Scottsdale
Everything you need to know before you go.
Scottsdale, Arizona, sits east of Phoenix and is known for its desert scenery, upscale shopping, and golf courses. The core area around Old Town feels like a small downtown with art galleries, boutique shops, and a lively restaurant scene. North Scottsdale offers quieter residential streets and easy access to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, while Paradise Valley, just north of the city, is home to luxury resorts and golf clubs. A typical dinner in Old Town costs about $20 to $35 per person, and a round of golf at a public course runs roughly $45 to $70.
The vibe leans toward relaxed yet polished; you’ll see locals and tourists alike enjoying outdoor patios and early‑evening happy hours. Must‑try dishes include a carne asada taco from a local taqueria, a prickly pear margarita, and a slice of cactus‑infused cheesecake at a downtown café. Landmarks worth a stop are the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, the historic Taliesin West campus of Frank Lloyd Wright, and the McCormick‑Stillman Railroad Park which charges around $15 for adults. If you enjoy outdoor activities, the preserve’s trailheads are free, and a guided bike tour in the area runs about $30 per person.
Budget stays (2)
- Hotel San Carlos - Downtown Scottsdale - $80-$120/night - walk to Old Town and the McCormick-Stillman Railroad
- The Guesthouse - Midtown - $90-$130/night - quiet courtyard, short drive to the Desert Botanical Garden
Mid-range stays (2)
- Hotel Valley Ho - Old Town - $150-$200/night - retro vibe, pool steps from Scottsdale Fashion Square
- The Camby - Arcadia - $180-$250/night - rooftop bar, easy access to Camelback Mountain trailhead
Luxury stays (2)
- Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale - Paradise Valley - $500-$700/night - spa, golf, desert views
- The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain - North Scottsdale - $450-$600/night - private cabanas, upscale dining
Restaurants (6)
Budget
- Matt’s Big Breakfast - Old Town - classic American breakfast, huevos rancheros $12
- Los Dos Molinos - Central Scottsdale - Mexican, carne asada tacos $10
Mid-range
- The Mission - Old Town - contemporary Mexican, duck confit enchiladas $25
- Marisol - Scottsdale - Spanish tapas, jamón ibérico $18
Luxury
- WRU - Old Town - upscale New American, dry-aged ribeye $55
- Eternity - Paradise Valley - fine Italian, truffle risotto $45
Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). That airport is the nearest major hub for Scottsdale.
Typical roundtrip fares from Los Angeles sit around $150 to $250. From New York they run $350 to $500. From Chicago they are $250 to $400. From Denver they fall between $180 and $300. From Seattle they range $250 to $400.
From the airport a taxi costs $25 to $35. Uber or Lyft usually runs $20 to $30. Valley Metro bus 50 or 87 will get you to Old Town Scottsdale for $2 each and the ride takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
Stay in Old Town Scottsdale if you want walkable access to restaurants and shops. North Scottsdale offers upscale hotels and golf courses. South Scottsdale has more budget motels and is closer to the airport.
Visit the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Taliesin West, and McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. Eat a Sonoran hot dog from a street cart or try carne asada fries at a local taqueria. Entrees in mid range spots cost $15 to $30.
If you prefer train travel the Amtrak Southwest Chief stops in Kingman about two hours away. From Kingman you can rent a car or catch a shuttle to Scottsdale. Driving from Las Vegas takes about 4.5 hours on I-15 and I-10. From Los Angeles the drive is roughly 6 to 7 hours via I-10. From Tucson the drive is about 2 hours on I-10.
Best time to visit Scottsdale depends on what you want. I usually split the year into four parts.
Peak season runs from late March through early May and again from mid December through early January. Those months bring comfortable temps in the 70s to low 80s and a full calendar of events. The weather is ideal for golf and outdoor walks. Expect higher hotel rates and longer wait times at popular spots.
The sweet spot for me is late September to early November. Temperatures sit in the mid‑70s during the day and drop to the 50s at night. Crowds are thinner and you can snag a room for 30 to 50 percent less than peak rates. I also like early May when the desert blooms and the heat has not yet turned oppressive.
June through August is the hottest period. Daytime highs often hit 105°F and the humidity can feel heavy. Prices drop but the heat makes outdoor activities uncomfortable.
Major events to time around include the Scottsdale ArtWalk the first Friday of each month which draws locals to the galleries in Old Town. The Scottsdale Culinary Festival takes place in early April and showcases local chefs. The Arizona Food & Wine Festival is in late October and features tastings and cooking demos. The Parada del Sol parade rolls through Old Town in early February and celebrates the city’s western heritage.
In Old Town you will find Sonoran hot dog stands that charge about $5 to $7. A mid‑range dinner at The Mission in Old Town runs around $30 to $45 per person. For a splurge try the steak at Taliesin West’s restaurant which can exceed $70 per entrée. In Paradise Valley the upscale spots like The Farm at South Mountain offer tasting menus that start at $120 per person. In Arcadia the Mexican joints serve carne asada tacos for $3 each and a cold prickly pear margarita for $12.
Typical temperatures by season: Winter (December to February) daytime highs around 65°F and night lows near 40°F. Spring (March to May) daytime highs 70 to 85°F and night lows 50 to 60°F. Summer (June to August) daytime highs 100 to 110°F and night lows 75 to 85°F. Fall (September to November) daytime highs 75 to 85°F and night lows 55 to 65°F.
Neighborhoods to stay in: Old Town for nightlife and dining, Paradise Valley for luxury resorts, Arcadia for a more local vibe and easy access to the McDowell Mountains.