Guidebook for Scottsdale
Arts & Culture
Scottsdale Stadium
7408 E Osborn RdSpring Training galore!
By far our favorite movie theater because you can see Sundance and Indie films here ... locally owned and a definite local favorite.
84 locals recommend
Harkins Camelview 14 Theatre
7014 E Camelback RdBy far our favorite movie theater because you can see Sundance and Indie films here ... locally owned and a definite local favorite.
You and the kids can see this place in an hour or less -- but you'll come away with a TON of newfound butterfly knowledge and some great photos, too. Cool exhibits!
413 locals recommend
Butterfly Wonderland
9500 East Vía de VenturaYou and the kids can see this place in an hour or less -- but you'll come away with a TON of newfound butterfly knowledge and some great photos, too. Cool exhibits!
Do you have kids around the age of 11 or so? THEN YOU MUST TAKE THEM HERE. Old time railroad trains and carousel -- all in a beautiful park. Lovely way to spend an afternoon!
211 locals recommend
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
7301 E Indian Bend RdDo you have kids around the age of 11 or so? THEN YOU MUST TAKE THEM HERE. Old time railroad trains and carousel -- all in a beautiful park. Lovely way to spend an afternoon!
OK so check the reviews because the plays here are a bit hit or miss ... but sometimes they really knock 'em out of t he park.
10 locals recommend
Desert Stages Theater
7014 E Camelback RdOK so check the reviews because the plays here are a bit hit or miss ... but sometimes they really knock 'em out of t he park.
So we show horses. And this is THE place to show horses and watch show horses in all of Arizona. Check 'em out online to see what events are on the calendar!
132 locals recommend
WestWorld of Scottsdale
16601 North Pima RoadSo we show horses. And this is THE place to show horses and watch show horses in all of Arizona. Check 'em out online to see what events are on the calendar!
Very cool place (literally a SUPER cool place in the summer).
218 locals recommend
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
7374 E 2nd StVery cool place (literally a SUPER cool place in the summer).
Fantastic venue for performing arts -- check 'em out online to see who's in town and what's playing!
49 locals recommend
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
7380 E 2nd StFantastic venue for performing arts -- check 'em out online to see who's in town and what's playing!
We've never actually tried this place but we hear good things. Rent a horse, ride western style thru the desert, eat BBQ, do the whole cowboy thing!
39 locals recommend
MacDonald's Ranch
26540 N Scottsdale RdWe've never actually tried this place but we hear good things. Rent a horse, ride western style thru the desert, eat BBQ, do the whole cowboy thing!
Food Scene
Here's where you go on your special date night. Mellow wine bar atmosphere ... food is out of this world and top rated in the state.
10 locals recommend
Atlas Bistro
2515 N Scottsdale RdHere's where you go on your special date night. Mellow wine bar atmosphere ... food is out of this world and top rated in the state.
Tiny hole in the wall breakfast joint where the locals go to get their coffee fix. Order the Breakfast Buzz ... it's a frozen espresso drink that will indeed buzz and amaze! You will be back ...
50 locals recommend
d'Lite Healthy On The Go
2613 N Scottsdale RdTiny hole in the wall breakfast joint where the locals go to get their coffee fix. Order the Breakfast Buzz ... it's a frozen espresso drink that will indeed buzz and amaze! You will be back ...
STUPIDLY AWESOME CREPES AND APPLE PANCAKES. The Dutch Baby is no slouch either. Trust me.
17 locals recommend
Original Pancake House
6840 E Camelback RdSTUPIDLY AWESOME CREPES AND APPLE PANCAKES. The Dutch Baby is no slouch either. Trust me.
DO NOT EVEN GET US STARTED on the Tom Kha Gai soup here because it is CRAZY AWESOME, as is everything else on the menu. Don't get us started.
12 locals recommend
Tottie's Asian Fusion (South Scottsdale Location)
7901 E Thomas RdDO NOT EVEN GET US STARTED on the Tom Kha Gai soup here because it is CRAZY AWESOME, as is everything else on the menu. Don't get us started.
Great place for ladies who lunch. We've tried about everything on the menu ... can't go wrong.
68 locals recommend
The Herb Box
7051 E 5th AveGreat place for ladies who lunch. We've tried about everything on the menu ... can't go wrong.
Fantastic, award-winning Mexican food but this is NOT the place for sloppy cheese enchiladas and bland chips. Food here is inspired and authentic ... save time to walk along the canal after.
193 locals recommend
Barrio Queen
7114 E Stetson DrFantastic, award-winning Mexican food but this is NOT the place for sloppy cheese enchiladas and bland chips. Food here is inspired and authentic ... save time to walk along the canal after.
Old time masonry building and great ambiance. Homestyle yet high-end authentic Mexican food ... these people know what they are doing. FOR SURE.
31 locals recommend
Los Sombreros
2534 N Scottsdale RdOld time masonry building and great ambiance. Homestyle yet high-end authentic Mexican food ... these people know what they are doing. FOR SURE.
So we consider this our neighborhood joint. Great bar, great low-key ambiance (bring the kids), fantastic food. My favorite is the trout but you'll probably order something like pork or beef ... :-)
31 locals recommend
Pig & Pickle
2922 N Hayden RdSo we consider this our neighborhood joint. Great bar, great low-key ambiance (bring the kids), fantastic food. My favorite is the trout but you'll probably order something like pork or beef ... :-)
Incredibly fresh and delicious Vietnamese food. Super popular with the local types. :-)
16 locals recommend
Noodles Ranch
2765 N Scottsdale RdIncredibly fresh and delicious Vietnamese food. Super popular with the local types. :-)
Smashburger
2837 N Power RdHey, they've got tasty burgers here. What can we say.
Talking Stick Resort Casino
Talking Stick WayAnother casino
Super cool place with homestyle cooking and hey, you can get chicken AND waffles for dinner.
97 locals recommend
Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles
3133 N Scottsdale RdSuper cool place with homestyle cooking and hey, you can get chicken AND waffles for dinner.
Upscale Latin-based food in a great old mission church. Their posole is to die for ... smoked pork shoulder tacos are bliss as well.
284 locals recommend
The Mission
3815 N Brown AveUpscale Latin-based food in a great old mission church. Their posole is to die for ... smoked pork shoulder tacos are bliss as well.
Homemade pasta, anyone? This is the place for authentic Italian (unless you prefer deli-style, then go to DeFalco's).
14 locals recommend
Marcellino Ristorante
7114 E Stetson DrHomemade pasta, anyone? This is the place for authentic Italian (unless you prefer deli-style, then go to DeFalco's).
Chef Jeffrey McGrath opened this place to stellar success over a decade ago ... it was sold to new owners since then but they have remained true to the original vision ... lofty cowboy cuisine.
90 locals recommend
Roaring Fork
4800 N Scottsdale RdChef Jeffrey McGrath opened this place to stellar success over a decade ago ... it was sold to new owners since then but they have remained true to the original vision ... lofty cowboy cuisine.
McCormick Ranch Golf Club
7505 E McCormick PkwyGolf within 10 minutes drive!
Everything Else
Kids want to swim? Get a day pass to this great water park and lap pool for just $3/day -- and it's just three blocks from the house! Plus there's a public gym and a community center -- TONS TO DO!
17 locals recommend
Eldorado Aquatic & Fitness Center
2301 N Miller RdKids want to swim? Get a day pass to this great water park and lap pool for just $3/day -- and it's just three blocks from the house! Plus there's a public gym and a community center -- TONS TO DO!
Just a short walk from home and you're here! It's not fancy, but it's a lovely course nonetheless. Last time we checked you could play a round for $7 and the driving range is open til 9pm.
81 locals recommend
Continental Golf Club
7920 E Osborn RdJust a short walk from home and you're here! It's not fancy, but it's a lovely course nonetheless. Last time we checked you could play a round for $7 and the driving range is open til 9pm.
Bowlmor Scottsdale
7300 E Thomas RdThrowback retro bowling lanes. Get your strike on.
If you have time to visit only ONE quintessential southwestern store, go to Bischoff's. Get your cowboy clothes, some wonderful Made In Arizona treats, and just tons o' cool Arizona gifts galore.
7 locals recommend
Bischoff's Shades of the West
7247 E Main StIf you have time to visit only ONE quintessential southwestern store, go to Bischoff's. Get your cowboy clothes, some wonderful Made In Arizona treats, and just tons o' cool Arizona gifts galore.
So this is a bit of a drive but it's a very high-end and "open air" type of mall ... you won't feel all cooped up inside as you wander around these chic swanky stores.
494 locals recommend
Biltmore Fashion Park
2502 E Camelback RdSo this is a bit of a drive but it's a very high-end and "open air" type of mall ... you won't feel all cooped up inside as you wander around these chic swanky stores.
Forgot your toothbrush? We got you covered here. Actually this place has everything and GUESS WHAT THE PRICE IS?! Yep, it's 99 cents.
99 Cents Only Stores
790 E Southern AveForgot your toothbrush? We got you covered here. Actually this place has everything and GUESS WHAT THE PRICE IS?! Yep, it's 99 cents.
Casino Arizona
524 N 92nd StFeeling lucky? This is the place for you.
Sun Devil Football Stadium
500 E Veterans WayGo Devils!
Fantastic views of the Valley from these trails. Trails range from moderate to difficult.
1752 locals recommend
Echo Canyon Trail and Recreation Area
East McDonald DriveFantastic views of the Valley from these trails. Trails range from moderate to difficult.
Lot's O' Spring Training baseball (Spring Training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies).
344 locals recommend
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
7555 N Pima RdLot's O' Spring Training baseball (Spring Training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies).
Talking Stick Golf Club
9998 Talking Stick WayGolf within 10 minutes drive!
Arizona Biltmore Golf Club
2400 E Missouri AveGolf within 10 minutes drive!
Scottsdale Silverado Golf Club.
7605 East Indian Bend RoadGolf within 10 minutes drive!
Mountain Shadows Resort
5445 E Lincoln DrGolf within 10 minutes drive!
TPC Scottsdale - Champions Course
8243 E Bell Rd15 minutes away -- great golf!
Camelback Golf Club
7847 N Mockingbird LnGolf within 10 minutes drive!
Gainey Ranch Golf Club
7600 E Gainey Club DrGolf within 10 minutes drive!
Golf within 10 minutes drive!
43 locals recommend
The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale
6000 E Camelback RdGolf within 10 minutes drive!
Papago Golf Course
5595 E Karsten WyGolf within 10 minutes drive!
REALLY great park! You can skate, watch (or play) a ball game, feed the ducks, BBQ at a huge ramada by a lake, or just stroll around and chill. One of the top-rated parks in Scottsdale!
26 locals recommend
El Dorado Park
2311 N Miller RdREALLY great park! You can skate, watch (or play) a ball game, feed the ducks, BBQ at a huge ramada by a lake, or just stroll around and chill. One of the top-rated parks in Scottsdale!
Essentials
Fry's Food And Drug
7770 E McDowell RdHUGE grocery store. Everything you could want and then some!
We are kind of addicted to this place. Awesome ready-to-go meals and unique snacks, plus cool stuff like fresh flowers. All reasonably priced .... what's not to like?
413 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
7720 W Bell RdWe are kind of addicted to this place. Awesome ready-to-go meals and unique snacks, plus cool stuff like fresh flowers. All reasonably priced .... what's not to like?
Pop in for fresh produce and/or ready-made meals. Self check-out ... very clean and tidy ... great place when you don't want to roam a grocery store the size of Antarctica.
Fresh & Easy
7901 East Thomas RoadPop in for fresh produce and/or ready-made meals. Self check-out ... very clean and tidy ... great place when you don't want to roam a grocery store the size of Antarctica.
Super close to the house -- great place to pick up groceries, snacks, and stuff.
96 locals recommend
Albertsons
2785 N Scottsdale RdSuper close to the house -- great place to pick up groceries, snacks, and stuff.
Sprouts Farmers Market
8787 N Scottsdale RdGet your organic groceries and goodies here!
Shopping
Neiman Marcus, Barny's, Macy's, Dillard's ... this is THE mall in Scottsdale to see and be seen.
734 locals recommend
Fashion Square
Neiman Marcus, Barny's, Macy's, Dillard's ... this is THE mall in Scottsdale to see and be seen.
We have found our share of antiques here .... generally good vendors and a wide array of cool old stuff.
Antique Trove
2020 N Scottsdale RdWe have found our share of antiques here .... generally good vendors and a wide array of cool old stuff.
Here's where you go for that old time Scottsdale experience ... the southwest art and jewelry galleries, the western shops, cool statues of cowboys and horses, stuff like that.
1378 locals recommend
Old Town Scottsdale
3200 N Scottsdale RdHere's where you go for that old time Scottsdale experience ... the southwest art and jewelry galleries, the western shops, cool statues of cowboys and horses, stuff like that.
Another great outdoor shopping mall; very pretty around the holidays. Right across the street is another huge shopping area called The Scottsdale Quarter.
699 locals recommend
Kierland Commons
Another great outdoor shopping mall; very pretty around the holidays. Right across the street is another huge shopping area called The Scottsdale Quarter.
Drinks & Nightlife
One of our favorites ... hip pub atmosphere, great bar and AWESOME FOOD!
120 locals recommend
Citizen Public House
7111 E 5th AveOne of our favorites ... hip pub atmosphere, great bar and AWESOME FOOD!
Sightseeing
OK so the idea of going to a desert garden doesn't seem like an amazing experience ... but this place is stunning. If you're in town for winter holidays, go at night -- SPECTACULAR luminaria display!
1231 locals recommend
Desert Botanical Garden
OK so the idea of going to a desert garden doesn't seem like an amazing experience ... but this place is stunning. If you're in town for winter holidays, go at night -- SPECTACULAR luminaria display!
Take a guided tour through world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright's winter retreat and studio ... pretty cool and VERY Arizona.
296 locals recommend
Taliesin West
12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright BlvdTake a guided tour through world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright's winter retreat and studio ... pretty cool and VERY Arizona.
This is just a super spectacular hiking trail that pays off very fast (you reach the summit in about 35 minutes). Awesome 360-degree views of the Valley -- very popular trail.
28 locals recommend
Pinnacle Peak
This is just a super spectacular hiking trail that pays off very fast (you reach the summit in about 35 minutes). Awesome 360-degree views of the Valley -- very popular trail.