Scottsdale offers something for everyone with the grace and class only a world-class destination can. From the rugged mountains that ring it to its top-notch amenities, locals and the millions who’ve come here have many good reasons for loving it.

Events

  • The Waste Management Phoenix Open Golf Tournament, is held in late January at the TPC Golf Course at the Princess Hotel. Dubbed the Greatest Show on Grass, it drew well over 600,000 fans during its four-day run in 2016.
  • The Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction also takes place in Scottsdale every January and pulls in crowds from all over the globe. It sales top the millions, some of which goes to charities.
  • The Arizona Rock & Roll Marathon takes runners through Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe. The celebration and run for the participants lasts all weekend, with the marathon’s main event scheduled on a Sunday.

The city also sponsors off-season events, like Junk in the Trunk when the summer’s heat still grips the city. The Scottsdale Culinary Festival gives guests a taste of specialties from local restaurateurs and breweries.

The Arts

Photo Courtesy of the Scottsdale Philharmonic

Thanks to the Scottsdale Philharmonic Orchestra, music lovers can enjoy free concerts at venues throughout the city. Scottsdale has no shortage of private galleries, and its public centerpiece, the Scottsdale Center for the Arts, sponsors performances and shows throughout the year.

Night Life

Counter Intuitive / Courtesy of Experience Scottsdale

Of all the cities in the Phoenix metro area, Scottsdale boasts the most upscale and active nightlife. Plenty of bars, nightclubs, pubs, and clubs offer an eclectic mix of musical and comedy styles. It’s home to two casinos that lie next to the city’s eastern boundary.

A Nature Lover’s Paradise

McDowell Mountain Regional Park

Those who prefer the quiet and natural have a wealth of opportunities just out their doors. McDowell Mountain Regional Park encompasses 21,099 acres of camping, equestrian, hiking and picnicking areas. Tonto National Forest to the east is a rugged mountainous area that spans 4,489 square miles.

Folks who want a more civilized experience will enjoy the 11 miles of the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt that bisects the city, along with swimming with the dolphins at Dolphinaris Arizona. The Butterfly Wonderland recreates a natural rainforest with thousands of butterflies.

Shopping Areas

Old Town Scottsdale

Scottsdale has more than its share of upscale retail centers that include:

These shopping areas specialize in high-end boutiques and retailers, as well as fine and casual dining.

Sports

The San Francisco Giants spend spring training in Scottsdale amid their fans from all over the country. Besides hosting the Cactus League, the metro area has its own professional football, basketball, baseball, hockey and women’s basketball teams.

Because it’s a year-round climate, the city has 150 of the finest golf courses in the country, 30 of which are public play. Can’t-miss courses include Troon North, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, The Boulders and Grayhawk.

Dining

Photo Courtesy of the Fat Ox

As a world-class destination, you’ll find abundant places for fine and casual dining. They’re found inside tony resorts and spas, as well as tucked inside local strip shopping centers. Travel & Leisure suggests The Fat Ox, Cowboy Ciao, and the Merci French Cafe & Patisserie as the best in the Scottsdale area.

Local Awards

When all these elements of Scottsdale living are put together, it’s no wonder it’s won lots of awards. The most recent include: