Scottsdale AZ neighborhoods
Scottsdale, Arizona, has the nickname “The West’s Most Western Town,” and the big part of the blame goes to Old Town Scottsdale neighborhood that looks like it belongs in some western movie classic, but with the modern twist.
Scottsdale’s primary source of revenue is tourism. The city is part of the Pheonix metropolitan area, and it hosts the fourth most AAA Five-Diamond hotels. Scottsdale is known for sunny warm weather throughout the year, and in winter, it attracts thousands of tourists running from cold weather.
Visitors from abroad need travel authorization. In the last 15 years, people from countries in the Visa Waiver program can apply for the Old Town Scottsdale walking tour
. The straightforward online application process has numerous detailed questions, and the American administration takes up to three days to process your request. Once you get esta online, there is a two-year window for visiting the US.
Neighborhoods in Scottsdale
A quarter of million people live in Scottsdale, which was incorporated as a city in 1951. The townis connected with Phoenix, and it shares its arid climate with mild warm winters and scorching heat in the summer. The town in Maricopa County has numerous golf courses, vibrant nightlife, and many luxury spa resorts. It is also a cultural powerhouse with more than 120 galleries.
North Scottsdale is a neighborhood that is expanding rapidly. It is home to expensive houses. Besides the beautiful architecture, this part of town is close to McDowell Mountain National Park, where you can find many biking or hiking trails. The neighborhood hosts Frank Lloyd Wright’s Winter Home, which is home tothe School of Architecture. North Scottsdale has numerous fine restaurants and resorts.
Pinnacle Peak doesn’t offer many tourist attractions, but it is one of the town’s exclusive areas. The high-end neighborhood has numerous parks and recreational areas and a public golf course. The district got its name from a granite rock formation that rises 6000 feet above the Sonora desert as a distinctive feature in the landscape.
South Scottsdale is a neighborhood with more reasonable prices, and it has a reputation as a working-class part of town. Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt is an eleven-mile bike trail that goes from South Scottsdale to the center of town. The neighborhood is home to SkySong, a research center of Arizona State University, and revitalized McDowell Road Corridor, where restaurants and public parks replaced car dealerships.
Old Town Scottsdale walking tour
The most touristy part of the town is Old Town Scottsdale. Pedestrian zones, numerous boutiques, shops, bars, and restaurants make this historic part of town a Mekka for visitors from around the world. A unique area has the looks of an old western town, but it also has modern amenities. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is among the best museums in the area.
Walk down to the Museum of Contemporary Art. After that, the Museum of the west and the Scottsdale Historical Museum, where you can learn about the history of the area, Native American heritage, and the Old West period.
During your walking tour, visit some of the hundreds of shops like Spinx Date Co.Palm& Pantry, or explore Scottsdale Fashion Square.
You can take an artistic twist to a walking tour with Scottsdale ArtWalk and visit numerous art galleries and the museums mentioned above.
Parksin the Scottsdale area
Scottsdale is full of public park areas. While you’re moving around the Old Town, go to the Civic Center Park, where you can find numerous lawns, shaded paths, and art installations. The park hosts events and festivals during the year.
Chaparral Park is one of the public parks along the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt. You can find a dog park, exercise course and other sports fields, including sand volleyball courts. The 100-acre park has a large lagoon where you can enjoy kayaking and fishing.
If you’re visiting with the family, go to the Mccormick-Stillman Railroad park. Besides large mature trees and a shaded playground, you can find train rides on a Paradise & Pacific Railroad small replica.
Things to do indoors in Scottsdale AZ
It is more likely you will seek indoor activities in the summer heat than when running from the rain. AZ on the rocks is a huge indoor climbing gym with an imitation of the real climbing feel and conditions.
Hop on the air-conditioned car and visit award-winning wineries on the Scottsdale Wine Trail. Carlson Creek Vineyards, Salvatore, and Merkin Vineyards are among the top destinations on a walkable tour, but not under the hot summer sun in Arizona.
You can also check out the Musical Instrument Museum with more than 5000 instruments from all over the world. The top exhibits include instruments famous artists used in their music.
Scottsdale is also home to an International airport, but before you book a flight, make a regular ESTA check status. Most travel authorization applications are approved, but it is advised to wait for approval before making reservations.
Bottom line
Scottsdale is home to Arizona Cardinals stadium, premiere shops, resorts, and golf courses. A relatively small town has numerous well-developed neighborhoods, and for tourists, the most interesting is Old Town Scottsdale.