Best Places to Visit in Scottsdale: The Ultimate Guide
Welcome to your Scottsdale guide
Welcome to your Ultimate Guide to Scottsdale! Nestled in the stunning Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale offers a unique experience that seamlessly blends adventure, culture, and relaxation. From savoring exquisite culinary creations to embarking on outdoor escapades, exploring family-friendly gems, indulging in retail therapy, and immersing yourself in pampering and sports, Scottsdale caters to every passion.
The city's vibrant art scene adds an extra layer of charm, while the allure of year-round outdoor enjoyment enhances your stay. Join us as we share our favorite places to visit.
Dining + Restaurants
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds in Scottsdale's vibrant culinary scene. From upscale dining that pushes culinary boundaries to cozy cafes serving comfort, our restaurant guide will lead you to mouthwatering experiences that will leave you craving more.
Old Town Scottsdale
BREAKFAST + COFFEE
Breakfast Club | A bright, casual cafe with coffee, breakfast, & lunch.
The Montauk | Eclectic American & New England fare is offered in a beach-inspired venue with a buzzing brunch scene.
Jojo Coffeehouse | JOJO is known for its coffee & mimosa flights, craft breakfast & brunch, and social atmosphere.
LUNCH + CASUAL DINNER
Canal Club | Elevated Cuban-inspired American dining room with chic vintage style inside the Scott Resort.
Diego Pops | tacos + happy hour + vibe
The Herb Box | American in country style setting
Loco Patron | Mexican craft beers + cuisine
Culinary Dropout | Scottsdale waterfront, live music
Zipps Sports Grill | sports bar + grill
HIGHER END DINING + DRINKS
Olive & Ivy | Mediterranean
The Mission | Modern Latin Cuisine
Ocean 44 | Steaks, Seafood, & Cocktails
Toca Madera | Upscale Mexican + Vibe
Postino | Wine Cafe + Small Meals
North Scottsdale
BREAKFAST + COFFEE
Hash Kitchen | Creative Brunch + Bloody Mary Bar
Matt’s Big Breakfast | Breakfast Joint
Lux Max Annex | Kierland Hipster Brunch
Maverick Coffee | Coffeehouse with some breakfast items
Pinnacle Peak General Store | western style eatery
LUNCH + CASUAL DINNER
Tocaya Modern Mexican | kierland
OHSO | lively brewery with large patio + burgers + american bites. locations in n. scottsdale and paradise valley
Postino Kierland | light italian fare + wine
HIGHER END DINING + DRINKS
Orange Sky | new american fine dining on the rooftop of Talking Stick Resort
The Mission Kierland | upscale latin + craft cocktails
Preston Steakhouse | pinnacle peak
Sicilian Butcher | elevated italian classics + wine
Adventures in Scottsdale
Embrace the thrill of Scottsdale with hot air balloon rides and horseback trails, where you'll witness breathtaking vistas that only the desert can offer. Off-road Jeep tours provide an extra layer of excitement for those seeking an adrenaline rush, making every moment an unforgettable memory.
Hiking Nearby
popular Hikes
Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Trail | difficult hike
Camelback Mountain Cholla Trail | moderate hike
Piestewa Peak | moderate to difficult hike, several trails
Tom’s Thumb |4 mi round trip, loose gravel, 1,200 elevation gain
less crowded
Lookout Mountain | moderate to difficult hike depending on the route, in n. phoenix
North Mountain and Shaw Butte | easy to difficult hikes, in n. phoenix
Shadow Mountain | moderate hike due to small rocks, great views, in n. phoenix
Two Bit | 40th street trailhead, easy hike in paradise valley
Adventures
Desert Monsters Tours | ATV adventure
Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Co | hot air balloon rides
Saguaro Lake| marina + fishing + rentals
Salt River Tubing |float the salt river on a rented tube in the summer months
Tempe Town Lake | paddle boarding + bike/walking paths
Wild Horse Sightseeing and Kayak Tour | summer months, kayak the salt river + look for wild horses
Shopping & Boutiques
Indulge in Scottsdale's shopping haven, where upscale boutiques line the streets of Old Town and Fashion Square, offering everything from luxury brands to unique local finds.
Shopping Centers
Fashion Square Mall | old town Scottsdale indoor mall
Kierland Commons | n. Scottsdale outdoor mall
Old Town Scottsdale | galleries + boutiques outdoor shopping
Scottsdale Quarter | n. Scottsdale outdoor mall across from Kierland
Markets
Roadrunner Farmer’s Market | north phoenix every Saturday
Old Town Scottsdale Farmer’s Market | October thru may
Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market | n. Scottsdale, twice per year
Boutique Shops
Antique Trove | s. scottsdale + large antique mall
THELIFESTYLEDCO Arcadia | desert modern decor + clothing
Pampering
Surrender to the blissful world of pampering in Scottsdale, where luxurious spas offer an oasis of tranquility, delivering revitalizing treatments that restore mind, body, and soul.
Spas & Pampering + Massage
Face Foundrie | facial bar + group rentals + code “Wendy02CB” $10 off
Joya Spa | spa at Omni Montelucia Resort
The Phoenician Spa | luxury spa at the Phoenician resort
Michelle’s Forever | just want a massage without the fluff
Family-Friendly Activities & Restaurants
In Scottsdale, family adventures await at attractions like OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland, inviting young minds to explore, discover, and create cherished memories together.
Fun Activities
Bull Riding | buffalo chip saloon in cave creek
Phoenix Children’s Museum | downtown phx
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park | trains to ride + jungle gyms
OdySea Aquarium |aquarium with exotic exhibits
Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary | reptile sanctuary
Phoenix Zoo | exhibits + children’s area
Tempe Town Lake | paddle boarding + bike/walking paths
Kid - Friendly Restaurants
Culinary Dropout - The Yard | central phx with yard games
Luci’s at The Orchard | uptown cafe + splash pad
Snakes + Lattes | tempe + cafe with board games
OHSO Brewery | neighborhood joint + yard games
Arts
Discover Scottsdale's cultural pulse through its thriving arts scene, featuring eclectic galleries, studios, and the dynamic Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, where creativity knows no bounds.
Gardens + Museums + Art
Desert Botanical Gardens | desert gardens + dining
Musical Instruments Museum | n. scottsdale, instruments from 200 countries
Heard Museum | central phx, Native American + Southwestern exhibits
ASU Gammage Auditorium | historic theater on the ASU campus
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art | Multi-gallery museum
Taliesin West | n. scottsdale, tours of Frank Llo/yd Wright's winter home
Sports
Immerse yourself in Scottsdale's sports fervor, from catching the Cactus League Spring Training games to witnessing the Arizona State Sun Devils in action. Get your adrenaline pumping at State Farm Stadium with the Arizona Cardinals or feel the heat at Footprint Center, home to the Phoenix Suns. Plus, there are some pretty amazing golf courses.
Golf
Arizona Biltmore Golf Club - Central Phoenix - Biltmore
Gainey Ranch Golf Club - Scottsdale
Grayhawk Golf Club - N. Scottsdale
Lookout Mountain Golf Club - N. Phoenix
McCormick Ranch Golf Club - Scottsdale
Phoenician Golf Club - Phoenix - Arcadia
Scottsdale Silverado Golf Club - Old Town Scottsdale
Talking Stick Golf Club - Scottsdale
TPC Scottsdale - Champions Course, N. Scottsdale
Troon North Golf Club | N . Scottsdale
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - Ft. McDowell
Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass - Chandler