Scottsdale is the polished resort city on the northeast side of the Phoenix area, set against the McDowell Mountains in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona. Its walkable Old Town mixes Western-themed streets, galleries, restaurants and nightlife; north of it, more than 30,500 acres of protected desert and 230 miles (370 km) of trails start almost at the edge of town. Frank Lloyd Wright built his winter home and studio, Taliesin West, here, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Winter and spring bring golf, spas, Cactus League spring training and one of the loudest golf tournaments in the world, while summer brings dangerous heat above 100 °F (38 °C), monsoon storms and the lowest hotel prices of the year. Arizona keeps the same clock all year, so check the time difference before you book that first tee time.
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Scottsdale at a glance
- Best for: golf and spa resorts, desert hiking, Western art and galleries, spring training baseball, food and nightlife in Old Town, and road trips to Sedona and the Grand Canyon.
- How long: 3–4 nights for Old Town, Taliesin West and a couple of desert hikes; 5–7 to add golf, a spa day and a day trip.
- Best time: late October to April, with highs of 65–87 °F (18–31 °C). June to August averages 102–104 °F (39–40 °C).
- Getting there: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is the nearest major airport, about a 20–30 minute drive to Old Town.
- Hotel bills: add about 13.97% in hotel taxes, plus a nightly resort fee at many resorts (the tax applies to the resort fee too).
- Before you go: entry rules for international visitors (ESTA or visa), money, driving and tipping are in our United States travel guide.
Scottsdale areas and who each one suits
Old Town Scottsdale
The historic heart of the city, around Scottsdale Road and Indian School Road, and the place to stay if you want to walk to dinner. Old Town brings together the Western-style streets of the original village, the Arts District around Main Street and Marshall Way, the Fifth Avenue shops, Scottsdale Stadium, and the bars and clubs of the entertainment district.
Central Scottsdale and Paradise Valley
South and west of Old Town, along Camelback Road and around Camelback Mountain, are some of the best-known luxury resorts, many technically in the separate town of Paradise Valley or in Phoenix. Good for a resort-and-spa trip with Old Town 10–15 minutes away.
North Scottsdale
Spread out, quieter and greener in the golf sense, with the TPC Scottsdale courses, big golf and spa resorts, the Kierland and Scottsdale Quarter shopping areas, Taliesin West and the trailheads of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. You will need a car here.
Top things to see in Scottsdale
Old Town and the Arts District
The Arts District has dozens of galleries selling everything from cowboy bronzes and Native American jewelry to contemporary painting; on Thursday evenings many of them stay open late for the long-running ArtWalk, and the streets fill with people strolling between openings. Fifth Avenue is good for jewelry, turquoise, boots and souvenirs, and the Civic Center around the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and the Museum of Contemporary Art has lawns, public art and shaded paths.
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
The city’s Western art museum, at 3830 N. Marshall Way in Old Town, tells the story of the American West through painting, sculpture, Native American art and objects, with changing exhibitions alongside its permanent collection. It opens Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with late opening to 8 p.m. on Thursdays from November to April; it is closed on Mondays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Check ticket prices on the museum’s site before you go.
Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home, studio and architecture school, founded in 1937 in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, is a National Historic Landmark and part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing for Wright’s 20th-century architecture. Wright and his apprentices built it by hand from “desert masonry”, local stone set in concrete, with canvas roofs and redwood beams, and it is one of his most personal works. You can only visit with a ticket, and reservations are strongly recommended.
- Self-Guided Audio Tour (60–75 minutes, the main tour): adults $44 and youth 6–17 $22 from October to May; $39 and $19 from June to September. You use a free app on your own phone, so bring headphones.
- Opening: in October 2026 open Wednesday to Monday (closed Tuesday), first tour 10 a.m., last entry 1:45 p.m.; from 1 November 2026 to 28 February 2027 open daily, 10 a.m. to last entry 3:45 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and Easter Sunday.
- Behind-the-Scenes Tour (about 2–2½ hours, small groups): $110 adults, at 10 a.m. on set weekdays from 3 November 2026 to 30 April 2027.
- Golden Hour Sunset Hike (90 minutes outdoors, $65 adults): Saturday and Sunday evenings from 3 October to 27 December 2026; the Apprentice Shelter Hike runs weekend mornings from 2 January to 28 March 2027.
Guided tours are not meant for children under 6. There is no food or drink for sale on site, though there are water fountains and bottle-filling stations, and paths are gravel and uneven, so wear sturdy shoes and a hat. Arrive no more than 20 minutes before your tour time.
Camelback Mountain
The double-humped mountain on the Phoenix–Paradise Valley border is the Valley’s most famous hike and a landmark you will see from all over Scottsdale. Its two summit trails, Echo Canyon and Cholla, are short but steep, rocky scrambles with big drops, real climbs rather than strolls, and the trailhead parking lots fill early. Camelback is managed by the City of Phoenix, which closes both trails from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on days when the National Weather Service issues an Extreme Heat Warning (more on heat safety below).
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Scottsdale’s own desert preserve covers more than 30,500 acres in the north of the city, with over 230 miles (370 km) of trails for hikers, mountain bikers and riders. It is open every day from sunrise to sunset and free to enter; gates open roughly 30 minutes before sunrise. The Gateway Trailhead, off Thompson Peak Parkway, has parking, restrooms, shade and water, and is the usual starting point for first-time visitors; Tom’s Thumb is known for its granite boulders and views. Brown’s Ranch Trailhead is closed for improvements as of early October 2026, with reopening expected in late October. Some trailheads have no drinking water, so fill up before you go. See our hiking guide for more trail ideas.
Other things to do in Scottsdale
Golf, resorts and spas
Scottsdale is one of the great golf destinations of the United States, with dozens of courses in the desert, many of them at or next to resorts. The best known is the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale, home of the WM Phoenix Open, which is open to the public; other well-known names include Troon North and the courses of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Tee times are most expensive from January to April and cheapest in summer, when early-morning rounds are the only comfortable ones. The big resorts also have large spas, ideal for hot afternoons.
Spring training: the Cactus League
Every February and March, 15 Major League Baseball teams train and play exhibition games at 10 ballparks around the Phoenix area, the Cactus League. Two of them are in Scottsdale: Scottsdale Stadium in Old Town, spring home of the San Francisco Giants, and Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, shared by the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies. Opening Day for 2027 is Friday 19 February 2027, with the Rockies at the Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields and a Diamondbacks split squad at the Giants in Scottsdale, and the schedule lists 229 games through February and March. Weekend games and hotels sell out, so book early.
The WM Phoenix Open
Despite the name, the PGA Tour’s WM Phoenix Open is played at TPC Scottsdale, and it is famous for the biggest and loudest crowds in golf, especially around the stadium-style 16th hole. The 2027 tournament week is 8–14 February 2027. Expect heavy traffic and very high hotel prices that week.
Day trips from Scottsdale
Phoenix
Arizona’s capital is right next door: downtown Phoenix is about 12 miles (19 km) from Old Town Scottsdale. Its highlights include the Heard Museum of Native American art, the Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park (on the Scottsdale side of the city), the Musical Instrument Museum, and hikes at Piestewa Peak and South Mountain, one of the largest city parks in the country.
Sedona
Sedona’s red rocks are about 2 hours north by car, making it the most popular day trip from Scottsdale. Go early for a hike among the buttes, browse the galleries, drive Oak Creek Canyon or take a jeep tour; trailhead parking fills fast, and summer afternoons are hot.
The Grand Canyon
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is 231 miles (372 km) from Phoenix, about a 4-hour drive each way from Scottsdale. It is possible as a very long day trip, but much better with at least one night nearby. Entry is $35 per private vehicle for 7 days, and non-US residents aged 16 and over pay an extra $100 per person unless they have an annual or America the Beautiful pass. See our Grand Canyon National Park travel guide for rim, hiking and lodging details.
Monument Valley, Tucson and Las Vegas
Monument Valley, on the Navajo Nation, is about 5 hours away, best on a multi-day loop with Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Tucson and Saguaro National Park are about 2 hours south, and Las Vegas is about 5 hours northwest; see our Las Vegas travel guide if you are combining the two cities.
Nearby destinations
- Phoenix15 km
- Sedona153 km
- Grand Canyon National Park285 km
Getting there and getting around
From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Phoenix Sky Harbor is the main airport for Scottsdale, about 10 miles (16 km) from Old Town, a 20–30 minute drive outside rush hour. Inside the airport, the PHX Sky Train is free and runs 24 hours a day, every 3½–7 minutes from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. (less often overnight, during maintenance), linking the terminals with the Rental Car Center, the economy parking lots and Valley Metro Rail at 44th Street and Washington. All the rental companies are in the Rental Car Center; reserve ahead, as cars for walk-up customers are limited.
Airport taxi rates are the same whatever the company or number of passengers: $7 for the first mile, $2.60 for each additional mile, $36 per hour of traffic delay and an $18 minimum fare. That works out at roughly $30–35 to Old Town before a tip. Uber and Lyft pick up from marked zones at each terminal’s curbs. The light rail does not reach Scottsdale.
The Scottsdale Trolley
The city’s trolley is free and runs three routes: 68th/Camelback, Miller/Hayden and Mustang, connecting Old Town and nearby neighborhoods with shopping, parks and regional bus routes. Trolleys come every 20 minutes, Monday to Friday from 5:45 a.m. to 7:45 p.m., with no service on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving or Christmas. The 68th/Camelback route has been detoured during a storm drain project that runs to December 2026, so check the route map before you ride.
Driving and walking
Scottsdale is built for cars, and you will want one for the preserve, Taliesin West, golf and day trips. Old Town itself is very walkable, with free public parking garages, but distances in the north of the city are large. Watch for sudden dust storms and flooded washes in summer (see below). Cycling is pleasant in winter on the Indian Bend Wash greenbelt, a long park-lined path through the middle of the city.
When to go and how long to stay
Scottsdale has a hot desert climate with sunshine on most days of the year. The main season runs from late October to April, when days are warm and sunny and the resorts, golf courses and spring training are at their busiest and most expensive. Summer is extremely hot, with highs over 100 °F (38 °C) from June to September, but it is also when resorts cut their prices sharply.
| Season | Average high | Average low | What it’s like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 76–92 °F (24–33 °C) | 52–67 °F (11–19 °C) | Warm and dry; wildflowers and cactus blooms; the busiest season. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 102–104 °F (39–40 °C) | 76–83 °F (24–28 °C) | Extreme heat; monsoon storms, dust storms and flash floods from July. |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 98 °F (37 °C) falling to 75 °F (24 °C) | 75 °F (24 °C) falling to 51 °F (11 °C) | Hot September, lovely late October and November. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 65–69 °F (18–21 °C) | 43–46 °F (6–8 °C) | Mild, sunny days and cool nights; the wettest months, though still dry. |
Figures are NOAA 1991–2020 normals for Scottsdale Airport. The city gets about 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain a year, mostly in winter and during the summer monsoon.
Staying safe in the summer heat
Heat is the biggest danger for visitors to Scottsdale, and hikers get into trouble every year. When the National Weather Service issues an Extreme Heat Warning, it advises avoiding outdoor activity in the heat of the day, drinking plenty of water and staying in air conditioning as much as possible. On those days the City of Phoenix closes the Echo Canyon and Cholla trails on Camelback Mountain, the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail and some South Mountain trails from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dogs are not allowed on City of Phoenix trails when it is above 100 °F (38 °C), and Scottsdale’s preserve asks you to leave your dog at home if it will be over 90 °F (32 °C).
- Hike at sunrise from May to September and be off the trail by mid-morning.
- Drink at least two cups of water two hours before you start, and about 5 ounces (150 ml) every 15 minutes on the trail.
- When half your water is gone, turn around.
- Wear a hat, sunscreen and light-colored clothing that covers your skin, and sturdy shoes; watch for rattlesnakes.
- Call 911 if someone is confused or stops sweating: heat stroke is an emergency.
Monsoon, dust storms and flash floods
From about mid-June to the end of September, the summer monsoon brings afternoon and evening thunderstorms, lightning, strong winds and sudden downpours. Thunderstorm winds can raise a wall of dust, a haboob, that cuts visibility to almost nothing in seconds. If you see dense dust ahead while driving, the National Weather Service advises pulling off the pavement as far as you can, stopping, turning off all your lights, setting the parking brake and taking your foot off the brake pedal, so other drivers do not follow your taillights into you. Never drive into a flooded wash or road dip: water rises fast and cars are swept away every year. Check the forecast and road conditions before a summer day trip.
Arizona time: no daylight saving
Most of Arizona, including Scottsdale, stays on Mountain Standard Time all year (time zone America/Phoenix). From March to early November, that puts Scottsdale on the same clock as Las Vegas and Los Angeles; in winter it matches Denver. The big exception is the Navajo Nation, including Monument Valley, which does change its clocks.
How long to stay: 3, 4 and 5 days
- 3 days: Old Town and the Arts District on day one, ending with dinner; a sunrise hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and an afternoon at Taliesin West on day two; Camelback at dawn or a round of golf, then the pool or spa, on day three.
- 4 days: add a day trip to Sedona.
- 5 days: add Phoenix (the Heard Museum and the Desert Botanical Garden) or a spring training game, or spend a night at the Grand Canyon.
Where to stay in Scottsdale: resort fees and hotel tax
Old Town is best if you want to walk to restaurants, galleries and bars. The large resorts along Camelback Road, in Paradise Valley and in north Scottsdale suit golf, spa and pool trips, while chain hotels near the Loop 101 and in north Scottsdale are better value. Rates are highest from January to April, especially during the WM Phoenix Open and spring training, and lowest from June to September.
Scottsdale hotel bills carry four taxes: Arizona’s transient lodging tax of 5.5%, Maricopa County’s 1.77%, the City of Scottsdale’s 1.70% hotel/motel tax and an additional 5% city transient tax. Together that comes to about 13.97% of the room rate. The city’s additional tax also applies to resort fees and to no-show and cancellation charges. On a $300 night, that is about $42 in tax.
Many Scottsdale resorts add a daily resort fee for things like the pool, Wi-Fi, parking or fitness classes. Under the Federal Trade Commission’s fee rule, in force since 12 May 2025, hotels and booking sites must show the total price including mandatory fees up front; taxes can be shown separately before you pay. Compare the total, not the headline rate, and ask what parking costs, as some resorts charge for it separately.
Practical tips for Scottsdale
- Book ahead in high season: Taliesin West tours, spring training tickets, popular tee times, restaurants and hotels during the WM Phoenix Open week and spring training all sell out.
- Start early: hikes, golf and sightseeing go best in the morning year-round, and they are essential in summer.
- Trailhead parking: Camelback and the busiest preserve trailheads fill early on winter weekends; arrive at sunrise or go midweek.
- Getting around at night: the free trolley stops in the early evening and does not run at weekends, so use ride-hailing or taxis for dinners and nightlife.
- Emergencies: call 911 for police, fire, ambulance and mountain rescue.
What to pack for Scottsdale
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen in every season.
- A refillable water bottle, plus a hydration pack or extra bottles for hiking.
- Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip for rocky trails like Camelback.
- Light, breathable clothes for daytime and a sweater or light jacket for winter evenings in the desert.
- Swimwear for resort pools, which are open all year.
- Headphones for the Taliesin West audio tour.
Scottsdale travel FAQ
Is the Scottsdale Trolley free?
Yes. The trolley is fare-free on all three routes (68th/Camelback, Miller/Hayden and Mustang). It runs every 20 minutes, Monday to Friday from 5:45 a.m. to 7:45 p.m., but not at weekends or on six major holidays.
What is the hotel tax in Scottsdale?
About 13.97% in total: Arizona’s 5.5% transient lodging tax, Maricopa County’s 1.77%, and the City of Scottsdale’s 1.70% hotel/motel tax plus its additional 5% transient tax. The city tax also applies to resort fees.
How do I get from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to Scottsdale?
Most visitors rent a car or take a taxi or ride-hail. Taxis charge $7 for the first mile and $2.60 per mile after that, so roughly $30–35 to Old Town. The free PHX Sky Train takes you from the terminals to the Rental Car Center.
How much does Taliesin West cost?
The Self-Guided Audio Tour costs $44 for adults and $22 for ages 6–17 from October to May, and $39 and $19 from June to September. The Behind-the-Scenes Tour is $110 for adults. Reservations are strongly recommended and the site is not open without a ticket.
When is spring training in Scottsdale in 2027?
Cactus League Opening Day is Friday 19 February 2027, with games through February and March. In Scottsdale, the Giants play at Scottsdale Stadium in Old Town, and the Diamondbacks and Rockies at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.
When is the WM Phoenix Open in 2027?
The 2027 WM Phoenix Open week is 8–14 February 2027 at TPC Scottsdale. Book hotels early.
Is Camelback Mountain closed in summer?
Not for the whole summer, but the City of Phoenix closes the Echo Canyon and Cholla trails from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Extreme Heat Warning days.
Does Scottsdale observe daylight saving time?
No. Scottsdale, like most of Arizona, stays on Mountain Standard Time all year. In summer it has the same time as Las Vegas and Los Angeles; in winter, the same as Denver. The Navajo Nation is the exception.
When is the best time to visit Scottsdale?
Late October to April, when highs are mostly 65–87 °F (18–31 °C). February and March are the busiest and most expensive months because of golf, the WM Phoenix Open and spring training. Summer is very hot but much cheaper.
Can you visit the Grand Canyon on a day trip from Scottsdale?
Yes, but it is a long one: the South Rim is about 4 hours each way. Leave before dawn, or better, stay a night near the park. Entry is $35 per vehicle, plus $100 per person for non-US residents aged 16 and over without an annual or America the Beautiful pass.
Plan your trip
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Sources · last reviewed 4 October 2026
Researched and last reviewed on 4 October 2026. Trolley routes, hours and detours, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, its trailheads and heat advice, and the city hotel taxes: City of Scottsdale; state and county lodging tax rates: the City of Phoenix combined tax rate chart; Camelback Mountain and Extreme Heat Warning trail closures: City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation; Taliesin West tours, prices and schedules: Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation; museum hours: Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West; spring training: the Cactus League; tournament dates: the WM Phoenix Open; airport transport and taxi rates: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport; Grand Canyon fees and distance: National Park Service; heat and dust storm safety: National Weather Service; resort fees: Federal Trade Commission; climate: NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals for Scottsdale Airport. Golf courses, resorts, the ArtWalk, the monsoon season dates, distances and drive times are general references and flagged for checking. Prices, hours and timetables change, so check the official sites before you go. For entry rules, money and general safety, see our United States travel guide.
Data: Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Air quality: OpenAQ · Rates: ECB · Holidays: Nager.Date · Costs: World Bank ICP and price levels · Wikidata (CC0)