Welcome to Scottsdale, Arizona - the West's Most Western Town. Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale is an amazing desert paradise boasting an array of cultural and entertainment opportunities. Whether you're looking for an outdoor desert adventure, a top-notch spa experience, or a night on the town, Scottsdale has something for everyone. This guide will provide an overview of Scottsdale, its attractions, activities, and much more. From its luxurious resorts and boutique hotels to world-class restaurants and incredible boutique shopping, Scottsdale may just be the perfect city to explore and experience. Get ready to fall in love with Scottsdale!
Getting to Know Scottsdale
Scottsdale is a city in Arizona, USA, that had about 246,000 inhabitants as of 2019. It is part of the Mountain Time Zone, making the local time one hour behind Eastern Time.
English is the primary language spoken by residents of Scottsdale, although Spanish and other languages are also spoken by some.
The local currency in Scottsdale is the US dollar. Other foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, exchange bureaus, and some hotels.
Climate and Weather
Scottsdale is located in the south of Phoenix in the Sonoran Desert. The climate in Scottsdale is typical of the desert southwest, warm during the day and cool at night. Summers in Scottsdale are hot with temperatures rarely dropping below 90°F during the day and highs often reaching 100°F in July and August. Winters are usually mild with temperatures usually hovering between 55°F and 70°F during the day. Spring and fall are temperate and pleasant with temperature highs ranging from the low 70s°F to the mid 90°F.
Scottsdale gets approximately 8–10 inches of rain per year with most of it falling in the months of July, August, and September. The sun is strong all year round in Scottsdale and it rains infrequently and generally just during the afternoon. Snow rarely falls in Scottsdale and when it does, it is usually limited to the highest mountain peaks.
Touring Scottsdale: Airport and Transportation
There are two airports in Scottsdale, Arizona: Scottsdale Airport (SDL) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to downtown Scottsdale, you can take the Valley Metro Rail, which costs around $3. Alternatively, taxis, rideshares like Uber, and airport shuttle services are available. The costs will vary.
Scottsdale Airport does not offer currency exchange services. However, currency exchange booths and banks can be found downtown.
Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Scottsdale
- Scottsdale has a long and colorful history, prominently featuring the Hohokam people, a Native American tribe who populated the area for centuries until the 1400s
- The city is known for its Western culture and its modern art and cultural festivals, including the Scottsdale Arts Festival and the Scottsdale International Film Festival
- Scottsdale is also home to a number of iconic tourist attractions, such as the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the Musical Instrument Museum, and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Dubai
Cape Town
Male
London
Windhoek
Honolulu
Paris
Seoul
Ottawa
Zanzibar
Harare