All work and no play? Well, that’s no fun at all. From crave-worthy dining and unique attractions to the beauty of our lush Sonoran Desert, here are the top 10 reasons why you’ll want to extend your stay for a well-deserved pre- or post-meeting getaway!
The Sonoran Desert
Scottsdale’s lush Sonoran Desert is the perfect playground for outdoor activities of all kinds, including hiking, horseback riding, hot air ballooning, kayaking and more. And thanks to our professional guides and outfitters, there’s no experience required to enjoy everything Scottsdale’s great outdoors has to offer.
World-Class Museums
Explore exhibits of historic cowboy gear, Hopi pottery and fine art at the Smithsonian Affiliate Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. Take a journey around the world at the Musical Instrument Museum. Discover Native American art and culture at the Heard Museum. Or browse exhibits of cutting-edge art, architecture and design at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.
Unique Attractions
Scottsdale is the proud home of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, named to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2019. Other uniquely Scottsdale attractions include the Desert Botanical Garden, Butterfly Wonderland, and Cosanti, where the late Paolo Soleri’s famous bronze wind bells are still made and sold.
Buzz-Worthy Dining
Start your culinary explorations in Old Town where you can sample veggie-forward cuisine by James Beard Award-winning Chef Charleen Badman at FnB, savor farm-fresh Mediterranean cuisine by Chef Gio Osso at Virtú Honest Craft, or indulge in Chef Matt Carter’s contemporary Latin cuisine at The Mission. And be sure to try Arizona wine and craft brews along the Old Town Scottsdale Wine and Ale trails!
Pampering Spas
The curative properties of Sonoran Desert botanicals have been celebrated for centuries. Try one of these innovative Sonoran Desert-inspired spa treatments that blend indigenous ingredients and traditional Native American healing techniques with modern-day indulgences.
Championship Golf
Scottsdale’s year-round sunny skies make any day a great day for golf. And with more than 200 courses in the vicinity, ranging from thrilling desert target-style layouts to lush traditional tracks, it’s no wonder Scottsdale is known as The World’s Finest Golf Destination!
Vibrant Arts & Cultural Scene
Scottsdale’s arts and culture scene vibrates with a creative energy all its own. Experience art-driven events like the free Thursday-night ArtWalk; catch a performance world music, dance or comedy at our performing arts theaters; or take a walking tour of public art installations in Old Town.
Retail Therapy
Scottsdale is home to more than 2,500 luxury retailers, one-off boutiques, and upscale malls. In Old Town, you’ll find dozens of gift shops, Native American jewelry stores, and Scottsdale Fashion Square, the Southwest’s largest shopping destination. And in north Scottsdale, Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons delight shoppers with high-end stores in sunny outdoor settings.
High-Energy Nightlife
Old Town Scottsdale’s walkable neighborhoods are home to some of the city’s best nightlife, including more than 100 restaurants, craft cocktail bars, swanky lounges and high-energy nightclubs. You’ll even find a high-tech bowling alley and spirited karaoke bars. It’s all in Old Town – every night of the week!
Special Events
Scottsdale’s year-round calendar of events is chockful of big-name excitement, including the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, Cactus League Spring Training and the PGA TOUR’s Waste Management Phoenix Open. Browse our online calendar and find out what’s happening while you’re in town!
