Dubbed the west’s most western town, Scottsdale sits on the western side of Arizona, just outside of the state capital Phoenix. Like much of the rest of the state, the city has a warm, dry climate for much of the year, with very hot weather from May to August. The McDowell mountain range lies just outside the city with its highest peak, the East End, at nearly 1,400 meters high.
This Arizona city prides itself as a Wild West cowboy town, playing host to the Jaycees Parada del Sol event every March which features the biggest horse-drawn parade in the world and a series of rodeos. Much of the city’s arts scene focuses on western and Native American styles, as can be seen at the weekly Art Walk on Thursdays showcasing local talent.
Shopping addicts will revel in the huge number of high-end malls and boutiques in Scottsdale, with Fashion square being the most popular and indeed the largest mall in the whole of the American Southwest. The city is also well-known for its huge number of golf courses, roughly 200 in the direct vicinity, and health spas. In fact, the city is said to be home to more spas per capita than any other American city.
Scottsdale attractions
Taliesin West: winter home of well-known late architect Frank Lloyd Wright and now a popular tourist attraction.
Rusty Spur Saloon: the oldest bar in the city and the ‘only real cowboy saloon’ in Scottsdale features live music six nights a week.
Scottsdale Fashion square: is the premier shopping destination in the American Southwest with numerous high-end stores.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park: with a unique 15 inch gauge railway along with playgrounds and other attractions for children.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park: north of the city, this former research facility is home to dozens of African species including lions, giraffes and zebras.