste of local creativity.
Enjoy lunch at a cozy café in Old Town Scottsdale, surrounded by art galleries. Explore the unique boutique shops and souvenir stands.
Dine at a fine restaurant that showcases regional cuisine. Consider attending a local theater performance to experience Scottsdale’s arts scene.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm and sunny climate, ideal for outdoor activities and tourism.
- Vibrant arts and cultural scene, with numerous galleries, festivals, and events.
- Access to a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, golfing, and biking.
- High-quality dining and shopping options, including local boutiques and upscale restaurants.
- Strong economy with significant growth in tourism, healthcare, and technology sectors.
- Hot summers can be uncomfortable, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C).
- Higher cost of living compared to other areas in Arizona.
- Limited public transportation options, making it necessary to own a vehicle.
- Seasonal influx of tourists can lead to crowded attractions and increased traffic.
- Potential for dust storms and monsoons during specific times of the year.
Best Activities in Scottdale
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful desert landscape and numerous trails ranging from easy to challenging, perfect for all hiking enthusiasts.
Enjoy a scenic ride through parks and along lakes, with dedicated bike paths that offer a leisurely cycling experience.
Experience breathtaking views of the Scottsdale desert and the surrounding mountains from a unique perspective high above the ground.
Play a round of golf at one of the most famous golf courses in the area, known for hosting the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Discover the beauty of desert flora with walking trails and exhibitions showcasing the unique plant life of the Sonoran Desert.
Take a guided horseback tour through the stunning desert terrain, suitable for all skill levels.
Enjoy kayaking in the tranquil waters surrounded by scenic hills and wildlife, offering a perfect day out on the water.
Challenge yourself with rock climbing or hiking to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Explore Scottsdale's vibrant art scene through outdoor galleries and public art installations.
Enjoy fresh produce and artisanal goods while soaking in the local culture and community atmosphere.
Tours
Uncover the best of Scottdale with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Scottdale
Visit one of these nice places.
A popular hiking destination that offers breathtaking panoramic views of Scottsdale and the surrounding areas. The summit provides excellent photo opportunities, especially at sunrise and sunset.
This desert preserve features a variety of trails that lead to stunning vistas of the Sonoran Desert. The natural landscapes make for fantastic photography, particularly during golden hour.
Home to thousands of species of desert plants, the Desert Botanical Garden showcases beautiful plant life against a backdrop of red rock formations, providing plenty of unique photo spots.
A great place for cityscape photos, this park offers unobstructed views of downtown Scottsdale and the surrounding mountains, especially ideal for dusk photographs.
Famous for its unique geological formations, Papago Park features striking red sandstone buttes that are perfect for photography. The sunsets here are particularly dramatic.
This urban area along the Arizona Canal provides beautiful views of the city skyline and bridges, making it a great location for photos, especially at dusk when the city lights start to twinkle.
The winter home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, this site offers stunning architecture set against the desert landscape. Its unique design and surrounding views provide excellent photo opportunities.
Taking a hot air balloon ride over Scottsdale offers a unique perspective of the landscape below. The views from above are stunning, capturing the beauty of the desert and city.
Food in Scottdale
Scottdale Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular dish showcasing the flavors of the Southwest, these are deep-fried jalapenos stuffed with melted cheese, served with a zesty dipping sauce. Found at The Handlebar and Grill.
Must-Try!
A hearty stew made with pork, green chilies, and aromatic spices, offering a perfect blend of savory and spicy flavors. Available at The Butcher and The Bull.
A mouthwatering Southern classic featuring crispy fried chicken drizzled with local honey, serving sweet and savory satisfaction. Best enjoyed at The Local Table.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Scottdale better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore a wide array of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local food vendors offering everything from gourmet sandwiches to globally inspired street food.
A vibrant hub of culinary creativity, featuring a rotating lineup of food trucks offering diverse cuisines from tacos and BBQ to gourmet desserts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Scottsdale, people value politeness and courteous behavior. Using 'please' and 'thank you' regularly and greeting people with a smile will go a long way.
Americans in Scottsdale appreciate their personal space. When engaging in conversations, maintain a comfortable distance and avoid standing too close to others unless you know them well.
Scottsdale is known for its outdoor lifestyle and many social events. Dressing appropriately for the occasion, whether casual or formal, demonstrates respect for local customs.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Scottdale with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Scottdale
Ensure a smooth experience
In Scottsdale, Arizona, tipping practices generally align with those in many parts of the United States. It's customary to tip service workers in the hospitality industry, such as waitstaff, bartenders, and taxi drivers. A standard tip is usually between 15% to 20% of the total bill. For exceptional service, tips can exceed 20%. In hotels, it is common to tip bellhops and housekeeping staff as well.
Payment methods in Scottsdale are quite flexible, with most establishments accepting major credit and debit cards. Cash is also accepted, although less commonly used in some areas. Mobile payment options such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet are increasingly popular as well. In restaurants, customers can typically pay the bill directly at the table or at the register, depending on the establishment's policy.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Scottdale.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) is an excellent time to visit Scottsdale. The weather is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-80s Fahrenheit. The desert landscape blooms with colorful wildflowers, making it a picturesque time for outdoor activities, including hiking and golfing.
Summer (June to August) in Scottsdale can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. While outdoor activities are still available, it is advisable to swim or enjoy air-conditioned venues during the hottest parts of the day. Early mornings and evenings are ideal for hiking or exploring outdoor attractions.
Fall (September to November) brings cooler temperatures and is another great time to visit Scottsdale. Highs decrease from the high 90s in September to the mid-70s by November. Fall is known for various art and cultural events, making it an ideal season for those interested in the local arts scene.
Winter (December to February) is mild and pleasant in Scottsdale, with daytime temperatures averaging between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This season attracts many visitors looking to escape colder climates, and it is a popular time for golf and outdoor events. However, nights can get chilly, so it's important to pack accordingly.
Scottdale at Night
Hiking in Scottdale
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located in the Superstition Mountains, this park offers stunning scenery and a variety of trails ranging from easy to challenging.
Iconic Phoenix landmark with challenging trails and panoramic views of the city. Popular among experienced hikers.
A vast desert preserve with numerous trails suitable for all levels of hikers. Offers a chance to see diverse wildlife and desert flora.
One of the largest municipal parks in the U.S., featuring a variety of trails for hiking, biking, and more, with scenic views of the Phoenix skyline.
A challenging hike with rewarding views at the summit, known for its rocky terrain and popularity among local outdoor enthusiasts.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Scottdale through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Scottdale by plane.
The primary airport serving the Phoenix metropolitan area, located about 25 miles northwest of Scottsdale.
An international airport serving the Phoenix area, conveniently located approximately 30 miles east of Scottsdale.
Located about 115 miles southeast of Scottsdale, this airport serves the Tucson area and offers various domestic and international flights.
Situated around 150 miles north of Scottsdale, this airport provides access to Northern Arizona and some regional flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority demographic group in Scottdale, primarily consisting of individuals of European descent.
A significant demographic group in Scottdale, primarily composed of individuals of African descent.
A growing demographic group in Scottdale, including individuals of Latin American origin or descent.
A smaller demographic group in Scottdale, representing individuals from various Asian backgrounds.
Individuals identifying as belonging to two or more racial groups, reflecting increasing diversity.
Includes individuals from various other racial and ethnic groups not classified above.
The Soul of Scottdale
Discover the essence of Scottdale through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is a popular sport in Scottdale, with local teams and leagues providing opportunities for players of all ages.
Soccer enjoys a growing following in Scottdale, with youth programs and community leagues attracting many participants.
Basketball is widely played at schools and community centers, with various leagues for different age groups.
American football is a key part of local high school culture, with games drawing significant community support.
Softball leagues for men and women are common, providing a recreational outlet during the warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Scottdale.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many establishments in Scottdale offer diverse vegetarian and vegan options, with creative plant-based dishes and alternatives to cater to these dietary preferences.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can find accommodating menus at various restaurants, ensuring a range of flavorful gluten-free choices to enjoy.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Scottdale with these cultural adventures.