Discover the Best of Scottsdale in 4 Days

Experience luxury in the desert city of Scottsdale, Arizona.

22 April 2023

Scottsdale, United States is a charming desert oasis that is a perfect tourist destination. The city offers a vast range of activities and attractions that cater to all ages and interests, such as outdoor adventures, world-class golf courses, exquisite shopping, and fine dining experiences. With its year-round warm climate and hospitable community, Scottsdale is undoubtedly a must-visit location for any traveler.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Explore the city

  • Check into the Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows, a chic and luxurious hotel in the heart of town, with stunning views of Camelback Mountain.
  • Stroll through Scottsdale's Old Town, a charming historic district filled with art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
  • Visit the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, a cutting-edge institution showcasing innovative art from around the world.
  • Take a dip in the hotel's beautiful outdoor pool, surrounded by desert landscapes and palm trees.
  • Enjoy dinner at FnB, a farm-to-table restaurant that serves delicious and creative dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
Day 2

Outdoor Adventures

  • Start your day with a hike in the beautiful McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a vast desert wilderness with stunning views of the city and the mountains.
  • Rent a bike and explore the miles of scenic bike paths in Scottsdale, from the Indian Bend Wash Trail to the Arizona Canal Trail.
  • In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Desert Botanical Garden, a spectacular attraction that showcases the diversity of the Sonoran Desert's plant life.
  • End the day with a sunset hot air balloon ride over the desert, with breathtaking views of the rugged landscapes and the city lights.
Day 3

Art and Culture

  • Visit Taliesin West, the iconic winter home of the architect Frank Lloyd Wright and his school of architecture, now a museum and a National Historic Landmark.
  • Spend the morning at the Scottsdale ArtWalk, a weekly event where you can browse through dozens of galleries, meet artists, and enjoy live music and food.
  • Have lunch at The Mission, a contemporary Latin American restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere and delicious tacos, ceviches, and margaritas.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Heard Museum, a renowned institution that celebrates the art, history, and cultures of Native American peoples.
  • Return to the hotel for a relaxing spa treatment or a cocktail by the fire pits.
Day 4

Day trip to Sedona

  • Take a scenic drive to Sedona, a stunning desert town surrounded by red rocks and pine forests, about 2 hours north of Scottsdale.
  • Stop at Bell Rock, one of the most famous rock formations in Sedona, and hike its trails for amazing views of the surrounding landscapes.
  • Have lunch at Elote Cafe, a beloved Mexican restaurant that serves delicious and creative dishes made with local ingredients.
  • Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a striking church built into the cliffs, with stunning views of Sedona's red rocks.
  • Return to Scottsdale in time for a farewell dinner at Citizen Public House, a stylish gastropub that serves innovative cocktails and delicious comfort food.

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.

More travel plans

Scottsdale Adventures on a Shoestring Budget

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Scottsdale, located in Arizona, offers an ideal family-friendly destination with a blend of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and luxurious resorts. Families can explore the vast Sonoran Desert through hiking and biking trails, visit the Phoenix Zoo, or embark on a thrilling hot air balloon ride. Additionally, Scottsdale boasts an array of family-friendly resorts with pools, spas, and recreational amenities ensuring an unforgettable vacation for the whole family.