How far is Scottsdale from Phoenix? The answer to this question might surprise you. Scottsdale, a beautiful desert town popular with tourists, is quite close to the larger city of Phoenix.
It’s only about a 30-minute drive away. With its world-famous resorts and golf courses, as well as its wide variety of restaurants and nightlife spots, there’s something for everyone in this charming town.
This blog post will discuss the Phoenix to Scottsdale distance and some fantastic things to do in Scottsdale. We will also look for some famous Scottsdale hotels!
Phoenix To Scottsdale: The Shortest Route to Scottsdale!
If you want to take the keynotes, here are the golden words for you to save your time:
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport’s distance to Scottsdale is ~28 miles or 38 kilometers.
- Travel Time: 35 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
If you happen to be in the vicinity of Sky Harbor Airport, it’s perfectly possible to get from Phoenix to Scottsdale in less than 30 minutes. This route will take you via Route 51 (towards Piestewa Peak), then up 32nd Street and through Shea Boulevard before hopping over to Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, which takes you straight into Scottsdale. This route offers many scenic mountain views and desert vistas, which is why it’s a popular route for bikers and runners, and drivers.
However, if you need to be somewhere in Scottsdale, this is probably not the quickest way to do so. This would also make for a very long first date, so if you meet someone in town for the first time, tell them to choose a venue south of the canal!
The Most Direct Route From Phoenix To Scottsdale, Arizona!
The shortest route is not necessarily the direct route, however. Whether you are driving yourself or being driven by a hire car in Scottsdale, your driver will likely take one of the following routes to get from Phoenix to Scottsdale. The four most popular routes are listed below:
1- Route 101 (Red Mountain Freeway)
This route takes you east towards Tempe and then northeast through the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community before reaching Scottsdale. This is a scenic route that also offers fantastic views of Phoenix’s skyline, Camelback Mountain and Mummy Mountain, Papago Park and even provides views of Lake Pleasant and Four Peaks along the way.
2- Route 202 (Superstition Freeway)
Another popular route, this one, will take you up and over the Superstition Mountains on your way to Scottsdale.
This is a very scenic route, but it does get busy during rush hour times, so make sure you allow plenty of time for your journey! You can avoid most traffic by utilizing State Route 85, but this would add another 15-20 minutes to your trip.
3- Route 101 (Price Freeway)
This route takes you from Phoenix to Piestewa Peak and towards Squaw Peak. It does not have as many scenic views as the other routes mentioned here, but it is a popular route for those who live in or around North Phoenix.
If you’ve been given directions to a location on this route, it means that your driver thought it was somewhere close to the 101 freeway.
4- Route 51 (Superstition Freeway)
This is another popular route from Phoenix and will take you up and over the Superstition Mountains on your way to Scottsdale. This route offers views of the mountains and some desert scenery, but again it does get busy, so be sure to leave plenty of time for your journey!
5 Things To Do in Scottsdale
As mentioned above, Scottsdale is a popular tourist destination, and there are plenty of things to do whether you arrive by car or if someone else has kindly offered to drive. Here are 5 of the most popular things to do in Scottsdale:
1- McDowell Sonoran Preserve
This beautiful desert park offers visitors the chance to see some fantastic scenery sans crowds. Within the preserve, you can find great trails for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding! The views here are stunning, no matter which season you visit in, so be sure to allow plenty of time to check the place out.
2- Taliesin West
If you enjoy architecture, this is a must-visit location. This Frank Lloyd Wright building was his winter home, and it has been left much as it was when he died in 1959. He designed much of the furniture himself, so there are some truly unique pieces here! The views from Taliesin West are also breathtaking, and those who enjoy photography will find plenty of opportunities for stunning shots.
3- Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
This museum has a permanent collection and hosts temporary exhibitions, so it’s always worth checking to see what is on before paying a visit. The building is pretty impressive, but the real stars are the pieces on display here – works from over 100 national and international artists.
4- Old Town Scottsdale
It is the place to go if you enjoy browsing through artisan shops, enjoying some delicious food, or even sampling craft beers. There are all kinds of restaurants here offering cuisine from around the globe, so it’s easy to find something to suit every taste. It’s home to several art galleries and museums, so there is plenty to do here.
5- Wonderspaces Arizona
It is a brand new museum that allows you to take in some truly unique art pieces from all over the world. Themes range from robotics and visual illusions to pop art, street art, and sand sculptures, so there is something for everyone here!
Scottsdale has a vibrant history as a desert oasis, and it’s full of things to do, from hiking and biking trails to excellent restaurants and hotels.
5 Famous Scottsdale Hotels To Visit
These are some of the best hotels we’ve searched for you that you guys must visit:
- The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, A Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale
- Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa
- Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
- The Phoenician, A Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale
- Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Final Verdict: How Far Is Scottsdale From Phoenix?
With all of the different routes you can take from Phoenix to Scottsdale, it’s no wonder that many people are wondering which the shortest route is.
Luckily for those who want a quick answer, we found one! Route 101 (Red Mountain Freeway) from Phoenix will get you there in about 1 hour and 40 minutes on average.
If you’re looking for something more scenic or adventurous, though, try out some of our other suggested routes. We hope this information helps make your travel plans easier and smoother!
FAQs
How long does it take to drive from Scottsdale to Phoenix?
It takes about 45 minutes to drive from Scottsdale to Phoenix. It’s about a 30-mile drive.
What are some of the things you can do in Phoenix?
There are plenty of things to do in Phoenix. If you’re into nature, there’s the Pinnacle Peak hiking trail, the Desert Botanical Gardens, and South Mountain Park. If you’re looking for something a little more city-centric, there’s always the Arizona Science Center, Chase Field, or the Heard Museum.
What are some of the things you can do in Scottsdale?
Some famous attractions in Scottsdale include the Camelback Mountain hiking trails, the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, and the OdySea Aquarium. There are also a lot of great restaurants and bars in Scottsdale, and the city hosts several annual events like the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction and the Scottsdale Arts Festival.
That’s it for today! If you are looking for a travel guide and tips, check out this guide for Mexico.
