St. George to Scottsdale

Walkable historic downtown with 100+ art galleries, boutique shops, Western-heritage storefronts, restaurants, and bars. The Saturday morning farmers market is excellent. The district comes alive every Thursday evening during the ArtWalk.

Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and the national headquarters of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that Wright designed and built into the Sonoran Desert landscape. Guided tours explore Wright's organic architecture philosophy.

Smithsonian-affiliated museum celebrating the art, history, and culture of the 19-state Western region. Exceptional Western painting collection, Native American art, and rotating exhibitions.

Modern upscale district along the Arizona Canal with restaurants, shops, art installations, and walking paths. Connects Old Town to the Fashion Square shopping area.

The largest aquarium in the Southwest with 30,000+ sea animals, a 360-degree underwater tunnel, and interactive exhibits. Popular family attraction just north of Old Town.

The largest indoor butterfly atrium in America featuring thousands of tropical butterflies from around the world. Walk through the rainforest conservatory for close-up encounters.

The valley's most iconic hike straddling the Phoenix-Scottsdale border. Echo Canyon Trail (2.5 miles, 1,300 feet gain) and Cholla Trail (shorter from the east) both reach the 2,704-foot summit. Technical scrambling near the top — not a casual hike.

The largest urban preserve in North America at 30,500+ acres with 180+ miles of trails. Gateway Trailhead and Brown's Ranch Trailhead are the most popular entry points. Excellent hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding in classic Sonoran Desert terrain.

Iconic granite pinnacle in North Scottsdale with a 3.5-mile round-trip hike to the summit. Popular rock climbing destination with over 100 routes. Great family hike with interpretive signage.

A moderate 4.2-mile round-trip hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve to a distinctive thumb-shaped granite formation. Stunning views of the Valley from the top. One of the best day hikes in Scottsdale.

An 11-mile linear park with paved paths, lakes, golf courses, and playgrounds running through central Scottsdale. Perfect for biking, jogging, or leisurely walks. Chaparral Park and Indian School Park are highlights.

Sunrise hot air balloon flights over the Sonoran Desert offer stunning views of saguaro forests, the McDowell Mountains, and the valley skyline. Multiple Scottsdale-based operators.

Home of the WM Phoenix Open — the PGA Tour's famously raucous February tournament. The iconic par-3 16th hole stadium seats 20,000+ fans. Book tee times well in advance.

Two championship desert courses (Monument and Pinnacle) widely considered among the finest desert golf in America. Dramatic mountain backdrops, natural Sonoran Desert routing.

Ranked among America's top 100 public courses. The Cholla and Saguaro courses offer pure desert golf with no homes on the property — rare and spectacular.

Iconic Forbes Five-Star resort at the base of Camelback Mountain. Twenty-seven holes of championship golf, a 165,000-square-foot spa, seven pools, and nine restaurants.

Boutique adult-focused resort in Paradise Valley with acclaimed Elements restaurant, destination spa, and mountainside accommodations. Featured in countless travel magazine lists.

Ultra-luxurious casitas tucked into the Sonoran Desert at the base of Pinnacle Peak. Access to Troon North golf, the Talavera restaurant, and a world-class spa.

James Beard-nominated farm-to-table restaurant celebrating Arizona ingredients. Chef Charleen Badman's rotating seasonal menu is among the best dining in the state. Wine list emphasizes Arizona vineyards.

Modern Latin cuisine in Old Town Scottsdale with creative cocktails, tableside guacamole, and an elegant contemporary atmosphere. Consistently rated among Arizona's best restaurants.

The most creative brunch in Arizona with a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, unicorn hot chocolate, and inventive breakfast dishes. Multiple Scottsdale locations.

Exclusive fine dining with a garden patio in Old Town. Four-course prix fixe menu with impeccable service. Widely considered Scottsdale's most romantic restaurant.

Gastropub with an elevated comfort food menu, an outstanding whiskey selection, and a lively Old Town atmosphere. The original chopped salad is a local legend.

Mediterranean-inspired cuisine from James Beard-nominated chef Gio Osso. Intimate setting in the Bespoke Inn with menu that changes nightly based on market ingredients.

The Valley's iconic Jewish deli with Scottsdale and Paradise Valley locations. Massive sandwiches, bagels flown in fresh, and classic diner atmosphere.

The Southwest's premier shopping destination with 225+ stores including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy's, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Tesla. Connected to Old Town via pedestrian bridges.

Adjacent upscale open-air shopping districts in North Scottsdale with boutique luxury retailers, Apple, Tesla, and many of the valley's best restaurants. Particularly pleasant in winter months.

Every Thursday evening (year-round), Old Town galleries stay open late with artist receptions, live music, and free admission. One of the largest recurring art events in the country.

A 10-week winter art exhibition (January-March) in North Scottsdale featuring 100+ juried artists at work in their on-site studios. Unique experience watching artists create.