623-404-8398
reservations@letsvoyago.com
623-404-8398
reservations@letsvoyago.com

Best Areas to Stay in Scottsdale for a Vacation

Planning a trip to Scottsdale, Arizona, but not sure where to stay?

Scottsdale is more spread out than many first-time visitors realize, and the area you choose can have a big impact on your vacation. Some neighborhoods put you right in the middle of restaurants, shopping, nightlife and art, while others are better suited for golf, outdoor adventures, families or a relaxing getaway.

The good news? There isn’t one “best” area for everyone. The best place to stay in Scottsdale depends on what you want to do during your trip.

At Voyago Vacation Rentals, we help guests experience Scottsdale from the comfort of a private vacation home. Here’s our guide to the best areas to stay in Scottsdale and what each area is best known for.

1. Old Town Scottsdale: Best for First-Time Visitors

If this is your first trip to Scottsdale, Old Town Scottsdale is one of the best places to stay.

Old Town is the heart of Scottsdale’s tourism scene, with restaurants, art galleries, museums, shopping, nightlife and historic attractions all concentrated within a relatively compact area. The area is made up of several distinct districts, including the Arts District, Entertainment District, Historic Old Town, Scottsdale Waterfront and Fifth Avenue Shopping District.

Why stay in Old Town Scottsdale?

Old Town is a great choice if you want to:

It’s especially popular for girls’ trips, couples’ getaways, birthday trips and groups of friends who want restaurants and entertainment close by.

Old Town is also home to more than 100 restaurants and numerous galleries, museums and nightlife options, making it easy to fill an entire weekend without going far.

Is Old Town right for you?

Choose Old Town if your ideal Scottsdale vacation includes dinners, drinks, shopping, art and nightlife.

If you’re looking for a quieter residential neighborhood or want to spend most of your time golfing and hiking, another part of Scottsdale may be a better fit.

Explore Scottsdale vacation rentals near Old Town

2. North Scottsdale: Best for Golf, Shopping & Outdoor Adventures

North Scottsdale has a completely different feel from Old Town.

It’s more spacious, more residential and surrounded by some of Scottsdale’s best golf courses and desert landscapes. It’s also home to popular shopping and dining destinations such as Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter.

For golf groups and travelers who want a mix of upscale shopping, restaurants and outdoor activities, North Scottsdale is one of the best areas to stay.

Scottsdale is particularly well known for golf, with more than 200 courses in the broader area, according to Experience Scottsdale.

Why stay in North Scottsdale?

North Scottsdale is a great choice if you want:

It’s also a great option for golf trips, family vacations and larger groups who want a private home with a backyard, pool or other amenities.

Is North Scottsdale right for you?

Choose North Scottsdale if your vacation is more about golf, hiking, shopping, relaxing by the pool and enjoying a spacious vacation home than walking from restaurant to restaurant.

A car or rideshare will generally be more useful here than it would be in Old Town.

3. McCormick Ranch & Central Scottsdale: Best for Families & a Relaxed Getaway

Looking for something a little quieter while still being close to everything?

Central Scottsdale, including areas around McCormick Ranch and Gainey Ranch, can be a great middle ground.

These areas offer a more relaxed residential atmosphere while still putting you within easy reach of Old Town, golf, restaurants, shopping and family-friendly attractions.

Why stay in Central Scottsdale?

This area can be a great fit for:

It’s also convenient for exploring attractions around the Scottsdale area while giving you a more relaxed place to come home to at the end of the day.

Is Central Scottsdale right for you?

If you want a little more breathing room without being too far from the action, Central Scottsdale is worth considering.

It’s especially appealing if you’re traveling with kids or a larger group and want the convenience of a private vacation home.

4. The Camelback Corridor: Best for a Relaxing Luxury Getaway

The area around Camelback Road and the southern part of Scottsdale is known for its beautiful desert setting, upscale resorts, spas, restaurants and easy access to Old Town.

Scottsdale has long been known for its luxury resorts, golf and destination spas, making this area a natural choice for travelers who want relaxation to be a major part of their vacation.

Why stay near Camelback?

This area is a good fit for:

You can spend the morning at the pool or spa, head into Old Town for dinner and drinks, and return to a quieter setting at the end of the night.

Is the Camelback area right for you?

If your ideal Scottsdale vacation sounds like pool + spa + great dinner + beautiful scenery, this area is worth considering

 

What Area of Scottsdale Is Best for You?

Coming to Scottsdale for the first time?

Stay in Old Town.

You’ll be close to many of the restaurants, shops, galleries and attractions that make Scottsdale such a popular destination.

Planning a golf trip?

Look at North Scottsdale.

You’ll have easy access to many of the area’s golf courses and plenty of space to relax between rounds.

Traveling with your family?

Consider North or Central Scottsdale.

A private vacation home can give your group more room to spread out, along with amenities like a private pool, kitchen and outdoor space.

Planning a girls’ trip?

Old Town is hard to beat.

You’ll be close to restaurants, shopping, nightlife and plenty of places to enjoy a long weekend together.

Want a quiet, relaxing vacation?

Consider Central Scottsdale or the Camelback area.

You’ll still be close to Scottsdale’s attractions without having to stay directly in the middle of the action.

Why Choose a Vacation Rental in Scottsdale?

Hotels can be a great option for a short trip, but a vacation rental can make a lot of sense when you’re traveling with family or friends.

Instead of splitting up into separate hotel rooms, everyone can stay together in one home. Depending on the property, you may also have access to:

For groups, those little conveniences can make a big difference.

At Voyago Vacation Rentals, our Scottsdale homes are selected to give guests a comfortable home base for experiencing everything the area has to offer.

Explore our Scottsdale vacation rentals

Ready to Plan Your Scottsdale Getaway?

Whether you want to spend your days golfing in North Scottsdale, exploring Old Town’s restaurants and galleries, relaxing by a private pool or taking in the Sonoran Desert, choosing the right location can make your Scottsdale vacation even better.

Not sure which area or property is the best fit for your trip?

Explore Voyago’s Scottsdale vacation rentals and find a home that fits the way you want to experience Arizona.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Scottsdale for first-time visitors?

Old Town Scottsdale is one of the best choices for first-time visitors because it offers easy access to restaurants, shopping, nightlife, galleries, museums and other attractions in a relatively compact area.

Is Old Town Scottsdale walkable?

Old Town is one of the more walkable areas of Scottsdale, with restaurants, shops, galleries, museums and entertainment clustered throughout its districts.

What part of Scottsdale is best for golf?

North Scottsdale is an excellent choice for golf travelers because of its concentration of golf courses and proximity to areas such as Troon North and other desert golf destinations.

Is Scottsdale good for a family vacation?

Absolutely. Families can choose from outdoor activities, museums, shopping, restaurants and attractions throughout Scottsdale. The best neighborhood depends on whether your family prioritizes walkability, golf, outdoor activities or a quieter home base.

Is it better to stay in Old Town Scottsdale or North Scottsdale?

It depends on your trip. Choose Old Town if you want restaurants, nightlife, shopping and a more walkable experience. Choose North Scottsdale if golf, hiking, shopping, privacy and a spacious vacation home are higher priorities.

Do I need a car in Scottsdale?

A car can be helpful, particularly if you’re staying in North or Central Scottsdale or plan to explore outside the immediate area. If you’re staying in Old Town and plan to spend most of your time there, you may be able to rely more on walking and rideshare services.

Plan Your Scottsdale Vacation with Voyago

From Old Town to North Scottsdale, there’s a Scottsdale neighborhood that fits just about every type of getaway.

Find your Scottsdale vacation rental with Voyago and start planning your Arizona escape.

×