Scottsdale on a Shoestring: 3 Days of Adventure

Discover the luxury of Scottsdale on a budget - where adventure meets affordability.

21 June 2023

Scottsdale, United States offers a variety of activities for travelers on a budget. From hiking in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve to exploring local art galleries, visitors can experience the beauty and culture of Arizona without breaking the bank. Budget-friendly dining options and affordable accommodation options also make Scottsdale a great destination for those looking to save money while still having a great time.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arriving in the Sonoran Desert

  • Check into the Best Western Plus Scottsdale Thunderbird Suites hotel, a well-rated budget-friendly option.
  • Head to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art to see innovative art exhibits.
  • Drive to Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's former winter home and now a national historic landmark.
  • Take a sunset hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve to enjoy the desert scenery.
  • End the day with margaritas and Mexican cuisine at Barrio Queen, a lively restaurant known for its fresh ingredients.
Day 2

Exploring Old Town Scottsdale

  • Start the day with breakfast at the charming Sugar Bowl, a retro diner famous for its ice cream sundaes.
  • Wander around Old Town Scottsdale's many galleries and shops, where you can find cowboy boots, Native American jewelry, and Southwestern souvenirs.
  • Visit the Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West to learn about Arizona's cowboy and Native American history.
  • Take a break for lunch at the Rusty Spur Saloon, which dates back to the 1950s and serves up delicious burgers and live music.
  • Spend the afternoon relaxing at the Scottsdale Civic Center Park, a beautiful green space with fountains, sculptures, and public art.
Day 3

Outdoor Adventures in Scottsdale

  • Get an early start with a hot air balloon ride to see the sunrise over the desert.
  • Go horseback riding through the scenic Sonoran Desert at MacDonald's Ranch.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Desert Botanical Garden, where countless species of cacti and other desert plants are on display.
  • Tour the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, which features antique trains, a carousel, and a museum.
  • End the day with dinner at Citizen Public House, a hip gastropub that offers creative cocktails and elevated American fare.
  • Note: It is important for visitors to respect Scottsdale's desert environment and follow Leave No Trace principles, such as packing out trash and staying on designated trails.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Scottsdale, United States by plane is to fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport which is located 10 miles away from Scottsdale. There are many airlines that operate frequent flights to Phoenix from major cities around the world.

Car

The best way to reach Scottsdale by car would be to rent a car and drive to the city. Scottsdale is located in Maricopa County, which is connected to major highways like I-10, I-17, and Loop 101.

Train

Unfortunately, there are no direct trains to Scottsdale. The nearest Amtrak station is in Maricopa, which is 38 miles south of Scottsdale. From there, you can take a bus or hire a car.

Boat

Since Scottsdale is an inland city, there are no boat services that connect to it directly.

Bus

Scottsdale is well-connected by bus. Greyhound operates regular services to Phoenix from many cities around the US. From Phoenix, you can take local buses to reach Scottsdale.

Destination

Scottsdale

Welcome to a place where the sun never seems to take a break, and the cactus probably outnumbers the residents. Yep, we're talking about the land of luxury, Scottsdale.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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