Scottsdale Overview

One part dusty cow town and two parts taste and culture, Scottsdale pours forth a unique blend across the Sonoran desert, attracting seven million tourists each year. Exquisite galleries, shops, and golf courses update "The West's Most Western Town."

Districts

Old Town includes the older Scottsdale area that extends from Thomas to Camelback on Scottsdale Road. Old Town is flanked on the north end by the West's premier fashion shopping mall, Scottsdale Fashion Square, at the corner of Scottsdale and Camelback Roads. Traveling north from downtown, Scottsdale's richest shopping and restaurants continue for miles from Camelback Road all the way to Lincoln Drive.

The McCormick Ranch area, once known as one of the most prestigious areas in Arizona, started development in the mid-60s and still produces multi-million dollar homes.

Entertainment

Poll any group of residents or Valley visitors about the top reason to come to Scottsdale and the majority will probably answer with just two words, "great golf." Theater and concert patrons also won't want to miss the many exciting events held at the Kerr Cultural Center and the Music by Moonlight Series at El Pedregal. For a taste of local talent, plan to attend a performance at Scottsdale's oldest community theater, the Stagebrush.

Feeling lucky? You can bet on local casinos including the brand new Casino Arizona with slots, bingo, or poker, plus enjoy live musical entertainment and casual cuisine. CrackerJax Family Fun & Sport Park is a whirlwind of games, rides, and sports activities. Wild West adventure awaits the young and young-of-heart at Rawhide with shoot-outs, pony rides, and panning for "gold" in a replica of an Old West town.

So whether you're content to kick back and see a show, prefer to meander through museums, shops, and galleries, or are looking for adrenaline-pumping escapades, you're guaranteed to find an entertaining option here in Scottsdale.

Dining and Drinking

Yes, you can bite into a burrito at hundreds of eateries all over town--but they are as likely to be stuffed with duck confit as they are with beef and beans. And, if you thought barbecue was limited to pork ribs and steaks, you are in for a treat when your server sets down a plate of succulent grilled javalina chops or deep-fried rattlesnake.

Scottsdale restaurants put a special spin on Southwestern cuisine, transforming the area's indigenous ingredients--fiery chiles, multi-colored corn, heirloom beans, pungent citrus--into edible masterpieces.

Where To Stay

Whether you mosey in on the back of a steed or cruise the blacktopped desert, Scottsdale offers quiet solace. You will find polished resorts of your choice, with upscale furnishings and attentive service. Wherever you choose to drop your saddle in "The West's Most Western Town," there will be a comfortably furnished room, which will accommodate, offering rest with gracious Southwestern hospitality.

Did You Know?

In 1888, U.S. Army Chaplain Winfield Scott paid $2.50 an acre for the 640 acres that is now Scottsdale. His brother, George Washington Scott, became the first resident of the town.

Orientation/Geography

Scottsdale is located in the central area of Arizona approximately 15 miles east of Phoenix. Tucson lies 113 miles southeast, Albuquerque 312 miles to the northeast, Las Vegas 253 miles to the northwest, and San Diego 312 miles to the west.


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