Exploring Scottsdale, AZ
Time Needed in this town: 4-5 nights
Scottsdale has a reputation for being a “playground” for the beautiful and wealthy with college kids, bachelors/bachelorette parties, athletes, and other “fair weather” people continuously coming through when the weather is perfect. Over time, many of these types settle here, making it one of the wealthiest and “see-and-be-seen” places in the state.
Restaurants, shops and luxury resorts abound, it seems that, that is all there is to do. Given its growth, it’s become so much more, providing something for everyone.
The below information is a complete guide of the best places to stay, the top rated places to dine and drink, and all there is to see and do. We’ve also included a summary of the history of this thriving town.
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Where to Stay
Fairmont Princess - They have a GREAT Christmas program!
Where to Dine & Drink
American
Culinary Dropout (Scottsdale Quarter)
Mowry & Cotton (Paradise Valley)
Liberty Station (N. Scottsdale)
Paradise Valley Burger Co. (Paradise Valley)
Other Recommendations
Sophisticated, prix-fixe New American meals in an elegant, chandelier-lit space with outdoor tables.
Upscale gastropub turning out creative New American recipes complemented by craft beers & cocktails.
Typical Americana with burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
Gastropub offering refined, farm-to-table New American fare & local wines in intimate environs.
Buzzy spot with a mod vibe for creative daytime dishes & a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar.
TIP: They DO NOT take reservations and this place gets packed quickly. To get on their waitlist, click here.
Asian
Bakeries & Cafes
Small eatery featuring specialty coffee and a selection of brioche donuts, including vegan options. NOTE: They do NOT cater to gluten-free.
Down-to-earth stopo crafting traditional & vegan Cornish pasties, plus other English favorites.
Hip coffeehouse in an old garage with grass & a patio, also a meeting place for Porsche enthusiasts.
Ice cream shop with many flavors of gelato and sorbet in a friendly setting.
Creative gelato & crêpes plus gourmet coffee & cafe fare doled out in a European-inspired space.
Occasion cakes are the specialty of this artisan bakeshop also known for pastries & desserts.
NOTE: Most of their macarons are gluten-free and their cakes can be made gluten-free, but those are made-to-order.
Cuban
French
Sel Bistro is Chef Branden Levine's modern expression of French-inspired dining in Old Town Scottsdale.
Mediterranean
PitA Cafe (N. Scottsdale)
Italian Daughter (N. Scottsdale)
OTHER OPTIONS
Gourmet Italian market & eatery serving housemade breads, salami, pasta & cheeses at wooden tables.
Warm dining experience (and bar) for Mediterranean eats, featuring pizza and seafood dishes, plus a patio.
Chill hangout with wood-fired pizza, housemade mozzarella & local craft beers, plus outdoor seating. NOTE: They do NOT serve gluten-free items.
This down-to-earth restaurant serves up elevated Italian pastas & mains in a comfy & elegant space.
Restaurant & bar serving Californian-Mediterranean fare in stylish, bustling quarters with a patio.
Old-school Italian fare dished out in a clubby dining room with padded booths & a long wooden bar.
Pinyon Coastal Mediterranean in Old Town Scottsdale offers open-flame seafood and meats, hummuses, and spritzes along Civic Center Park.
Experience The Guest House, where the essence of classic dining meets contemporary flair.
Intimate eatery in the Bespoke Inn for Mediterranean-influenced seasonal fare plus craft cocktails.
Mexican
Gordos Tacos (N. Scottsdale)
Other Options
The Ponderosa House (Top-rated)
Ponderosa House serves authentic American and Mexican cuisine rooted in Arizona's Southwest flavors.
Spanish
Prado (Paradise Valley)
Speakeasies
Gin & Reel (Kierland)
Poppy’s Office (N. Scottsdale)
Other Options
Steakhouses
Bourbon & Bones Chophouse | Bar
Steak, seafood & a large bourbon selection offered in a contemporary, industrial-chic setting.
Posh, upscale restaurant & lounge serving steak & seafood in an elegant, contemporary space.
Premium steaks & seafood in a large, contemporary space with a sleek cocktail bar & open kitchen.
Things to See & Do
Historical Exploration
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is operated by the city of Scottsdale’s Parks & Recreation Department. The 30-acre park, located in the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona, is the most unique park of its kind in the country. Take a ride on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad and the 1950-vintage Allan Herschell carousel. Visit a variety of shops and museums, play on our one-of-a-kind playgrounds or play areas, or just relax in the grass under a tree in Scottsdale’s most beautiful park.
Rodeo Museum
The museum boasts rodeo artifacts going back to the 1950s, including saddles ridden by famous rodeo champions like Jake Barnes.
Scottsdale Historical Museum
Compact museum showcasing displays on Scottsdale history, including a 1-room schoolhouse.
Little Red Schoolhouse
Scottsdale Historical Museum, aka the Little Red Schoolhouse was built in 1909 for $4,500. It’s had six different users, including a school, police headquarters and visitors’ center. Today, it is a museum where visitors can view historic relics. It’s part of our heritage and a must-see destination.
Talesin West
Taliesin West is a studio and home developed by the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright in Scottsdale, Arizona, United States. Named after Wright's Taliesin studio in Spring Green, Wisconsin, Taliesin West was Wright's winter home and studio from 1937 until his death in 1959.
Western Spirit Museum: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is located in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona on the former site of the Loloma Transit Station, and opened in January 2015. The two-story, 43,000-square-foot museum features the art, culture and history of 19 states in the American West, Western Canada, and Mexico
Religious History
Old Adobe Mission
The Old Adobe Mission was built by hand by the Mexicans who first settled in Scottsdale in the late 1910s. Completed in 1933, today it stands as a historic monument as one of only three remaining adobe structures in downtown Scottsdale.
The Arts & Sciences
Catch a show at the Talking Stick Resort
So many great, big-name acts come through this resort!
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art in the state of Arizona is a museum in the Old Town district of downtown Scottsdale, Arizona. The museum is dedicated to contemporary art, design, and architecture.
The Arizona Boardwalk
Arizona Boardwalk is Scottsdale’s all-in-one entertainment destination: nine attractions, dining, unique shops, and a lively outdoor plaza with free events year-round. Whether you have an hour or a whole day, you’ll find countless ways to make it unforgettable.
This classic 50-foot merry-go-round — one of the largest carousels in Arizona — features 60 beautifully hand-crafted animals. From majestic land creatures like pandas, lions, tigers, rhinos, and elephants to beloved marine favorites, such as sea turtles, sea lions, sharks, and penguins, the Boardwalk Carousel boasts an impressive collection that celebrates the wonders of the animal kingdom.
Let your imagination take flight at Butterfly Wonderland, home to thousands of butterflies from around the world. Explore immersive exhibits featuring live chrysalis, rainforest reptiles, and a captivating 3D movie that brings Monarch migration to life.
A rainforest-themed mirror maze & laser-dodging challenges at a large entertainment complex.
Discover a brilliant collection of perspective-changing rooms, intriguing installations, and surprising images. Our exhibits will teach you that nothing is quite as it seems, especially at Museum of Illusions®. Get ready to be mesmerized!
OdySea Aquarium is one of America’s largest aquariums, holding more than 2 million gallons of water, housing sharks, sea turtles, penguins, otters and rays. It is also home to more than 6,000 animals. Highlights of the aquarium includes SeaTREK™ underwater ocean walking, a submerged escalator that descends into the deep ocean, one of the largest collections of sharks in the country, a Giant Pacific Octopus, and the world’s only Russian Sturgeon touch exhibit. OdySea is also home to Voyager - a stadium-seating style theater with 46 ft. viewing windows that takes guests on a journey through the ocean, in the world’s only revolving aquarium.
Indoor exhibit of huge, animatronic dinosaurs, with arcade games, educational events and tours.
UFO Experience is an out-of-this-world, family-friendly exhibition based on the widespread interest in UFOs and alien lifeforms.
Wonderspaces Arizona
Located inside Scottsdale Fashion Square, Wonderspaces presents an evolving lineup of extraordinary art installations and signature cocktails to enjoy with friends and family. Open year-round with regularly changing artwork.
Unique Experiences
fiesta Bowl Museum
This college football museum has Fiesta Bowl memorabilia & all 120 subdivision team helmets.
Medieval Times
Octane Raceway
If you're looking for a great go kart track in America, Octane Raceway in Scottsdale gives you the Ultimate Adrenaline Rush. Their 1/3 mile track is the only full-time Indoor/Outdoor track in the entire country. Specifically designed for the venue, the track layout is unique in that each lap begins indoors then winds through an outdoor section of the course before returning inside.
They also have arcade games and a GREAT set of VR game options designed to be played in groups.
PopStroke
Offering a unique, family-friendly golf and casual outdoor dining experience. PopStroke features two 18-hole putting courses (one fee gets you as many holes as you want to play in one day) designed by Tiger Woods and TGR Design. PopStroke is a full outdoor experience for people of all ages, including an outdoor dining area, an expansive variety of craft beer, wine, ice cream, outdoor games, and a kids playground.
PuttShack
Indoor, tech-equipped 9-hole mini-golf courses (emerald, sapphire) paired with craft cocktails and pad thai.
Skylanes
This boutique bowling club is housed inside a swank second-floor space, overlooking Scottsdale's nightlife district. It includes six lanes, cocktails, and a late night menu.
Sphinx Date Co. Palm & Pantry
Gourmet gift shop starring Medjool dates & date milkshakes, plus other locally sourced products.
Spring Training Games
Given Scottsdale’s year-round sunshine, 15 baseball teams come to the area between February and March for spring training. It’s a great way to enjoy America’s favorite pastime in a more intimate setting than the regular season. Plus there are more opportunities to interact with players and coaches, as you can also attend their practices.
In Old Town where the San Francisco Giants play.
In central Scottsdale, within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, where the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies play.
Top Golf
A 65,000 square foot venue, featuring three levels of semi climate-controlled golf bays, containing fans with misters and heaters. Each level features 34 bays, which can accommodate up to six golfers.
Walking Tours
Desert Botanical Garden
Discover the tranquil vibrancy of 50,000 desert plants nestled amid the red rocks of the Papago Buttes at Desert Botanical Garden. Visitors can stroll through five thematic trails to explore the fascinating beauty of Sonoran Desert plant life, from towering cacti and alluring succulents to brilliant wildflowers and lush trees. Delve deeper to learn more about desert landscaping, nature art, cooking and wellness and more through the Garden’s various lectures and workshops. Enjoy specialized tours, special events, seasonal exhibits, concerts, family activities, dining options and the Garden's gift and plant shop.
A History Summary
Around 1688 - 1960s - The land that is now Scottsdale was an Akimel O'odham village known as Vaṣai S-vaṣonĭ, meaning 'rotting hay'. Some Akimel O'odham remain there today. Until the late 1960s, there was a still-occupied traditional dwelling on the southeast corner of Indian Bend Road and Hayden Road.
1883 - The Arizona Canal is built through the Scottsdale area.
Mid-1880s - U.S. Army Chaplain Winfield Scott visited the Salt River Valley and was impressed with it and its potential for agriculture.
1888 - Scott with his wife, Helen, purchased 640 acres (260 ha) where historic Old Town is. When the Arizona Republican did a story on the land purchase, they accidentally called it “Scottsdale” and the name stuck.
1896 - The Scottsdale Public School system was established and opened the first schoolhouse, which was followed by the opening of the first general store by J. L. Davis.
1897 - The General store became Scottsdale’s first post office.
1908 - 1933 - Due to the construction of the Granite Reef and Roosevelt dams, Scottsdale's population experienced a boom, growing steadily during those years. It became a small market town providing services for families involved in the agricultural industry
1909 - The community supported an artists' and writers' culture, culminating in the opening of the region's first resort - the Ingleside Inn. Also, Cavalliere's Blacksmith Shop opened in downtown Scottsdale, and the original schoolhouse was replaced by the much more expansive Little Red Schoolhouse, which stands to this day.
1912 - The Baptist Church is formed in Scottsdale.
1917 - Scottsdale and its environs supported a large cotton farming industry, due to the development of Long Staple Egyptian Cotton by the US Department of Agriculture. Cotton is still grown in southern Arizona, but Scottsdale's cotton boom ended with the loss of government contracts at the end of the war.
1918 - The Pima Indians tie up their wagons on First Avenue. When businesses are first built on First Avenue, the street is called Pima Plaza for them.
1920 - A second resort was opened on 12 acres of property owned by the artist, Jessie Benton Evans, called the “Jokake Inn”, meaning "mud house". The structure still stands on the grounds of the Phoenician Resort.
1923 - Scottsdale High School is built on Indian School Road. There are three students in the first graduating class.
1924 - The Scottsdale Methodist Church was established.
1928 - Scottsdale Grammar School--later known as Loloma School--is built on the corner of Second Street and Marshall Way.
1933 - Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church is built at the corner of First Street and Brown Avenue from adobe made by the Corrals.
1937 - Frank Lloyd Wright and his wife purchased 600 acres of desert at the foot of the McDowell Mountains and established Taliesin West, his winter home and his architectural firm's southwestern headquarters.
1942 - The Thunderbird II Airfield (later Scottsdale airport) opened, where 5,500 pilot cadets received their primary flight training before the war's end. Scottsdale was also the site of a German POW camp.
1947 - The Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce was formed, and Scottsdale leaders made a conscious effort to promote a special identity, linked to the Old West, as a reflection of the city 's roots and as a draw for tourists. The chamber established a Western design theme for the downtown.
1950 - 1956 - The town continued to grow as Motorola became the first of many technology companies to build a plant in Scottsdale. It built a second plant in 1956.
1951 - The city was incorporated with a population of 2,000 people.
1954 - The Scottsdale Jaycees Parada del Sol, an annual month-long event, began and still runs today.
1955 - The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show began and still annually runs today. Also, the first Scottsdale Stadium is built on the corner of Civic Center Boulevard and Osborn Road. The Baltimore Orioles became the first team to do their spring training there.
1956 - The city became a tourist destination with the opening of the city's first modern resorts, the Hotel Valley Ho and the Safari Hotel. In addition, the PRCA Rodeo was added to the list of annual Scottsdale events.
End of the 1950s - The population was up to over 10,000 people and had grown from 5 sq. miles to 62 sq. miles.
1960s - The population reached almost 68,000.
1962 - 1964 - Sewer service is introduced to southern parts of the city.
1967 - Eldorado Park, Scottsdale's first major park, is built. This is the prototype for what would become the Indian Bend Wash greenbelt. Also, McCormick Ranch is annexed and Scottsdale Airpark opens.
1968 - The new City Hall and Civic Center Library are opened. In addition, the Scottsdale Historical Society opens and gathers over 1,500 signatures in a petition to save the Little Red Schoolhouse.
1970 - Anne McCormick (McCormick Ranch) passed away and the 4,236-acres were sold to Kaiser-Aetna for a measly $12.1 million. This started a series of large-scale, master-planned communities within Scottsdale's borders, including Scottsdale Ranch (1978), Gainey Ranch (1980), McDowell Mountain Ranch (1992), Desert Mountain (1986), and DC Ranch (1990s). In addition, The Scottsdale Community College is opened on the Salt River Indian Community; the Rawhide Western Town attraction opened (it grew to be one of the top five attractions in Arizona); and
the Indian Bend Wash flows almost 1,000 feet wide, causing the Arizona Canal to break and flood Scottsdale neighborhoods.1971 - Scottsdale became the “home” of the Barrett-Jackson Auto Show.
1974 - The Scottsdale Symphony is formed with Irving Fleming as director.
1975 - The city annexed the "east Shea" section, bordering Fountain Hills, expanding its area from 62.2 to 88.6 sq. mi.
1980 - Molly the Trolly system comes to Scottsdale. Visitors and residents are transported to the shopping areas and hotels around the town.
1981 - 1984 - The city annexed an additional (almost) 80 sq. mi.
1985 - United Cable Television comes to Scottsdale. Loloma School is bought for their headquarters. The Scottsdale Historical Society is given space for an office and displays.
The Scottsdale Princess and Gainey Ranch Hyatt resorts are opened.1987 - Scottsdale completes the water treatment plant and begins using Colorado River water from the Central Arizona Project. Also, the Mayo Clinic branch campus opens.
1991 - The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy was started to preserve the McDowell Mountains and adjoining areas.
1992 - Major expansion of Scottsdale Fashion Square is started and incorporates the Camelview Plaza and Camelback Square centers.
1998 - Casino Arizona opened.
1999 - The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art opened.
2001 - The Loop 101 Pima Freeway is completed through Scottsdale.
2004 - There was a headquarter “boom” that employed a little over 50,000 people in the Phoenix area. This includes headquarters, such as: Cold Stone Creamery, Carlisle Companies, Discount Tire, Discovery Land Company, Edgenuity, Fender, Blue Yonder, Kahala, Kona Grill, Liveops, Magellan Health, Meritage Homes, Nextiva, Advisor Group, Paradise Bakery & Café, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Rural Metro, Axon, and Vitalant.
2007 - Scottsdale began hosting low and high fashion shows in the annual Scottsdale Fashion Week.
2015 - The Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West opened.
2016 - Scottsdale had the highest number of destination spas per capita of any city in the United States
2020 - There as a population total of 241,361inhabitants.
