Scottsdale

How many days: 3

Three days is a comfortable first visit. Spend your first exploring Old Town, its galleries and the surrounding neighbourhoods. Use the second for desert walking or golf, starting early when temperatures are high.

Keep your final day for a spa, museum or scenic excursion into the surrounding desert. Scottsdale is also a convenient base for visiting Phoenix attractions. If golf is the main reason for your trip, add more time rather than squeezing several rounds into a short stay.

What to do in Scottsdale

Explore Old Town Scottsdale

Walk through the city's most visitor-friendly district, with galleries, shops and public art. It is an easy place to spend a relaxed afternoon.

Visit Scottsdale's art galleries

Browse contemporary, western and regional artwork in the Old Town area. Take your time and explore different styles rather than concentrating on one gallery.

Hike the McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Explore protected desert trails among cacti and rocky hills. Choose a route suited to your fitness and avoid extreme heat.

Play a round of desert golf

Experience courses set against mountain and cactus landscapes. Early tee times are especially sensible in warmer weather.

Visit Western Spirit

Explore the Scottsdale museum dedicated to the American West. Exhibitions cover western art, history and cultural traditions.

Explore Scottsdale's public art

Look for sculptures and installations around central streets and public spaces. It adds interest to a casual walk through town.

Enjoy a desert spa experience

Set aside time for relaxation after outdoor activities. Scottsdale's resort culture makes spa treatments a familiar part of many visits.

Visit Taliesin West

Explore Frank Lloyd Wright's desert architectural complex. Check official tour arrangements and book ahead where required.

Walk around the Scottsdale Waterfront

Enjoy paths and public spaces near the Arizona Canal. It is a pleasant area for a shorter walk, particularly in cooler weather.

Explore nearby Papago Park

Visit the distinctive sandstone landscape between Scottsdale and Phoenix. Short walks and scenic viewpoints make it accessible without committing to a major hike.

What to eat and drink

Try southwestern Mexican-inspired food

Enjoy dishes built around chillies, beans, grilled meats and tortillas. The regional cooking reflects Arizona's long cultural connections with Mexico.

Have a leisurely brunch

Choose eggs, pancakes or a savoury breakfast dish before a relaxed afternoon. Brunch suits Scottsdale's slower holiday atmosphere.

Enjoy grilled desert-region flavours

Look for dishes using smoky spices, roasted vegetables and regional ingredients. They pair naturally with the city's outdoor dining culture.

Try a Sonoran hot dog

Sample the bacon-wrapped hot dog topped with beans, vegetables and sauces. It is a distinctive speciality of the wider region.

Enjoy a fresh citrus drink

Choose lemonade or a citrus-based cooler after time in the desert. Refreshing non-alcoholic drinks are particularly welcome in the heat.

Finish with a prickly pear dessert

Try a sweet preparation featuring prickly pear fruit. Its delicate flavour offers a locally inspired finish to a meal.

Getting around

Old Town Scottsdale is the easiest part of the city to explore on foot, with galleries, shops and restaurants reasonably close together. The wider city stretches far north and is not practical for walking between attractions. Local trolley and bus services may help on selected routes, but check current coverage before relying on them.

A hire car is generally the most convenient choice for golf courses, desert trailheads and attractions outside Old Town. Ride-hailing works well for many urban journeys, although remote locations need advance planning. In hot weather, even short walks can become uncomfortable, so carry water and avoid unnecessary midday exposure.

Good to know

• Scottsdale can experience extreme summer heat. Plan outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day.
• Desert hiking requires sufficient water, sun protection and realistic assessment of your fitness.
• Golf courses and popular experiences may require advance reservations during busy visitor periods.
• The city is spread out, so accommodation location makes a substantial difference to transport needs.
• Desert wildlife includes snakes and scorpions. Stay on marked trails and avoid disturbing animals.
• Tipping is customary in American restaurants, spas and many personal services.