Scottsdale Vacation Rentals

Getting to your Scottsdale vacation rental

The city is served by the premier Scottsdale Airport located just nine miles north of downtown. The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is located 10 miles west of downtown Scottsdale. Consider a car rental at the airport or take a taxi to your downtown Scottsdale vacation home.

Cuisine and dining in Scottsdale

The Old Town of Scottsdale is home to award-winning restaurants that serve everything from grilled octopus to the trusty ol' beef steak. For your Southwestern, Mexican and Latin cuisine, consider the Mission restaurant that fuses elements of various cuisines wonderfully. Make sure to try the Arizona-crafted wine which is popular with travelers.

Café Monarch in the Old Town offers a romantic patio setting with lush fountains and ambient lighting. The chef's inventive seasonal menu is crafted from farm fresh ingredients. The English pub concept is popular in Scottsdale too, and visitors are delighted by the hearty gastropub cuisine, craft beers and classic cocktails available. Mexican food is popular in the city which loves its Mexican sweet bread, tacos and tortillas. Pack some to go and to dig into when you escape the sunshine and return to your Scottsdale vacation rental.

When is a good time to visit Scottsdale?

The summer months of June, July and August are best avoided if scorching heat is not your thing. The flip side is that Scottsdale vacation rentals will be much cheaper during this period, not to mention hefty discounts at spas. October to December is slightly unpredictable, however temperatures are definitely cooler. Scottsdale's peak season is between December and April — a splendid time to hit the outdoors too.

Sights and sounds of Scottsdale

The Old Town of Scottsdale possesses a certain kitschy charm that is quite reminiscent of the caricatured American West. The "Beverly Hills of the Desert" is alive with cafés, bars, discotheques and pool clubs that are open until the early hours. Go shopping in one of the biggest malls in the United States, the Fashion Square Mall in downtown Scottsdale. It's a perfect spot for people-watching too.

The town's canals are a splendid way to view the striking desert vistas, and also a good idea for those who enjoy their morning walks. Ride on the famous Scottsdale "trolley", a bus fashioned to resemble the legendary San Francisco cable cars. With more spas per capita than anywhere else in the United States, you're assured a rejuvenating stay in Scottsdale. Booking a comfy Scottsdale vacation rental is a great way to end an action-packed day.

Desert art and culture in Scottsdale

Located in downtown Scottsdale, the Museum of the West is an ode to the pioneer spirit of the old Wild West with its art exhibitions and rare historic artefacts such as the gleaming spurs, Texas Ranger badges and hand-tooled saddles. For an insight into the Native American cultures of the Southwest, visit the Heard Museum — watch out for a replica of a traditional Navajo hogan. A whopping 5,000 instruments including those played by stalwarts Eric Clapton, Santana and John Lennon await at the Musical Instrument Museum.

The Phoenix Art Museum houses 17,000 American, Asian, European, Latin American and Western American artworks. It also regularly hosts screenings, discussions and events. The Pueblo Grande Museum is a must for archaeology lovers, while the Airbase Arizona Commemorative Air Force Aviation Museum might interest those who'd enjoy looking at the 30 historic air crafts. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is a great stop for stand-up comedy and storytelling, along with its art exhibitions. Consider taking the Scottsdale Art Walk on Thursday nights to enjoy some art, snacks, drinks and conversation.

Excursion destinations and getaways

Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale abounds in interesting trails and hiking routes where you'll come across oddly shaped cacti, desert plants and wild flowers. Keep those cameras ready. If you plan to spend a night out in the desert, you might just be rewarded with a star-studded sky. There are plenty of organized desert tours that let you witness the desert by night. Hikers can also try the Piestewa Peak area, a lush and vast mountainous area close to downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale.

Come vacation in the wild, wild, west, and experience it all with a Scottsdale vacation home.

Scottsdale for a wholistic vacation

Old Town Scottsdale

The original townsite of Scottsdale pleases visitors with its shopping and dining options, art galleries and nightlife. Don't miss Thursday evening's Scottsdale Artwalk.

Pinnacle Peak Park

A Scottsdale staple, Pinnacle Peak Park affords fantastic views of the mountains around Phoenix, the desert area and native homes below. Athletes are often spotted training here.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

This impressive 40-acre railroad features a gauge railroad, a Magma Arizona Railroad locomotive and a museum. Kids particularly love the 1950s carousel ride and model trains.

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Encompassing nearly 12300 hectares, the preserve is the largest urban park in the United States. Come for mountain biking, rock-climbing and horseback riding. Open from sunrise to sunset, there is no entry or parking fee.

Taliesin West

Architect Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home, Taliesin West offers informative tours explaining his taste in shapes, colors, textures and materials. Visitors can even sit in original Wright chairs in his living room.