Holidays in Scottsdale

Scottsdale holidays have something for everyone – from adventure enthusiasts to those who love to shop, and from the keen art lover to the casual traveller. This desert city in the state of Arizona has also managed to hold onto its classic Western roots. Thanks to its wide selection of galleries, high-end shops, swanky resorts and nightlife, Scottsdale is also popular as the ‘Beverly Hills of the Desert’.

Planning Scottsdale holidays

Scottsdale’s winter (December to mid February) is probably the best time to visit ,with average temperatures between 6-20°C. However, the mild warmth of spring (mid February to April) and autumn (mid September to November) are also considered favourable for travelling. Summers can be extremely hot, and highs often cross the 40°C mark. Arizona is in the Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7). Travellers would do well to target the Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport for reaching downtown Scottsdale. The best way to navigate the city is by car.

Attractions in Scottsdale

Scottsdale is famous for its love of good food, music, nightlife, water rides, golf courses, spas and resorts. In addition, the presence of the Sonoran Desert has made Scottsdale an ideal place for adventure enthusiasts. Here tourists can experience the thrill of hot-air balloon rides, mountain biking, and desert rock climbing. Amongst the numerous tourist attractions, the WestWorld Equestrian Centre can be an interesting place to visit with kids. WestWorld’s outdoor arena is renowned for hosting horse shows and car exhibitions. Next on the list would be McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, known for its rare railway artefacts.

However, as the city is known for its lively arts scene, holidays in Scottsdale would be incomplete without a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art and its many art galleries. Some other important attractions include the Taliesin West, where Frank Lloyd Wright once lived and taught, and the Fashion Square shopping mall (for unique gift items, silver and turquoise jewellery).