City & Culture
Known as ‘the West’s most western town’, those drawn to visit Scottsdale, Arizona are familiar with the relaxed good-time vibe of a classic boutique and gallery filled Old Town with ranches dotting the city's outskirts. Yet, on spending more than a couple days there, visitors quickly see that it is also an intriguing modern city with all speeds of adventures to enjoy.
Going Modern: The city’s street art and examples of excellent design can be explored by driverless taxis. A trip that is not complete without a stop at the granddaddy of modern design, Frank Lloyd-Wright's legendary UNESCO world heritage site, Taliesin West. More fresh surprises await at Wonderspaces, an immersive interactive art show at Scottsdale’s Fashion Square.
To get up close to the most western experiences around, play like the cowfolk do at the ranches around the city. Strap on a bandana and boots to horse around the trails as the sun sets.
Food & Culture
Scottsdale’s fresh food and drink scene combines best of the southwest with culinary concepts worthy of any major metropolis. And for those looking to replenish calories after a day of adventure, ZuZu’s at Hotel Valley Ho offers The Show Stopper Shake; a beautifully crafted, over-the-top delight with house-made ingredients piled on top with a new flavor introduced monthly.
Staying hydrated in the Sonoran Desert is made simple by local establishments focused on offering food and drink pairings. Combos like tacos and tequila are elevated with a regional taste with the Prickly Pear Cactus Margarita at Cien Agaves. Even activities are paired with beverages like poolside cocktails garnished with a twist of 1950’s Hollywood glamor, or rejuvenating smoothies at the spa.
Adventure
With the weather nearly always sunny and hot, adventurers can rely on peak conditions for hot air ballooning, an activity that often sees many early morning ‘false starts’ in other destinations due to inclement weather. Ballooning takes place 300 days out of the year in Scottsdale! Calming and awe-inspiring, ballooning is the ultimate way to connect with nature by being at the whims of the breeze.
At ground level, visitors can reach a whole other speed bracket and interact with nature on their own terms. UTV/ATV or Desert Buggies wind along the 550 miles of trails in the Sonoran Desert, allowing you to dodge natural obstacles like sand pits, boulders, bumps and cacti at top speeds.
Many visit Scottsdale, Arizona for dependable bluebird skies that suit traditional relaxing tourism activities, like a round at the iconic The Boulders Golf Club. Following that, consider reiki or reflexology, massage or mud baths to wash away the feeling that your game may not have matched that of the many PGA members likely to have shared the greens: Athletes who are also drawn to Scottsdale for the world class weather.
Experience Scottsdale!
The rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert makes any visit to Scottsdale, Arizona prime for adventures of all speeds. Bikers, hikers, and trail runners power their way along endless winding trails, while those seeking a power-assist are welcome to balloon, horseback ride, kayak, or ATV across the varied landscapes. With all the adventure around, be sure to fully experience the city-vibe of Scottsdale too; Home to two art museums, a robust public art program, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and more than 800 restaurants, for adventures of a different kind.
Trip Planner
Tourism Partner
- Experience Scottsdale
- Instagram: @scottsdaleariz
- Facebook: @experiencescottsdale
- Hashtags: #expereincescottsdale #absolutelyscottsdale
City & Culture
- Taliesin West
- Wonderspaces Arizona at Scottsdale Fashion Square
- The Boulders Club Golf Academy
- The Boulders Resort & Spa
- Canal Convergence Festival (November)
- Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center
- Scottsdale Rodeo Museum
Food & Drink
- Bourbon & Bones Chophouse & Bar
- Schmooze
- Cien Agaves
- Zuzu at Hotel Valley Ho
- Diego Pops
- Palo Verde – The Boulders Resort & Spa
- Arizona Party Bike
Adventure
- Hot Air Expeditions
- Tonto National Forest
- Four Peaks Wilderness Area
- Stellar Adventures (ATV/UTV/Hummer Adventures)
- Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch
Stay
