As someone who frequently travels to Scottsdale, Arizona for both business and pleasure. I am quite familiar with navigating the city and the nearest airport. In this detailed guide, I will share my experiences and insights into getting to and around Scottsdale efficiently.
The Closest Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
The nearest and most convenient airport for accessing Scottsdale is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Located just 13 miles from downtown Scottsdale, it takes me only about 15-20 minutes to reach Scottsdale via rental car or rideshare.
PHX serves as an airline hub for American Airlines and Southwest Airlines. So I always have plenty of nonstop flight options from my hometown. As one of the busiest airports in the U.S., I can typically find very competitively priced flights into PHX.
The airport offers many services to accommodate my travels including free high-speed wireless internet access, nursing rooms for mothers, service animal relief areas, baggage storage and offices for lost and found. Additionally, PHX has an abundance of restaurants, shops and lounges to keep me comfortable during any potential layovers.
Navigating to Scottsdale from the Airport
Rental Cars
Once my flight lands at PHX, I have a few options for making my way to Scottsdale. My preferred method is renting a car from one of the many rental agencies available at the airport. Renting a car enables me to easily access attractions and destinations around Scottsdale on my own schedule during my trip.
While there are rental kiosks sprinkled throughout each of PHX’s three terminals. I’ve learned that the Rental Car Center across the street typically offers better rental rates and availability. A free shuttle takes me to the Rental Car Center from each terminal. Where I can shop and compare rates from various companies before settling on the best option for me.
Rideshares
If I’m not planning to do much driving around Scottsdale or want to avoid the responsibility of a rental car. I often opt to take a rideshare from PHX airport to my hotel. I’ve taken Uber and Lyft countless times which I can conveniently book ahead in their mobile apps.
Rideshare drivers meet me on the curb outside of baggage claim making pickup fast and simple after landing. Rates typically run $25-35 depending on demand to go directly to my Scottsdale accommodation. The convenience is worth the extra cost over a taxi for me.
Navigating Around Scottsdale
Getting Oriented
Soon after arriving in Scottsdale, I like to familiarize myself with the overall layout of the city to understand the proximity of top attractions to my hotel and each other. Scottsdale is generally divided into three main areas – Old Town Scottsdale, South Scottsdale and North Scottsdale.
Old Town Scottsdale is considered the downtown area with the highest concentration of restaurants, nightlife and shopping. This is usually where I stay when traveling to Scottsdale as most tourist attractions are centrally located here.
North Scottsdale is home to the city’s finest resorts and golf courses. So I tend to spend a lot of my leisure time enjoying the luxury resort amenities and Arizona’s beautiful landscapes up north.
South Scottsdale has more residential neighborhoods and the largest presence of Native American culture. When I want to experience Scottsdale history and the local Southwest vibe. I check out cultural sites and attend markets with Native American art south of Old Town.
Getting Around Old Town
With so many restaurants, galleries and attractions packed into Old Town Scottsdale, I typically avoid driving once I arrive. I have found parking to be limited and tricky in Old Town’s compact streets. Plus, I don’t want the stress of navigating an unfamiliar city center behind the wheel.
Therefore, I usually stick to walking, using the free Scottsdale Trolley service or rideshares when moving between Old Town destinations. The Scottsdale Trolley runs every 10-15 minutes daily along a continuous loop linking Old Town with Fashion Square Mall and the Arts District. This is my go-to transport for effortlessly hopping between shopping, dining and museums.
When my feet get tired of walking Old Town’s sidewalks for hours under the Arizona sun. I will occasionally splurge on a pedicab ride. Pedicabs provide an open-air view of Old Town with knowledgeable drivers happy to share Scottsdale history and facts during the leisurely ride. Expect to pay around $10-20 per person for a short jaunt through downtown Scottsdale by pedicab.
Getting Around the Rest of Scottsdale
To reach attractions and resorts situated farther outside Old Town Scottsdale. I am mostly reliant on a rental car or rideshares. Scottsdale’s stunning luxury hotels and golf courses to the north are typically only accessible by car. And while rideshares are convenient, costs add up quickly for longer trips.
Therefore, I recommend having your own set of rental car wheels for effortlessly getting out to North Scottsdale’s finer attractions and exploring different Scottsdale neighborhoods during your stay. If choosing not to rent a vehicle, be strategic by planning to visit multiple North Scottsdale destinations like Desert Botanical Garden, OdySea Aquarium and Taliesin West in one rideshare trip.
Unique Local Transportation
In addition to typical transportation modes, Scottsdale offers a few special ways for getting around town. One of my favorite local experiences is taking a desert Hummer or Jeep tour. These guided tours pick me up at my hotel in a decked out 4X4 off-road vehicle perfect for climbing craggy cliffs and taking in sweeping views of Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert landscape.
I’ve also rented electric bikes from shops like Pedego Electric Bikes to effortlessly cruise along the greenbelt and canal paths linking Scottsdale neighborhoods. The solar assisted cycles make it easy for me to cover more ground without breaking a sweat. And they typically rent for under $30 per hour allowing me to enjoy eco-friendly transportation affordably.
Tips for Navigating Scottsdale
I’ve gathered a few tips from my time spent traversing Scottsdale that I find helpful to keep in mind:
- Stay hydrated! Scottsdale heat can creep up quickly so be sure to pack a reusable water bottle to keep with you at all times when walking or riding bikes.
- Don’t rely solely on mobile GPS – Some remote resorts and restaurants may show inaccurate locations in GPS apps. Double check directions on company websites when venturing to new Scottsdale destinations.
- Leave early to allow time getting to/from attractions – It’s easy to underestimate drive times in Scottsdale’s desert sprawl leading to frustration. Give yourself a nice buffer, especially when heading to North Scottsdale.
- Consider scenic routes – When possible, skip busy highways by taking peaceful roads along the mountains or with views of Camelback Mountain. The longer drive is worth soaking up the Sonoran Desert’s beauty!
By landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and utilizing this guide to getting around the city. I am confident you will capably navigate Scottsdale during your travels. With convenient airport access and transportation options abound, Scottsdale offers the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Feel free to reach out with any other questions to help make your Scottsdale visit smooth!
Notable Scottsdale Neighborhoods and Districts
In addition to broader areas of Old Town, South Scottsdale and North Scottsdale, travelers should know some of the distinct districts and neighborhoods that make up Scottsdale. Here are a few key areas for sightseeing, shopping, arts and culture that I often frequent around town:
Art District
Centered along Main Street and Marshall Way, the Scottsdale Arts District contains the highest concentration of art galleries and working artist studios open to the public. I enjoy leisurely strolling around this neighborhood popping into the eclectic galleries to admire and purchase stunning contemporary art. Don’t miss Thursday evening when the district comes alive for the weekly ArtWalk with wine, food and special programming.
Fifth Avenue
Located right beside the Arts District, ritzy Fifth Avenue offers several blocks of upscale boutique shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. When I stay at one of the chic hotels situated along Fifth Avenue like Hotel Valley Ho, I have premier access to some of the city’s finest luxury shopping and dining establishments. Even if I can’t afford to buy, window shopping the latest fashions and artworks makes for an entertaining afternoon activity.
Old Town Scottsdale
As mentioned previously, Old Town Scottsdale represents the downtown center with pedestrian-friendly streets lined with shops, restaurants and nightclubs. This district placed on the National Register of Historic Places has retained it’s 19th century Western charm through preserved architecture and design. I like to base myself at a comfy Old Town hotel so I can roll out of bed and directly into the downtown action. Old Town Scottsdale puts me in close proximity to everything I need for an amazing trip including the Scottsdale Waterfront connecting to the Arizona Canal/Greenbelt.
Scottsdale Fashion Square
For indoor luxury shopping conveniently concentrated under one roof, I head straight for Scottsdale Fashion Square mall, located just a couple blocks south of Old Town. With over 250 stores ranging from mainstream brands like Sephora and Apple to elite designers like Saint Laurent and Gucci, it’s nearly impossible not to update my entire wardrobe after a lap through Fashion Square. When in need of a shopping break, I relax with a movie at the mall’s premium cinema or grazing through the exceptional dining choices.
Camelback Corridor
Spanning along Camelback Road near the base of Camelback Mountain, this upper-scale area contains many of Scottsdale’s signature high-end resorts and golf courses. Camelback Corridor provides convenient access to the iconic Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain hiking trails when I’m seeking challenging outdoor adventures between rounds of golf or spa treatments. For the epitome of luxury during my travels to Scottsdale, I check into one of Camelback Corridor’s relaxing resorts like The Phoenician or Sanctuary Camelback Mountain.
Scottsdale Waterfront
The idyllic Scottsdale Waterfront along the Arizona Canal Greenbelt connects Old Town to South Scottsdale’s artistic enclave filled with independent boutiques, cafes and cultural sites. I like to rent a bike for effortlessly navigating between the Waterfront’s parks, bridges, eateries and public art installations. Or for a touch of romance during my travels, I take an evening gondola ride along the canal from Old Town before grabbing dinner overlooking the water.
Scottsdale Stadium
Home to the San Francisco Giants for Spring Training and Arizona Fall League baseball, Scottsdale Stadium and it’s surrounding entertainment plaza provide fun for sports lovers and families year-round. On a recent visit, I toured the ballpark’s interactive baseball museum before catching an afternoon game on the lush green grass. And I returned later to savor sweet post-game drinks on one of the many patios lining the lively Stadium complex.
With endless sights to experience, it may seem overwhelming knowing where to start in Scottsdale. By focusing your time on a couple signature neighborhoods aligned with your travel interests, you can make the most of your Scottsdale wanderings like a local! Let me know if you need any other Scottsdale travel tips.
FAQs
The nearest airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), located just 15 miles or about a 15-20 minute drive from downtown Scottsdale.
You have a few convenient options for airport transportation including rental cars, rideshare services like Uber/Lyft and taxis/shuttles. Rental cars offer the most flexibility for exploring at your own pace. Uber or Lyft provide hassle-free rides directly to your Scottsdale hotel, usually ranging $25-35 per trip.
Most tourists prefer staying in Downtown Old Town Scottsdale which puts you steps away from the top restaurants, galleries and nightlife. Luxury resorts and golf courses are concentrated in North Scottsdale and along the Camelback Corridor. South Scottsdale offers more local culture.
Old Town Scottsdale is very walkable between attractions. The free Scottsdale Trolley conveniently connects downtown to the Mall and Arts District. Beyond downtown, using a rental car or rideshares is easiest for reaching resorts, parks and neighborhoods across the broader city area.
Top things to experience include shopping and art galleries in Old Town, golfing at legendary courses, hiking Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak, checking out Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, catching a Spring Training baseball game and indulging in resort spas and pools.
Get out into nature by hiking iconic Camelback or Piestewa Peak mountains, kayaking along the Salt River, horseback riding in the McDowell Mountains. Renting an electric bike to cruise the Arizona Canal Greenbelt or booking a Hummer/Jeep desert tour overlooking the craggy landscapes.
Conclution
With endless attractions and activities, Scottsdale serves as a premier desert destination for vacationers. The city seamlessly blends convenience, luxury and natural beauty into one vibrant package. Getting here is a breeze with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport located just minutes outside city limits. Scottsdale provides everything visitors need for an unforgettable travel experience.
From world-class shopping and dining to stunning resorts and rugged desert landscapes, Scottsdale has it all. Visitors can fill their days with art galleries, boutique browsing, golfing, spa treatments, outdoor adventures andSpring Training baseball. When the sun goes down, the nightlife energy heats up around Old Town Scottsdale’s lively restaurants and clubs.
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