I’ll always remember my first visit to Scottsdale. My wife and I had landed at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport, where a driver greeted us holding one of those fancy signs with my last name on it—a small but unforgettable moment that made me feel like a VIP. He helped us collect our luggage and soon we were whisked away into the warm desert night.
We had reservations at the Westin Kierland. As we pulled up, the road to the entrance was lined with illuminated palm trees—glitzy and gorgeous. It all felt just a little surreal, like something out of a movie.
To top it all off, legendary rocker Alice Cooper—a personal fave and longtime resident of neighboring Paradise Valley—was on the car radio, hosting his “Nights with Alice Cooper” show. Hearing the Godfather of Shock Rock spin classic tunes and share stories from the road felt like the perfect soundtrack to our arrival.
It was about as swanky as it gets and the whole experience was the perfect introduction to what Scottsdale is all about. That first visit left an indelible mark on me, and I’ve been back many times since to swing the sticks on pristine golf courses, to hike its desert trails, to savor the city’s standout food scene, to shop (man, are there places to shop), to wander its art galleries, to unwind at a spa, to simply sit around the pool at one of the area’s amazing resorts, or to indulge in a sundae at a truly classic ice cream parlor.
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Delight in the Desert for Experience Scottsdale
Hiking with the family at Pinnacle Peak Park
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Scottsdale Fashion Squar
Scottsdale Fashion Square
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Hotel Valley Ho
Poolside fun and relaxation
Before it became a playground for leisure seekers and luxury travelers, Scottsdale was a modest farming and ranching town.
In fact, right up until the mid-20th century, many of its streets were unpaved, and it wasn’t unusual to see cattle wandering right through town. By the 1950s and ’60s, as Phoenix started to grow and tourism took off, Scottsdale began its transformation into the stylish, resort-rich city it is today. Even with all its modern sparkle, though, Scottsdale hasn’t forgotten its roots. A cowboy spirit still lingers, reminding you that beneath all the polish, there remains a bit of the Wild West at its core.
Here are my 10 cool suggestions for this hot desert destination…
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Rock Star Gallery
Rock Star Gallery
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Sean O'Brien for Experience Scottsdale
An aerial view of the Scottsdale Civic Center
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Halie Sutton for Experience Scottsdale
guacamole at Old Town Scottsdale's The Mission
There are no swinging saloon doors or horse hitches, but Scottsdale’s Old Town still feels like the heart and soul of the city.
I love to wander the wooden sidewalks, pop into Western wear shops, browse contemporary galleries, or grab a bite at one of the area’s many standout restaurants—like The Mission, where the tableside guacamole is worth the visit alone.
Owned by Michael W. Dunn, a longtime music superfan and enthusiastic storyteller who’s always happy to chat, ROCK STAR Gallery is a hidden gem for music and pop culture fans, located at Kierland Commons, a stylish open-air shopping and dining district in North Scottsdale. Inside, you’ll find loads of framed signed albums, signed sheet music and lyrics (including a personal fave, ELO’s “Can’t Get It Out of My Head”), and amazing photography by Bob Gruen, one of the most well-known and respected photographers in rock & roll. Dunn also sells art created by musicians themselves, including pieces by Ronnie Wood, guitarist for The Rolling Stones. I love this place: It feels like you’re hanging out backstage more than visiting a traditional gallery.
There are plenty of great spots for a morning walk or hike around Scottsdale, but one of the most iconic experiences is a sunrise jaunt up Pinnacle Peak. This 3.5-mile out-and-back trail is well-maintained and not too technical, with an elevation gain of about 1,300 feet, making it accessible for most fitness levels. The payoff is big: sweeping views of the desert, towering saguaros, and that unbeatable sense of serenity that makes you feel like you have the whole desert to yourself. It’s a spectacular way to start your day and soak in the Sonoran landscape.
Back when I was playing regularly, I grew to quite like desert golf—the scenery is just stunning. I’ve been blessed to play some of the best courses in town, but no place is more beautiful than The Phoenician Golf Club. With its lush fairways framed by Camelback Mountain, it’s one of the most scenic and meticulously kept courses around. Even if your scorecard isn’t pretty—and mine often wasn’t—the views make it all worth it. Others I would suggest are Troon North, TPC Scottsdale, Camelback Golf Club, Gainey Ranch and The Boulders, where massive granite formations create one of the most dramatic golf settings you’ll ever experience.
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Experience Scottsdale
Art Museum
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CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa
Part of the Aqua Therapy Circuit
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CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa
Sound healing at CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa
Scottsdale is a true spa town, and people have been drawn to the area’s dry air, sunshine and the promise of healing long before it was trendy.
Today, that legacy lives on, as there are more than 50 resort and day spas in the area—and CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa is one of the standouts. When I visited, I enjoyed the laid-back, welcoming vibe—nothing strict or intimidating, just pure R & R. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try the Aqua Therapy Circuit that takes you through waters of varying temperatures. The cold wading pool seriously caught my attention—it was freezing… um, in a good way.
I bought my first piece of art in Scottsdale: a small hand-drawn painting of the Southwestern landscape. And I’m often tempted to add to the collection when strolling in and out of the galleries along Old Town’s Main Street and nearby Marshall Way. The walkable Scottsdale Art District is packed with galleries showcasing an impressive range of work —from bold contemporary pieces and intricate Native American art to classic Western landscapes, bronze sculptures and colorful desert-inspired abstracts. If you really want to soak it all in, check out the free Thursday night ArtWalk—galleries stay open late (usually until about 9:00 p.m.), artists often do live demos and the neighborhood feels like a relaxed, open-air party.
Halie Sutton for Experience Scottsdale
Mint chip ice cream cone from Sugar Bowl
If you have a love of ice cream like I do—or even if you just moderately like it—a visit to the Sugar Bowl is a must. Opened on Christmas Eve 1958 by Jack Huntress, the Sugar Bowl was Scottsdale’s first truly family-friendly eatery, filling a gap in what was then an emerging tourism and nightlife town. With its cotton-candy pink exterior and old-school charm, it feels like stepping into a retro postcard. Over the decades, it became a community institution and was famously featured in Bill Keane’s “Family Circus” comic strip, which was set in Scottsdale. Today, the Huntress family still runs it, and they still serve up classic sundaes, banana splits and other nostalgic treats—all in a setting that hasn’t changed much since the ’50s. My go-to? A classic root beer float.
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Chris Pochiba and Sara Aho for Experience Scottsdale
The Drafting Studio at Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West
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Photography by Tanveer Badal @TANVEERBADAL
Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West
Since Scottsdale’s tourism boom was born in the 1950s, it’s no surprise there’s a strong mid-century modern feel running alongside its Western roots. Architecture buffs can get their fix at places like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West—his winter home and studio. Originally built in 1937 as his desert laboratory, it showcases Wright’s innovative use of natural materials and light. You can tour studios, living spaces and outdoor terraces, all designed to blend into the Sonoran landscape. Then there’s the Hotel Valley Ho, a true 1950s icon that still oozes retro charm. When I first walked into the lobby and adjacent lounge, it felt like stepping into an episode of “Mad Men.” I half expected to see Don Draper standing at the bar, sipping a Manhattan.
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Analisa Shah for Experience Scottsdale
Luxury shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square
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Musical Instrument Museum
Musical Instrument Museum's Orientation Gallery admiring the Oc
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Musical Instrument Museum
Musical Instrument Museum's Experience Gallery
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Scottsdale Fashion Square
The Luxury Wing at Scottsdale Fashion Square
There’s no shortage of shopping options in Scottsdale, but the crown jewel is Scottsdale Fashion Square—the kind of place where wallets go to lose weight… and look good doing it. A word of warning: The first time we visited, a close friend and frequent Scottsdale shopper asked, “Got room on your Visa?” We nodded. “Not when you come back,” he smirked. You’ll find nearly every big name here, from Armani to Zegna, with the likes of Cartier, Gucci and Prada in between. It’s one of the largest and most luxurious malls in the U.S., drawing more than 12 million visitors a year. For a truly elevated experience, check out the mall’s “Fashionable Luxury” VIP package—a red-carpet welcome with a champagne toast, early access to several boutiques, a $50 gift card and personal concierge support. It’s a glam way to shop in style, all for around $125 per person.
And last but not least: okay, this one’s technically in North Phoenix, but it’s just a short drive from Scottsdale—and absolutely worth it. The Musical Instrument Museum is unlike any other museum I’ve ever visited. With more than 6,800 musical instruments and objects from every corner of the globe, it offers a fascinating look at music and culture. A highlight is the Artist Gallery that features icons like Elvis and Johnny Cash and a long-running exhibit honoring the aforementioned Alice Cooper, showcasing career memorabilia and props including a guillotine dummy head associated with his infamous stage stunt. You can also head to the hands-on Experience Gallery, where you’re encouraged to get it on and bang a gong or strum a Peruvian harp. Even if you’re not a music buff, this place is a blast.
When you go
- Experience Scottsdale experiencescottsdale.com
- The Mission themissionaz.com
- Rock Star Gallery rockstargallery.net
- The Phoenician Golf Club thephoenician.com/golf
- CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa civanacarefree.com
- Scottsdale Art District scottsdaleartsdistrict.com
- Taliesin West franklloydwright.org/taliesin-west-tours
- Hotel Valley Ho hotelvalleyho.com
- Scottsdale Fashion Square fashionsquare.com
- Musical Instrument Museum mim.org