Scottsdale (Arizona)

Scottsdale is home to many galleries, high quality resorts, and golf courses. It is also one of the wealthier parts of the Phoenix Metro Area.
High end shopping destinations are one of the primary attractions of the city. For example, the Fashion Square Mall is near downtown Scottsdale and is one of the biggest malls in the United States. The extensive galleries to the west of the downtown also offer upscale shopping and strolling. The galleries in this area display works both from local artists and from around the world.

The Old Town section of Scottsdale is to the east of the gallery district. It showcases the ironic attempt of Scottsdale to both embody swank upscale style as well as a caricature of the gruff American West. This part of town is undeniably kitschy. Well over half the shops are gift shops. However, it is fun enough for a browse in a Disneyland sort of way.

The canals

The valley of the sun has over 130 miles of canals . Most of them were built in the last 100 years to provide water for the irrigation of farm land. However, now that the valley is much less agrarian the canals are primarily used to carry away storm water. Some are also used to generate hydroelectric power.
These often overlooked gems are open to the public. One can take in the beautiful desert scenery and fresh air while strolling along them. They provide walkers, joggers, and bikers with a nice refuge from traffic. But don't try swimming in the canals, aside from being an obvious bad idea because the sides are so steep it is also illegal, along with motorized vehicles

Golf

Be sure to try one of the 200 golf courses in the Scottsdale area. Although most of the green fees are relatively high during the high season (Nov - Apr) there are a few good courses that can be played year round at a reasonable rate. Green fees are very cheap during the summer ($10 - $50 per round with cart) and if you tee-off early in the morning the heat doesn't become too bad before you finish your round.

Visitor information

• Tourist Information Center at Scottsdale Fashion Square

  address: 7014 E Camelback Rd

• 5th Avenue Tourist Information Center

  address: 7121 E. 5th Ave, Suite #3

By plane

The Phoenix metro area has several airports. The biggest and most used is the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) which is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Scottsdale.

• Scottsdale Airportfor smaller planes and private jets.

Alternative airports

• Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport

  phone: +1 480 988-7600
  address: 5835 South Sossaman Road
  Allegiant Air provides service from many destinations in the western and Mid-West U.S. Westjet offers seasonal service from Calgary, from Edmonton, Alberta.

Scottsdale is undoubtedly a car-centric place. Most of the city is too spread out to reasonably walk, far more people use their own cars than ride the bus, and the light rail does not come to Scottsdale.

By car

Scottsdale is laid out for cars. The roads are large and the parking, even downtown, is usually more than ample.
To keep the speed limits and traffic signals well enforced, the city of Scottsdale extensively uses photo radar. Residents often learn where the cameras are and slow down near them. However, sometimes they slow down a bit abruptly. Drivers are often well served by expecting this from time to time.
#Intersection cameras These cameras monitor for both speeding and the running of red lights.
#Stationary freeway Cameras These monitor for speeding and are intended to keep the speed reasonable. They generally are triggered 11 mph over the speed limit.
#Mobile Van cameras These cameras monitor for speeding from the back of white vans on the side of the road. These are harder to spot because they move locations regularly and park inconspicuously.
Generally it is easiest and safest to simply drive the speed limit and not run red lights.

By foot

Getting around by walking can take a bit of planning. Not all roads have sidewalks and distances that seem reasonable can become quite uncomfortable in the warmer months. If you have time, messing around with something like Google's street view can be well worth it.

By trolley

Downtown Scottsdale, and the neighborhood south of downtown, are each served by a trolley. Both are free and usually come by every 15-20 minutes while running. The downtown trolley can be a nice way to get from the waterfront to old town or the gallery district with minimal effort.

• Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West

  phone: +1 480-627-5340
  address: 12621 N Lloyd Wright Blvd
  Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home. There's a discount on most tours for booking in advance. One of eight buildings by Wright to be listed as a world heritage site.

• Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

  phone: +1 480-874-4666
  address: 7374 E 2nd St
  A museum of contemporary art, architecture, and design.

• LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana

  address: 3839 N Drinkwater Blvd
  This sculpture, and other versions of it, by Robert Indiana have become iconic symbols of Love. The design was originally made for a Christmas card. It has since been used in a myriad of mediums from stamps to sculpture. Other versions of this statue are in Philadelphia's Love Park, 6th Ave in New York, New Orleans, and outside the incredibly tall Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taipei, Taiwan.

• Scottsdale Historical Museum

  phone: +1 480-945-4499
  address: 7333 E Scottsdale Mall

• Scottsdale Art Walk

  phone: +1 480-998-4323
  address: N Marshall Way and E Main St
  The art galleries in downtown Scottsdale have organized a walk on Thursday nights. The galleries stay open into the evening and there can be "music, munchies and more on the streets."

• Cosanti

  phone: +1 480-948-6145
  address: 6433 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Paradise Valley
  The gallery and house of the architect Paolo Soleri.

• Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

  phone: +1 480-994-ARTS
  address: 7380 E 2nd St
  A theater in downtown Scottsdale that hosts concerts, dances, and other performances.

• Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

  phone: +1 480-686-9539
  address: 3830 N Marshall Way

• McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

  phone: +1 480-312-2312
  address: 7301 E Indian Bend Rd
  A children's park with playgrounds and a small train that children and parents can ride around the park.

• Rock and Roll Car and Bike Show

  address: 9140 E Indian Bend Rd
  A large classic car show.

• Salt River Project CanalsThe banks of the canals provide nice views and an escape from cars. They are open to the public for running, biking, and other recreational activities. Motorized vehicles and swimming are prohibited.

• Cactus League Game

  phone: +1 480-270-5000
  address: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick Stadium, 7555 N Pima Rd

• MacDonald's Ranch

  phone: +1 480-585-0239
  address: 26540 N Scottsdale Rd
  Horsback riding stable.

• Spa at Camelback Inn

  address: 5402 E Lincoln Dr

• Barrett Jackson Car Auction

  phone: +1 480-421-6694
  address: 7400 E Monte Cristo Ave
  Runs a classic car show and auction.

• Casino Arizona

  phone: +1 480-850-7777
  address: 524 North 92nd St

Tours

• Desert Storm Hummer ToursSince 1995, Desert Storm Hummer has specialized in Sonoran Desert adventures, including nighttime adventures.

• A Taste of Old Town Scottsdale

  phone: +1 480-293-4096
  A walking food and historic tour with stories of the old west, demonstrations and delectable food and wine sampling from some of Scottsdale's unique restaurants.

• Arizona Desert Mountain Jeep Tours

• Just Roughin' It Adventure Company

• Scottsdale Fashion Square

  phone: +1 480-945-5495
  address: 7014 E Camelback Rd
  One of the biggest malls in the US, this is an upscale place to fill your wardrobe. It can also be fun just to wander around and see what other people are wearing.

• Ocean 44

  phone: +1 480-867-0044
  address: 4748 N Goldwater Blvd
  Upscale restaurant originally modeled on a classic New York steakhouse, and then re-imagined into a seafood restaurant (with the steaks still available!). Open kitchen and lively bar. The dress code expects at least business casual.

• Eddie V's Prime Seafood

  phone: +1 480-730-4800
  address: 15323 N Scottsdale Rd, #E1-160
  The food is great, and Eddie's has something for everyone, in comparison to the meat-centrism of common steakhouses. Try the Parmesan encrusted sol. Call ahead for a reservation.

• Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine BarFleming's is known for its prime steak and elegant, cherry wood atmosphere. Its wine list features over 100 wines available by the glass. This steakhouse also offers bar menu specials until 7PM.

• Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

  phone: +1 480-538-8000
  address: 20753 North Pima Rd

• Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

  phone: +1 480-596-8265
  address: 6333 N Scottsdale Rd

Mastro's Steak House

phone: +1 480-585-9500

address: 8852 E Pinnacle Peak Rd

Mastro's also has a restaurant in Beverly Hills, with a plethora of well-known visitors that frequent it. Call ahead, as you'll most likely need a reservation.

Old Town Tortilla Factory

phone: +1 480-945-4567

address: 6910 E Main St

Modern Southwest cooking with Sonoran touches. Try the Red Chile Pork Chop, with an unlikely but tasty ancho-raspberry sauce. Patio seating, heated in winter, misted in summer. Reservations only accepted for groups of 6 or more, so prepare to wait (preferably in the adjacent tequillaria).

Salt Cellar Restaurant

phone: +1 480-947-1963

address: 550 N Hayden Rd

Highend seafood in a unique, historic underground location.

Uncle Sal's

phone: +1 480-990-2533

address: 3370 N. Hayden Rd

Nice Italian restaurant, reminiscent of an old-time New York restaurant, with a hint of the Old West.

Vito's Pizza & Italian Ristorante

phone: +1 480-664-8260

address: 10999 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd Scottsdale, Arizona 85259

Italian restaurant, includes a bar, and offers catering and banquet services.

• Kazimierz

  phone: +1 480-WINE-004
  address: 7137 East Stetson Dr
  A great nook of a place to drink wine, eat flatbread, and decompress on kooshy couches in their dimly lit main room. The massive (over 2000) wine list is well experienced in their nicely-selected and presented three-wine flights. Add a flatbread (a fancy word for a fancy pizza) and a few friends and it's easy to lose the whole evening in a place like this. It's also easy to run up a big bill ($40-60 per person) if you don't restrain yourself with the wine menu.

• The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa

  address: 34631 N Tom Darlington Dr, PO Box 2090

• Comfort Inn

  phone: +1 480-596-6559
  address: 7350 E. Gold Dust Ave
  Offers guests a fitness center, an outdoor pool and a deluxe continental breakfast.
• The Saguaro Scottsdale 4000 N Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 +1 480-308-1100. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 10AM. Offers outdoor pool, bar, patio and a poolside DJ. Facilities also include golf, fitness center, hot tub, and of course air conditioning. Colorful and Mexican-inspired. You can see this inspiration all around the hotel. $98-149.

• Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas

  phone: +1 480 948-7750
  address: 6333 N. Scottsdale Rd
  A fairly typical Hilton hotel, though prettier than most. Quite comfortable, but housekeeping services are erratic. Good business services with $10/day wireless.

• Hotel Indigo

  phone: +1 480-941-9411
  address: 4415 north civic center plaza

• Orange Tree Golf Resort

  phone: +1 480-948-6100
  address: 10601 N 56th St
  Suites with patio or terrace. Facilities include an 18-hole golf course, fitness center, restaurant and bar, outdoor pool, and sauna.

• Scottsdale Plaza Resort

  address: 7200 N Scottsdale Rd
  Paradise Valley. Large resort with swimming pools, tennis courts, fitness center, racquetball.

• Scottsdale Resort

  address: 7700 E. McCormick Parkway
  The resort is surrounded by a 36-hole golf course, a spa and fitness center, salon services, tennis, and two pools. Resort features 326 spacious guest rooms, casitas and suites.

• Smoke Tree Resorts & Bungalows

  phone: +1 480-948-7660
  address: 7101 East Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley
  "Restaurant REM" is at the resort, a two-minute drive away from the Railroad Park (a park with a small train children can ride).

• Westin Kierland Resort and Spa

  phone: +1 480 624-1000
  address: 6902 E. Greenway Parkway
  Beautiful property, with a great kids pool area, including a lazy river. They also have an adults-only pool area. Great service. Attached to a golf course and shopping mall.

• Radisson Fort McDowell Resort and Casino

  phone: +1 480 789-5300
  address: 10438 North Fort McDowell Rd
  Offers amenities including free wireless Internet, fitness center, swimming pool, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, Fort McDowell Casino, Fountain Hills Spa and Salon, and Ahnala Restaurant and Lounge.

• Scottsdale Marriott Suites Old Town

  phone: +1-480-945-1550
  address: 7325 East 3rd Ave
  An all-suite hotel, located in the heart of Historic Old Town.

• Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale North/Perimeter Center

  phone: +1 480 515-4944
  address: 8550 East Princess Dr
  Located on Scottsdale north side close to Scottsdale airport and several businesses. Enjoy breakfast and dinner at the Great American Grill, free hi-speed Internet access, business center, meeting/banquest facilities, outdoor pool & whirlpool, fitness center and an Unconditional 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

• Valley Ho

  phone: +1 480 248-2000
  address: 6850 E. Main
  This modern hotel exceeds expectations for accommodations and food/beverage (don't skip breakfast). Service may vary, especially during high season. This property welcomes pets and goes the extra mile to welcome man's best friend. Green grass and fountains provide a rare desert oasis for you and fido.

• The Hermosa Inn

  address: 5532 North Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley
  The Hermosa Inn is a boutique hotel featuring 34 hacienda-style, single-story casitas.

• JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa

  phone: +1 480-948-1700
  address: 5402 E. Lincoln Dr

• Hyatt Place Scottsdale / Old Town

  phone: +1 480 423 9944
  address: 7300 East Third Avenue

• Parsons Villas

  phone: +1 480-781-0717
  address: 7129 E 6th Ave

Splurge

• Scottsdale Cottonwoods

  phone: +1 480-991-1414
  address: 6160 North Scottsdale Rd
  might be closed

• Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

  phone: +1 602-585-4848
  address: 7575 E. Princess Dr
  Hotel/spa with multiple pools, fishing, golf, tennis, The area that surrounds it is also very nice, in close proximity to Mastro's and Eddie V's restaurants.

• The Phoenician

  phone: +1 480-941-8200
  address: 6000 E Camelback Rd
  Upscale resort with a 27-hole championship course. Nine pools, tennis courts, spa.

• Resort Suites

  address: 7677 E. Princess Blvd
  Suites with full living and dining areas, private patios, kitchen and free wifi. Four swimming pools, three whirlpools, a fitness center, and a business center.

• Talking Stick Resort

  address: 9800 E Talking Stick Way
  " Upscale resort with a casino, day spa, with a multiple restaurants.

Camping

• McDowell Mountain Regional Park

  phone: +1 480-471-0173
  address: 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr
  Has more than 70 sites for tents or RVs, water and partial hookups, flush toilets and hot showers available. Reservations can be made online ($8).

Flooding

It doesn't rain very frequently in Scottsdale. However, when the rain does come many lakes swell, bike paths are submerged, and roads become impassable.
If there is a notable amount of water on the road, don't drive through it. Drivers frequently become stranded in the middle of flooded washes. Cars can be swept away in a deceptively small amount of water. As you might guess, attempting to drive across such flooded roads is dangerous.
Arizona also has what they like to call a "Stupid Motorist Law." It says that if someone drives around a barricade to enter a flooded road they will be charged for their rescue.

Heat

In the summer it can get quite hot. Dehydration, heat stroke, and sun stroke become notable risks.
Drink plenty of water and stay indoors in the afternoon, during the hottest parts of the day.
Outdoor activities are usually far more pleasant in the early morning when it is still cool. Because the temperatures in the desert swing so much between night and day, morning temperatures can be quite pleasant even during the height of the summer.

• Downtown Tempe has a lively night life, being a college town
• There are many museums and other cultural venues in Phoenix