Guidebook for Scottsdale/Phoenix area
Parks and Trails
Two trails to choose from. The views from the top are 360 degrees for the entire city, well worth the hike!
1752 locals recommend
Echo Canyon Trail and Recreation Area
East McDonald DriveTwo trails to choose from. The views from the top are 360 degrees for the entire city, well worth the hike!
Piestewa Peak
Pinnacle Peak Park
26802 N 102nd WayIndian Bend Wash Greenbelt
https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/parks/greenbelt
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
7301 E Indian Bend RdA kid favorite!
Golf
A MUST and only a 9 minute drive from the Scottsdale home.
Set in the heart of Papago Park, surrounded by native desert landscape, the picturesque Papago Buttes and conveniently located less than two miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Papago is a golf gem located right in the heart of Phoenix where the borders of Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale meet. Papago’s rich history starts with its creator and architect of the famed Torrey Pines in San Diego, William Francis (Billy) Bell. His unique eye for crafting great golf holes that take full advantage of the beauty that surrounds them has resulted in awesome views of the renowned Papago Buttes, iconic Camelback Mountain and Downtown Phoenix.
“The all-new Papago” was recently chosen as the home of the men’s and women’s Arizona State University golf teams. The additions of the mid-century modern inspired Lou Grubb Clubhouse (including neighborhood hot spot, Lou’s Bar & Grill) and Evie’s Pavilion for group events in 2018 have further accentuated Papago’s revitalization.
95 locals recommend
Papago Golf Course
5595 E Karsten WyA MUST and only a 9 minute drive from the Scottsdale home.
Set in the heart of Papago Park, surrounded by native desert landscape, the picturesque Papago Buttes and conveniently located less than two miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Papago is a golf gem located right in the heart of Phoenix where the borders of Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale meet. Papago’s rich history starts with its creator and architect of the famed Torrey Pines in San Diego, William Francis (Billy) Bell. His unique eye for crafting great golf holes that take full advantage of the beauty that surrounds them has resulted in awesome views of the renowned Papago Buttes, iconic Camelback Mountain and Downtown Phoenix.
“The all-new Papago” was recently chosen as the home of the men’s and women’s Arizona State University golf teams. The additions of the mid-century modern inspired Lou Grubb Clubhouse (including neighborhood hot spot, Lou’s Bar & Grill) and Evie’s Pavilion for group events in 2018 have further accentuated Papago’s revitalization.
Established in 1994, Grayhawk Golf Club features two par-72 golf courses – Talon and Raptor – engineered with their own distinctive personalities. Talon offers a desert-style test of golf that skirts thick stands of Sonoran Desert and box canyons on the way to large multi-tiered greens. Raptor delivers more traditional challenges clearly laid out come-and-get-it style with generous fairways and deep greenside bunkers guarding crowned greens. Both of the highly acclaimed layouts at Grayhawk Golf Club are widely considered to be among the best golf courses in Scottsdale.
104 locals recommend
Grayhawk Golf Club
8620 E Thompson Peak PkwyEstablished in 1994, Grayhawk Golf Club features two par-72 golf courses – Talon and Raptor – engineered with their own distinctive personalities. Talon offers a desert-style test of golf that skirts thick stands of Sonoran Desert and box canyons on the way to large multi-tiered greens. Raptor delivers more traditional challenges clearly laid out come-and-get-it style with generous fairways and deep greenside bunkers guarding crowned greens. Both of the highly acclaimed layouts at Grayhawk Golf Club are widely considered to be among the best golf courses in Scottsdale.
Troon North Golf Club stands as a hallmark of the Scottsdale desert golf experience with two 18-hole courses stretching through the natural ravines and foothills in the shadows of Pinnacle Peak. Giant granite boulders lie strewn across the rugged landscape of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, where Troon North Golf Club combines iconic golf with the visual sensation of desert landscape, providing a standard unmatched in the American Southwest.
114 locals recommend
Troon North Golf Club
10320 E Dynamite BlvdTroon North Golf Club stands as a hallmark of the Scottsdale desert golf experience with two 18-hole courses stretching through the natural ravines and foothills in the shadows of Pinnacle Peak. Giant granite boulders lie strewn across the rugged landscape of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, where Troon North Golf Club combines iconic golf with the visual sensation of desert landscape, providing a standard unmatched in the American Southwest.
Home to the PGA TOUR’s fan-favorite Waste Management Phoenix Open, The Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale has hosted some of contemporary golf’s greatest moments since opening in 1986.
139 locals recommend
TPC Scottsdale
17020 N Hayden RdHome to the PGA TOUR’s fan-favorite Waste Management Phoenix Open, The Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale has hosted some of contemporary golf’s greatest moments since opening in 1986.
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
18200 Wekopa WayWestin Kierland Golf Club is a Scottsdale "must play". As one of the leading resort courses in Arizona.
92 locals recommend
The Westin Kierland Golf Club
15636 N Clubgate DrWestin Kierland Golf Club is a Scottsdale "must play". As one of the leading resort courses in Arizona.
Scottsdale Silverado’s par 70, 18-hole championship layout offers a challenging and enjoyable golf experience at an affordable price. Centrally located in Scottsdale, Silverado lures golfers of all skill levels with its undulating terrain, elevated tee boxes and state of the art clubhouse.
45 locals recommend
Scottsdale Silverado Golf Club.
7605 East Indian Bend RoadScottsdale Silverado’s par 70, 18-hole championship layout offers a challenging and enjoyable golf experience at an affordable price. Centrally located in Scottsdale, Silverado lures golfers of all skill levels with its undulating terrain, elevated tee boxes and state of the art clubhouse.
These Phoenix golf courses are located in the heart of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club is as convenient as it is exclusive. Adjacent to the legendary Arizona Biltmore Hotel and Resort, these two storied golf courses stand as testimony to some of the greatest golf outings in all of Arizona.
56 locals recommend
Arizona Biltmore Golf Club
2400 E Missouri AveThese Phoenix golf courses are located in the heart of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club is as convenient as it is exclusive. Adjacent to the legendary Arizona Biltmore Hotel and Resort, these two storied golf courses stand as testimony to some of the greatest golf outings in all of Arizona.
Arizona Grand Golf Course
Arizona Grand ParkwayScenic golfing area featuring 2 courses, wide fairways, a pro shop & a restaurant.
94 locals recommend
Talking Stick Golf Club
9998 Talking Stick WayScenic golfing area featuring 2 courses, wide fairways, a pro shop & a restaurant.
Rivaling its famous sister course in both beauty and playability, the Randy Heckenkemper-designed Champions Course offers an ideal desert golf experience. Built on the former site of TPC Scottsdale’s Desert Course, the layout was completely revamped in 2007 to flow seamlessly within the naturally rugged terrain, meandering between natural ravines and through picturesque foothills.
The course was crafted to balance strategy with design, so as not to favor any one type of play. Each hole can be played a multitude of ways – providing golfers of all skill levels with a challenging experience that can be significantly different each time they play. A quartet of challenging finishing holes adds an acclaimed ending stretch that promises to leave even the best players with goose bumps.
332 locals recommend
TPC Scottsdale - Champions Course
8243 E Bell RdRivaling its famous sister course in both beauty and playability, the Randy Heckenkemper-designed Champions Course offers an ideal desert golf experience. Built on the former site of TPC Scottsdale’s Desert Course, the layout was completely revamped in 2007 to flow seamlessly within the naturally rugged terrain, meandering between natural ravines and through picturesque foothills.
The course was crafted to balance strategy with design, so as not to favor any one type of play. Each hole can be played a multitude of ways – providing golfers of all skill levels with a challenging experience that can be significantly different each time they play. A quartet of challenging finishing holes adds an acclaimed ending stretch that promises to leave even the best players with goose bumps.
Amid the beauty of the Sonoran Desert near Scottsdale, Gainey Ranch Golf Club provides three distinctive championship nine-hole courses, breathtaking mountain views, handcrafted cuisine and family fun.
23 locals recommend
Gainey Ranch Golf Club
7600 E Gainey Club DrAmid the beauty of the Sonoran Desert near Scottsdale, Gainey Ranch Golf Club provides three distinctive championship nine-hole courses, breathtaking mountain views, handcrafted cuisine and family fun.
Public golf course located in the heart of Scottsdale. Featuring an 18-hole, par-60 executive golf course, plus a practice facility, a cafe & a shop.
81 locals recommend
Continental Golf Club
7920 E Osborn RdPublic golf course located in the heart of Scottsdale. Featuring an 18-hole, par-60 executive golf course, plus a practice facility, a cafe & a shop.
McCormick Ranch Golf Club
7505 E McCormick PkwyPlay right at the base of Camelback mountain at this historic resort. 5-7 minute drive from the Scottsdale home.
61 locals recommend
Phoenician Golf Club
6000 E Camelback RdPlay right at the base of Camelback mountain at this historic resort. 5-7 minute drive from the Scottsdale home.
Fitness Centers
Eldorado Aquatic & Fitness Center
2301 N Miller RdGreat place for lap swimming and the gym.
LA Fitness
1900 N Scottsdale RdFood & Drinks
Some local faves
Olive & Ivy
7135 E Camelback RdSushi Roku Scottsdale
7277 E Camelback RdShort walk or drive across Scottsdale Rd. Great food...a local hotspot.
74 locals recommend
DeFalco's Italian Eatery, Grocery & Deli
2334 N Scottsdale RdShort walk or drive across Scottsdale Rd. Great food...a local hotspot.
Noodles Ranch
2765 N Scottsdale RdZipps Sports Grill
7551 E Camelback RdO.H.S.O. Eatery & nano-Brewery
4900 E Indian School RdThe Vig McDowell Mountain
10199 E Bell RdThe Mission
3815 N Brown AveA MUST in Old Town Scottsdale
Bandera
3821 N Scottsdale RdGrimaldi's Pizzeria
4000 N Scottsdale RdGreat NY style pizza
Barrio Queen
7114 E Stetson DrAZ/88
7353 E Scottsdale MallBest martinis in Old Town Scottsdale
Bourbon & Bones
4200 N Scottsdale RdCulinary Dropout
7135 E Camelback RdGreat food and atmosphere with very reasonable prices. Very short drive. Highly recommend it!
25 locals recommend
Fellow Osteria & Pizzeria
1455 N Scottsdale RdGreat food and atmosphere with very reasonable prices. Very short drive. Highly recommend it!
La Grande Orange Grocery & Pizzeria
4410 N 40th StA local favorite
The Porch
1128 E Baseline RdBandera
3821 N Scottsdale RdPitch
6350 E Thomas RdAll around great spot...take advantage of the outdoor patio!
Coach House Entertainment
7011 E Indian School RdThe best dive bar...period!
Rusty Spur Saloon
7245 E Main StCowboy bar!
Celebrated as one of the top 20 “Best New Restaurants” in the U.S. by Esquire Magazine immediately upon opening in 2013, as well as nominated by the prestigious James Beard Foundation for “Best New Restaurant” in 2014, Virtù is Chef Gio Osso’s intimate, stylish gathering spot tucked inside Old Town Scottsdale’s charming Bespoke Inn bed and breakfast.
40 locals recommend
Virtu Honest Craft
3701 N Marshall WayCelebrated as one of the top 20 “Best New Restaurants” in the U.S. by Esquire Magazine immediately upon opening in 2013, as well as nominated by the prestigious James Beard Foundation for “Best New Restaurant” in 2014, Virtù is Chef Gio Osso’s intimate, stylish gathering spot tucked inside Old Town Scottsdale’s charming Bespoke Inn bed and breakfast.
The Henry
4455 E Camelback RdSam Fox's experimental kitchen for new concepts!
If you haven’t experienced Platform 18 for yourself, you’re in for a one-of-a-kind experience that we bet you’ve never had (especially in a bar!) The train bar’s immersive and elevated cocktail experience comfortably seats 36 guests.
Platform 18
3626 East Indian School RoadIf you haven’t experienced Platform 18 for yourself, you’re in for a one-of-a-kind experience that we bet you’ve never had (especially in a bar!) The train bar’s immersive and elevated cocktail experience comfortably seats 36 guests.
Chelsea's Kitchen
5040 N 40th StDiego Pops
4338 N Scottsdale RdGreat food!
Shopping
Fashion Square
Biltmore Fashion Park
2502 E Camelback RdScottsdale Quarter
15279 N Scottsdale RdTempe Marketplace
2000 East Rio Salado ParkwayFun & Amusement
Desert Botanical Garden
Phoenix Zoo
455 N Galvin PkwyHurricane Harbor Phoenix
4243 W Pinnacle Peak RdSalt River Tubing
9200 North Bush HighwayOdySea Aquarium
9500 East Vía de VenturaButterfly Wonderland
9500 East Vía de VenturaCasino Arizona
524 N 92nd StTalking Stick Resort Casino
Talking Stick WayTopgolf
9500 Talking Stick WayGreat fun for everyone
Wonderspaces Arizona
7014 E Camelback RdSightseeing
Sedona
Located near the top of Cleopatra Hill between Prescott and Flagstaff is the historic copper mining town of Jerome.
476 locals recommend
Jerome
Located near the top of Cleopatra Hill between Prescott and Flagstaff is the historic copper mining town of Jerome.
Lake Pleasant
Flagstaff
Prescott