Scottsdale Arizona
A round of golf enhanced by stunning surroundings at The Boulders Golf Club
A desert sunset framed by Saguaro cacti
Aerial view of the heart of the city and beyond
The festive scene at the ArtWalk, held each Thursday in the Scottsdale Arts District
Ed Mell’s ‘Jack Knife’ sculpture on Main Street
Browsing the collection of 6,600 world instruments at the Musical Instrument Museum
All smiles while relaxing poolside at a resort
Aerial view of Scottsdale Stadium, the San Francisco Giants spring training venue
A troupe of cowboys during the annual Parada del Sol
Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s longtime winter home
- Major Airports:
- Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
- States:
- Arizona
Discover just how enchanting a desert can be
Leisure and Luxury
Travelers the world over seek out Scottsdale for its incredible luxury offerings. A day at the spa could mean anything from chakra balancing and meditating in a teepee to a massage from a waterfall or a gold-infused facial. Three to try: The Spa at Talking Stick Resort, The Spa at the Boulders Resort and Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, a AAA Five-Diamond Resort. Shoppers can refresh their wardrobes at Fifth Avenue Shopping District or Scottsdale Fashion Square, Arizona’s largest mall. Round out the pampering at acclaimed restaurants such as The House Brasserie, located in the second-oldest home in Scottsdale; Barrio Queen along the waterfront; or Old Town Tortilla Factory, housed in a 75-year-old adobe home with a patio shaded by 100-year-old pecan trees.
A Desert Dream
The Sonoran Desert is the wettest desert in the world. This unique characteristic supports some of the most diverse desert vegetation and animal species on Earth. There are even eight rivers and lakes that invite all types of water recreation. The vast expanse of mesa, brush and mountains is teeming with flora and fauna, including the iconic saguaro cactus that only grows in the Sonoran Desert. There are many memorable ways to explore this unparalleled ecosystem. Hike the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Pinnacle Peak or, for advanced hikers, Camelback Mountain. Soar over the desert at sunrise or sunset in a hot-air balloon, go off-roading in a Jeep, travel on horseback or Segway, or kayak the Salt River. If you’re worried about the summer heat, book your tour for early morning and relax poolside the rest of the day. Fall, spring and winter are wonderfully mild.
Uncommon Attractions
Whether it’s arts and culture, history or local landmarks, Scottsdale has something to offer. Immerse yourself in Native American art and cowboy culture at Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West. Visit an oasis in the city at OdySea Aquarium. The fully enclosed escalator that takes you to the shark exhibit is one-of-a-kind. Even the most knowledgeable music fans will be astounded by the 6,600 world instruments at the Musical Instrument Museum in nearby Phoenix. Legendary American architect Frank Lloyd Wright spent winters at his estate, Taliesin West, from 1937 to 1959. Don’t miss a tour of this incredible property. Plus, Scottsdale is centrally located for side trips to the Grand Canyon and Sedona. At the end of the day, walk through the real swinging saloon doors and grab a drink at the Rusty Spur Saloon, Scottsdale’s oldest bar.