Scottsdale Visitor Guide — Things To Do, Events & More

Why Scottsdale

Arizona's Premier Desert Destination

Scottsdale draws visitors year-round with a unique combination of world-class events, Old Town culture, stunning desert landscapes, luxury resort experiences, and some of the best golf in North America.

Whether you're here for Spring Training, the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Barrett-Jackson, or just a warm winter escape — Scottsdale delivers. This guide covers everything you need to make the most of your trip.

330

Sunny Days / Year

200+

Golf Courses in Valley

300+

Restaurants in Old Town

5★

Our Airbnb Rating

Explore Scottsdale

What Do You Want to Do?

Jump into any guide — every page brings you back to your home base.

🎟️

Events

Spring Training, Phoenix Open, Barrett-Jackson & more

🌆

Old Town

Restaurants, nightlife, galleries & weekend itineraries

🏜️

Outdoors

Camelback, McDowell trails, desert sunsets & lakes

🍽️

Dining & Nightlife

Rooftop bars, brunch, fine dining & the best happy hours

⛳

Golf & Sports

TPC Scottsdale, public courses & sports viewing spots

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Our Poolside Retreat

Your home base — minutes from everything

The Draw

Why Visitors Keep Coming Back

Scottsdale isn't just a destination — it's an experience you plan around.

⛳

World-Class Golf

Home to TPC Scottsdale and dozens of premier public and resort courses. The WM Phoenix Open draws 500,000+ fans annually.

⚾

Spring Training

The Cactus League brings 15 MLB teams to the Valley every February and March. Intimate stadiums, great weather, cold beer.

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Food & Drink Scene

James Beard nominees, rooftop bars, award-winning brunch spots, and hundreds of unique restaurants across Old Town and beyond.

🦅

Desert Adventure

Camelback Mountain, McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and hundreds of trails within 30 minutes. Desert sunsets that will stop you mid-sentence.

🎭

Signature Events

Barrett-Jackson, Arabian Horse Show, Scottsdale Arts Festival, and Parada del Sol — events that define the Scottsdale calendar.

☀️

The Weather

330+ sunny days a year. Peak season is October–April when the desert is perfect. Summers are hot but resorts have pools for a reason.

When to Visit

Scottsdale by Season

Every season has a reason to come — here's what you need to know.

Jan – Mar

Peak Season

The best weather, the biggest events. Barrett-Jackson in January, WM Phoenix Open in February, Spring Training Feb–March. Book early — this is when demand peaks.

Barrett-JacksonWM OpenMLB Cactus League

Apr – May

Spring Shoulder

Warm but not hot. Scottsdale Arts Festival and Restaurant Week. Great for hiking before temperatures climb. Lower rates than peak.

Arts FestivalRestaurant WeekHiking

Jun – Sep

Summer / Pool Season

Hot — but resort rates are at their lowest. Monsoon season brings dramatic skies in July–August. Pool days, indoor dining, spa time.

Low RatesPool DaysMonsoon Season

Oct – Dec

Fall Return

Temperatures drop back into perfection. Arizona State Fair in October. Holiday events through December. The crowds come back as snowbirds arrive.