Taliesin West, located in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, was the winter home and school of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Here, visitors can take a guided tour and learn about Wright's architecture and his philosophy of organic architecture.
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a protected desert habitat with over 30,000 acres of hiking and biking trails. Visitors can explore scenic trails while taking in views of the McDowell Mountains and Sonoran Desert flora and fauna.
Old Town Scottsdale is a vibrant area with art galleries, restaurants, and shops. Visitors can explore the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary of Art, enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants or cafes, or browse independent and high-end shops.
The Desert Botanical Garden is a tranquil place to explore Arizona's native plant species. The garden features five trails, including the Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail, and hosts seasonal events and exhibitions.
Travelers should consider renting a car during their stay in Scottsdale, as many of the attractions are spread out and public transportation is limited. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available, but costs can add up quickly. A rental car will typically cost around $40-$60 per day, and travel times between attractions range from 10-20 minutes.
If travelers have more time, they can consider visiting nearby attractions such as Camelback Mountain or the Musical Instrument Museum. Those with less time may want to skip certain attractions or combine days to better fit their schedule.
Scottsdale's closest airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), located about 14 miles west of the city center. Other nearby airports include Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) and Scottsdale Airport (SDL), though these serve fewer airlines and destinations.