Recreation

Recreational Overview

Scottsdale continues to be recognized nationally and internationally for its beautiful landscape, vast retail offerings, attainable quality of life and community safety. The city offers a mix of lifestyle options for all income levels and living preferences, such as modern urban living, high-end estates and family neighborhoods. Before becoming a global destination for business, Scottsdale was - and remains - renowned for its exceptional recreational amenities. Professionals from all walks of life have made Scottsdale their home as a result of the city’s commitment to long range planning and providing a higher quality of life for its citizens.

Hospitality and Resorts

Scottsdale is an internationally recognized tourism destination community widely known for its golf courses, recreational amenities, climate and high-end resorts. Downtown Scottsdale’s urban “boutique” hotels, nightlife, numerous events and attractions, dining and art galleries complement the Old Town western heritage. This coupled with the open spaces of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve provide visitors a unique and exciting destination for travel.

Spas

Scottsdale’s renowned resort and day spas (more than 50 in all) are known for innovative treatments inspired by Sonoran Desert Botanicals, Native American traditions, and healing techniques from cultures around the world. You’ll also find nutrition experts and workout options that will help you meet your fitness goals.

Shopping

Scottsdale is known for its unique shopping with sun-drenched outdoor promenades and upscale fashion centers offering a mix of notable national retailers and exclusive treasures available only in Arizona.

Dining

Start with acclaimed chefs creating bold flavors that flirt with your taste buds. Mix in mesquitefired frontier fare and cross-border influences from Latin America, California and beyond. Top it all off with young chefs boasting raw talent and innovative ideas and it’s easy to see how Scottsdale earned its spot at the table with the premier dining destinations in the country.

Scottsdale Nightlife

You’ll find great nightlife options throughout Scottsdale, but when it comes to the most excitement per city block, downtown is the place to be. When the sun goes down, it sizzles with late-night diversions, including wine bars, lounges, and dance clubs. More than 90 acclaimed restaurants and decadent dessert spots, neighborhood pubs and high-energy dance clubs are within walking distance. If you use up all your energy on the dance floor, taxis, Uber and Lyft await to whisk you back to your car or resort.

Arts and Culture

Scottsdale is home to one of the most concentrated collections of art in the nation with more than 60 art galleries. Scottsdale also offers acclaimed museums, architectural wonders, the Scottsdale Art Walk, world-class performance spaces and an award-winning public art program. Recreation Facilities Scottsdale’s recreation activities include walking, skating, jogging, fishing, baseball, volleyball and swimming. A wide variety of leisure activities await the new resident. The facilities where these activities are held also make great locations for corporate or social functions.

Hiking and Climbing

From scenic strolls to serious workouts, the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve is over 30,000 acres in size with more than 170 miles of trails for beginners and seasoned trekkers. Other popular hiking destinations include Camelback Mountain, Pinnacle Peak and McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Each rewards you with expansive scenic views and the opportunity to see the desert’s amazing wildlife.

Paddling

The Scottsdale area is home to more than eight scenic lakes and rivers that are perfect for getting your feet wet on a river rafting, tubing or kayaking adventure. The calm waters of the Lower Salt River are ideal for wildlife watching from a raft, kayak or inner tube, while the Upper Salt’s class III and IV rapids provide plenty of white water thrills and chills.

Biking

Scottsdale is one of a handful of gold-level bicycle-friendly communities in the nation, with more than 350 miles of bike lanes, dedicated bike paths and trails. There are over 7,360 bike trails in Scottsdale, and virtually any part of the city can be reached by dedicated bike trails.

Golf

With more than 125 Scottsdale-area golf courses and 300 plus days of sunshine annually, access to golf is unlimited.