Things To Do
in Scottsdale
Scottsdale is a vibrant city located in the state of Arizona in the United States. Known for its upscale shopping, dining, and golf courses, Scottsdale attracts visitors from around the world. The city is also home to a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries and museums to explore.
With its beautiful desert landscapes and warm weather, Scottsdale is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $150 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hike in the scenic McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The fresh air and beautiful views will energize you for the day ahead.
Visit the Scottsdale Waterfront and enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants overlooking the canal. Afterward, take a stroll through the Arizona Canal Linear Park.
Dine at a local steakhouse and savor the flavors of the Southwest. Enjoy some live music at a nearby venue for a perfect end to the day.
Visit the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art for a dose of creativity. Browse through exhibitions showcasing modern art and design.
Stroll through the Scottsdale Arts District, where you can explore galleries and shops featuring local artisans. Stop by a café for a refreshing beverage.
Enjoy a dinner show featuring local performers or a theater production. This will be a great way to experience the local talent and culture.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm and sunny climate year-round
- Vibrant arts and culture scene with numerous galleries and festivals
- Highly rated golf courses and outdoor recreational activities
- Strong economy and low unemployment rate
- Access to high-quality healthcare facilities
- Diverse dining options and shopping experiences
- Safe neighborhoods and a family-friendly atmosphere
- High cost of living compared to other cities in Arizona
- Limited public transportation options
- Extreme heat during summer months
- Seasonal tourism can lead to crowded areas
- Potential for drought conditions
- Higher property taxes compared to some surrounding areas
- Loss of local character due to commercialization
Best Activities in Scottsdale
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the picturesque desert landscapes on numerous hiking trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Enjoy world-class golfing experiences in the beautiful surroundings of TPC Scottsdale's championship courses.
Experience breathtaking views of Scottsdale's desert and mountains from a hot air balloon.
Take a leisurely bike ride along the scenic Arizona Canal and enjoy the pleasant weather and beautiful views.
Tours
Uncover the best of Scottsdale with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Scottsdale
Visit one of these nice places.
Camelback Mountain offers stunning panoramic views of Scottsdale and the surrounding areas. It's a popular spot for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking breathtaking photo opportunities.
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve boasts scenic trails and diverse desert landscapes, providing countless photo opportunities of the natural beauty of Scottsdale.
Pinnacle Peak Park offers sweeping vistas of the Sonoran Desert and is a favorite location for capturing the stunning desert flora and fauna through photography.
Food in Scottsdale
Scottsdale Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Mexican dish of masa filled with savory ingredients, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed. Must-try at The Tamale Store in Scottsdale.
Must-Try!
A deep-fried burrito typically filled with shredded beef or chicken, cheese, and spices. Don & Charlie's is a popular spot to savor this local favorite.
A fry bread topped with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, cheese, and other toppings. Try the authentic version at The Fry Bread House.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Scottsdale better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Experience the vibrant local food scene and find a variety of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and food vendors offering snacks and street food.
This market features organic produce, local food stands, and vendors serving up street food, making it a great spot to explore and taste the local flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Scottsdale, it's important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to someone during conversations.
Being punctual is valued in Scottsdale, so it's important to arrive on time for social and professional engagements.
Scottsdale is a diverse community, so showing respect for people from different backgrounds and cultures is highly appreciated.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Scottsdale with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Scottsdale
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary in Scottsdale, United States, and is generally expected in the service industry. It is common to tip around 15-20% of the total bill at restaurants, bars, and for other services such as hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides.
Payment in Scottsdale is predominantly done through credit/debit cards, with cash also being widely accepted. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also becoming increasingly popular. It is important to note that some places may have a minimum spend requirement for card transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Scottsdale.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and popular events such as the Scottsdale Culinary Festival and Pat's Run
Pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and biking
Mild winter with daytime temperatures in the 60s, ideal for golfing and exploring the nearby desert
Hot temperatures, but also great deals on accommodations and indoor attractions like art galleries and museums
Scottsdale at Night
Hiking in Scottsdale
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A challenging hike with stunning views of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail offer different routes to the summit.
A vast natural area with numerous trails for all skill levels, offering beautiful desert landscapes, wildlife, and opportunities for solitude.
A popular hiking destination known for its steep trails leading to a summit that provides panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Features a variety of trails suitable for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders with scenic views of the Sonoran Desert.
An excellent trail that winds through the McDowell Mountains, suitable for both hiking and biking, with stunning vistas along the way.
A moderate loop trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve offering beautiful desert scenery and opportunities to view local wildlife.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Scottsdale through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Scottsdale by plane.
The primary airport serving the Phoenix area, located about 10 miles northwest of Scottsdale.
Located approximately 116 miles south of Scottsdale, this is the second-largest airport in Arizona.
Situated about 30 miles southeast of Scottsdale, this airport serves as a secondary airport for the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Located approximately 30 miles east of Scottsdale, formerly known as Williams Gateway Airport and serves both passengers and cargo.
Located around 180 miles southwest of Scottsdale, this airport serves the Yuma area and offers commercial flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Scottsdale, primarily non-Hispanic.
A significant portion of the population, representing diverse cultural backgrounds.
A smaller percentage of the population, contributing to the city's diversity.
Includes various ethnic groups such as Indian, Chinese, and Filipino residents.
Individuals identifying with more than one racial category.
Represents a small fraction of the Scottsdale population, with cultural and historical significance.
A very small demographic group within the city's diverse population.
The Soul of Scottsdale
Discover the essence of Scottsdale through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Scottsdale is renowned for its numerous golf courses, drawing enthusiasts from all around for its picturesque views and challenging layouts.
The city is home to several spring training facilities for Major League Baseball teams, making it a hotspot for baseball fans during the spring season.
With its stunning desert landscapes and scenic trails, hiking is a popular recreational activity among locals and visitors alike.
Scottsdale features various tennis clubs and facilities, hosting numerous tournaments and offering lessons for all skill levels.
The city has many bike-friendly paths and trails, making cycling a favored sport for both recreation and competition.
American football enjoys popularity in Scottsdale, particularly at local high schools and the collegiate level.
With the warm climate, swimming is a popular sport, with community pools and facilities available for residents.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Scottsdale.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Scottsdale offer vegetarian and vegan menu items, with some, like Green New American Vegetarian, specializing in plant-based cuisine.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can find accommodating dishes at various eateries, such as Noci Cafe offering a range of gluten-free and dairy-free options.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Scottsdale with these cultural adventures.
