Scottsdale Arizona is famous for its art galleries, craft shops and golf courses. Its year-round temperate climate has also made Scottsdale Arizona a popular retirement destination. In 1993, the U.S. Conference of Mayors chose Scottsdale Arizona as the most livable city in the United States.

A large number of elegant Scottsdale resorts have made this area an appealing travel destination. For a romantic getaway, plan a trip to the Renaissance Scottsdale Resort. The resort's design was inspired by the Legend of the Milagros. Many of the casita-style guest rooms have their own private hot tub.

If you are looking for a super luxurious Scottsdale resort, book a stay at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. Its location in the foothills of North Scottsdale is one of the most dramatic settings in the valley. With Pinnacle Peak Park being near by, the Four Seasons is an excellent place for anyone who wants to see the desert on foot.

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Water-lovers will enjoy the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch. Their famous 2-1/2 acre water playground has 10 interconnecting swimming pools. These include a water slide, a water volley ball pool and a gigantic whirlpool spa. Hundreds of palm trees adorn the grounds, which contrast with the distant views of the McDowell Mountains. If you are looking for a Scottsdale resort that will also give you tee time at some of the excellent Arizona golf courses, plan a stay at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. The resort has a partnership with the Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale (home of the annual PGA Tour's FBR Open), the Grayhawk Golf Club and the Troon North Golf Club. The hotel's golf concierge can book tee time at any of these spectacular Arizona golf courses.

Even the Scottsdale resorts are luxurious and the golf is superb, make sure to spend some time visiting some of the unique Scottsdale attractions. Do you like the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright? If so, you should pay a visit to Taliesin West. In the 1930s, Wright purchased land in northeast Scottsdale for a winter camp. He named the camp Taliesin West, which means shining brow. The architect and his apprentices gathered rocks from the sea, which they cemented together with sand from the desert washes. The building complex includes residential spaces, theaters and an architectural drafting room.

If you wish to travel further back in time than the 1930s, Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass is another exciting attraction in the city of Scottsdale. This recreation of an 1880s Old West town has a haunted hotel and trampoline bungee jumping. For a real thrill, take a ride on the Widowmaker, Rawhides mechanical bull. If all that bull riding shakes you up, you can mellow out at the petting ranch, where adorable goats, deer and bunnies are waiting to be cuddled!

At night, you can visit the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, which is host to a variety of plays and concerts. In March, the Scottsdale Arts festival draws over 30,000 people. This wonderful Scottsdale attraction features outdoor sculpture and live performances.