Top Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to
Sunny Scottsdale
Visiting Scottsdale offers a blend of
stunning desert landscapes, luxurious resorts and a vibrant arts scene, making
it a prime destination for travelers. However, it's sometimes overlooked.
Passing Up Summer Savings
Love staying at five-star resorts for a
fraction of the price? You’ll find all this and more during Scottsdale’s value
season, which runs June through August — we’re talking a drop of up to 60% from
peak-season pricing. These incredible savings mean you can afford to upgrade
your stay or even stay in town a few days longer.
Staying Inside All Summer
There’s no doubt about it – summers in
Scottsdale can be hot. While it’s tempting to focus on indoor, air-conditioned
activities, don’t ignore your craving for some fresh desert air. Take advantage
of the cooler temps around sunrise for a hot air balloon flight, a serene
poolside yoga class or an early morning tee time. Did we mention it’s a dry
heat?
Overlooking Authentic Local Crafts When
Shopping
In the market for Indigenous jewelry or
art? Make sure any mementos you buy are authentic pieces made by local Native
American artisans. Old Town’s Native Art Market is an Indigenous-owned shop
featuring high-quality handmade items, ranging from turquoise jewelry and
kachinas to dream catchers and pottery. Alternatively, 5th Avenue
shops offer a variety of curated boutiques and specialty stores.
Bypassing Scottsdale’s Art Galleries and
Museums
Embrace the arts in Scottsdale, starting
with the free Thursday night ArtWalk and the self-guided Scottsdale Public Art
Walking Tour, which takes you to 10 popular artworks (think: bronze statues,
relaxing fountains and interactive installations) in walkable Old Town. The
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art features rotating exhibitions of
cutting-edge art and design, while the Smithsonian-Affiliated Western Spirit:
Scottsdale’s Museum of the West showcases the art, culture and history of the
American West. Also, don’t miss a tour at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Missing the Sonoran Desert
Spend even a few moments in Scottsdale’s
Sonoran Desert and you’ll discover a magical landscape filled with lush
vegetation, including the iconic Saguaro, and abundant wildlife.
Scottsdale is known for its hiking (there
are over 230 kilometers of trails in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve
alone) and more than 200 area golf courses, but there’s plenty more to do
beyond these activities. Take an e-bike ride on the paved Indian Bend Wash
Greenbelt, saddle-up for a horseback riding excursion, or go off-roading in the
desert. For some family fun, take the train ride at McCormick-Stillman Railroad
Park or go kayaking on the Lower Salt River (if you’re lucky, you might even
see the herd of wild horses!).
Eating at Chain Restaurants Instead of
Local Ones
One of the best ways to get to know
Scottsdale is through its local restaurants, especially the ones known for
their Mexican and Southwest flavors (think: tacos and guacamole, prickly pear
margaritas, and homemade tortillas). Of course, it’s easy to find global
cuisine here as well, including some James Beard-winning chefs and restaurants
and celebrity chefs.