Old Town Scottsdale

The Basics

Nowhere is Scottsdale’s Old West character more apparent than in Old Town, where you’ll still find hitching posts from back in the day. Learn more about the area’s colorful history as you explore Old Town on a Scottsdale walking, biking, or Segway tour. Alternatively, food tours take hungry travelers to several of the best eateries in the neighborhood, while art lovers and Instagrammers marvel at the many murals.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Old Town Scottsdale is a must for history fans, art buffs, and foodies.

• Scottsdale weather can be hot and dry, particularly in summer—take a hat, sunscreen, and lots of water.

How to Get There

Old Town Scottsdale is walkable and served by a free trolley that circles the various districts. Several Valley Metro buses connect Old Town with the rest of the greater Phoenix area, and visitors with cars find plenty of parking.

When to Get There

The shops and restaurants of Old Town Scottsdale are open year-round. If you’re there in the summer, consider visiting in the evening, as daytime temperatures frequently top 100°F (38°C).

Old Town ArtWalk

If you’re in Old Town Scottsdale on a Thursday evening, check out the ArtWalk on Main Street and Marshall Way. Neighborhood shops and galleries stay open late, and live music and horse-drawn carriage rides add to the festive atmosphere.

What is Old Town Scottsdale known for?

Arizona’s Old Town Scottsdale neighborhood is known for its shops, restaurants, art galleries, bars, and clubs. The area has an old-west charm to it, and many visitors like to spend a day or night out and about in downtown Scottsdale exploring what piques their interest most.

What are the best things to do in Old Town Scottsdale?

There are so many things to do in Old Town Scottsdale—some of the most popular include a visit to Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square, a stop in the Rusty Spur Saloon, or a trip to Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.

What are the top restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale?

Some of the most popular restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale include Café Monarch on East 1st Avenue, which offers a prix fixe menu; The Mission Old Town on North Brown Avenue serving Latin cuisine; and The Roaring Fork on North Scottsdale Road that features an old-west vibe and American fare.

Is there parking available in Old Town Scottsdale?

Yes, Old Town Scottsdale has parking. Street parking in Old Town is free, but there are time restrictions in some areas, so read any signage before you leave your vehicle for long periods of time. There also are paid parking garages, and many businesses offer free lots or garages.

Is Old Town Scottsdale family-friendly?

Yes, although Old Town Scottsdale isn’t designed specifically for kids, there’s still plenty to do in the area for families. Some top picks for families include going to Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, riding the city’s free trolley, and grabbing ice cream at the Sugar Bowl shop.

Are there any guided tours available in Old Town Scottsdale?

Yes, there are many tours of Old Town Scottsdale. You can find options to fit your interests, including history tours, sightseeing tours that pass by top attractions, art tours, party bus or pub crawl tours, food tours, and even ghost tours of Old Town Scottsdale.

Ways to explore

Compact and walkable, Old Town Scottsdale is a haven for shopping and dining. It’s the perfect place to pick up some Western-inspired fashion and sample some of the flavors of the desert—food tours and pub crawls are both popular ways to explore, while boutique windows are filled with leather goods and work from local designers. It’s a fun destination as a day trip from Phoenix, or as a home base for your time in Scottsdale. In the evening, check out the entertainment district for live music or cozy whiskey bars.

Accessibility

The streets of Old Town Scottsdale are largely accessible to people who use wheelchairs, but certain establishments may not be.

Age limits

Kids are sure to enjoy the area’s cowboy culture.

What to pack

Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, credit card and cash, water, snacks

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, casual clothes

Not allowed

If you end up picking up a cowboy hat, be sure to take it off when meeting someone for the first time—it’s good Western etiquette!

Amenities

Restaurants, bars, shops, public restrooms

Address 

Old Town Scottsdale comprises nine districts. Phoenix is a half-hour drive away. There are plenty of tours with transportation. By bus, the trip takes about an hour each way.

Driving

From downtown Phoenix, take AZ-202 to exit 4 to merge onto N 52nd Street, and then turn right onto E McDowell Road. Turn left onto N Scottsdale Road and continue until 2nd Street, where the area starts.

Public transportation

Catch the 514 towards Mustang TC bus from Van Buren/Central Ave, and hop off at McDowell Road and 68th Street. Then catch the 68CM across the street towards Hayden and Indian School, and get off at Goldwater Boulevard and Arizona Canal.

Best times to visit

It depends on what you want to see or do—it tends to get hot in the afternoon, so aim to stay out of the sun, but otherwise there’s always something going on!

Best days to visit

The charming Old Town Farmers Market runs every Saturday, and it’s a great place to pick up some pastries and enjoy the feel of the town.

Best months to visit

October to December offer pleasant weather and minimal rain; spring is the high season.

Special events

Scottsdale loves a party, so you’ll always find something on the calendar. Aim for the annual Canal Convergence—a 10-night free festival in mid-November full of art displays, live music, and food trucks.