Scottsdale grew from an irrigated farming village in the late 1800s to a desert resort city synonymous with art, architecture, and sunshine. Indigenous peoples, including the Hohokam, engineered canals that predate the city by centuries; later, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West established Scottsdale as an architectural pilgrimage. Today, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve protects more than 30,000 acres of saguaro-studded trails right at the city’s edge.

Old Town Scottsdale hums with galleries, tasting rooms, and restaurants, anchored by the Thursday night ArtWalk and iconic public art like Robert Indiana’s LOVE sculpture. By day, hike Gateway or Pinnacle Peak; by night, sip Arizona wines at LDV and wander the Scottsdale Waterfront. Food lovers come for James Beard Award–winning kitchens, poolside brunches, and wood-fired tortillas pressed a few steps from the bar.

Practical notes: Fall through spring offers ideal weather; summers run hot, so hike at sunrise and hydrate. Rideshares are plentiful, but a car helps if you’re hopping to trailheads or Taliesin West. March brings Spring Training crowds—book early. Pack sun protection, and always carry more water than you think you need in the Sonoran Desert.

Scottsdale

Scottsdale is a study in contrasts: mid-century hotels, sleek rooftops, and a frontier core lined with wooden porches. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West capture both sides of the city’s identity, while the nearby McDowell Sonoran Preserve delivers instant access to wild desert.

Top sights and experiences: sunrise hiking (Gateway Loop, Pinnacle Peak), Taliesin West (UNESCO-listed Frank Lloyd Wright campus), Old Town galleries and public art, Scottsdale Waterfront strolls, and pool time at storied properties like Hotel Valley Ho and The Scott. Golf and spa seekers gravitate to Kierland, Gainey Ranch, and the Fairmont Princess.

Where to eat and drink right now: FnB (seasonal Arizona produce; James Beard–winning chef), The Mission (mesquite-grilled modern Latin), Virtù Honest Craft (Mediterranean in a tucked-away inn), Hush Public House (creative New American in North Scottsdale), Craft 64 (wood-fired pizza and Arizona beer), The Herb Box (bright, veggie-forward plates), Diego Pops (playful Sonoran-Mex). Cocktails at The Beverly on Main or Kazimierz Wine & Whiskey Bar; classic dessert at the pink-and-neon Sugar Bowl.

Stay — Browse stays in the best neighborhoods (Old Town for walkability; McCormick Ranch for lakes and paths; North Scottsdale for resort comforts):

• VRBO: Scottsdale vacation rentals (great for groups, pools, and kitchens)
• Hotels.com: Scottsdale hotels (filter by pool, spa, or walkable Old Town)

Suggested hotels by vibe: Hotel Valley Ho (mid-century icon with a retro pool scene), The Scott Resort & Spa (tropical-inspired lobby and lagoon pool), The Phoenician (Camelback views and a showpiece pool complex), Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (spa, golf, and seasonal events), and the newly refreshed Grand Hyatt Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch (sprawling grounds and water features).

Getting there — Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), a ~20–25 minute ride to Old Town. Typical nonstop flight times: LAX ~1.5 hours, DEN ~1.5 hours, SEA ~2.5 hours, ORD ~3.5 hours, JFK/EWR ~4.5–5.5 hours. Average roundtrip fares range ~$150–$450 depending on season.

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Rideshare from PHX to Old Town runs ~$25–$40. If you plan multiple hikes or Taliesin West, consider a rental car; otherwise, you can pair rideshares with Old Town’s walkable core.

Day 1: Old Town, Public Art, and a Desert Sunset

Morning: You’re arriving this afternoon, so use the morning to plan reservations and pack for the elements (hat, SPF 30+, refillable water bottle). If you’re already in town, warm up with coffee at Berdena’s (tiny, stylish café known for pistachio lattes and avocado toast) or Fourtillfour (car-culture coffee hangout with a shady patio).

Afternoon: Drop bags at your hotel and head straight for Old Town. Start at Civic Center Park to see SMoCA and Robert Indiana’s LOVE sculpture, then stroll Main Street galleries and the 5th Avenue shops. Hungry? Book the signature food experience below—an easy way to taste Scottsdale favorites while learning the area’s stories.

• Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour - Alcohol Pkg Included! — A guided walk with multiple tastings and paired drinks; great overview for first-timers. 3 hours.

  

  Check availability on Viator

Evening: Cap the day with a golden-hour desert adventure. The temperature dips, the saguaros glow, and you’ll rattle along Jeep trails with wide-open views of Tonto National Forest.

• Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour at Sunset — Thrilling off-road route with photo stops and natural history tidbits. 2–3 hours; wear closed-toe shoes and bring a light layer.

  

  Reserve your sunset Jeep tour

After the desert, settle in for dinner. Try The Mission (mesquite-grilled short rib, tableside guacamole, and handmade tortillas), FnB (market-driven menu with an Arizona wine list that locals love), or Craft 64 (prosciutto arugula pizza and AZ IPAs). Nightcap options: The Beverly on Main for cocktails, Kazimierz for whiskey and live music, or the Outrider Rooftop Lounge at Canopy for skyline views. For a retro sweet finish, the Sugar Bowl’s classic sundaes never miss.

Day 2: Sunrise Trails, Architecture, and Poolside Lunch

Morning: Beat the sun with an early hike. Choose the 4.5-mile Gateway Loop (gentle ups and downs through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve with sweeping saguaro views) or the 3.5-mile out-and-back at Pinnacle Peak (granite outcrops and valley panoramas). Carry at least 1 liter of water per person in cool months—more in summer.

• Post-hike breakfast: Morning Squeeze (protein bowls, chilaquiles, and cold brew), Hash Kitchen (build-your-own Bloody Mary bar and fun hashes), or Cartel Roasting Co. (smooth nitro cold brew and pastries).

If you prefer wheels to trails, consider a narrated overview ride through Old Town (a great option before an afternoon flight):

• Sightseeing Golf Cart Tour of Scottsdale - 1.5 Hours — Zip past public art, Civic Center Park, the Waterfront, and historic districts while your guide shares stories and photo tips.

  

  Book your golf cart tour

Afternoon: If time allows before departure, choose one:

• Architecture: Visit Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and studio, set against the desert foothills; tours reveal how he borrowed forms and colors from the surrounding landscape.
• Pool and lunch: Relax at your hotel pool; order a crisp salad and fish tacos at The Scott’s Canal Club or a burger at Hotel Valley Ho’s OH Pool Bar.
• Shopping: Pop into Scottsdale Fashion Square for quick finds, or peruse local boutiques along 5th Avenue and the Waterfront.

Grab a light lunch before you go—Farm & Craft (bowls, flatbreads, kombucha on tap), The Herb Box (short rib tacos and seasonal salads), or Diego Pops (brussels sprout nachos and frozen palomas). Allow ~30–40 minutes to PHX plus security time.

Evening: Flying home this afternoon? If you’ve got a late departure, squeeze in one more gallery or a stroll along the Arizona Canal. Otherwise, head to the airport:

• Manage flights on Trip.com | Check options on Kiwi.com

Local tips:

• Spring Training (late Feb–March) packs the city—book early for hotels and tours.
• Hiking safety: Start at dawn in warm months; trails often lack shade. Know your route and carry electrolytes.
• Dining: Prime spots (FnB, Cafe Monarch, Virtù) book out—reserve a week or more ahead on weekends.
• Day trips for next time: Sedona’s red rocks (2–2.5 hours) and the Grand Canyon (3.5–4 hours). With just 2 days, keep adventures close to Scottsdale.

Two days in Scottsdale deliver a vibrant sampler: sunrise among saguaros, art and architecture by afternoon, and a bright Old Town food scene after dark. From desert trails to design icons and rooftop toasts, this itinerary leaves you sun-warmed, well-fed, and plotting a longer return.