Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale, located in the southwest of the USA in the state of Arizona, is one of the most popular travel destinations in the USA. Here you can test your golf skills on one of the award-winning golf courses, enjoy the harmonious mixture of architecture and nature and let yourself be pampered by the sun by the swimming pool in a single day. Exciting cross-country trips in jeeps are just as possible as a marathon shopping tour or a relaxing wellness treatment using old Indian healing methods. Scottsdale is the ideal starting point for exploring the diverse Grand Canyon state of Arizona.

Outdoor adventure
According to travelationary, Scottsdale is located in the Sonoran Desert, the greenest and most biologically diverse desert in North America. The mountains, rivers and lush landscape dotted with cacti are ideal playgrounds for any kind of outdoor adventure. Unspoiled valleys and desert canyons can be safely explored with guided overland drives by Jeep or Hummer. Those eager to explore the Wild West can hop on a horse and take an early morning ride along trails through the foothills of the McDowell Mountains. Even for hikers and mountain bikers, Scottsdale offers a well-developed network of hiking trails, such as the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Pinnacle Peak Park and Camelback Mountain. Climbing rocks, gliding across a lake in a kayak or exploring the landscape from above in a hot air balloon, many types of adventures are possible here.

Resorts & Wellness Centers
Whether it’s a luxurious five-star resort hotel, a cozy boutique hotel or affordable accommodation, Scottsdale has it all. No matter what type of lodging you choose, you’ll always find large rooms, clean pools, unique restaurants (either on site or nearby), world-class conference facilities, and the warm hospitality of the American Southwest.

A visit to one of the many luxury resorts and spas is a must when visiting Scottsdale. Because of Scottsdale’s location in the Sonoran Desert and given its rich cultural heritage, many treatments utilize native desert plants and ancient Native American healing techniques. These include a hot stone massage, a lavish honey body wrap, detoxifying mud wraps or an aromatherapy facial.

Scottsdale, Ariz. information

Location and size
The city of Scottsdale is located in the US state of Arizona and directly borders the greater Phoenix area and Paradise Valley to the west. Carefree lies along the eastern border, with Tempe to the south. Scottsdale covers an area of ​​477 km².

Population
Almost 227,000 people live in Scottsdale.

Local
time Mountain Standard Time (- 8 hours compared to Central European Standard Time) applies throughout the year.

Getting there
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), the main airport serving the Scottsdale and Phoenix metropolitan areas, ranks as the eighth busiest airport in the United States. It is only 10 miles from downtown Scottsdale and is served by 20 major airlines. With nearly 1,500 daily arrivals and departures and non-stop service to 106 cities, Scottsdale is easily accessible within the US, Canada, Mexico, the UK and many international cities. British Airways flies daily direct from London Heathrow to Phoenix.

Climate
Scottsdale has more than 330 days of sunshine a year with a pleasantly low level of humidity.

Winter ( from December to mid-February) is characterized by sunny, mild days and clear, fresh nights.
Spring (from mid-February to late April) is ideal for outdoor activities, desert adventures and outdoor picnics with warm and sunny days.
The first of two summer seasons, the dry summer, lasts from early May to late June. This brings lots of sunshine during the day, balmy evenings, low humidity and almost no precipitation. The wet summer, from early July to mid-September, is characterized by high daytime temperatures, light to moderate humidity, and the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms driven by monsoon winds blowing from the Gulf of Mexico.
In autumn (mid-September to late November), the monsoon thunderstorms end and the clear, warm days are followed by refreshingly cool evenings.

Clothing
It is recommended that you bring comfortable clothing, swimming gear, a sun hat, comfortable shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen

Activities in and around Scottsdale

Golf & Sports
For golf fans, Scottsdale is a dream destination thanks to perfect weather, the breathtaking backdrop of the Sonoran Dessert and excellent golf courses that are always in the best condition. What makes Scottsdale a renowned golfer’s destination is more than 200 immaculately manicured golf courses throughout the metropolitan area and the first class service that every golfer who steps onto a Scottsdale green is treated to.

In addition, the city scores with its proximity to numerous championship golf courses, such as Troon North Golf Club, TPC Scottsdale, Grayhawk Golf Club, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club and many more. Scottsdale and the Valley of the Sun play host to some of the world’s most popular sporting events including professional American football, Major League Baseball, professional basketball, NASCAR, FBR Open and many more.

Dining & Nightlife
The vital cultures that have shaped this region with its special flair can also be seen in the more than 600 restaurants in Scottsdale. Award-winning celebrity chefs combine the influences of Native American, Latin American and Western cuisine with local, international and organic elements to create unique creations.

The city also hosts culinary events throughout the year, including the Scottsdale Culinary Fest, held annually in April. In addition to the wide range of fine restaurants spread throughout the city, Scottsdale also offers an exciting nightlife. You will find ultra-chic nightclubs, sophisticated lounges and cozy wine bars. There are more than 50 nightclubs and bars to choose from in downtown Scottsdale alone.

Shopping
Scottsdale is synonymous with power shopping. The 2,500 shops dotted around the city are just as eclectic and surprising as the treasures to be found there. Excellent shopping can be found at Scottsdale Fashion Square with a total of 225 boutiques, galleries and department stores. Next door is the Scottsdale Waterfront and South Bridge, two new retail and lifestyle hubs with high-end stores and fine-dining restaurants in a lush, park-like setting.

The premier collection of high-end stores can be found in the Shops at Gainey Village or in the Shops District in Scottsdale’s arts, shopping and entertainment districts. Those looking for a different experience should check out the Italian village-inspired Borgota of Scottsdale or el Pedregal Festival ‘s marketplace, which is architecturally inspired by old Morocco.

Arts & Culture
With more than 125 galleries and museums, the stimulating downtown Scottsdale Arts District, an array of performing arts venues and architectural wonders including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, Scottsdale is a year-round cultural city. Collectors and art lovers will especially enjoy the Scottsdale ArtWalk, a tradition held every Thursday evening where downtown galleries stay open late and invite visitors to attend private viewings and artist receptions.

For performing arts enthusiasts, the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts offers a year-round calendar of dance, theater and music performances. And if modern art is more appealing, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art has won plaudits for its exhibitions of avant-garde art, architecture and design. Scottsdale’s cultural heritage is celebrated at the world-renowned Heard Museum and the seasonal Native Trail festivals featuring food and crafts.

Discover Arizona
Scottsdale is also a great base for exploring the great US state of Arizona. From the awe-inspiring Red Rocks of Sedona and the majestic Painted Desert to the crimson peaks and spiers of Monument Valley, you’ll find everything here. More information about Arizona can be found on the next page.