A First-Timer’s Guide to Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale is known for its expansive saguaro-studded landscapes Image by EyeEm/Getty Images

Five things every visitor must do in this thriving city

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Nicknamed “The West’s Most Western Town” for its enduring cowboy culture, Scottsdale sprawls for almost 185 square miles on the outskirts of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Here, you’ll find a walkable downtown, mid-century modern architecture, destination spas, golf courses, museums and wild expanses of saguaro-studded Sonoran landscapes. It may be a lot to take in on your first visit but resist the temptation to stay poolside the entire time. This is a place where it’s easy to find your bliss, whether on a massage table, a hiking trail or a golf course — or around a table enjoying the local cuisine with family and friends.

Explore Salt River by kayak, boat, raft or paddleboard Image by Joe Cook/Unsplash

Scottsdale is surrounded by the Sonoran Desert, where it’s not unusual to spot roadrunners whizzing by as you explore the over 225 miles of trails in McDowell Sonoran Preserve or hike Camelback Mountain. Sunrise is a particularly dreamy time — perfect for avoiding the crowds and scorching temperatures. The landscape is equally beautiful when seen from a hot-air balloon or an all-terrain vehicle. What’s more, despite the parched desert topography, water sports enthusiasts can get their feet wet by paying a visit to Salt River. As you explore the waterways by kayak, raft, tube, boat or paddleboard, keep your eyes peeled for the wild horses that call these parts home.

1. Get out into the desert

The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art showcases rotating exhibitions

The pedestrian-friendly Scottsdale Arts District is brimming with galleries that run the gamut from contemporary to Western and Native American. Check out King Galleries, which spotlights Pueblo pottery from the 1920s through today. The neighborhood is also home to two of the city’s most popular museums — the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, which features rotating exhibitions and a permanent James Turrell installation, and Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, which is currently showcasing the works of American photographer and ethnologist Edward S. Curtis (through April 30, 2023).

2. Immerse yourself in art

Tuck into modern Latin cuisine at The Mission

Throw out any preconceived notions you may have about what Southwestern cuisine should taste like. Of course, you’ll find Mexican and Latin flavors, dished out at places ranging from sophisticated restaurant The Mission to unassuming strip-mall spot Tacos Jalisco and its neighboring raspado (shaved ice) shop. But Scottsdale and its surroundings are also home to FnB Restaurant, where James Beard Award-winning Chef Charleen Badman makes magic out of desert ingredients; two locations of Chris Bianco’s pizza empire, Pizzeria Bianco; and Hush Public House, where the creative menu features standouts like duck fried rice and mussels with melted leeks and fermented chili.

3. Taste the flavors of the Southwest

Taliesin West is a must-visit for architecture aficionados Image by Kit Leong/Shutterstock

Tucked away in the hills northeast of the city, Taliesin West, famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s UNESCO-listed winter retreat, is an unmissable spot for art and architecture buffs. Designed to blend into the surrounding Sonoran landscape, the low-slung property melts into the scenery with its warm tones and abundant stonework. Be sure to check out the on-site boutique, where you can pick up souvenirs like printed blankets and sculptures inspired by the figures dotting the site.

4. Take an architectural pilgrimage

Camelback Golf Club ranks among the top golf courses in Scottsdale

With more than 200 courses throughout the area, Scottsdale has earned a reputation as one of the finest golf destinations in the United States. Top courses include Troon North Golf Club, Grayhawk Golf Club, Camelback Golf Club and The Boulders Golf Club, where the North and South courses are built around dramatic rock formations. The Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale is perhaps the most famous of all, playing host to the annual WM Phoenix Open, which has been dubbed “the greatest show on grass.” More than 700,000 fans attend every year and grandstands surround the famous par-3 16th hole, making for an electrifying experience.

5. Get in a few rounds of golf

Club Members with HGV Max benefits will be able to make reservations at two properties in this incredible city later in 2022:

Where to Stay

Scottsdale Links Resort is a sprawling property set across several buildings

Scottsdale Villa Mirage features a palm-lined outdoor pool

Scottsdale Villa Mirage, a Hilton Vacation Club

Scottsdale Links Resort, a Hilton Vacation Club

Image of the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

There are activities for all ages at this family-friendly desert retreat. Play pickleball, try your hand at shuffleboard, work up a sweat on the basketball court or simply laze by the palm-lined pool. Thereafter, unwind in your spacious studio or suite, which comes with either a kitchenette or a full kitchen.

Make yourself at home at this resort, where amenities include barbecue grills, fire pits and a pool with a kid-favorite splash pad. Thanks to its convenient location, you’ll be within easy reach of several golf courses, Taliesin West and the many trailheads of McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

Please note that the HGV Max Reservation Window will apply when booking a stay at these two properties, which is six months before check-out. More details are available in the Club Reference: 2022 Rules and Fees guide on the Club website. If you don’t have HGV Max benefits and would like to learn more, visit our dedicated page at my.hgv.com/hgv-max.