Things to do in  Scottsdale

Scottsdale is a picturesque Arizona city located in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, known for its old-timey, boutique-filled downtown and 1920s-era buildings. Its surrounding hiking trails take you through canyons and cactus-covered drylands. You’ll find a wealth of high-end infrastructure, from deluxe golf courses to ultra-luxurious resorts and spas.

Get your camera ready and start the day by roaming through the rustic Old Town, which practically screams “Wild West.” If temperatures permit (i.e. it’s not peak summer), wind down with a sunset 3.5-hour loop hike through the Pinnacle Peak Summit Trail, located within Pinnacle Peak Park.

Scottsdale is perhaps best known for its golf courses, but that luxury-minded reputation is only part of the story. You’ll find golf and spas, plus a first-rate fine dining scene. But also in the mix is a walkable downtown and cactus-filled hiking trails in the surrounding Sonoran Desert.

Arizona is most famous for the Grand Canyon, a world-renowned natural attraction. This is no mere hole in the ground, but a mile-deep gorge surrounded on both sides by a kaleidoscope of weather-whipped rock. It’s reachable from Scottsdale by road and takes 3.5 hours each way.

Scottsdale is a year-round destination, with weather that stays sunny and mild throughout winter. If you’re itching to hit some hiking trails, then you’ll want to avoid the scorching-hot summers, when resorts are kept AC-cool but temperatures outside often climb well above 100°F (38°C).

Yes, Scottsdale is visually arresting, from the Wild West vibes of its old town to the fringe of McDowell Mountains surrounding the city. It’s the perfect mix of town and countryside, from melting pot food joints and funky boutiques to a sweep of canyon-filled desert hiking and trekking trails.