Why Go to Scottsdale
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Scottsdale blends Southwestern beauty with polished resort living. Just east of Phoenix in the Sonoran Desert, it's known for stunning desert scenery, world-class resorts and spas, top-rated golf and a lively cultural scene, with sunshine nearly 330 days a year.
Hike the iconic trails of Camelback Mountain, bike through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, or paddleboard and tube the Salt River. Golfers will find some of the best courses in the country, and seasonal events like the Barrett-Jackson car auction, the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament and MLB spring training bring extra excitement. Visit Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's desert home and studio.
Scottsdale calls itself The West's Most Western Town, with roots in Native American heritage and cowboy culture. Explore Old Town's art galleries, boutiques and Native American jewelry, and visit Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West. After dark, enjoy rooftop cocktails and Old Town's lively bars and clubs. I'll match you with the right resort and plan your golf, spa and desert adventure days.
BEST FOR
Golfers, spa travelers, art lovers and desert hikers
BEST MONTHS
November–April
EXPLORE
Old Town has shops, galleries and dining; North Scottsdale offers large resorts and golf; the McDowell Sonoran Preserve has trails and desert scenery.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Scottsdale
North America › Southwest › USA › Arizona
Sonoran Desert landscapes and polished resort escapes
Urban & Culture
Golf
Luxury
Spa
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Book Taliesin West ahead, and hike the preserve at dawn with more water than you think you need.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Browse in the evening during warmer months.
Old Town Scottsdale
Explore galleries, historic buildings, local boutiques and restaurants in a walkable central district.
Use designated trails; check trailhead hours and heat advisories.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Hike among saguaros and desert mountains on a network of protected trails.
Reserve a guided or self-guided tour ahead.
Taliesin West
Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert home and architectural laboratory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Check rotating exhibitions and programming.
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
See art and cultural exhibitions interpreting the American West and its many communities.
Pair with nearby galleries and civic spaces.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Explore contemporary art, design and architecture in a compact museum near Old Town.
An upscale resort at the foot of Camelback Mountain, well suited for a resort-focused vacation with desert scenery. Confirm fees, resort amenities and transportation to Old Town.
The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale
Camelback Mountain / East Camelback Road
Hotel Tags
A large luxury resort in north Scottsdale offering a base for golf and resort activities. It is a drive from Old Town, so plan ground transportation accordingly.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
North Scottsdale / Princess Drive
Hotel Tags
A distinctive midcentury-style hotel near Old Town Scottsdale, ideal for visitors wanting access to dining, galleries and shopping. Confirm parking and pool-area policies.
Hotel Valley Ho
Old Town / Main Street
Hotel Tags
A bungalow-style desert resort along North Scottsdale Road, suitable for guests who prefer a low-rise retreat. Check dining, parking and transportation to Old Town.
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows
Scottsdale Road / Paradise Valley Border
Hotel Tags
An upscale desert resort in the foothills of north Scottsdale, suited to hiking and golf-oriented stays. Consider the longer drive to Old Town and central Phoenix attractions.
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
North Scottsdale / Troon North
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Scottsdale
High 76°F · Low 47°F · Rain 0.7 in
Pleasant weather and outdoor events in Old Town.
October through April is best suited to desert hikes; summer heat can be dangerous and demands early starts and indoor afternoon plans.
Best Times to Visit Scottsdale
WHEN TO GO
06
Heat and Travel Timing
Summer heat makes long walks hazardous; arrange shaded transport and early hikes.
05
Trailhead Parking
McDowell Sonoran Preserve access points have designated parking and desert safety rules.
04
Public Transit
Regional bus and trolley options serve selected corridors; check current operating status.
03
Old Town Walking
Old Town Scottsdale's galleries and restaurants form a walkable cluster.
02
Rental Cars
A car is useful for resort areas, desert trailheads and spread-out neighborhoods.
01
Phoenix Airport
Phoenix Sky Harbor is a common gateway; Scottsdale is a separate road transfer.
A rental car or rideshare is helpful between spread-out resorts, trails and restaurants; avoid strenuous midday activity in hot weather.
Getting Around Scottsdale