Scottsdale lies in the middle of the Valley of the Sun and has some of the most beautiful views of the mountains, sunsets, and desert landscape in the entire Southwest. If you are looking for the best views in Scottsdale during your vacation, check out these five amazing spots.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
On the northern edge of the city lies a vast urban preserve that encompasses more than 30,500 acres of preserved land with more than 225 miles of trails in the foothills of the Phoenix Metro area. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the largest of its kind in the nation and offers amazing views of the desert landscape and surrounding mountains.
Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden is a beautiful collection of thousands of arid-land plants from around the world and changing exhibits of large-scale art. Must-see events at the Garden include Las Noches de las Luminarias, the Music in the Garden concert series, and summer Flashlight Nights. All of these events and the various exhibits provide unique Scottsdale views of the Sonoran landscape. Our favorite has to be the Luminarias event where they fill the garden with small lanterns that transform the nighttime view of the landscape.
Degree 270
Talking Stick Resort is a large hotel and casino that lies just off the city limits on the Indian reservation. This large beacon of the desert lights up at night and has amazing views off the upper floors of the hotel. There is a lounge on the 14th floor called Degree 270 that provides amazing views of Camelback Mountain, Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, and Scottsdale’s signature McDowell Mountains.
Pinnacle Peak Park
Pinnacle Peak Park is one of the favorite locations to take pictures in Scottsdale. The wide, clear summit trail rewards hearty hikers with the best views in Scottsdale and the surrounding Sonoran Desert. Even if you stay close to the trailhead, you’ll find plenty of nature-inspired photo ops, from seasonal wildflowers and massive saguaro cacti to craggy boulder formations.
Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town
Scottsdale is home to many different large resorts and spas, but Canopy is one of the newest and most scenic. The top floor of this hotel is home to the Outrider Rooftop Lounge that overlooks Old Town Scottsdale and its landmark mountains. This amazing lounge has many different relaxing outdoor spots to really absorb the surrounding Scottsdale views.
