Things to do in Scottsdale Arizona: Ultimate Travel Tips

Scottsdale has rightly been called the "Ultimate Resort Destination." With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, the Arizona city offers romantic getaways, gourmet dining, championship golf, family vacations and adventurous activities. Let's get familiar with Scottsdale, an ultimate travel guide full of helpful tips. 

Scottsdale calendar of events is full of annual favorites:

•  January: Fiesta Bowl, Barrett-Jackson Collectors Car Auction and the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
•  February: Parada del Sol Concert and Rodeo.
•  March: San Francisco Giants Spring Training.
•  April: Scottsdale Culinary Festival.
•  May: Summer concerts at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.
•  June – August: Golf at exclusive courses at discounted rates.
•  October: Scottsdale International Film Festival.
•  November: Scottsdale Fashion Week.

Hotel Picks

While there seems to be no end to the choice of hotels in Scottsdale, you might want to stay at the prestigious Westin Kierland Resort & Spa to be near the heart of some of the best shopping and restaurants imaginable. If your penchant is to be close to some of the best golf in the desert, then you want the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale, located adjacent to the renowned courses of Troon North Golf Club. One of the oldest yet most popular stays is the JW Marriott Camelback Inn, which is showing off its recent $50-million transformation. The Phoenician, with its AAA five-diamond rating, and the "Jewel of the Desert," the Arizona Biltmore, round out the best-of-the best list.

Restaurant Picks

The city is famous for its fine dining, and you will find a collection of fabulous restaurants peppered about the area. For the steak lover, look no further than Mastro’s Steakhouse on E. Pinnacle Peak Road, or on to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse on N. Scottsdale Road. Top of The Rock in Scottsdale, a valley tradition since late 80s, serves up some fish and steak dishes. Scottsdale has more that 90 restaurants along with its 300 retail shops and more that 80 art galleries.

Local Attractions

Don’t forget to stop by the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, which has quickly become a great Scottsdale landmark. The park allows children to have fun as parents watch and reminisce about their own childhoods. A large track takes riders on a one-mile ride through the park. In addition, kids will love the carousel and additional playgrounds throughout the park. For adults, a railroad museum houses miniature railroads and much history to explore.

Shopping

Fashion Square Mall in Scottsdale, is the fifth largest mall in the country. The Hilton Village is a specialty mall that offers unique stores in a rich, relaxing outdoor environment. A few minutes out of the city, and you get a feel of western flavor, with activities for the whole family, including hiking, climbing, horseback riding, hot air ballooning, off-roading, outdoor target-shooting, rafting, tubing and water sports.