Scottsdale First-Timer Visitor Itinerary | Official Travel Site for Scottsdale, Arizona (2024)

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Eat Like a Local

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Eat Like a Local
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Find Your Muse

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If this is your first time visiting Scottsdale, we have something exceptional in store for you! It all begins with the remarkable clarity of light and verdant landscape of our beautiful Sonoran Desert – it’s a setting that will have you breathing deeper and letting go of everyday worries in no time at all. Then, you’ll be ready to enjoy some Scottsdale-style adventure and exploration. Here are our top suggestions for signature Scottsdale experiences no first-time visitor should miss!

Where to Stay

FOUR SEASONS RESORT SCOTTSDALE AT TROON NORTH
Located in north Scottsdale’s high Sonoran Desert, the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale puts you within easy reach of natural beauty and luxurious amenities. The territorial-style accommodations are complemented by cabana-lined pools, an on-property spa, and easy access to hiking at Pinnacle Peak and championship golf at Troon North Golf Club.

CANYON SUITES
If luxury is on your itinerary, this exclusive 60-room boutique hotel on the property of The Phoenician resort is for you! Guests at Canyon Suites enjoy a private infinity pool lined with plush cabanas, exceptional customer service from dedicated Canyon Ambassadors, and magnificent scenic or golf course views.

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa
Perched on the side of Camelback Mountain, Sanctuary offers a setting of refined luxury as well as stunning city and desert views. Enjoy Asian-inspired spa treatments like the Coconut Sumatra Body Ritual, an expansive infinity-edge pool, craft co*cktails at Jade Bar and farm-fresh cuisine at elements.

What to do

Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve
This urban preserve boasts more than 225 miles of scenic shared-use trails in the McDowell Mountain foothills for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The Gateway, one of the Preserve’s seven trailheads, offers access to numerous paths, ranging from the ADA accessible Bajada Nature Trail to the challenging Windgate Pass Trail.

Old Town Scottsdale
For the most fun you can have in one square mile, head for Old Town! Here, you can browse one-off boutiques and galleries, view cutting-edge exhibitions at SMoCA, cowboy-up at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, sip your way along the Scottsdale Wine or Ale trail, and dine at some of the city’s best restaurants – and that’s just for starters.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West
Legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright was so captivated by the Sonoran Desert’s natural beauty and sunny climate that he chose Scottsdale as the location for his winter home and architectural school, Taliesin West. Daily tours offer guests an insider’s look into Wright’s ingenious designs and his ability to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces.

HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT
In a landscape as panoramic as the Sonoran Desert, there’s no better way to soak it all in than on a hot air balloon flight. You’ll drift along with the breeze as your pilot guides the balloon high into the air for expansive scenic views or dips close to the ground for a glimpse of wildlife and native vegetation. Every flight ends with a champagne toast!

EXCEPTIONALLY SCOTTSDALE COLLECTION
This new collection of expertly curated experiences will introduce you to Scottsdale like you’ve never seen it before! From the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright and the flavors of Arizona wines to the region’s unique history and vibrant Native American cultures, these immersive tours and workshops will give you unparalleled access to Scottsdale’s most popular local businesses and attractions.

Where to Eat

The Mission
Chef Matt Carter’s menu of modern Latin cuisine at this Old Town landmark includes favorites like the 12-ingredient guacamole, roasted pork shoulder tacos and Linz bone-in ribeye with a sherry glaze. Enjoy the cozy glow of the salt brick wall inside or request a table on either of The Mission’s shaded patios.

ORANGE SKY
This upscale eatery on the 15th floor of Talking Stick Resort boasts stunning 360-degree scenic views and an innovative menu of fresh seafood, aged steaks and just-harvested vegetables from local communities.

ELEMENTS AT SANCTUARY ON CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN
In addition to spectacular sunset views from its perch on Camelback Mountain, elements offers a luxury dining experience featuring farm-fresh American cuisine with Asian accents. Seasonal menus incorporate sustainable seafood, hormone-free meats and locally sourced organic produce.

Scottsdale Stories

Insider tips from Scottsdale experts

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Scottsdale First-Timer Visitor Itinerary | Official Travel Site for Scottsdale, Arizona (2024)

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