This Scottsdale travel guide covers everything you need to plan a great trip to Scottsdale, Arizona. Scottsdale is a sunny desert resort city near Phoenix, known for golf, spas, Old Town nightlife and Sonoran Desert hikes.
This guide is written for American travellers: it covers how to get there, when to go, where to stay, what it costs in US dollars and the experiences worth your time.
Scottsdale travel guide: quick facts
| Scottsdale at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | Arizona |
| Nearest airport | Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) |
| Getting there | About 2 hours to Sedona |
| Best time to visit | October to April |
| Time needed | 3 days |
| Best for | Golfers, couples and wellness seekers |
Why visit Scottsdale
Scottsdale is ideal for golfers, couples and wellness seekers. Its headline experiences include Old Town Scottsdale, Camelback Mountain, Taliesin West and Desert Botanical Garden, and it pairs well with Sedona and Grand Canyon National Park. It is a place that rewards slowing down rather than rushing between sights.
How to get to Scottsdale
- By air: Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX).
- By road: About 2 hours to Sedona.
- Rental cars: available at Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX); book early for summer and holiday weekends.
Getting around Scottsdale
A car is useful for day trips, but the central districts are walkable and well served by rideshare. Rideshare apps work everywhere, and many downtown hotels charge high nightly parking fees, so think twice before keeping a car for city days.
Top things to do in Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale
Western shops, galleries and bars.
Camelback Mountain
A steep, popular hike. Combine it with a nearby café or viewpoint.
Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home.
Desert Botanical Garden
In Phoenix. Combine it with a nearby café or viewpoint.
Golf courses
More than 200 in the area.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Trails.
Spring training
Baseball in February and March.
Hot-air ballooning
Desert sunrise flights.
Other favourite experiences include golf, spa days, hiking and nightlife.
Travel gear we trust
- Best travel backpacks BuyrSkip
A 30–40 litre backpack handles a long weekend and fits under most airline seats. - Travel phones and smartwatches Buyzello
Phones with great cameras and wearables that track your hikes. - Top-rated wireless earbuds VerdictFox
Compact earbuds for flights, trains and long drives.
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Best time to visit Scottsdale
The best time to visit Scottsdale is October to April. Here is how the seasons compare:
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | March–May | Ideal: warm days, cool nights, wildflowers. |
| Summer | June–August | Very hot, often above 100°F at low elevations; hike only at dawn. |
| Fall | September–November | Excellent hiking weather and clear skies. |
| Winter | December–February | Mild days and cold nights; snow possible at higher elevations. |
Shoulder seasons usually offer the best mix of weather, prices and crowds.
Where to stay in Scottsdale
- Old Town: Walkable.
- North Scottsdale: Resorts.
- Paradise Valley: Luxury.
Typical nightly rates:
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $150–250 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | $260–450 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | $500–1,200 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
Book early for summer weekends and holidays, and compare total prices, including taxes and any resort or parking fees.
What to eat in Scottsdale
Don’t leave without trying Southwestern cuisine and Sonoran hot dogs. Ask locals for their favourite spots; the best places are often small and unassuming.
Suggested 3 days in Scottsdale
- Day 1: Old Town Scottsdale and Camelback Mountain.
- Day 2: Taliesin West and Desert Botanical Garden.
- Day 3: Golf courses, McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Spring training and Hot-air ballooning.
What to pack for Scottsdale
- Breathable clothing and a sun hat
- High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle
- Sandals and comfortable walking shoes
- A light rain jacket for afternoon storms
- Insect repellent
For a complete checklist, see our road trip packing list.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | $780–$1,350 |
| Food and drink | $540–$864 |
| Activities and entry fees | $140–$280 |
| Local transport or car | $180–$270 |
| Total | $1,640–$2,764 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trying to cover every neighbourhood in a day: cluster sights by area instead.
- Renting a car you will barely use and paying high overnight parking fees.
- Eating only in the main tourist zone, where prices are higher and quality lower.
- Skipping reservations for popular restaurants, tours and observation decks on weekends.
- Underestimating walking distances: bring comfortable shoes.
Accessibility and family travel
Most major attractions, museums and transit systems are wheelchair accessible, though older buildings and historic districts can have steps and uneven sidewalks. Families will find plenty of stroller-friendly parks and child-friendly museums, and many attractions offer discounted tickets for children and seniors.
Practical tips
- Summers are extremely hot.
- Spring training dates sell out.
- Tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Responsible travel tips
Popular places are under pressure from crowds. Visit on weekdays or in shoulder seasons, carpool or use shuttles, refill a reusable water bottle, and buy from local businesses. Respect Indigenous lands and cultural sites, follow posted closures, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Hit the road prepared
- Best dash cams for road trips VerdictFox
Record scenic drives and protect yourself if something happens on the highway. - 12V car fridges for road trips VerdictFox
Keep drinks and picnic food cold on long road trips without buying ice every day. - Power stations for camping and road trips VerdictFox
Run a cooler, charge cameras and power a CPAP at campsites without hookups.
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Nearby places to add to your trip
- Sedona: Sedona is surrounded by red-rock buttes, canyons and trails, known for hiking, jeep tours, spas and spiritual retreats.
- Grand Canyon National Park: The Grand Canyon is a mile-deep, 277-mile-long gorge carved by the Colorado River, one of the most awe-inspiring sights on Earth.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Scottsdale?
Plan 3 days to see the highlights without rushing, and add a day for day trips or hikes.
What is the best time to visit Scottsdale?
The best time is October to April.
How do you get to Scottsdale?
Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX). By road, it is about 2 hours to Sedona.
How much does a trip to Scottsdale cost?
Hotels typically cost $260–450 a night for mid-range rooms, and most travellers spend $250–$400 per person per day.
Is Scottsdale good for families?
Yes. It suits golfers, couples and wellness seekers, and families do best with a central base, early starts and a mix of sightseeing and downtime.
Final thoughts on Scottsdale travel guide
Scottsdale rewards travellers who plan the essentials and leave room for surprises. Book key stays and timed-entry or tour reservations early, travel in the shoulder seasons if you can, and give yourself time to enjoy the places that charm you most.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Sedona Travel Guide: Red Rock Hikes and Vortex Sites
- Grand Canyon Travel Guide: South Rim, Hikes and Planning Tips
- How to Plan a Budget Vacation in the USA: 25 Money-Saving Tips