Scottsdale is an up-and-coming tourist destination in the heart of Arizona. Just 15 minutes from the center of Phoenix, Scottsdale is the perfect destination to enjoy luxury in the sun. Let’s start with the obvious beauty of the lush Sonoran Desert then sprinkle in the world-class resorts, chef-driven restaurants, and exciting experiences, Scottsdale is the place to go to create a once-in-a-lifetime getaway. Scottsdale had its official start in 1951 with a tiny population of only 2,000. Since then, Scottsdale has grown to a whopping 241,361 people and that was from the 2020 census so it’s probably much more now.
If you were to ask an Arizona native to describe Scottsdale, they would say that it is commonly defined by its high quality of life and diverse culture. What’s nice about Scottsdale is that it can be your home base to explore other parts of the state and only be a few hours away from just about anywhere. Let’s check out some of the highlights that Scottsdale has to offer.
Spend the Day in Old Town Scottsdale
Start the day off in historic Old Town Scottsdale. It is truly the heart of Scottsdale and resembles a rustic but trendy downtown area. Nestled in several walkable neighborhoods you’ll find an assortment of shops, restaurants, art galleries, and nightclubs. In addition, there are several contemporary public art installations, world-class museums, and historic sites from the late 1880s. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, Old Town is home to more than 15 outstanding resorts and hotels.
Get Outside
In reality, there are only a few months out of the year that are not the best for enjoying outdoor activities. But for 9 out of 12 months, Scottsdale has the perfect weather for all outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you want to experience a hot air balloon ride, go on a horseback ride, hike, or just have some fun in the sun, Scottsdale and the surrounding areas have something for everyone at any level.
Scottsdale is also known to have some of the best golfing in the country, so whether you want to play for the day or stay and play, Scottsdale has you covered. One of the best courses to stay and play at is the Boulders Club, which is nestled in the foothills of North Scottsdale.
Weather in Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale, Arizona, is known for its desert climate, offering warm weather year-round. Summers are typically hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C), particularly from June through September. The city’s low humidity makes the heat more bearable, but it can still feel intense. Winters, by contrast, are mild and pleasant, with daytime highs ranging from the mid-60s to 70s°F (18-24°C) and cooler nights. Fall and spring offer comfortable, warm temperatures, making them ideal seasons for outdoor activities. While rainfall is sparse, Scottsdale experiences monsoon storms in late summer, bringing brief but heavy rains and occasional thunderstorms.
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Spring Training
A true Scottsdale experience is none other than attending a spring training baseball game. Home to the Cactus League teams, which include the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals, and many more, fans can come out, sit on the lawn and enjoy a baseball hotdog and beer while watching some baseball in near-perfect temperatures. It truly doesn’t get much better than that. Spring training runs from February through March so make sure to put some time on the calendar to catch a game.
Visit the Desert Botanical Garden
If you are looking to experience the Arizona desert, look no further than the Desert Botanical Garden. With the perfect combination of rugged beauty and desert landscape, the Desert Botanical Garden educates its guests on the many plants that inhabit the desert surrounding the Phoenix valley.
With options to attend events or just roam the park on one of many trails, this excursion is perfect for anyone wanting to experience the beauty of the desert in a walkable park. Make sure to check out their website to learn more about your visit and what to bring before you head out, dbg.org.
Explore Local Art & Culture
If you aren’t convinced enough that you need to visit Scottsdale, then let this be the deciding factor; Scottsdale is known for putting a trendy spin on its western roots. When you visit, you will quickly realize that you are immersed in a culture that prides itself on honoring where they came from but also focuses on being the epitome of luxury. With everything from the Scottsdale Rodeo Museum to fine art galleries, you will experience every facet of Scottsdale and what makes it special.
WestWorld of Scottsdale
WestWorld of Scottsdale is a premier event destination, known for hosting a wide variety of events throughout the year, attracting visitors from across the globe. Spanning over 300 acres, this expansive facility is best known for the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, an iconic event that draws car enthusiasts annually. However, WestWorld’s calendar is packed with other notable events, including equestrian shows, festivals, trade expos, and sporting competitions. The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is another standout, showcasing world-class equestrian talent. From cultural festivals to luxury car auctions and rodeos, WestWorld’s versatility makes it a hub for entertainment, business, and recreational events all year long.
This article was originally written for the Spring 2022 Issue of Modern Cowboy Magazine. (Previously known as Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine). Catch more stories from this issue below!
