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Scottsdale

· Scottsdale, AZ

Why you should go…

Scottsdale, Arizona is a Sonoran Desert destination known for its resorts, chef-driven restaurants, and historic Old Town Arts District with galleries and public murals. The city also offers desert hiking, golf, and spa amenities. Experience Scottsdale is the city's official destination marketing organization, promoting Scottsdale to travelers, meeting planners, and travel media.

  • #desert
  • #resorts
  • #art
  • #golf
  • #shopping

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Scottsdale, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Nightlife
    Quirky Fun

    Rusty Spur Saloon

    Free

    A former saddle shop turned honky-tonk, with live country music and sawdust on the floor every night.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Nightlife

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Old Town Scottsdale

    Free

    Western-themed storefronts, art galleries, and patio bars packed into a walkable historic district.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West

    $25–$50

    Smithsonian affiliate museum in Old Town Scottsdale devoted to Western American art, history and culture.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Tempe

    Free

    Official tourism office for Tempe, Arizona, home to Arizona State University and Tempe Town Lake.

    4.6 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Mesa Asian District

    Free

    A roughly two-mile Dobson Road corridor of Asian-owned markets, restaurants and shops promoted by the City of Mesa.

    6.0 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Phoenix

    Free

    Arizona's desert capital and convention hub, with resorts, museums, hiking trails and year-round sunshine.

    9.0 mi awayMore like this