Sure, “The West’s Most Western Town” has plenty of bolo ties and boot-scootin’ bars. But if you prefer to spend your time on the fairway, on the massage table, or out on the town, Scottsdale delivers. Before setting you loose in the Valley of the Sun, we’d like to know more about you. 

By bike or balloon; by kayak or Jeep; guided or go-it-alone—the ways you can explore the Sonoran are as diverse as the desert itself. Can’t decide where to start? Hike the trails of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve early in the morning when temps are reasonable and wildlife is beginning to stir. Leave ample time for a guided afternoon paddle on the Lower Salt River (offered by Arizona Outback Adventures), and stick around for sunset, when the landscape is awash with the most brilliant hues of red, orange, and purple you’ve ever seen.  

Troon North:

Elevated tees on the par-71 Pinnacle Course offer breathtaking Sonoran scenes, while the greens are flanked by prickly saguaros and massive stones. 

TPC Scottsdale:

Snag a spot on the packed 16th during the Waste Management Phoenix Open (February 4–7) to experience one of the game’s loudest holes. 

Grayhawk Golf Club:

Considered one of the state’s best public links by Golf Magazine, the Raptor Course reopened in the fall after the relocation of 15–17. 

LON’s at The Hermosa Inn:

Cozy up by the fire, order the jidori chicken, and then sit back to relish the Camelback Mountain setting. 

El Encanto:

Spy ducks, turtles, and blue heron from the shady patio of this Cave Creek cantina.

J&G Steakhouse:

It’s hard to decide what’s more eye-catching: the six-peppercorn New York strip steak or the sweeping valley vistas.

Old West, meet the New West. Inside the year-old Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, ivory-handled
six-shooters, weathered chaps, and silver spurs hang near interactive kiosks and HD monitors streaming cowboy flicks. Listen to storytellers, eye the weeping wall in the sculpture courtyard, and then mosey through seven long-term exhibitions, including Inspirational Journey: The Story of Lewis and Clark, a collection of more than 100 works depicting the famous 19th-century expedition, on view through October.

Sip Coffee & Beer House:

Just as enjoyable as the 19 rotating craft beers and boozy espressos: the funky tunes every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Rusty Spur Saloon:

Country music will have you two-steppin’ over peanut shells at this Main Street haunt, one of the oldest bars in town. 

Livewire:

Head up to the second-story mezzanine for unobstructed views of the stage and the dance floor at this 14,000-square-foot concert venue. 

Taliesin West:

A tour allows you to examine every nook and cranny of Frank Lloyd Wright’s former home.

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art:

Bruce Munro uses hundreds of CDs to mimic a shimmering river in “Ferryman’s Crossing,” on view through April 24. 

Scottsdale ArtWalk:

Galleries in the Arts District extend their hours every Thursday evening for this 41-year tradition. 

With more spas per capita than any other U.S. city, Scottsdale offers plenty of ways to get scrubbed, rubbed, stretched, and peeled. Two can’t-miss treatments: the 80-minute turquoise wrap at the Spa at the Boulders and the two-hour Havasupai Falls Rejuvenation at Well & Being Spa in the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Each experience features an exfoliating desert salt scrub and a warm wrap, but Well & Being’s pampering goes a few steps further—think herbal bath, hot riverbed stones, and a trance-inducing scalp massage. 

Tryst Cafe:

“Organic,” “gluten-free,” and “naturally raised” aren’t just buzzwords here. These standards have been in place since the Desert Ridge spot opened in 2010.

Sprouts at Camelback Inn:

Wash down your nutritious lunch here with an antioxidant elixir, like the cucumber cooler, or a spa-inspired cocktail.

Original Chopshop Co.

When in doubt, go for a shake and a bake: Slurp the Jacked Up PB&J protein shake and follow it up with a vegan scone.

Scale a Boulder:

You’ve never climbed the face of a mammoth, millennia-old rock? Learn the ropes from an expert at the Spa at the Boulders.

Swim with an Olympian:

Gold medalist Misty Hyman teaches hour-long private sessions at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Sapa.

Hike Camelback Mountain:

Ascend the Cholla Trailhead on a 1.5-mile cardio workout led by guides from The Phoenician’s Centre for Well-Being.

When the sun sets in Scottsdale (and eventually it will), downtown is the place to be. The pedestrian-friendly district has more than 90 restaurants, pubs, and dance clubs, including Dakota, a California bistro–style joint that’s organic grub by day, party hub by night; and Second Story Liquor Bar, where gin lovers would be remiss to overlook the lavender-tinted Corpse Reviver. Seeking somewhere more intimate? Post up on a plush sofa inside the speakeasy-style Kazimierz World Wine Bar and sip a selection from the list of more than 2,000 bottles.  

Bespoke Inn:

This two-story B&B is just a short walk from Main Street’s shops. For more distant journeys, borrow a complimentary bike from the inn’s fleet.  

Firesky Resort & Spa:

Spend the day lagoon-side at this deluxe desert retreat, and then descend on Old Town (less than a mile away) at night. 

W Scottsdale:

Need more suggestions on what’s hot in Scottsdale? As the “W Insider,” Rachael Bienz connects with guests prior to arrival to craft a customized itinerary. 

Vintage by Misty:

Fashionista Misty Guerriero has scoured the globe for her motley collection of retro threads and accessories. 

Stephanie’s:

For chic weekend wear, this tri-level boutique offers everything from exclusive designer labels to throwback concert tees.

Fashion by Robert Black:
No two dresses are alike inside this treasure trove of red carpet couture from decades past.