Old Town Scottsdale is the beating heart of the city. Nestled within nine walkable and bikeable “districts,” visitors find an eclectic collection of shops, more than 100 restaurants, numerous nightlife options, two art museums and more than 100 galleries, as well as contemporary public art installations and historic sites dating back to the late 1880s. This effortless blend of chic urban amenities and Old West charm – all packed into just over one square mile – gives Old Town its one-of-a-kind flair and makes it a can’t-miss stop on any Scottsdale itinerary. Get the lay of the land by downloading the Old Town Guide and maps here.
THE NINE DISTRICTS
Arts District: Fine art galleries, mom-and-pop restaurants, Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, the Scottsdale Artists’ School and the Thursday night ArtWalk all call this district home.
Brown & Stetson District: This mixed-use district houses restaurants, bars and numerous locally owned businesses. Notable restaurant tenants include Franco’s Italian Cafe, Wayward and Blvd Kitchen and Bar.
Scottsdale Civic Center: The pedestrian-friendly park’s 21 acres of lush lawns and public art house the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, and Scottsdale Stadium, the host of the San Francisco Giants for spring training each year.
Entertainment District: The laid-back daytime energy of this district explodes after dark, with celebrity DJs, live bands and master mixologists showing off their talents at upscale nightclubs and bars. Popular spots like Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, Maya Day & Night Club and El Hefe keep the party going well into the night.
Fifth Ave Shopping District: This longtime local favorite boasts dozens of unique shops, award-winning restaurants and the famous Bob Parks Horse Fountain. Spend the afternoon shopping at Vintage by Misty and Mavericks of Scottsdale before settling in for a meal at Diego Pops or FnB.
Historic Old Town: This corner of Old Town has a decidedly Old West flair. Western wear boutiques, Native American jewelry and historic sites like Rusty Spur Saloon and the Little Red Schoolhouse are a few of the treasures to discover here. The district is also where Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market takes place every Saturday, featuring the area’s best local growers and restaurants.
Scottsdale Fashion Square: The largest shopping destination in the Southwest, Scottsdale Fashion Square mall is home to more than 200 premium retailers and top-notch restaurants, a Harkins luxury cinema and the evolving and interactive art exhibition Wonderspaces.
Scottsdale Waterfront & Southbridge Districts: These districts on the banks of the Arizona Canal house some of the city’s most popular boutiques and restaurants, including Olive & Ivy, Barrio Queen and Marcellino Ristorante. This area also hosts Scottsdale’s public waterfront festival, Canal Convergence, where interactive art installations, light displays, performances and hands-on activities take center stage.
HISTORIC SITES & SIGHTS
Since 1951, Parada del Sol – the World’s Largest Horse Drawn Parade – has marched through Old Town each spring and signaled the start of the week-long Parada del Sol Rodeo. The parade was created by the Chamber of Commerce to showcase the city’s “West Most Western Town” image. Find more rodeo history at Scottsdale Rodeo Museum.
Rusty Spur Saloon – Scottsdale’s Last Real Cowboy Saloon – housed the Farmer’s State Bank of Scottsdale from 1921 to 1933. The Saloon still has the original vault, which is now used to store liquor. Walk through the swinging doors to enjoy live music and boot scootin’ fun seven days and nights per week.
When the Sugar Bowl, an iconic ice cream parlor in the heart of Old Town first opened in 1950, it was a general store and automotive services station (that also happened to serve ice cream).
The Little Red Schoolhouse – a.k.a. Scottsdale Historical Museum – was built for only $4,500 in 1909. Prior to its museum status, it served as a police station, school and visitors center, among other uses.
The Old Adobe Mission, one of three remaining adobe structures downtown, was built by Mexican immigrant families in the 1930s. Today, the church hosts special events and weddings, and offers a historical gallery for visitors.
For a taste of Scottsdale history unlike any other, stop by Cavalliere Blacksmith Shop, which, although established in 1910, continues to serve as a working blacksmith shop.
The Arizona Canal running through downtown supplies water to the city and creates what is called Scottsdale Waterfront. Created by the early Hohokam people more than 1,000 years ago, it is operated today by the Salt River Project.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Valley Ho is an Old Town icon. When it first opened in 1956, it was a hideaway for Hollywood celebs like Bing Crosby and Zsa Gabor in the 1950s and 1960s and is one of the best-preserved examples of midcentury modern architecture in the United States.
Just down the street is Bespoke Inn, a boutique hotel that is home to 11 customized guestrooms, an infinity-edge pool, onsite restaurant Virtù Honest Craft and on-site Pashley bicycles available to guests.
In the heart of the nightlife district, contemporary luxury meets urban sophistication at W Scottsdale, featuring two posh lounges and AWAY® Spa.
Its sister property and neighbor, The REMI., Scottsdale, pairs contemporary luxury with sophisticated Southwestern flair, offering guests a rooftop pool experience at Allegra Rooftop alongside a Japanese steakhouse and a classic American diner.
Hotel Solaya, part of the JdV by Hyatt collection, blends modern Mexican design with Sonoran Desert charm, and is just steps from Scottsdale Civic Center Park, restaurants, museums and shopping.
JUST STEPS AWAY
Stay close to the Old Town action at Hotel Adeline, a contemporary urban retreat, with hip and lively common areas and its own speakeasy-style whiskey bar, Straight Up.
Drawing from the colors and comforts of old Havana, The Scott Resort & Spa is an oasis in the desert featuring lush gardens, a full-service spa and a sand-bottom swimming pool.
Enjoy a spacious suite, play tennis, swim in one of two oversized pools and delight in complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast at Embassy Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Resort, within walking distance of downtown.
WHERE TO DINE
At FnB, Chef Charleen Badman, recipient of the James Beard Foundation’s 2019 Best Chef: Southwest Award, is known for her locally sourced, elevated vegetable creations. Complementing the cuisine is co-owner Pavle Milic's thoughtfully curated wine program, which leans heavily toward Arizona labels.
The Mission’s modern Latin cuisine draws crowds every night of the week, with favorites such as tableside guacamole, duck confit empanadas with orange habanero glaze, and steaks cooked over pecan and mesquite wood.
Looking for quick and casual? Try a healthy protein bowl and fresh juice at Farm & Craft, the Instagram-worthy Brussels Sprout Nachos at Diego Pops or arguably the city’s best pizza at Craft 64.
New takes on classic comfort food and original cocktails await at Citizen Public House, and its sister restaurant Beginner’s Luck, both of which feature “Arizona’s State Salad,” the Stetson Chopped.
International flavors abound at The Ends, a restaurant inspired by the spirit of Anthony Bourdain's food travels, and Hula’s Modern Tiki, where Polynesian-inspired dishes pair perfectly with tropical cocktails garnished with tiny umbrellas.
A romantic evening calls at Cafe Monarch and The House Brasserie, where the perfect ambiance and delicious, chef-driven fare collide.
WHERE TO SIP WINE, BEER, COFFEE & SPIRITS
Old Town offers six Arizona wine tasting rooms pouring wines produced in the Willcox, Verde Valley and Sonoita wine regions of the state. Discover award-winning local wines using the Scottsdale Wine Trail map.
Eight breweries and beer houses serving show-stopping Arizona suds make up the Scottsdale Ale Trail.
Finally, with 10 coffee houses in the area, it’s easy to get a caffeine fix along the Scottsdale Coffee Trail.
WHERE TO FIND ART
Old Town has two art museums, Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, showcasing the American West’s history, and Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, showing the best of contemporary art and design.
Across the way from SMoCA, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts provides a diverse season of dance, music, theater, comedy and film. More than 300 events are presented and hosted by the Center annually.
Wonderspaces partners with artists around the world to bring engaging artwork to new audiences. Visitors can enjoy refreshments and explore thought-provoking topics such as power, religion, time and reality while viewing the immersive exhibits.
Every Thursday night since 1975, the galleries along Main Street and Marshall Way are lit up by Scottsdale ArtWalk.
See 10 of the more than 40 inspiring Scottsdale Public Art pieces found in Old Town on a self-guided walking tour.
WHERE TO SHOP
In addition to entertainment and dining, Scottsdale Fashion Square, the Southwest’s largest shopping destination, offers more than 200 high-end retailers and restaurants. Here you’ll find brands ranging from Apple and Neiman Marcus to Prada and Cartier.
Bischoff's Shades of the West is the go-to for Southwestern décor like Pendleton blankets and hand-woven Native American baskets. Meanwhile, authentic, handmade arts, crafts and jewelry by more than 400 Indigenous artisans dazzle at Native Art Market.
Vintage by Misty’s carefully curated mix of classic vintage designer duds are the result of the owner’s jaunts through Europe, bringing back items like 1960s Emilio Pucci silk scarves and 1990s Chanel quilted shoulder bags. Available by appointment only, Fashion by Robert Black is all about vintage red-carpet treasures from Oscar de la Renta, Nathan Strong, Alfred Shaheen and more.
Find more of Arizona in Old Town’s many unique boutiques.
WHERE TO HAVE A NIGHT OUT
A walk through the pedestrian-friendly Entertainment District will land travelers amongst packed dance floors at Maya Day + Night, Wasted Grain and Riot House, along with see-and-be-seen spots like W Scottsdale’s WET Deck, a DJ’s playground.
For a different speed, check out Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, a 1920s-style saloon with a new country vibe; Bottled Blonde, a retro-inspired pizzeria and beer garden with an expansive selection on tap; or Casa Amigos, which caters to tequila enthusiasts with cocktails and Mexican cuisine.
