Scottsdale, Arizona stands out as a sought-after destination in the United States, drawing travelers with its unique blend of attractions. Nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, the city boasts almost year-round sunshine and its picturesque surroundings offer endless opportunities for outdoor exploration. There is also an array of luxurious resorts and spas catering to those seeking rejuvenation and relaxation and the city’s upscale shopping districts with their designer boutiques provide plenty of opportunities for retail therapy. And let’s not forget that Scottsdale is also a haven for golf lovers. Along with its diverse culinary scene and award-winning restaurants, this can be a trip of indulgence and multifaceted experience that caters to the interests of different travelers alike.
Whether you’re exploring solo, with your significant other, or enjoying a getaway with friends like I did on a recent girls’ trip, this Scottsdale is only the start of an endless possibilities for memorable experiences in Arizona. Dive into this guide for everything you need to know to make the most of your in this dynamic destination even if you only have one day.
How Much Time To Spend In Scottsdale, Arizona
When planning our trip to Scottsdale, Arizona, the first question you may ask is how much time should you spend exploring this city? Fortunately, whether you have one day like me or more days to spare, you can easily tailor the top destinations below to your itinerary to fit your schedule perfectly. The amount of time you spend is entirely up to you, but rest assured, regardless of the duration, you’re bound to have an amazing trip to “The West’s Most Western Town”.
1 – Weekend Getaway
If you’re craving a quick escape and have 2 or 3 days to spare, you can still see several of Scottsdale’s highlights, indulge in local cuisine, and squeeze in a couple of outdoor adventures. Personally, I found that even just one day in Scottsdale offered a great look into its offerings, though I could have easily stayed for an extra day or two but the main point of my trip to Arizona was to visit Sedona.
2 – Extended Long Weekend
Have a few extra days to stay in Scottsdale, Arizona allows for a deeper exploration of the city’s attractions, including those that may require a bit more time or are located farther away.
3 – Weeklong Vacation
For the ultimate Scottsdale experience, you can dedicate a full week to this destination if you’d like and leisurely uncover the city’s hidden gems, embark on day trips to nearby attractions like the Verde Valley wine region, Sedona, and even the majestic Grand Canyon.
When To Visit Scottsdale, Arizona
The best time to visit Scottsdale, Arizona, is during the spring (March to May) and fall (October to November) seasons. During these times, the weather is pleasant – a little cool in the mornings and evenings with warmer temperatures during the day and clear skies – perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, golfing, and exploring the desert landscapes. Additionally, you can avoid the extreme heat of summer and the occasional winter chill, making it an ideal time to enjoy all that Scottsdale has to offer.
I visited in late February and although it was a little cooler in the early mornings, the weather was absolutely gorgeous during the day at a high of about 25° C with a rare occasion of needing a cardigan when I wasn’t in the sun. The weather was very comfortable, to say the least!
How To Get To Scottsdale, Arizona
Neighboring States can easily drive into Scottsdale, Arizona but if you’re flying in, the closest major airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) which is located about 10 miles southwest of the city center.
Where To Stay In Scottsdale, Arizona
Some popular areas to consider staying in Scottsdale are:
Old Town Scottsdale (Downtown Scottsdale) is a central location and known for its vibrant nightlife, upscale dining, boutique and saloon-style shops, and art scene. Many attractions are also within walking distance from here.
Fashion Square / Scottsdale Waterfront is located near the Arizona Canal with access to waterfront dining and luxurious shopping opportunities.
McCormick Ranch is just north of Old Town and this picturesque neighborhood is known for its golf courses and upscale residential communities which provide a peaceful retreat while also being close to where the main activities are.
Scottsdale Resort Area is home to luxury resorts and spas if you’re looking for upscale accommodations and world-class amenities with stunning desert views. This is where you can truly relax and pamper yourself while having the best of Scottsdale not too far away.
Here are The Best Ways To Save Money On Hotels For Your Next Vacation.
How To Get Around Scottsdale, Arizona
Getting around Scottsdale, Arizona is relatively easy with several transportation options available for you to choose from:
1 – Rental Car
The best way to get around Scottsdale and Arizona in general, is to rent a car for convenience’s sake. This is what I did as I was going from Scottsdale to Sedona for my first trip to Arizona. I used the Turo App to rent a car for my trip and I find that it’s cheaper than using the popular rental car companies.
2 – Rideshare Services
If you’re planning to stay within the Scottsdale area and don’t always need transportation, occasionally taking an Uber or Lyft may be useful for you to get around.
3 – Public Transportation
A cheaper form of transportation is to use public transit and Arizona’s Valley Metro operates bus services in Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. The Scottsdale Trolley also offers free transportation along several routes in the city including Old Town (Downtown) Scottsdale which makes it really convenient for travelers.
4 – Walking
One of the best ways to explore any city is by foot and I love being able to take my time and stop whenever I want if something catches my eye. Plus, I love that I don’t need to think about the hassle of finding or paying for parking.
The Top Attractions To Visit In Scottsdale Arizona
Let’s explore the top 10 attractions that make Scottsdale a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic taste of the Southwest:
1 – Old Town Scottsdale
Time Spent – 3 to 4 hours at a leisurely pace, or longer if you want to take your time
Interesting Facts – Old Town Scottsdale might be the most popular attraction in Scottsdale, Arizona as you can find most of the city’s best sights here as well as see the charm of the Old West. There are 9 walkable neighborhoods in this area and there are almost 100 restaurants for you to choose from with over 300 retail stores to shop at, and more than 80 art galleries to admire if you so desire. If you are limited on time, Old Town gives you a great idea of what the city is like along with many historical spots you may want to visit.
2 – Scottsdale Wine Trail
Time Spent – 1 to 3 hours
Interesting Facts – You can select a couple of wineries to visit or you can choose to visit them all. They’re all pretty close together so if you just plan on trying a tasting flight at the wineries of your choice to try out their award-winnings handcrafted in the Southern Arizona vineyards or get a full tour at each is up to you. You can also purchase a Scottsdale Wine Trail passport to get a $2 discount off a wine tasting at participating wineries for $5 USD. And you don’t need to use your passport all in one day if you’d like to split up your tour during your stay in Scottsdale.
3 – Fashion Square
Time Spent – 2 hours or more
Interesting Facts – Fashion Square is the largest shopping mall in Arizona with about 2 million square feet of retail space and among the top 30 largest malls in the United States. This luxury shopping mall with over 200 fashion brands (including some prestige stores not available anywhere else in Arizona) also has dining and entertainment to keep a shopaholic busy all day.
4 – Odysea Aquarium
Time Spent – 2 to 3.5 hours
Interesting Facts – Odysea Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Southwest and you can have an entertaining, educational, and interactive experience here for all ages. It has also been voted Best Family Entertainment multiple years in a row as well as the Best Indoor Entertainment. With more than 65 exhibits and 370 species, this theme-park style aquarium has highly engaging presentations and stadium-style theatre for a unique oceanic experience.
5 – Cosanti Originals
Time Spent – 1 hour
Interesting Facts – This art studio and architectural gem was created by the Italian architect Paolo Soleri and was made to show sustainable urban landscapes integrated with the modernity of today. You can have a guided tour to see Soleri’s design studio and the many structures on site that demonstrate his experimentation with large-scale “earth-casting” techniques.
6 – McDowell Sonoran Preserve
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve was created to protect the 30,500 acres of Sonoran desert in Scottsdale and there are 85 trails that you can hike. I like to use AllTrails to filter the type of trail I want to hike – whether it’s the type of activity, length, or even attractions.
A main trail you may want to hike while you’re in Scottsdale, Arizona is the Lost Dog Wash Trailhead. This award-winning trailhead takes just under 2 hours to complete and is one of the major access points for the southern Preserve. They offer short and easier trails with lush vegetation which means you have a chance to spot local animals like the bobcat. There are other activities besides hiking including horseback riding and mountain biking.
Tom’s Thumb Trail is also the most highly-rated hike on AllTrails that is a 6.4-kilometer out-and-back hike which can be visited year-round. You can enjoy beautiful views of the Mesquite Canyon and the aptly named 90-foot granite landmark in Scottsdale.
7 – Taliesin West
Time Spent – 1 to 1.5 hours, unless you take a 4 hour tour
Interesting Facts – Established in 1937, this UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Landmark was once the home of the architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It is right at the foot of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, Arizona and mostly constructed with local materials and some parts even embedded into the desert landscape. Taliesin West is a beautiful piece of architecture for design lovers, history buffs, or even people who just love to visit aesthetically pleasing locations.
8 – Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center
Time Spent – 2 to 3 hours
Interesting Facts – This non-profit organization is a rehabilitation and rescue facility for wild mammals and over 70% are eventually returned to their natural habitat in the world. Tours are currently by reservation only but it’s a great way to unusual rescues and visit a place where you know the animals are being well-taken care of and be able to contribute to their rehabilitation. With minimal human contact, animals can heal and recover.
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