Scottsdale, AZ sits on the eastern edge of the Phoenix metro area and spans over 31 miles from north to south. Residents have immediate access to the Sonoran Desert, major retail centers, and professional sports venues.

Finding things to do in Scottsdale, AZ often means choosing between outdoor recreation and indoor entertainment. The local housing market features diverse property types, from luxury condominiums downtown to single-family homes built alongside championship golf courses.

Life and Entertainment Around Town

Scottsdale offers a mix of outdoor activities, arts, and golf. The city sits just 10 to 20 miles from downtown Phoenix, depending on your exact starting point.

Indoor attractions provide air-conditioned options during the warmer summer months. OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland sit just off the Loop 101 freeway on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

Residents also frequently take weekend trips to cooler elevations. Sedona, AZ is about a two-hour drive north, offering red rock trailheads and lower temperatures.

Exploring the Desert Trails and Mountains

The local landscape provides miles of open space for hiking and mountain biking. The city boundary includes large sections of the Sonoran Desert, giving residents immediate access to rugged terrain.

You can find paved walking paths near the Desert Botanical Garden or tackle steep inclines on local peaks. Trail usage peaks between November and April when daytime temperatures hover in the 70s.

Hiking Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain features two main routes for hikers. The Echo Canyon Trail is a 2.5-mile round trip, while the Cholla Trail covers about 3 miles.

Both paths require climbing over 1,200 feet in elevation and involve scrambling over large boulders. Hikers should bring plenty of water and start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat.

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve covers over 30,500 acres of protected land in the northern section of the city. The area maintains 230 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Accessibility varies across the preserve’s different trailheads. The Bajada Nature Trail offers a flat, half-mile paved loop that accommodates wheelchairs and strollers.

Shopping and Dining in Old Town

Old Town Scottsdale serves as the city’s primary downtown district. The area features a concentration of public art installations, retail spaces, and restaurants connected by walkable sidewalks.

Visitors and locals frequent the neighborhood for daytime shopping and evening entertainment. The district is divided into several smaller zones, including the Arts District and the Waterfront.

You can easily spend an entire day exploring the different blocks. The main attractions in Old Town include:

• Art Galleries: The Arts District hosts dozens of independent galleries, and the city sponsors a free ArtWalk every Thursday evening.
• Dining and Wine Tasting: Local restaurants range from casual patios to fine dining, accompanied by several regional wine tasting rooms.
• Retail Centers: Boutique shops line the streets, while the massive Scottsdale Fashion Square mall anchors the northern edge of the district.

Local Golf Courses and Resort Communities

Golf is a major driver of the local economy and housing market. The city contains dozens of public and private courses designed to incorporate the natural desert landscape.

TPC Scottsdale hosts the Waste Management Phoenix Open every winter, drawing large crowds to the area. Further north, Troon North features two courses winding through massive granite boulders.

Many residential communities are built directly around these fairways. Buyers can find townhomes overlooking the greens or large single-family estates located within gated golf club neighborhoods.

Living in these communities often requires a mandatory club membership or elevated homeowners association fees. Buyers should review these costs carefully when budgeting for a golf course property.

Getting Around the Phoenix Metro Area

Most residents rely on personal vehicles to travel across the Phoenix metro area. The Loop 101 freeway serves as the primary north-south artery through Scottsdale, AZ.

Drive times depend on your starting location and the time of day. Morning and evening rush hours regularly slow down traffic on the major freeways.

Downtown Phoenix is about 13 to 20 miles away from most Scottsdale neighborhoods. Commuters typically spend 20 to 35 minutes driving to the city center during normal traffic conditions.

Travelers heading to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport can expect a 9 to 15-mile trip via the Loop 101 and Loop 202 freeways. This drive generally takes 15 to 25 minutes.

Home Prices and Property Types

The local housing market includes everything from compact condos to multi-acre estates. Property values change based on the specific neighborhood and proximity to amenities like golf courses or Old Town.

As of early 2026, the median home price in Scottsdale ranges from $830,000 to over $1,000,000. Prices in the northern zip codes generally skew higher due to larger lot sizes and custom home builds.

Buyers interested in walkability often target the southern portions of the city. Condominiums near Scottsdale Fashion Square command a premium for their immediate access to retail and dining.

Buyers should ask their real estate agent about local transfer taxes and specific HOA rules before making an offer. Reviewing the MLS data will give you a clear picture of current inventory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scottsdale most known for?

The city is recognized globally for its luxury resorts, championship golf courses, and high-end retail centers. It also maintains a strong connection to western history, visible in the architecture and public art of the downtown district.

What’s fun to do in Scottsdale, AZ?

Finding things to do in Scottsdale, AZ ranges from hiking the McDowell Mountains to touring the Musical Instrument Museum nearby. Visitors can also explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home at Taliesin West.

What free things can you do in Scottsdale?

The Thursday night ArtWalk in Old Town costs nothing to attend and features dozens of open galleries. Hikers can also access the 230 miles of trails within the McDowell Sonoran Preserve without paying an entrance fee.

What to do in Scottsdale for 3 days?

A three-day itinerary could start with a morning hike up Camelback Mountain followed by lunch in Old Town. The next two days might include a round of golf at TPC Scottsdale and an afternoon exploring the indoor exhibits at OdySea Aquarium.