Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona blends Western heritage with a thriving arts scene, acclaimed dining, and a walkable district full of galleries and boutiques.
Old Town Scottsdale sits at the cultural and historical core of the city. The area traces its roots to the late nineteenth century, when Winfield Scott homesteaded the land and a small frontier community took shape around irrigated farmland. That pioneer character persists in the low-slung adobe architecture and the Western-themed storefronts that anchor the oldest blocks.
Today the district is home to one of the densest concentrations of art galleries in the American Southwest. Marshall Way and Main Street are lined with spaces showing everything from traditional Southwestern painting to contemporary sculpture, making the neighborhood a genuine destination for collectors and casual browsers alike.
Food and nightlife give Old Town Scottsdale a lively after-dark energy. Rooftop bars, intimate wine lounges, and open-air cantinas draw a mix of locals and visitors. The dining scene leans heavily on regional ingredients, with menus featuring Sonoran flavors, locally raised beef, and creative takes on classic desert cuisine.
For those who want to go deeper, guided walking tours cover the history of the district, while nearby Scottsdale Fashion Square and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art add cultural and retail variety. Old Town Scottsdale earns a visit for the rare way it holds authentic heritage and a modern creative scene in the same few walkable blocks.
Visit during the cooler months between October and April to enjoy outdoor dining and gallery walks in comfortable temperatures.
Try the green chile dishes at one of the Southwest-inspired restaurants along Main Street for an authentic regional flavor.
Arrive on a Thursday evening to catch the free ArtWalk, when dozens of galleries open late and artists are often on hand.
Bring comfortable walking shoes as the arts and shopping district spans several blocks best explored on foot.
Duck into the Fifth Avenue shops area for independent boutiques and handcrafted goods that differ from the larger retail strips.
Build your own Old Town Scottsdale bar crawl by party cart
Ride a fat tire e-bike on Scottsdale’s Greenbelt, with a quick training session
Explore Old Town Scottsdale by Segway with training and a guided route
See Old Town Scottsdale at sunset, then ride through the city lights
Ride the Scottsdale Greenbelt, then walk Historic Old Town with a local guide
See Old Town Scottsdale’s 5 districts and key landmarks by golf cart