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Scottsdale Travel Guide: 253 reviews and 595 photos
On our way to Tucson and the Tanque Verde Ranch, we stopped in "Old Downtown Scottsdale" for a little lunch, to enjoy a little flavor of the Old West and to have a look at the artwork and many shops that are pervasive in this part of town. Having been here 10 prior, I was anxious to see if the town was just as nice as I had remembered it before and I was certainly not disappointed with this visit. Scottsdale is what I would call an upscale town. It seems to have it all: good housing, an array of amenities, green spaces, close by mountains, beautiful natural geography, western history and a good standard of living.
It seems that many people, especially from states with very cold winters, come to the Scottsdale area of Arizona to retire. Others just spend the winter here. Summers in southern Arizona can be extremely hot with low humidity. The first time we visited Arizona was in July and the thermometer reached 114F degrees!! Because of the desert, night-time temperatures can be very cool. Perhaps because of the heat in summer, the lifestyle seems a little more unhurried than in many places and activities begin earlier in the day. The people of Arizona seem genuine, friendly, likeable, and ready to have a conversation with you.
Scottsdale is within a day's drive of Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, Slippery Rock State Park, the Grand Canyon, the Superstition Mountains and the Apache Trail, Tucson, Tombstone and so much more. In town there is a PGA championship golf course, museums, shopping & restaurants, history, entertainment, luxurious resorts, and plenty of outdoor sports!!
For all these reasons, I find Scottsdale very liveable!
Old Downtown Scottsdale is what some would call the 'heart of town' and a place which is so charming with a hint of the Old West about it. There are many lovely shops and unique restaurants, and there is as much public art & sculpture here as any place I've ever visited. It seems to be everywhere! The natural beauty of the desert must be inspiring to anyone with artistic inclinations! I particularly like the way the town has gardens, container gardens, cacti and flowers planted all around. It really adds a particularly beautiful touch to this town.
The Old Downtown area can be enjoyed in a day, is very walkable and has good parking which is even free in some spots. You can also enjoy touring the area with a horse and carriage for a somewhat romantc view! We enjoy returning to Old Downtown Scottsdale whenever we are in Arizona!
- Pros:Charming old downtown, art everywhere, nice place to live!
- Cons:Didn't Find Any Really but Stay Out of the Mid-Day Heat!
Reviews (8)
The Apache Trail ~ A Rugged Experience
Off The Beaten Path
(1)
During our first visit to Scottsdale quite a few years ago, we learned about the Apache Trail. Beginning just on the... more travel advice
Rawhide ~ For Little Cowpokes
Things to Do
(4)
This tip should really be listed in "Off the Beaten Track" tips but the first time we visited Arizona and stayed in... more travel advice
Something from Everywhere
Shopping
(1)
The Mexican Imports store is a jumble of items ranging from t-shirts, mass-produced souvenirs, postcards, Mexican clay... more travel advice
One of the Very Best in Scottsdale
Hotels
(1)
Formerly known simply as the Scottsdale Princess, this hotel provided us with possibly one of the best family vacations... more travel advice
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Comments (14)
Hi Sylvia...Scottsdale certainly seems an interesting place...so many national Parks out this way..The mexican odds and sodds store looks interesting also..
A trip along the Apache Trail sounds exciting. Gorgeous page with great photos of Scottsdale here. Well done.
We enjoyed Scottsdale on our trip-but did not get to see some sites you did. Thanks for the great detail, and wish more time allowed us to get to more places. Good presentation and pictures
Wow, you sure lucked out on your accommodations eh! the place sounds fantastic. I would love that Mexican Imports Shop for sure.
Sylvia, these are ALL 5 star tips. So insightful, interesting, positive, and honest. Excellent introduction. Awesome tip about your hotel. . I've been to old town and was excited to read your opinions. Such terrific photographs. Wow! is what I say.
Glad you enjoyed the kuxury at the Princess...we have been staying in resorts for the past 4 weeks because of the weekend sales here in Arizona...great Scottsdale tips and Apache Trail is a bit scary but FUN, Norman :)
Apart from a short excursion to Grand Canyon I have not been in Arizona yet, but maybe in future. Thanks for the ratings. Best. Laszlo
We also visited Taliesen West and enjoyed seeing Frank Lloyd Wright's inspired creation--it was in April, so we didn't experience the severe heat that you did but it seemed HOT enough even that time of year.
I really need to get in and get off on another trip to those beautiful spots in the USA!Thanks for the tour of another interesting place - shame yr family didnt want to go see FLWrights school-Id love to!
This looks like quite a vacation trip!! Excellent photos and descriptions of everything, including the amazing Taliesin West architecture, your sumptuous lodgings and delicious meal!