Experience the Many Sides of Scottsdale
If you think of the desert as a place of desolation, you have yet to experience Scottsdale’s vibrant landscape—and its potential for decadence. You’ll find a city teeming with innovative restaurants, craft breweries, cultural attractions, and plenty of opportunity for adventure. From the saguaro-laden Sonoran Desert to the city’s walkable downtown, here are five varied experiences to put at the top of your Scottsdale to-do list, as recommended by local photographer Ryan Neal Cordwell.
6131 Phoenix, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, USA
It’s not hard to escape the heat in Scottsdale, but it’s even better to precede it. Camelback Mountain is one of the great protagonists in this landscape, and deserves your undivided attention for a few hours, at least, of outdoor adventures like...
1312 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257, USA
The last decade has seen an explosion of craft breweries in the Scottsdale area. And McFate Brewing Company, in South Scottsdale, has effortlessly held its head above the current. A gorgeous indoor/outdoor bar and beer garden lures patrons...
3830 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
Downtown Scottsdale got an exciting new addition in 2015 with the opening of this museum in a copper-clad, LEED-certified space complete with a theater and a sculpture courtyard. It may look contemporary, but it pays homage to the history,...
Phoenix, AZ, USA
There are few places where you can better learn about the beauty and complexity of desert ecology than the Desert Botanical Garden, not far from downtown Phoenix. Check out the Desert Discovery Loop Trail for a look at local flora, go for a...
6000 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
Here’s one deeply satisfying way to round out a day in Scottsdale: Witnessing the early evening sun’s descent over a proper plate at the J&G Steakhouse, from acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. It’s my favorite dining experience in the city...
