A Great Place To Live ☀️

Welcome to our ultimate guide to Scottsdale, Arizona. We created this post for those searching online to more about one of America’s best cities. Many of us at Williams Luxury Homes live, work, and play in Scottsdale. We also sell a TON of real estate. What this means is we know the city VERY well. Today, we’re exploring everything from Scottsdale’s history to its FUTURE. Sit back. Relax. And get ready to be informed. Firstly, let’s delve into Scottsdale’s fascinating history.

A Brief History of Scottsdale 🏺

• Home to the Hohokam civilization (300 BC to 1450 AD)
• Hohokam disappeared around 1450 or 1500, possibly due to drought
• US Army Chaplain Winfield Scott bought 640 acres in 1888, sparking Scottsdale’s development
• Attracted settlers due to the climate, scenery, and irrigated desert location
• Rapid expansion in the 1950s, with a population of over 10,000 by 1960
• Established annual traditions like the Parada del Sol, All Arabian Horse Show, and Spring Training season
• Population increased six-fold by the end of the 1960s to nearly 68,000

Luxurious Resort & Spas 🧖‍♀️

Furthermore, relax and rejuvenate at Scottsdale, Arizona‘s premier spas, set against the serene desert landscape:

1. The Phoenician: In addition to it’s incredible vibe, The Phoenician offers world-calls spa services, fitness center, facials, mud treatments, and a range of body massages
2. The Spa at Talking Stick Resort: A 13,000 sq ft open-air spa with floor-to-ceiling windows and treatments inspired by Native American traditions
3. Joya Spa at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia: A Spanish-inspired paradise valley resort featuring the signature scent, Joyambrosia. Which was derived from the Queen of the Night cactus flower

Hiking Trails 🥾

Next, let’s discuss the outdoors. Scottsdale, Arizona boasts over 400 miles of well-kept trails, making it a top hiking destination. Check out these five fantastic trails:

1. Pinnacle Peak Summit Trail: A moderate workout with fantastic valley views and wildlife sightings
2. Gateway Loop Trail: A peaceful, 4.5-mile trail offering solitude away from the city
3. Lost Dog Wash: Short, simple trails suitable for families and perfect for wildlife exploration
4. Brown’s Ranch Trailhead: A 14-mile loop trail with wildlife viewing opportunities
5. Sunrise Trailhead: A challenging trail with stunning mountain views

Exciting Annual Events 🎉

Also, what would a guide to Scottsdale, Arizona be if it didn’t mention all the goodies below?!

• Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show: A world-class horse show held at WestWorld, with top owners, trainers, and breeders competing for the win
• Canal Convergence: A 10-day public art event featuring artworks along the Scottsdale waterfront
• Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction: A renowned collector car auction and automotive lifestyle event held in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Connecticut, and Las Vegas
• Cactus League Spring Training: Baseball fans flock to Arizona for spring training with the San Francisco Giants, Colorado Rockies, and Arizona Diamondbacks
• PGA TOUR’s Waste Management Phoenix Open: A professional golf tournament held at the Tournament Players Club (TPC) of Scottsdale

Must-Visit Attractions 📸

While we could list TONS more cool places to visit here in our ultimate guide to Scottsdale, Arizona, we felt this should get you started! Now let’s take a look at some must-visit attractions:

• Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West: Explore the winter home and architectural school of the legendary architect
• iFLY: Experience indoor skydiving in the heart of Scottsdale’s Talking Stick Entertainment District
• OdySea Aquarium: The largest aquarium in the southwest, offering interactive and educational experiences for visitors of all ages
• Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve: Over 30,500 acres of pristine Sonoran Desert. Open from sunrise to sunset. 215 miles of well-maintained trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding
• MacDonald’s Ranch: A premier horseback riding stable offering guided rides, stagecoach rides, petting zoos, hayrides, and cowboy cookouts
• Old Town Scottsdale: Explore the history, arts district galleries, shopping, and vibrant nightlife of Scottsdale’s charming downtown area
• Scottsdale’s Museum of the West: Celebrate the pioneering spirit of the American West through fine art exhibitions, rare artifacts, and cultural treasures
• Butterfly Wonderland: Immerse yourself in the world of butterflies and other rainforest animals at America’s largest butterfly pavilion
• SMoCA (Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art): Experience eye-catching exhibitions and learn about contemporary art, architecture, and design
• McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park: Enjoy rides on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad, vintage carousel, and explore unique playgrounds at this 30-acre park in the heart of Scottsdale
• Desert Botanical Garden: Discover thousands of arid-land plants from around the world on five themed trails, and attend special events like Las Noches de las Luminarias and Music in the Garden

Food Scene 🍽️

Savor the flavors of Scottsdale with its diverse culinary scene, from local farm-to-table bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants. Let’s take a peek:

• FnB: Enjoy locally-sourced, innovative dishes at this award-winning bistro in Old Town
• Café Monarch: For those looking to indulge in a unique, multi-course tasting menu at a luxurious, Michelin-starred restaurant
• Mastro’s City Hall Steakhouse: Treat yourself to prime steaks, fresh seafood, and decadent desserts at this upscale steakhouse
• Taco Guild: Savor gourmet tacos and hand-crafted cocktails in a historic church-turned-restaurant
• Sel: Experience a fine dining adventure with a four-course, prix fixe menu that changes weekly at this intimate eatery

Retail Therapy 🛍️

Allow this guide to elevate your shopping experience in Scottsdale, Arizona’s specialty couture and nationally-recognized retailers:

• Kierland Commons: A planned community shopping center with a Main Street feel, featuring community events, seminars, and an outdoor concert series
• Scottsdale Quarter: A chic, urban mixed-use shopping center with upscale boutiques and towering palm trees, water features, and 370,000 square feet of retail
• Scottsdale Waterfront: A 1.1 million square foot project on the outskirts of Old Town. Features residential, shopping, office, and restaurant spaces. Also, high-rise buildings and peaceful walking trails
• 5th Avenue Shops of Scottsdale: A quaint, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood in Old Town offering exclusive shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Has a stunning fountain featuring five Arabian rearing horses sculpted by Bob Parks
• Scottsdale Fashion Square: One of the largest shopping malls in the Southwest, housing over 225 stores and restaurants (40 exclusive to AZ). Optima Camelview Village enjoys close proximity

Nightlife & Entertainment🍸

Let us be your guide to the nightlife scene in Scottsdale, Arizona. Here you’ll find trendy bars, upscale lounges, and lively clubs:

• Old Town Scottsdale: The heart of the city’s nightlife scene, featuring a diverse array of bars, lounges, and clubs to suit every taste
• Maya Day + Nightclub: Dance the night away at this high-energy nightclub, boasting a massive pool area and top DJ performances
• Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row: Enjoy live music, dancing, and a lively atmosphere at this country-themed bar and restaurant
• The Mint Ultra Lounge: Dance the night away at this upscale lounge, a massive 30-foot bar, an outdoor patio, and bottle service
• Kazimierz Wine & Whiskey Bar: Step into an intimate, speakeasy-style lounge offering an extensive wine and whiskey list, as well as live jazz performances
• Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts: Attend concerts, dance performances, and theater productions at this premier venue, showcasing both local and international talent
• W Scottsdale Hotel: Head to the WET Deck for poolside cocktails and panoramic views or dance the night away at the hotel’s chic Living Room Lounge
• Dakota: This trendy nightclub offers a stylish setting, complete with a spacious dance floor, VIP booths, and an expansive outdoor patio

Art & Culture 🎨

Discover Scottsdale’s rich cultural scene with world-class art galleries, museums, and public art installations:

• Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA): Explore thought-provoking exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design
• Scottsdale’s Museum of the West: Immerse yourself in the history and art of the American West through engaging exhibitions and artifacts
• Scottsdale Public Art: Admire the city’s diverse collection of public art installations, including iconic pieces like the “Love” sculpture and the “Horse Fountain”
• Scottsdale ArtWalk: Stroll through the city’s vibrant arts district during the weekly ArtWalk, where you can explore galleries, meet artists, and enjoy live music and refreshments
• Heard Museum North Scottsdale: Visit this satellite location of the renowned Heard Museum, showcasing the art and culture of Native Americans from the Southwest

Dining 🍽️

Indulge in Scottsdale’s thriving culinary scene, offering a wide variety of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining experiences:

• FnB: Savor innovative, farm-to-table dishes crafted with seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients at this award-winning restaurant
• Mastro’s City Hall Steakhouse: Treat yourself to an upscale dining experience, featuring prime steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list
• Virtù Honest Craft: Sample Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a cozy, romantic setting at this acclaimed restaurant
• The Mission: Enjoy Latin American fusion dishes and handcrafted cocktails in a stylish, rustic atmosphere
• Olive & Ivy: Dine al fresco on the patio overlooking the waterfront, while savoring Mediterranean-inspired dishes and artisanal cocktails

Hotels & Resorts 🛏️

Rest and rejuvenate at one of Scottsdale’s premier luxury resorts and hotels:

• The Phoenician: Experience opulent accommodations, a world-class golf course, and a lavish spa at this iconic resort. Also home to Ascent at The Phoenician
• Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North: Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert, this luxury resort offers exceptional service. It features upscale amenities, and stunning views
• The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa: Relax and unwind at this family-friendly resort featuring a full-service spa, championship golf course, and an array of dining options
• Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Discover the ultimate desert oasis at this AAA Five Diamond resort, complete with six sparkling pools, a luxurious spa, and award-winning dining experiences
• Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa: Nestled on the north slope of Camelback Mountain, this exclusive retreat offers stunning accommodations, an Asian-inspired spa, and world-class cuisine

Golf Courses ⛳

Tee off at one of Scottsdale’s premier golf courses, where you’ll find challenging layouts and spectacular desert landscapes:

• Troon North Golf Club: Play two award-winning courses, the Monument and the Pinnacle. Both designed by legendary golf course architect Tom Weiskopf
• Grayhawk Golf Club: Choose between the Raptor and Talon courses. Both offering unique challenges and breathtaking vistas
• TPC Scottsdale: Test your skills on the Stadium Course, home of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, or play the more serene Champions Course
• The Boulders: Experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert while playing two championship courses, the North and South
• Kierland Golf Club: Offering three nine-hole courses, Acacia, Ironwood, and Mesquite, this golf club caters to players of all skill levels

Also Read: 6 Premier Golf Courses In Scottsdale, Arizona

Top Real Estate Communities 🏡

As a team of Scottsdale real estate agents, we definitely know how to guide you to the right communities. Below are some of the larger communities. Additionally, we’ve included some of our favorite areas and/or luxury communities.

• DC Ranch
• Gainey Ranch
• Troon
• Kierland
• McDowell Mountain Ranch
• White Horse By Camelot Homes
• Cactus Corridor
• Grayhawk
• Optima Kierland
• Silverleaf
• Desert Mountain
• Scottsdale Ranch

The Future 🚀

Currently, several luxury resorts and condo projects are underway. This includes the FENDI Private Residences, Ascent at The Phoenician, and Optima McDowell Mountain Village. The FENDI project is a BIG deal. Why? What this means is that it marks Scottsdale’s arrival on the map. There are only three other FENDI projects in the world. Those locations are in Dubai, Rome, and Miami. Meanwhile, Optima McDowell Mountain Village is the the densest real estate project in Scottsdale history. It features all kinds green tech and will be pretty awesome. What this means is the city is growing. And it is GREAT news.

Let Us Know If We Can Help 🤝

In summary, Scottsdale is truly a desert paradise, offering many experiences to create lasting memories. To fully immerse yourself in Scottsdale’s luxury lifestyle, we recommend checking out the top real estate communities in the area. At Williams Luxury Homes, we’re dedicated to helping you discover the best of Scottsdale and the surrounding areas. Also, for more information about Scottsdale’s finest real estate opportunities, contact us 24/7. That’s ‘The WLH Way”. With that said, we hope our guide to Scottsdale, Arizona has been helpful. We post all kinds of helpful and informative posts here on LUXE BLOG. Come back anytime.

Also Read: What Is The Cost Of Living In Scottsdale, Arizona?