Visiting Scottsdale offers a blend of stunning desert landscapes, luxurious resorts and a vibrant arts scene, making it a prime destination for travelers. However, even in this sun-soaked paradise, it's common to overlook things only the locals know, which can ultimately detract from your experience.
From passing up summer season savings to skipping some of the city's cultural gems, it’s easy to miss out on the full Scottsdale experience simply by not being fully prepared. Following are the top eight mistakes that travelers make when visiting Scottsdale, and how to sidestep these blunders for the perfect vacation.
Passing Up Summer Savings
Love staying at five-star resorts for a fraction of the price, indulging in pre-fixe menus that are a screamin’ deal, and playing rounds of golf that won’t break the bank? You’ll find all this and more during Scottsdale’s low season, which runs June through August — we’re talking a drop of up to 60% from peak-season pricing. These incredible savings mean you can afford to see and do more on your visit, or even stay in town a few days longer.
Staying Inside All Summer
There’s no doubt about it – summers in Scottsdale are triple-digit hot. When the mercury climbs it’s tempting to focus on indoor, air-conditioned activities. That’s fine – and highly recommended – during the heat of the day, but if you crave some fresh desert air, take advantage of the cooler temps around sunrise for a brief morning hike, a serene poolside yoga class or an early morning tee time. The key is to stay hydrated (always keep plenty of water handy), seek out shady spots, don’t overexert yourself, and head for the A/C before the day starts heating up (usually around 8 a.m.).
Overlooking Authentic Local Crafts When Shopping
In the market for Indigenous jewelry or art? Make sure any mementos you buy are authentic pieces made by local Native American artisans. Old Town’s Native Art Market is an Indigenous-owned shop featuring high-quality handmade items, ranging from turquoise jewelry and kachinas to dream catchers and pottery. The Heard Museum store also is renowned for its high-quality, authentic Native American jewelry, art, pottery and textiles.
Bypassing Scottsdale’s Art Galleries and Museums
Art and culture lovers will find numerous options calling their name in Scottsdale, starting with the free Thursday night ArtWalk in the gallery district and the self-guided Scottsdale Public Art Walking Tour, which takes you to 10 popular Old Town artworks (think: bronze statues, relaxing fountains and interactive installations). The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art features rotating exhibitions of cutting-edge art and design, while the Smithsonian-Affiliated Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West showcases the art, culture and history of the American West. Just north of Old Town, visit the working studios of local artists at Cattle Track Arts Compound or watch a live pouring of Paolo Soleri’s famed bronze windbells at Cosanti Originals. Finally, don’t miss a tour at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Thinking Hiking and Golf are the Only Outdoor Activities
Scottsdale is known for its hiking (there are more than 230 miles of trails in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve alone) and more than 200 area golf courses, but there’s plenty more to do beyond these activities. Take a bike ride on the paved Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt, saddle-up for a horseback riding excursion, or go off-roading in the desert. For some family fun, take the train ride at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park or go tubing on the Lower Salt River (if you’re lucky, you might even see the herd of wild horses!).
Not Exploring the Sonoran Desert
Spend even a few moments in Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert and you’ll discover a magical landscape filled with lush vegetation and abundant wildlife. The Bajada Nature Trail at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve’s Gateway Trailhead is the perfect place to start. Interpretive signage about the desert’s flora, fauna and geology runs along a nearly flat, 1/2-mile path that’s accessible to people of all ages and abilities, including people using wheelchairs and walkers. You’ll see towering saguaros, fluffy cholla, lacy mesquite trees and possibly even a quail, cactus wren, gecko or other desert dweller. Even if you don’t consider yourself an “outdoorsy” person, this safe, easy trail is a must-have on your itinerary.
Eating at Chain Restaurants Instead of Local Ones
One of the best ways to get to know Scottsdale is through its local restaurants, especially the ones known for their Mexican and Southwest flavors (think: tacos and guacamole, prickly pear margaritas, and homemade tortillas). Of course, it’s easy to find global cuisine here as well, including some James Beard-winning chefs and restaurants and celebrity chefs (like Food Network veteran Beau MacMillan and Giada De Laurentiis).
Not Renting a Car
Scottsdale is 31 miles long and 11 miles wide, and there’s a lot to do in each corner and everywhere in between. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to easily experience every part of the city, from the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in North Scottsdale and the award-winning restaurants in Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter, to the shopping and nightlife in Old Town.
Jill Schildhouse is an award-winning writer and editor with 24 years of experience in print and digital publishing, where she regularly covers travel, wellness, personal finance, and business for such outlets as Reader's Digest, US News & World Report, AARP, and Business Insider. In her spare time, Jill mentors students at the Arizona State University Cronkite School of Journalism, enjoys creating Instagram and TikTok content, and is passionate about traveling the world — 46 countries and counting.
