Scottsdale: Desert Adventure on a Budget

Scottsdale: high-end desert travel on a budget.

21 June 2023

Scottsdale offers a plethora of affordable activities for budget-conscious travelers. One can take a hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, stroll through the Old Town, and visit the free Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Additionally, there are plenty of budget-friendly dining options such as The Stand, The Mission, and La Hacienda.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Desert Explorations

  • Check into Motel 6 Scottsdale for a budget-friendly option
  • Saddle up at MacDonald's Ranch and go for a horseback ride through the Sonoran Desert
  • Visit the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art to admire the innovative exhibits
  • Take a hot air balloon ride and watch the sunrise over the desert
  • Indulge in some authentic Mexican cuisine at Barrio Queen
Day 2

Luxury for Less

  • Pamper yourself with a spa day at the Spa at Camelback Inn, affordable with a Groupon
  • Explore Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home, and learn about his architectural genius
  • Enjoy a round of golf at Papago Golf Course, an affordable and scenic option
  • Trek Pinnacle Peak for stunning desert views and a moderate hiking challenge
  • Dine at AZ88, a local favorite with delicious food and a cool ambiance
Day 3

Culture Crawl

  • Grab a pre-breakfast coffee at Cartel Coffee Lab, a trendy and hip spot
  • Visit the Heard Museum to learn about Native American history and admire the art
  • Stroll down Old Town Scottsdale for some boutique shopping and people-watching
  • Head to the Musical Instrument Museum to explore the world's largest collection of instruments and hear live performances
  • Share some tapas at Tapas Papa Frita, a fun and affordable spot for a late-night bite
Day 4

Active Adventures

  • Summer in Scottsdale can get sweaty, cool down at Big Surf Waterpark
  • Take a hike to the summit of Camelback Mountain for breathtaking views
  • Rent bikes at Arizona Outback Adventures and explore the scenic trails
  • Visit the Scottsdale Art Walk for some free and funky art exhibitions
  • Catch dinner and a show at Rusty Spur Saloon, where live music and cowboy vibes coexist
  • (end)

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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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