Travel to Scottsdale

Travel to Scottsdale

Scottsdale is more than just a satellite town on the outskirts of the Valley of the Sun. A great alternative to the sprawling metropolis of Phoenix, Scottsdale is located on the eastern edge of Phoenix and is a thriving community with both charm and chic. Combing the character of the Old West with a little modern zest, Scottsdale is home to some world-class shopping, spas and fine hotels. With an average of 300 sunny days a year, chances are theres something in Scottsdale to make you smile.

Transportation to Scottsdale

Sky Harbor, the international airport in Phoenix, receives flights from all over America and also from several international destinations. From Phoenix, Scottsdale is a short drive or bus ride away. Unfortunately, there are no rail services to Scottsdale, although there is a small airport for private jets and charter planes.

What to see

Your first stop in Scottsdale should be 5th Avenue, or the Old Town. Along this street, youll find everything you need to bekitted outwestern style. Many stores, including the classic cigar-store, look like something right out of a cowboy movie, as do some of the people shopping in them. Another great place to shop is the El Pedregal Festival Marketplace where there are great deals on designer clothes as well as art galleries, restaurants and small boutiques. The Marketplace has one of the regions finest collections of Native American art at the Heard Museum North.

Daytrips

For a more historic perspective on the area, you can visit the Goldfield Ghost Town located near the base of the Superstition mountains. Originally settled in the 1890s, the town stages gunfights and has a great museum.

Cave Creek is a restored mining camp which was used in 1870, located just outside of Scottsdale. Although Cave Creeks Frontier Town offers great insights into local history, many visit for the fantastic local steak houses, the authentic (and serviced) saloons and the crafts on sale here.

Sedona is a quick trip from Scottsdale and a great place for hikers and art lovers. The red sandstone cliffs shelter a crafts store and have plenty of trails to explore on foot or by jeep.

Activities and leisure

Warm nights make for endless socialising, even after the sun goes down. Many people drive out of Phoenix to enjoy the classy clubs and great live music on offer in Scottsdale. Limousines and BMWs surround the clubs around the Old Town and the dance floors are packed with the latest designer duds and fantastic fashions.

Safety issues

As a high profile tourist town, the police in Scottsdale are very serious about keeping the streets safe, especially at night. The few incidents that have occurred in the past have targeted cars rather than individuals, so keep your vehicle locked.

The desert sun is the biggest danger in Scottsdale. Dont venture out without a water bottle, hat and sunscreen, even for an afternoon of shopping. Watch out for dehydration and if you do have a medical emergency, there are excellent medical facilities in the city.