Hike the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
North Scottsdale 3 hrs
Explore miles of desert trails with stunning views.
Where to stay
Hotels in Scottsdale
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At a glance
Climate
Arid
Languages
English and Spanish
Local currency
USD
(USD)
Local time
(GMT-7)
Ideal trip length
3–7 days
Cost level
4 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Old Town Scottsdale
Tap water
Generally described as safe to drink
Tipping
15-20% customary
What this place is for
History
95 · Outstanding
Culture
90 · Outstanding
Food
90 · Outstanding
Family
80 · Very good
Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.
Food to try
Sonoran Hot Dog
Prickly Pear Margarita
Southwestern Cuisine
Date Shake
When to visit Scottsdale
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: March
Busiest: Nov-Apr
-
Jan90
Cool, sunny, perfect
-
Feb90
Mild, pleasant
-
Mar95
Warm, ideal
-
Apr85
Warm, comfortable
-
May70
Hot begins
-
Jun40
Very hot, dry
-
Jul30
Extremely hot, monsoon
-
Aug35
Hot, humid, monsoon
-
Sept50
Hot, cooling down
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Oct75
Pleasant, warm
-
Nov85
Mild, sunny
-
Dec90
Cool, clear skies
Things to do in Scottsdale
7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 7 of 7 places ·
Best in the morning
3 places
Visit the Desert Botanical Garden
Phoenix/Papago Park 2.5 hrs
Immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of desert flora.
Experience a Hot Air Balloon Ride
North Scottsdale 3 hrs
Soar above the Sonoran Desert for breathtaking sunrise views.
Best in the afternoon
1 place
Explore Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town 4 hrs
Wander through historic streets filled with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
Best in the evening
1 place
Dine at a Fine Southwestern Restaurant
Old Town/Resort Areas 2 hrs
Savor innovative cuisine blending local ingredients with regional flavors.
Any time of day
2 places
Tour Taliesin West
East Scottsdale 2 hrs
Discover Frank Lloyd Wright's desert masterpiece and architectural school.
Indulge in a Luxury Spa Day
Resort Areas 4 hrs
Relax and rejuvenate at one of Scottsdale's world-class resort spas.
Things to book
Tours and activities in Scottsdale
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
Standard tour
Verde Valley Wine Tasting From Scottsdale-Lunch Included
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Vineyard Wine Tasting for 2-3 people from Scottsdale/Phoenix
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Ultimate Bachelorette Party-Wine Tasting From Scottsdale/Phoenix
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Sonoran Desert H1 Hummer Adventure
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Sonoran Desert 2 Hours Guided UTV Adventure
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Sonoran Desert 2 Hour Guided ATV Adventure
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
1.5 Hour Stretch Limo Golf Cart Tour, Ultimate Old Town Exploration
Free cancellationFind deals
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Practical ratings
Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.
Near Scottsdale
Straight-line distance from the centre of Scottsdale.
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