Scottsdale is a desert city in Arizona known for sprawling, luxurious resorts, championship golf courses, and high-end boutiques, but the heart of the city is Old Town Scottsdale. It’s a city in the eastern part of Maricopa County, Arizona, Part of the greater Phoenix area.
It is often stereotyped as being upscale, filled with high-end resorts and golf courses. It’s the sort of destination many people assume is only “for” the wealthy, more mature traveler. Most don’t realize Scottsdale has much more to offer than just spas and golf courses. Scottsdale is a destination filled with fun, art, food, adventures, and truly TRULY has something for everyone.
The lush desert landscape offers countless opportunities for outdoor adventure. From hiking to riding in a hot air balloon, from Biking to exploring the mountain foothills, the list goes on and on.
Old Town is one place not to be missed and it’s only 1 square mile! Here art galleries and boutiques line the streets. Some of the best restaurants in Arizona are located here. There are craft breweries and wine-tasting rooms. On the northern edge of Old Town is The Fashion Square, and the city’s Entertainment District.
Below is a list of the top 10 MUST DO’s in Scottsdale: (based on Scottsdale Az Website)
Schools
The Scottsdale Unified School District is a school district with its headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. The 112-square-mile (290 km2) district serves most of Scottsdale, most of Paradise Valley, a portion of Phoenix, and a portion of Tempe. There are 22 schools total in the district.
Click HERE to see all the schools in the district!
Restaurants
Did you know Scottsdale offers over 800 restaurants! Below are some recommendations for some of Scottsdale’s best restaurants:
- Chula Seafood
- Virtu Honest Craft
- Hush Public House
- Andreoli Italian Grocer
- FnB Restaurant
- Stratta Kitchen
- Atlas Bistro
- Rancho Pinot
- Cafe Monarch
- Fat Ox
- SumoMaya
- Toca Madera
- Maple & Ash
- Citizen Public House
- Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar
- Postino
- Twisted Grove Parlor + Bar
- Merkin Vineyards
- Pizzeria Virtu
- T Cooks
- Hearth ’61
- ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho
- The Mission
Easy on the Budget
Outdoor Adventure and More
Off-Road Jeep Adventures
Try out the Classic Jeep Tour! If you are a bit more adventurous try out the Extreme Off-Road Tour. classic Jeep tour is lead by a guide and will take you on a tour of the Sonoran desert. This is a low-intensity tour and get ready for some of the most gorgeous scenery in the world. This is a great family activity. For the more adventurous, the upgraded Jeep Wranglers will take you on a guide-led extreme off-road tour through steep slopes, narrow corridors, and rigorous terrain.
Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Company
Sunrise flights are available every morning year-round, weather permitting, of course. Not a morning person? Experience Arizona’s breathtaking sunsets. This is only available in the winter months.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
At 30,200 acres McDowell Sonoran Preserve, it’s the largest urban preserve in the nation! Most of the Preserve’s trails are open for mountain biking and offer thrilling rides.
Accommodations
Accommodations here are plentiful. There are over 70 hotels and resorts to choose from. I’ll break it down into a few categories to make it easier. I promise you, there is a hotel, budget, and accommodation for everyone.
Family-friendly
- Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
- Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
- Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa
- JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
- The Phoenician
- The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Spa Getaways
- Boulders Resort & Spa
- Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch (Spa Avania)
- Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (Well & Being at Willow Stream Spa)
- JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa (The Spa at Camelback Inn)
- Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia (Joya Spa)
- The Phoenician
