Scottsdale holidays - Trendsetting, artistic and beautiful

A desert city has never looked so cool

Scottsdale, Arizona sits on the borders of the Tonto National Forest and is home to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the largest urban preserve in the country, which spans nearly 1/3 of Scottsdale’s city limits and is home to hundreds of kilometers of free trails.

The city is home to a wide collection of luxury hotels, boutique desert hideaways and hip, urban hotels. Wherever you stay in this one-of-a-kind destination, you’re surrounded by world-class golf, acclaimed spas, art, outdoor recreation and an endless variety of shopping and dining. There’s plenty of urban intrigue too, not least in the walkable Old Town, which serves up a wide array of shops, nightlife, restaurants, cafes, galleries and museums. Whether visitors are looking to charge up or relax, Scottsdale leaves visitors feeling effortlessly revitalized.

Things to do in Scottsdale

Old Town Scottsdale offers some of the best fine art galleries, designer shopping and cultural attractions in the region. Shops in the Historic District of Old Town focus on Native American crafts, offering everything from hand woven Navajo rugs to Zuni silver jewellery.

Holiday highlights

• McDowell Sonoran Preserve
• Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West
• Lake Pleasant
• Tonto National Forest
• Glendale
• Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Desert Botanical Garden
• Phoenix Mountains Preserve
• McDowell Mountain Regional Park
• Scottsdale Center for the Arts
• Old Town Scottsdale
• Scottsdale Trolleys
• Musical Instrument Museum
• Award-winning and renowned Public Art Installations
• Sonoran Desert National Monument
• Downtown Phoenix

When to go

Scottsdale is a year-round destination with over 310 days of sunshine annually. While the summer months (May – September) can reach an average high of 40 degrees, in the winter (December – February) the average low is 6 degrees, rarely dropping below freezing.

Every Scottsdale season has its own special charm. In spring, idyllic temperatures make outdoor activities a way of life – wildflower hikes, Cactus League Spring Training games, patio dining and evening ArtWalks are a few popular options.

During summer, visitors can take advantage of remarkable seasonal rates at Scottsdale’s award-winning resorts and golf courses. During the heat of the day, lounge poolside, relax at the spa or explore any of our cool museums and shopping centers. After dark, enjoy nighttime desert tours and live concerts under the stars.

In fall, join the locals at events like the Scottsdale International Film Festival, Old Town Farmers’ Market and Arizona Fall League Baseball, or embark on a desert tour by Jeep or horseback.

And in winter, our resorts transform into winter wonderlands filled with holiday charm and millions of glittering lights. Can’t-miss seasonal events include Scottsdazzle, ZooLights and Las Noches de las Luminarias.