Overview
America's desert spa capital — more luxury resort spas per square mile than anywhere in the country, surrounded by the stark beauty of the Sonoran Desert and hiking trails that lead to mountain vistas
Airport
PHX
From/day
$90
Best months
Oct, Nov, Dec
Local Tips
Safety
Very safe overall. In summer, heat is the biggest danger — always carry water, wear sunscreen, and avoid hiking after 10am when temperatures exceed 40°C.
Cultural Norms
Scottsdale is upscale and resort-oriented. Smart casual dress is standard at restaurants. Respect Native American sites and do not take artifacts.
Language
English. Some Spanish spoken.
Currency
USD. Cards accepted everywhere.
Tipping
Standard US tipping: 18-20% at restaurants, $2-5 for valet parking, 15-20% for spa services.
Getting Around
Public Transit
Walkability
Neighborhoods
Old Town Scottsdale
The walkable heart of the city with art galleries, western storefronts, restaurants, and nightlife along Stetson Drive and 5th Avenue.
Best for: Art galleries, dining, nightlife, and shopping
Scottsdale Arts District
Concentrated gallery area along Marshall Way and Main Street with the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.
Best for: Art lovers, Thursday evening ArtWalks, and contemporary galleries
North Scottsdale
Upscale area with luxury resorts, championship golf courses, and access to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Best for: Resort stays, golf, spa days, and desert hiking
South Scottsdale / Scottsdale Quarter
A more local, less touristy area with craft breweries, the Scottsdale Quarter shopping center, and diverse restaurants.
Best for: Craft beer, casual dining, and local vibes
Activities & Interests
How Scottsdale scores across 15 travel interests
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day Trip
Desert Hiking & Old Town
- •Hike Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon or Cholla Trail (start early to beat the heat)
- •Explore the galleries and shops of Old Town Scottsdale along 5th Avenue
- •Dinner at FnB or Citizen Public House followed by drinks on the Scottsdale waterfront
Spa Day & Arts
- •Morning spa treatment at one of Scottsdale's famous resort spas (Sanctuary on Camelback, Four Seasons, or CIVANA)
- •Visit the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) and walk the gallery district
- •Sunset Jeep tour through the Sonoran Desert to see saguaro cacti and desert wildlife
Sonoran Desert Exploration
- •Visit the Desert Botanical Garden in neighboring Phoenix to see desert plants and Chihuly-style installations
- •Hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve — try the Gateway Loop Trail (4.5 miles)
- •Farewell dinner at Mastro's City Hall or Steak 44
7-Day Trip
Arrival & Old Town
- •Settle in and walk Old Town Scottsdale's galleries, shops, and western-themed storefronts
- •Visit the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
- •Dinner at Cafe Monarch or FnB for farm-to-table Arizona cuisine
Camelback Mountain & Spa
- •Early morning hike up Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon Trail (1.2 miles, steep)
- •Afternoon spa session at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain
- •Evening cocktails and dinner along the Scottsdale waterfront
Desert Botanical Garden & Papago Park
- •Spend the morning at the Desert Botanical Garden exploring the trails and exhibits
- •Hike to Hole in the Rock at Papago Park for panoramic views
- •Visit the Heard Museum in Phoenix to learn about Native American art and culture
Day Trip to Sedona
- •Drive 2 hours north to Sedona through stunning red rock country
- •Hike Cathedral Rock or Devil's Bridge trail
- •Drive back via the scenic Oak Creek Canyon route
Golf & Wine
- •Play a round at one of Scottsdale's 200+ golf courses (TPC Scottsdale, Troon North, or We-Ko-Pa)
- •Afternoon wine tasting at the Scottsdale Wine Trail in Old Town
- •Dinner at Virtu Honest Craft or Bink's Midtown
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
- •Hike the Tom's Thumb Trail for dramatic granite formations and valley views
- •Take a guided horseback ride through the Sonoran Desert
- •Sunset hot air balloon ride over the desert (seasonal)
Western Heritage & Farewell
- •Visit Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's desert home and architecture school
- •Browse the western art galleries in Old Town and pick up Navajo jewelry
- •Farewell sunset dinner at The Mission or Lon's at the Hermosa Inn
Flights
Estimated round-trip prices from major US hubs
LAX
Round-trip estimate
$120
Best priceORD
Round-trip estimate
$260
ATL
Round-trip estimate
$280
JFK
Round-trip estimate
$320
MIA
Round-trip estimate
$320
Prices are estimates based on historical data. Check airlines for current fares.
Daily Budget
Estimated daily cost per person including accommodation, food, transport, and activities
Budget
$90
per day
Moderate
$200
per day
Luxury
$550
per day
7-Night Trip Estimate (1 person)
Budget
$750
incl. flights from LAX
Moderate
$1,520
incl. flights from LAX
Luxury
$3,970
incl. flights from LAX
When to Go
Jan
✓
Feb
✓
Mar
✓
Apr
✓
May
—
Jun
✗
Jul
✗
Aug
✗
Sep
—
Oct
✓
Nov
✓
Dec
✓
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 19° | 5° | 4d | Mild and sunny — perfect weather for hiking and golf. Peak season for snowbirds. |
| Feb | 21° | 7° | 4d | Pleasantly warm days. Wildflower season begins in the desert. |
| Mar | 24° | 9° | 4d | Spring training baseball season. Gorgeous weather, desert in bloom. |
| Apr | 29° | 13° | 2d | Warming up. Last comfortable month for midday hiking. |
| May | 34° | 18° | 1d | Getting hot. Hike only in early morning. Pool season begins. |
| Jun | 40° | 24° | 1d | Extreme heat. Outdoor activities before 8am only. Resort pools are essential. |
| Jul | 41° | 27° | 5d | Monsoon season starts with dramatic afternoon thunderstorms. Hottest month. |
| Aug | 40° | 27° | 5d | Monsoon continues. Hot and humid by desert standards. |
| Sep | 37° | 23° | 3d | Heat begins to ease. Monsoon tapers off. |
| Oct | 31° | 16° | 2d | Beautiful fall weather returns. Great for outdoor activities. |
| Nov | 24° | 9° | 3d | Ideal temperatures. Resort season ramps up. |
| Dec | 19° | 5° | 4d | Cool and pleasant. Holiday events and festivals throughout Scottsdale. |
Temperatures in Celsius. Rain days = days with measurable precipitation.
Nearby Destinations
Sedona, Arizona
Iconic red rock landscapes, vortex sites, and world-class hiking just north of Scottsdale
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Another desert arts destination with adobe architecture, galleries, and Southwestern cuisine
San Diego, California
Swap desert heat for Pacific breezes with beaches, craft beer, and excellent Mexican food