Old Town galleries and Western heritage, Frank Lloyd Wright, desert trails, world-famous golf and the events that fill the calendar from January to March.
Updated October 2026 · 3 min read
Scottsdale calls itself the West's Most Western Town, and Old Town still has the hitching posts and saddle shops to prove it. But the city stretches more than 30 miles north into the desert, and the Scottsdale most visitors fall for is a mix of everything: galleries and nightlife in Old Town, architecture, golf on some of the best desert courses anywhere, resort spas and serious hiking in the McDowell Mountains.
01 · Scottsdale guide
Old TownAbout 20 min from Sky Harbor
A compact grid of galleries, Western-wear and jewelry shops, restaurants and patios, with the Civic Center's lawns and sculptures at its heart. Fifth Avenue and Main Street hold most of the galleries; the bar district fills the blocks nearby after dark.
Old TownOld Town
A Smithsonian Affiliate museum of Western art and history, with Native American art, cowboy culture and landscape painting. An excellent hour even for people who think they are not museum people.
Old TownOld Town
Known locally as SMoCA, a small contemporary museum focused on art, architecture and design, in a converted cinema building. It is home to James Turrell's skyspace, Knight Rise.
Old Town galleriesThursday evenings
On Thursday evenings the Old Town galleries stay open late for the long-running ArtWalk - a relaxed way to see the work and start a night out.
Old Town, on the Arizona CanalOld Town
Restaurants, shops and a footpath along the Arizona Canal, a short walk from Scottsdale Fashion Square, the Valley's best-known luxury mall.
02 · Scottsdale guide
North ScottsdaleAbout 30 min from Old Town
Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home, studio and school, built from desert stone and canvas on the slopes of the McDowell Mountains. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing of Wright's work, and the guided tours are excellent. Book ahead in season.
Paradise ValleyAbout 15 min
The studio of architect Paolo Soleri, Wright's former student, where his famous bronze and ceramic windbells are still cast by hand. You can often watch a pour, and the bells make lovely gifts.
03 · Scottsdale guide
North ScottsdaleAbout 30 min
One of the largest urban preserves in the country, with well-marked trails for every level. The Gateway trailhead is the classic start, with routes from an easy interpretive loop to longer climbs into the McDowell Mountains.
North ScottsdaleAbout 35 min
An out-and-back trail below a granite pinnacle, popular with climbers and families. It is a good choice for a sunrise walk with big desert views and modest effort.
East Scottsdale, off the Loop 101About 20 min
A tropical butterfly conservatory and a large aquarium side by side - the go-to indoor stop for families and for the hottest afternoons.
04 · Scottsdale guide
Across ScottsdaleYear round
Scottsdale is one of America's great golf destinations. TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course hosts the WM Phoenix Open, famous for its party atmosphere at the 16th hole, and courses such as Troon North and Grayhawk are known nationwide.
Local tip: Golf groups book us for the clubs as much as the people: a Sprinter van takes a foursome and four full bags with room to spare.
Scottsdale and Paradise ValleyHalf a day
Scottsdale's resorts compete on their spas, and a treatment followed by an afternoon at the pool is how many visitors spend their best day here.
North Scottsdale desertAutumn to spring
Balloons rise over the desert at dawn, with the McDowell Mountains glowing in the first light.
05 · Scottsdale guide
Scottsdale's winter and spring are packed. Book hotels - and cars - early for these.
WestWorld of ScottsdaleJanuary
The famous classic-car auction draws car lovers from around the world for a week of auctions, displays and parties.
TPC ScottsdaleEarly February
One of the best-attended events on the PGA Tour, held in Scottsdale despite its name, and as much a party as a golf tournament.
WestWorld of ScottsdaleFebruary
One of the world's leading Arabian horse shows, with competition, shopping and a festival atmosphere.
Scottsdale Stadium and Salt River FieldsLate February to March
The Giants play at Scottsdale Stadium, walking distance from Old Town, and the Diamondbacks and Rockies share Salt River Fields. See our spring training guide.
Getting there
Old Town parking fills fast in season and the north Scottsdale trailheads and golf courses are spread out. Book a chauffeur by the hour for a day of stops, or point to point between your resort, dinner and the airport.
Good to know
Old Town Scottsdale's galleries and nightlife, luxury resorts and spas, world-class desert golf including TPC Scottsdale, Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West, and events like the WM Phoenix Open and Barrett-Jackson.
Old Town Scottsdale is very walkable. The rest of the city, including the resorts, golf courses and trailheads in north Scottsdale, is spread out and needs a car or driver.
Old Town Scottsdale is roughly 20 to 25 minutes from Sky Harbor by car. North Scottsdale resorts are typically 30 to 45 minutes away.
October through April. January to March is the busiest stretch, with Barrett-Jackson, the WM Phoenix Open and spring training.
Keep exploring
Desert hikes, museums, neighborhoods and game nights across the city.
Read the guide After darkOld Town, downtown, Mill Avenue, live music, rooftops and casinos.
Read the guide Spring trainingAll 10 ballparks and 15 teams, with tips for planning a few days of games.
Read the guide Vacation planningWhere to stay, when to come and a three-day plan for first-time visitors.
Read the guideReserve
Tell us where you want to go and when. Dispatch confirms the car, the chauffeur and a fixed price before you pay.
