Restaurants
Dominick's - $$$$
Ocean 44 - $$$$
Maple & Ash - $$$$
Uchi - $$$$
Nobu - $$$$
Kasai Teppanyaki - $$$
Trevor's - $$
Pizzeria Bianco - $$
Pomo Pizzeria - $$
Marcellino - $$$
Elephante - $$$
Fat Ox - $$$
Houston's - $$$
Culinary Dropout - $$
Society Swan - $$$
The Mission - $$$
SumoMaya - $$$
Diego Pops - $$
Nightlife
Toca Madera
4736 N Goldwater Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85251​
The Montauk
Boondocks
Riot House
4425 N Saddlebag Trail
Scottsdale, AZ 85251​
El Hefe
Maya
Talking Stick Casino
The Hot Chick
Wasted Grain
50 Shades of Rosé
7419 E Indian Plaza B
Scottsdale, AZ 85251​
AZ88
Fox Cigar Bar
Shopping
Scottsdale Fashion Square is Arizona's premier luxury shopping destination, featuring an expansive collection of over 200 high-end retailers, including flagship stores for brands like Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. As the Southwest's largest shopping mall, it serves as a sophisticated hub for upscale fashion, fine dining, and entertainment in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale.
7014 E Camelback Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter form a prestigious open-air retail district, blending high-end boutiques and acclaimed dining with a sophisticated, pedestrian-friendly urban atmosphere. This vibrant North Scottsdale hub is the ultimate destination for those seeking an elite outdoor shopping experience paired with a lively, upscale social scene.
15279 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Biltmore Fashion Park is Arizona’s original luxury destination, offering a sophisticated open-air experience defined by lush landscaping and a tranquil, "park-like" atmosphere. Located in the heart of the prestigious Biltmore area, it features an elite collection of designer boutiques and fine dining, anchored by the state’s only Saks Fifth Avenue.
2502 E Camelback Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Golf
Consistently ranked as the #1 public course in Arizona, Saguaro is a masterpiece by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Unlike many desert courses, it was designed with wide corridors and is surprisingly walkable.
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The Vibe: Pure, untouched desert. There are no homes or roads lining the fairways—just mountains and cacti.
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Best For: Golf purists who appreciate classic architecture and scenic tranquility.
www.wekopa.com
Troon North is the gold standard for "target golf." The Monument course is the more famous of the two, known for the massive boulder sitting in the middle of the third fairway, while Pinnacle is often considered the more challenging, cohesive test.
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The Vibe: High-end desert luxury with impeccable grooming and dramatic rock formations.
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Best For: Those wanting the quintessential, "bucket list" Arizona desert golf experience.
www.troonnorthgolf.com
This is the home of the WM Phoenix Open. While it may not be the most visually stunning desert layout, the chance to play the famous par-3 16th hole "Coliseum" is a major draw.
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The Vibe: Professional and prestigious. You are playing on the same turf as the world's best pros.
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Best For: Fans of the PGA Tour who want to test their mettle on a tournament-tested course.
www.tpc.com/scottsdale/
Located a bit further northwest in Peoria, Quintero is often described as "desert golf on steroids." It features massive elevation changes and some of the most demanding par-3s in the country, often requiring shots over deep desert ravines.
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The Vibe: Dramatic and secluded. It feels like you’re playing golf in a hidden mountain canyon.
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Best For: Golfers looking for breathtaking "Instagrammable" views and a serious challenge.
www.quinterogolf.com
If you want something closer to the city center and a bit more "parkland" than desert, Papago is the local favorite. It is the home of the ASU Sun Devils golf team and recently underwent a massive renovation, including a stunning new clubhouse (Lou's Bar & Grill).
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The Vibe: Modern-municipal with a "cool" atmosphere and great views of the red rocks of Papago Park.
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Best For: A high-quality round that’s closer to downtown/airport and slightly more affordable than the resort courses.
www.papagogolfclub.com
Resorts
The "Grand Dame" of Scottsdale. After a massive multi-hundred-million-dollar renovation recently, it’s a masterclass in modern opulence. It features a three-story spa, nine pools, and a redesigned golf course.
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The Vibe: High-end, polished, and prestigious. It’s where you go when you want everyone to know you’ve "arrived."
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Best For: Families and travelers who want every possible amenity at their fingertips.
www.thephoenician.com
Tucked directly into the north slope of Camelback Mountain, Sanctuary is all about privacy and understated elegance. The casitas are terraced into the rock, offering the best sunset views in the valley.
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The Vibe: Quiet, romantic, and exclusive. It feels more like a private club than a hotel.
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Best For: Couples on a romantic getaway or anyone looking to escape the "lobby crowd."
www.sanctuaryaz.com
Designed to look and feel like an Andalusian village in Southern Spain, this resort is famous for its "Joya Spa" and the stunning backdrop of Camelback Mountain’s "Praying Monk" rock formation.
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The Vibe: Mediterranean romantic. Grand archways, fountains, and a very lively poolside social scene.
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Best For: Foodies and spa-goers who want a European escape in the middle of the desert.
www.omnihotels.com/hotels/scottsdale-montelucia
Originally a 1950s Hollywood hangout, the rebuilt Mountain Shadows is a mid-century modern dream. It features clean lines, floor-to-ceiling glass, and a very popular par-3 golf course (The Short Course).
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The Vibe: Sleek, "cool," and athletic. It’s minimalist but feels incredibly high-end.
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Best For: Design junkies and those who want a quick, fun round of golf before brunch.
www.mountainshadows.com
Arguably the most talked-about hotel in the Valley. It’s a "culture-first" resort positioned exactly where Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley meet. Rather than typical Arizona clay and cacti, it leans heavily into European flair with oak floors, marble accents, and a world-class culinary footprint.
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The Vibe: Cosmopolitan, "see-and-be-seen," and ultra-chic. It feels more like a sophisticated hotel in London or Paris than a desert resort.
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Best For: Foodies and urbanites. With five original restaurants—including théa, a massive Mediterranean rooftop with arguably the best view of Camelback Mountain—you don't actually have to leave the property to find the city's best nightlife.