Scottsdale Public Art 

The Erin Hanson Gallery's new Arizona location is located on bustling Main Street in the heart of Scottsdale’s Old Town. This area is the hub of the western art scene in Arizona and is surrounded by beautiful vistas, championship golf courses, luxurious resorts, incredible spas, and historical sites like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West.

Whether you are looking to explore the gorgeous natural spaces found in the western United States or want to taste your way through Scottsdale’s diverse food scene, you’ll enjoy your visit to Scottsdale, AZ.

What to Eat

Whether you are a foodie or are simply looking for a delightful meal during your visit to Scottsdale, try some of these restaurants and bars for a singular experience.

J&G Steakhouse at the Phoenician

This hidden gem features over 300 whiskies along with an inspired cocktail menu. The food is not your typical “bar fare” but includes seasonal dishes like crispy brussels sprout salad and roast chicken with wild mushrooms.

Second Story Whiskey Bar and Restaurant

The views from this steakhouse are one of a kind, as is the food. Enjoy dinner under the stars while dining at the base of Camelback Mountain. If you plan a dinner at J&G, we recommend enjoying a spa visit at the Phoenician before your meal. The entire experience is one-of-a-kind.

Santé'

An excellent choice for those who want delightful, healthy food, Santé' is a favorite of Scottsdale locals.

Francine

Located in the heart of Scottsdale, Francine is a French restaurant that is perfect for brunch or dinner. Order favorites like the Croque Madame or Salade Nicoise for a taste of France in the middle of Arizona.

Francine Restaurant 

Evo 

Locally owned and operated, this Italian restaurant and bar is a favorite of Scottsdale natives. The menu is delicious, and you may just meet the owner during your visit.

Cala

Discover a piece of the Mediterranean coast in Scottsdale by visiting Cala for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks. Here you will find organic Mediterranean-inspired dishes filled with local ingredients. 

Arcadia Farms Cafe 

Another delightful breakfast, lunch, or brunch spot, Arcadia Farms Cafe is a local favorite. This combination market and cafe boasts menu items like its Brunch Board, Wild Mushroom Crepe, and Carmelized Brie and Apples.

Aridus Wine Tasting Room

Located within walking distance of Old Town, Aridus is a cozy, welcoming space perfect for anyone who enjoys the combination of art and wine. Taste any of their dozens of current vintages and ask the knowledgeable staff about your pour, then walk out to Old Town and explore the many art galleries and shops the area has to offer. 

The Mission Old Town

Renowned chef Matt Carter fuses fine dining and modern Latin cuisine to create a delicious experience. Enjoy homemade tortillas, sauces, and salsas with meals prepared on a Plancha in the indoor dining room, or cozy firelit outdoor space, or get casual at the community table in the lounge.

AZ88

This bar cum art gallery features delightful cocktails, nightlife, and rotating art displays. It is positioned near local art installations and public artworks as well.

Citizen Public House

Favorite of locals, this gastropub has a classic public house vibe, along with an uncommonly delicious dinner and dessert menu. 

Orange Sky

Well known for its stunning views, Orange Sky is a fine dining experience not to be missed. The restaurant features an award-winning wine selection, an elevated steakhouse menu, and delicious custom cocktails. 

Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant

The Sugar Bowl is a Scottsdale staple and a family favorite. This 1950’s soda fountain serves a traditional diner fair along with the best ice cream sundaes in town. If you’re feeling nostalgic, the Sugar Bowl is the place to go!

Sweet Republic

For artisan ice cream, look no further than Sweet Republic. The menu is filled with seasonal flavors, fan favorites, and delightful sundaes. 

Where to Stay 

There is a variety of unique places to stay in and around Scottsdale. Use this list and find the perfect place to book your romantic getaway, team retreat, or friend’s trip.

Noam Hospitality 

Created for urban dwellers, friendly strangers, and corporate teams, Noam Hospitality hosts intimate groups in thoughtfully designed basecamps across Arizona and beyond. An alternative to common glamping, Noam is nomadic. Traveling to various locations, they utilize high-quality, nimble equipment for outdoor living to bring a sense of modern nostalgia. The team intentionally selects locations near local points of interest, such as scenic wilderness, sustainable farms, and trailing vineyards, and partners with subject matter experts highlighting craft, exploration, and wellness. 

Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows

Do you want to stay somewhere that allows you to bring along your favorite furry friend? Andaz is not only a unique place to stay, but it is also pet friendly! This luxury resort is located on 23 acres of Sonoran desert and is just a stone's throw away from Scottsdale.  

The Phoenician 

A luxury resort, The Phoenician is an iconic experience. Nestled at the foot of the Camelback Mountains, this resort is right in the center of Scottsdale. It has a delightful restaurant and spa, and this hotel also boasts incredible views, access to fantastic golf courses, and luxury accommodations.

Bespoke Inn Scottsdale

We love a pet-friendly hotel, and Bespoke Inn is just such a place! Located in the Arts District of Old Town, this Scottsdale hotel provides luxurious, boutique accommodations, along with iconic Arizona musts, like a 43-foot-long infinity pool.

Royal Palms Resort and Spa

Nestled below the Camelback Mountains, this resort provides luxury accommodations and meals to human visitors along with their furry friends. Relaxing in a villa or casita in the shadow of the glorious Camelbacks, you can be sure that your and your pet’s needs are taken care of by the hotel’s offerings, including the Royal Paws program.

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale Troon North

Find stunning desert views, luxury accommodations, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities at the Four Seasons Resort. At the Four Seasons, you can book a hot air balloon ride culminating in a champagne breakfast in the desert and a guided camping trip for your kids all in one place. 

The Boulders Resort and Spa

Combine golf and gorgeous natural landscapes with luxury, and you get The Boulders. This resort not only features a world-class golf course, but it is also set on 1,300 acres of Sonoran Desert foothills. With panoramic views of natural desertland, pickleball, golf, tennis, rock climbing, swimming, and more, this resort has plenty to offer any visitor.

Civana

Award-winning resort and spa, Civana, is set on 20 acres of Sonoran Desert. The focus here is wellness, rest, and communing with nature. Everything from the lovely accommodations to the health and wellness retreats is designed to create a feeling of well-being for all guests.

ZaZa's in Hotel Valley Ho 

Hotel Valley Ho

The iconic Hotel Valley Ho is a classic Arizona hotel with a palm-studded pool - and a star-studded past. Once the haunt of celebrities like Bing Crosby and Zsa Zsa Gabor, this hotel has a cool, mid-century feel with all of the modern amenities.

Inn at Eagle Mountain

Situated in the serene Sonoran Desert, Inn at Eagle Mountain offers beautiful views, a highly-rated golf course, a spa, delightful dining, and more.

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain

Sitting on 53 acres, the Sanctuary is nestled at the base of the Camelback Mountains. Not only does this luxurious hotel and spa offer incredible views, it’s also home to an award-winning spa. 

Things To See

Scottsdale is filled with art galleries, museums, preserves, and more. Here are some of the top places to visit in Scottsdale. Because Scottsdale is a premier golfing destination, we have created a separate category for golf courses.

Scottsdale Arts District 

Visit local galleries, join the monthly Artwalk, explore museums, or discover your new favorite eatery in the Arts District. 

Climb Camelback

Hiking Camelback Mountain is an absolute must for any hikers and climbers visiting Scottsdale. The views of Camelback from surrounding resorts and restaurants are stunning - and the views from the top of the mountain itself are incredible. 

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West

Experience Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic vision at Taliesin West. This UNESCO Heritage Site was handcrafted by Wright - and was his beloved winter home. Get intimate with Wright, his work, and how his philosophy lives on in modern architecture.

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Explore the Sonoran Preserve. Nature buffs, young and old, will love the incredible diversity of flora, fauna, and geology found in the preserve. Go on hikes, learn about the Sonoran Desert, or join an expedition to explore this beautiful area.

Hot Air Expedition

Several amazing companies provide delightful hot air balloon rides over the Sonoran Desert. Hot Air Expedition offers a culinary experience at the end of your journey that includes a gourmet meal from Vincent’s at Camelback. 

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

Immerse yourself in western art at the Western Spirit. This museum features beautiful exhibitions of native and local art, as well as art depicting past events in the American West.

Desert Botanical Garden

Look up at towering saguaro cactus, lean down to inspect delicate desert flowers, and get lost down trails surrounded by more flora than one would believe a desert can hold. The botanical gardens are the perfect place for people of any age to visit, with activities for kids and adults alike.

Exploring Salt River

The Salt River can be both a calm float or a white water adventure - depending on which section you tackle. Tubing, canoeing, kayaking, SUPing, whitewater rafting, and fishing are all welcome on the river.

Wonderspaces

Enjoy immersive art installations and signature cocktails in the ever-changing Wonderspaces venue. The art changes frequently, so you are likely to see something new each time you visit Scottsdale.

Scottsdale Center for The Performing Arts

Scottsdale features a bustling art scene, which includes performing arts, art installations, and more! Find a local show or enjoy a public art event by seeing what is on the calendar at the Scottsdale Center for The Performing Arts.

The Erin Hanson Gallery, Scottsdale

If it wasn’t already on your agenda, add The Erin Hanson Gallery, Scottsdale, to your “must visit” list. This gallery features iconic western art from impressionist painter Erin Hanson.

Scottsdale Golf Courses

If you want to golf in Arizona, Scottsdale is the place to go! There are dozens of high-end golf courses for golfers of all types and skill levels. Read on to find your course.

Boulders Club

A world-class course, Boulders will test your handicap. Designed by Jay Morrish, this course is listed among the finest in the U.S.

Troon North Golf Club

Found at the top of many golfer’s “must play” lists, Troon North provides two scenic courses designed by British Open Champion Tom Weiskopf. 

Papago Golf Course

This municipal golf course is known for its stunning views and gently rolling terrain. Designed by William Frances “Billy” Bell, it has been an incredibly popular course since the 1960s.

TPC Scottsdale

Home to the award-winning Stadium course, TPC has breathtaking views and exciting terrains.

McDowell Mountain Golf Club

This eco-friendly course offers stunning views and delightful amenities. It was recently redesigned to create a challenging layout for low-handicap golfers.

Camelback Golf Club

Twenty-six holes of dynamic and challenging golf await at the Camelback Golf Club. With two courses at eighteen holes each, a golfer could spend their entire vacation honing their game at this golf club.

Talking Stick Golf Club

Offering two unique courses designed for different levels of play, Talking Stick Golf Club has been ranked among the top courses to play - with the North Course ranked as the top golf course to play in Arizona.

The Phoenician Golf Club

This 18-hole course showcases the beauty of the Sonoran desert. Designed by Phil Smith, it is designed for a contiguous pattern of play.

Gainey Ranch Golf Club

Exclusively available to guests and private club members, Gainey Ranch boasts three distinct, scenic courses. 

Grayhawk Golf Club

Open to everyone, Grayhawk offers two courses that are often used in competitive tournaments.

Legend Trail Golf Club

Designed by architect Rees Jones, this course was created to be a challenging yet fair test of golfing skill.

McCormick Ranch Golf Club

Located in the heart of Scottsdale, this public, 36-hole facility has beautiful amenities and is open all year long.

We hope this comprehensive list has helped you plan as you find the perfect locations to visit in Scottsdale!