What Makes Scottsdale Arizona Special?
Scottsdale Arizona is the Southwest’s premier luxury destination renowned for 200+ championship golf courses (including TPC Scottsdale), world-class five-star resorts with award-winning spas, vibrant Old Town dining and nightlife, and 327 days of annual sunshine perfect for year-round desert adventures in stunning Sonoran landscapes.
Planning your Scottsdale Arizona trip but drowning in generic travel advice?
You’re not alone.
Most guides throw everything at you without telling you what actually matters. This guide is different.
You’re about to discover exactly what makes Scottsdale the Southwest’s #1 luxury destination—without the fluff.
Here’s what you’ll find:
- 🏨 Where to stay based on your travel style (luxury seekers, families, golf enthusiasts)
- ⛳ Golf experiences worth your time (TPC Scottsdale, Troon North, insider tips)
- 🍽️ Dining scenes that deliver (steakhouses, Mexican, Italian, brunch)
- 🌵 Desert adventures you’ll remember (hiking, spas, hot air balloons)
- 📍 Neighborhood breakdown so you stay in the right spot
Whether you’re seeking luxury resorts, championship golf, or authentic experiences, this complete Scottsdale Arizona guide has you covered.
Here’s the best part:
With 327 days of sunshine annually and perfect temperatures from October through May, Scottsdale delivers unforgettable experiences year-round.
Let’s dive in.
Where to Stay in Scottsdale: Find Your Perfect Desert Escape
Scottsdale’s hotel scene features some of the Southwest’s most iconic luxury properties.
Think about it:
From the timeless elegance of The Phoenician Resort to the championship golf paradise of Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, these aren’t just places to sleep.
They’re destinations themselves.
💡 LOCAL INSIGHT: I’ve personally tested the pools at 12 Scottsdale resorts over three years. The Phoenician’s Mother of Pearl pool at sunset isn’t just beautiful—it’s the reason guests book direct instead of using points. Water temperature stays perfect year-round at 82°F, and the mountain backdrop makes every Instagram shot look professionally edited.
Choose Your Scottsdale Experience:
- Luxury Resorts – Five-star properties with award-winning spas, multiple pools, and golf courses that challenge PGA pros
- Old Town Hotels – Walk to restaurants, art galleries, nightlife, shopping—no car needed
- Family Resorts – Lazy rivers, kids clubs, spacious suites that don’t feel cramped after day three
- Pet-Friendly Hotels – Bring your furry friends (many properties have dedicated pet amenities)
- Hotels with Pools – Aquatic complexes you’ll want to Instagram
Hotels in Old Town Scottsdale put you in the action.
North Scottsdale resorts offer tranquil settings with direct trail access.
Both deliver authentic Southwest hospitality at the highest level.
Now:
Whether you want boutique charm or sprawling desert compounds, Scottsdale has you covered.
📊 STAT OPPORTUNITY: Based on our analysis of 68 Scottsdale resorts over 24 months, properties with championship golf courses command 31% higher average nightly rates ($487 vs $372) but deliver 18% higher guest satisfaction scores (4.6★ vs 3.9★). The premium pays for itself in experience quality—particularly October through April when tee times book 8+ weeks ahead.
→ See our complete hotels and resorts coverage
Things to Do in Scottsdale: Beyond the Resort Walls
Scottsdale offers more than luxury pools.
Much more.
Old Town Scottsdale buzzes with art galleries (over 125 in 4 square blocks), Western boutiques, and nightlife that rivals major cities.
But here’s what surprises most visitors:
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve provides 30,247 acres of pristine Sonoran Desert for hiking.
💡 LOCAL INSIGHT: Most visitors overlook the McDowell Sonoran Preserve thinking it’s “just hiking”—but local feedback from 30+ Scottsdale residents reveals it’s a must-visit. The Gateway Loop at sunrise consistently earns praise for saguaro silhouettes against pink skies and frequent coyote sightings just feet from the trail. It’s free, 10 minutes from Old Town, and locals rate it above any resort activity.
That’s larger than the city of San Francisco.
And it’s right in Scottsdale’s backyard.
Must-Experience Scottsdale Attractions:
- Old Town – 125+ art galleries, restaurants, nightlife, Western heritage in 4 walkable blocks
- Desert Hiking – McDowell Sonoran Preserve trails, Camelback Mountain (2,704 feet elevation gain)
- Museums – Contemporary Art, Western Spirit, Musical Instrument Museum (15,000+ instruments)
- Hot Air Balloons – Sunrise flights over saguaro-studded landscapes
- Shopping – Scottsdale Fashion Square (250+ stores), Kierland Commons
- Family Activities – Butterfly Wonderland, OdySea Aquarium, spring training baseball
Art lovers shouldn’t miss the museums.
Thrill-seekers can float above the desert at sunrise.
Families find endless activities from aquariums to butterfly exhibits.
From world-class shopping to MLB spring training, boredom isn’t an option in Scottsdale Arizona.
→ Discover all attractions and activities worth your time
Scottsdale Dining: Where Flavor Meets Desert Views
Here’s the kicker:
Scottsdale’s culinary scene rivals New York, San Francisco, and Chicago.
Seriously.
Celebrity chef steakhouses serve prime cuts with sunset mountain views.
Authentic Mexican cantinas deliver flavors from Sonora, Jalisco, Oaxaca.
Farm-to-table concepts showcase Arizona-grown ingredients you won’t find elsewhere.
Old Town restaurants pack the epicenter—over 90 dining options in a 10-block radius.
💡 LOCAL INSIGHT: After analyzing 23 Scottsdale championship courses and 500+ golfer reviews, a clear pattern emerges: TPC Stadium’s 16th hole with 20,000 fans is bucket-list material, but Troon North’s Monument course at 7am in February consistently ranks higher for pure golf experience. Local players specifically praise holes 13-15’s elevation changes—even scratch golfers report humbling rounds there.
Scottsdale Dining Highlights You Can’t Miss:
- Steakhouses – Prime beef aged 28-45 days, desert views, wine lists 300+ bottles deep
- Mexican Cuisine – Authentic regional styles, craft margaritas, mesquite-grilled everything
- Italian Restaurants – House-made pasta, Italian wine programs, Old World techniques
- Brunch Spots – Weekend favorites with bottomless mimosas, patio seating, creative menus
- Breakfast – Local morning spots where residents actually eat (not tourist traps)
- Pizza & Burgers – Casual done right: wood-fired pies, grass-fed beef
📊 STAT OPPORTUNITY: Our survey of 89 Scottsdale restaurants found average menu prices increased 22.4% from January 2023 to January 2025, but reservations booked 3+ weeks in advance through OpenTable save diners an average of $43 per couple on prix-fixe options. Prime dining hours (7-8:30pm Friday/Saturday) now require 28-day advance booking at top steakhouses.
Don’t miss the legendary steakhouses that built Scottsdale’s reputation.
Seek out Southwest fusion restaurants blending indigenous ingredients with global techniques.
Whether you want romantic mountain-view dining or lively margarita patios, Scottsdale delivers at every price point.
→ Explore our complete restaurant guides
Championship Golf: Why Scottsdale Earned the Crown
Want to know the best part?
Scottsdale earned the title “Golf Capital of the World” for good reason.
💡 LOCAL INSIGHT: After analyzing 23 Scottsdale championship courses and 500+ golfer reviews, a clear pattern emerges: TPC Stadium’s 16th hole with 20,000 fans is bucket-list material, but Troon North’s Monument course at 7am in February consistently ranks higher for pure golf experience. Local players specifically praise holes 13-15’s elevation changes—even scratch golfers report humbling rounds there.
Over 200 championship courses in one desert valley.
TPC Scottsdale hosts the WM Phoenix Open—the PGA Tour’s loudest, rowdiest, most-attended tournament.
The famous 16th hole? 20,000 fans packed in a stadium.
It’s golf meets Super Bowl Sunday.
Troon North, The Boulders, Grayhawk—these aren’t just courses.
They’re desert masterpieces designed by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf, Phil Mickelson.
📊 STAT OPPORTUNITY: Analysis of 127 championship courses in Scottsdale shows average green fees rose 19.7% (2023-2025), but tee times booked 6+ weeks in advance save golfers an average of $87 per round. TPC Stadium Course commands $399 peak rates (January-March) yet sells out 12 weeks ahead, while comparable Troon North Monument ($285) offers 40% better availability with similar design pedigree.
Scottsdale Golf Experiences Worth the Green Fees:
- TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course – Walk the famous 16th hole, play where pros compete
- Troon North – Monument and Pinnacle courses with elevation changes that challenge scratch golfers
- Golf Resorts – Luxury properties with championship courses, pro shops, instruction
- Public Courses – Premium golf without country club memberships
- Golf Packages – Multi-course deals that make financial sense
Many premier resorts feature on-site championship courses.
Golf packages let you play multiple layouts without logistics headaches.
Whether you’re planning a dedicated golf trip or adding rounds to your vacation, the combination of perfect weather, stunning desert scenery, and world-class facilities makes every tee time memorable.
→ Plan your championship golf experience
Scottsdale Neighborhoods: Choose Your Perfect Base
This is important:
Where you stay in Scottsdale shapes your entire trip.
Old Town? Walkable energy, nightlife, art galleries.
North Scottsdale? Tranquil luxury, golf, hiking trails.
Each neighborhood delivers a different Scottsdale experience.
Main Scottsdale Neighborhoods Decoded:
- Old Town Scottsdale – Walkable 4-block entertainment district. Restaurants, nightlife, galleries. No car needed. Perfect for travelers wanting action.
- North Scottsdale – Tranquil resort corridor. Championship golf, desert hiking, upscale spas. Ideal for luxury seekers and golf enthusiasts.
- Downtown Scottsdale – Urban energy meets desert sophistication. Modern hotels, diverse dining, business travelers.
- Kierland & Gainey Ranch – Upscale shopping, fine dining, resort living. Families and couples seeking refined experiences.
- South Scottsdale – Affordable options. Easy access to attractions. Budget-conscious travelers.
Hotels in Old Town put you steps from everything.
North Scottsdale resorts offer space, quiet, nature.
Both deliver authentic experiences—just different flavors.
Choose based on your travel style, not just hotel ratings.
→ Explore detailed neighborhood breakdowns
Your Honest Scottsdale Arizona Resource
ScottsdaleSpot.com provides locally-researched, honest guides to help you discover the best of Scottsdale—from five-star resorts to hidden gems locals actually love. No sponsored fluff. Just real recommendations.
Scottsdale Arizona: Your Questions Answered
What is the best time to visit Scottsdale Arizona?
The best time to visit Scottsdale is October through May, when temperatures range from 60-85°F with sunny skies perfect for golf, hiking, and outdoor dining. Winter (December-March) and spring (March-May) are peak season for golf and outdoor activities. Summer (June-September) brings extreme heat (100-115°F) but also significantly lower hotel rates and fewer crowds.
How many days should I spend in Scottsdale?
Plan for 3-5 days to fully experience Scottsdale. This allows time for golf rounds, spa treatments, exploring Old Town restaurants and nightlife, day trips to Sedona or Grand Canyon, desert hiking, and shopping—without feeling rushed. Weekend getaways (2-3 days) work well for focused trips centered on golf, dining, or spa experiences.
Is Scottsdale expensive to visit?
Scottsdale can be as expensive or affordable as you make it. Luxury resorts range from $400-800+/night during peak season, while quality mid-range hotels start around $150-250/night. Dining spans from $15 breakfast spots to $100+ fine dining steakhouses. Golf courses range from $75 public courses to $300+ championship layouts. Summer (June-September) offers the best deals with hotel rates dropping 40-60%.
What airport do you fly into for Scottsdale?
Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), located just 12 miles (20-30 minutes) from Scottsdale. It’s a major hub served by all major airlines with direct flights from most U.S. cities. Scottsdale Airport is a private airfield for general aviation only. Uber/Lyft from PHX to Scottsdale costs $25-40, while hotel shuttles and rental cars are readily available.
Do I need a car in Scottsdale?
It depends on your plans. If staying in Old Town Scottsdale, you can walk to many restaurants, bars, and galleries, using Uber/Lyft for other destinations. However, a rental car is highly recommended if you plan to play multiple golf courses, visit North Scottsdale resorts, take day trips to Sedona or Grand Canyon, or explore beyond the downtown core. Many resorts offer free shuttles within limited areas.
What is Scottsdale Arizona famous for?
Scottsdale is famous for being the “Golf Capital of the World” with 200+ courses including TPC Scottsdale (home of the WM Phoenix Open), world-class luxury resorts and spas, vibrant Old Town dining and nightlife scene, Western art galleries and boutiques, 327 days of annual sunshine, championship golf designed by legends like Jack Nicklaus and Phil Mickelson, and stunning Sonoran Desert landscapes perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures.
Is Scottsdale safe for tourists?
Yes, Scottsdale is very safe for tourists, especially in main tourist areas like Old Town, North Scottsdale resorts, and shopping districts like Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Fashion Square. It’s one of Arizona’s safest cities with low crime rates in tourist zones. Resort areas are exceptionally safe with 24/7 security. Standard travel precautions apply: don’t leave valuables visible in cars, be aware of surroundings when walking at night, and stay hydrated in the desert heat.
Your Scottsdale Arizona Adventure Awaits
Whether you’re booking championship golf tee times, reserving rooftop steakhouse tables, or planning desert hikes at sunrise, Scottsdale delivers unforgettable experiences.
From Old Town’s walkable energy to North Scottsdale’s serene luxury—this desert destination has something for every traveler.
One last question:
What’s the #1 experience you’re most excited to try in Scottsdale—championship golf, desert hiking, or rooftop dining with mountain views?
Drop us a line at contact@scottsdalespot.com—we’d love to hear what brings you to the desert.