Scottsdale, Arizona

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Scottsdale, Arizona

Described by the New York Times as “a desert version of Miami's South Beach,” Scottsdale is Arizona’s biggest hit. The city is rich in culture and natural grandeur. The Scottsdale Arts District lends to proud attractions of galleries, studios, and museums, while architectural majesties like Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West supplement the city’s Western heritage. Its position on the northern stretches of the Sonoran Desert and the McDowell Mountain Range makes the Scottsdale experience a spectacular one.

The City

Like a hidden oasis in the desert, Scottsdale has a wide variety of attractions that cater to every interest and passion. Rich in history and culture, this "desert version of Miami's South Beach”, as the New York Times put it, is rich history and cultural past, which feed into the new, vibrant world and provide perfect balance for a truly unique city. The 20th century would bring with it the beginnings of Scottsdale’s illustrious arts and culture scene. Artist Jessie Benton Evans allowed the Jokake Inn to be built on her property, which became a tearoom and guesthouse in the 1920s. The Inn now resides on the property of The Phoenician Resort and Hotel, which maintains a tea house of its own. Renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright established his winter home, Taliesin West, at the foot of the McDowell Mountains in 1937. Cosmetic extraordinaire Elizabeth Arden opened the Maine Chance Spa in 1940 as a getaway for local and international celebrities and royals. In 1970, “America’s original art walk” was created in downtown Scottsdale and renamed the Scottsdale ArtWalk. Perhaps most laudably, the citizens of Scottsdale approved a sales tax in the 1990s that would fund the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This act served to protect one-third of Scottsdale’s land.

Do & See

Scottsdale is a hot spot for shopping, dining, history and entertainment. In accompaniment to upscale attractions, the Sonoran Desert creates an assortment of rugged outdoor activities.

Dining

Dining in Scottsdale is a pure attraction. Many establishments offer open-air seating, allowing guests to take full advantage of the wonderful mountain vistas and the pleasant temperatures during summer and fall.

Cafés

The aroma of coffee and the golden warmth of tea are much more wonderful combined with a view of the rolling Sonoran Desert and a fresh mountain breeze. The delicious drinks, along with even tastier food, can be found in and around Scottsdale's vast array of cafes. If you're looking for a great bistro to grab a bite to eat, be sure to visit some of Scottsdale's finest establishments.

Bars & Nightlife

The nightlife in Scottsdale is second to none: bars, lounges, saloons, and breweries can all be found in and nearby Scottsdale. The majority of clubs and lounges are located on resort properties offering splendid, upscale settings. If you don't want to worry about a dress code and plan on keeping it simple, visit some lower key places where you can also bump into some celebrities.

Shopping

Scottsdale is, perhaps, well known for its bountiful shopping centers, outlet malls, and specialty boutiques. Kierland Commons is wonderful place to start, but don't limit yourself to just downtown Scottsdale or only Scottsdale. You can find numerous shopping areas scattered in the surrounding area, each featuring better shops than the last. Be sure to grab a bite to eat and refuel while shopping!

Tourist Information