Desert resorts, golf and Old West charm
Scottsdale is an upscale desert city on the east side of the Phoenix metro area, known for golf, spa resorts, galleries and the bars and restaurants of Old Town. Saguaro-covered hills and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve offer easy hiking, and Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West is a design highlight. It suits couples, golfers and groups looking for a sunny winter escape. Sedona and the Grand Canyon are classic longer day trips.
Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.
Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and studio, built from desert rock and canvas from 1937. Guided tours explain his ideas about living with the landscape.
Check the official site for current prices.
The historic center with Western-wear shops, art galleries, restaurants and bars. Thursday evening Art Walks fill the gallery district.
Free to explore.
A large garden of cactus and desert plants from around the world, set among red buttes in Papago Park. It is especially beautiful in spring bloom.
Check the official site for current prices.
A steep, rocky summit hike with views across the valley, one of the most popular climbs in Arizona. It is demanding and busy.
Free trail; parking is limited.
A museum of art and history of the American West, with paintings, sculpture and artifacts. It is a Smithsonian affiliate in Old Town.
Check the official site for current prices.
A large indoor rainforest conservatory with thousands of butterflies, plus an aquarium and insect exhibits. It is a hit with families.
Check the official site for current prices.
A huge protected desert area with saguaros and trails for all levels. Gateway and Tom's Thumb trailheads are popular.
Free trails.
A small museum of contemporary art, architecture and design in a converted cinema in Old Town. It also has a Skyspace by James Turrell.
Check the official site for current prices.
A town surrounded by red rock formations with hiking, jeep tours and scenic drives. It is the classic day trip from Phoenix.
Free to visit the town; some trailheads need a Red Rock Pass.
One of the world's great natural wonders, a vast canyon carved by the Colorado River. From Scottsdale it is a very long day trip or better an overnight.
Private vehicle 35 USD in 2026; non-US residents 16 and over pay an extra 100 USD per person, per the NPS fees page.
Everything above is open to read. A Hodolog account lets you build the trip around it.
Choose how many days you have.
Day one hiking and Taliesin West, day two at the Desert Botanical Garden and Old Town museums, day three at the butterfly conservatory and Western museum.
An Old West town known for the O.K. Corral.
180 mi · Car, about 3 hours
Water fun and wild horses in the Tonto National Forest.
28 mi · Car, about 45 minutes
Rugged desert scenery and Lost Dutchman State Park.
37 mi · Car, about 1 hour
Native American art museum.
12 mi · Drive about 25 minutes
Lake and desert scenery.
31 mi · Drive about 1 hour
Cliff dwelling near Camp Verde.
87 mi · Drive about 1.75 hours
Best: October to April. Warm, sunny days and cool nights, ideal for hiking and golf.
Daily high and average, by month
Typical inches per month
Busy season. Higher prices, bigger crowds.
Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.
Late February to March
Major league teams train in the Phoenix area, including at Scottsdale Stadium.
February (February 8 to 14 in 2027)
A famously rowdy PGA Tour golf event at TPC Scottsdale.
Late February to March
Teams train and play exhibition games in the Phoenix area.
February
A long running horse show at WestWorld; confirm dates.
January
Classic car auction in Scottsdale; confirm dates.
Based on UK FCDO travel advice for the USA (there is no US advisory for domestic travel): violent crime rarely affects tourists, so normal city precautions apply; in Scottsdale the biggest risk is summer heat, so carry water when hiking.
Old Town is walkable, but resorts, trailheads and sights are spread out.
A free Old Town trolley and Valley Metro buses help, but most visitors drive or use rideshare.
The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.
Best for: first-timers, nightlife
Walk to galleries, restaurants and bars.
Best for: luxury, couples
High-end resorts beneath Camelback Mountain.
Best for: golfers, nature lovers
Golf resorts and access to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Best for: budget, younger travelers
Cheaper hotels near the university, light rail and nightlife.
Best for: art lovers, shoppers
Galleries and canal side dining.
Best for: hikers, families
Resorts at the base of Camelback Mountain.
| Main airport | Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), 12 mi from the center |
| To the center | Taxi or rideshare to Old Town is simplest. |
| Around town | A car or rideshare is needed for most sights; walk and use the trolley in Old Town. |
| Ride apps | Uber, Lyft |
A bacon-wrapped hot dog with beans and salsa.
A fried burrito claimed as an Arizona invention.
Cactus fruit in margaritas, candy and lemonade.
Carne asada and flour tortillas reflect the border region.
Chimichangas, tacos and green chile stews.
Native American influenced food.
Ranch style menus.
Common in Old Town.
| Plugs | Type A and B, 120 V |
| Tap water | Safe to drink |
| Tipping | Tip 18 to 20 percent at sit-down restaurants, a few dollars per drink at bars, and 15 to 20 percent for taxis and tours. |
| Payments | Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere; carry a little cash for tips and small vendors. |
| Etiquette | Resort casual is fine nearly everywhere. On trails, yield to uphill hikers and pack out trash. |
The Hohokam people farmed the area with canals for centuries before it was abandoned. Army chaplain Winfield Scott founded the farm town in the 1890s. Frank Lloyd Wright began building Taliesin West in 1937, and artists followed. After World War II, resorts and golf turned Scottsdale into a winter destination, branded as the West's Most Western Town.
Researched 2026-10-13. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.