Scottsdale is a vibrant desert city located in Arizona, east of the state capital of Phoenix. It is renowned for its spas, golf courses, and TPC Scottsdale. Further north, the trails cross McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a stunning desert landscape of hills, rock formations, and cacti. Nearby is Taliesin West, the former home and studio of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Historic downtown Scottsdale boasts buildings from the 1920s and olive trees from the 19th century. The driving distance between Phoenix and Scottsdale is 19 miles or 31 kilometers. Most visitors to the Valley of the Sun spend their time in both cities, as they are only 14 miles apart from the city center. However, due to the combined 700 square miles of neighboring cities, traveling between them can be a bit tricky.
Renting a car or relying on rideshare options is often the best way to get around in the Valley. But those who don't mind walking can also take advantage of public transportation. Notable regional hubs include Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter in North Scottsdale, and Scottsdale Fashion Square in downtown Scottsdale, a major destination for high-end retailers. The downtown trolley runs through downtown Scottsdale, and the neighborhood trolley runs from downtown Scottsdale to South Scottsdale neighborhoods, connecting to Tempe's own free public circulator, Tempe Orbit on Roosevelt and Scottsdale Road.
Scottsdale is also home to the annual month-long event known as the Scottsdale Jaycees Parada del Sol. During World War II, it was also the site of a German POW camp at the intersection of Scottsdale and Thomas Roads in what is now Papago Park. The city has three main art districts: The largest is the Scottsdale Main Street Arts District, home to a diverse collection of styles and genres; Marshall Way Arts District with more contemporary art; and Old Town district with its Western-themed attractions and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. In 1999, a second campus was opened at Scottsdale Airpark to serve the business community north of Scottsdale.
Finally, there's Old Town Scottsdale with its 2 million square feet of luxury retail space at Scottsdale Fashion Square.
