When you’re moving to North Scottsdale – or if you’ve lived here a while but haven’t yet had time to enjoy all this beautiful city has to offer – you’ll be glad to know that there’s always something to do or see. What sets North Scottsdale apart?
- Stunning mountain preserves right at your backyard
- Dining at some of the world’s finest restaurants
- Spas where you can immerse yourself in luxury
- Shopping at high-end boutiques and stores
Check out these 12 amazing things to do in North Scottsdale, each of which are local favorites.
Discover all North Scottsdale Has to Offer
Locals and visitors love exploring North Scottsdale, and for good reason. Let’s take a deep-dive into some of the best attractions, restaurants, spas and shops.
Hiking Near North Scottsdale
There are three exceptional hikes near North Scottsdale:
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Camelback Mountain
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Pinnacle Peak Park
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers breathtaking panoramic views and remarkable trails of varying difficulty. Some of the most notable trails include Sunrise, Tom’s Thumb and the Taliesin Overlook.
Camelback Mountain
With two relatively quick (but tough) trails, Camelback Mountain is a great hiking destination. Choose the Echo Canyon Trail if you want to gain elevation quickly or pick the Cholla Trail if you’d prefer to hike longer.
Pinnacle Peak Park
Pinnacle Peak Park’s out-and-back trail is 1.75 miles each way, and it provides you with a decent elevation gain (1,300 feet). Dogs and bikes aren’t allowed on the trail, though they are permitted on nearby Brown’s Ranch Trail.
Fine Dining in North Scottsdale
North Scottsdale is known for its fabulous restaurants. These are three of our favorites:
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North Italia
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Sel
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Café Monarch
North Italia
15024 North Scottsdale Road
(480) 455-1903
(480) 455-1903
North Italia, Scottsdale’s most charming trattoria, is a modern take on Italian classics. With fabulous house specialties and a respectable wine list, North Italia is the place to be for fabulous Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
Sel
7044 East Main Street
(480) 949-6296
(480) 949-6296
Sel is the perfect blend of elegance and delightful dishes. From foie gras to prime filet, Sel offers progressive, contemporary American cuisine you won’t find elsewhere.
Café Monarch
6939 East 1st Avenue
(480) 970-7682
(480) 970-7682
Café Monarch is a sophisticated, five-star restaurant in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. With an evolving menu featuring delectable entrees made from premium fresh, local ingredients, this reservation-only restaurant has been named one of the top three fine dining restaurants in the country.
Related: 5 best steakhouses in Scottsdale
North Scottsdale’s Best Spas
North Scottsdale is home to several award-winning spas. Three of the most popular include:
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The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale
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Waldorf Astoria Spa at The Boulders
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Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Spa
The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale
10600 East Crescent Moon Drive
(480) 515-5700
(480) 515-5700
The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North offers a wide range of signature treatments, body therapies and salon services. The steam room is a spectacular place to decompress, and you can indulge yourself with a complete, head-to-toe treatment package as well.
Spa at the Boulders
34631 North Tom Darlington Drive (Carefree)
(480) 595-3500
(480) 595-3500
The Spa at the Boulders, a 33,000-square-foot facility devoted to complete restoration of body and mind, is a fabulous place to treat yourself. Detoxify in the steam room or sauna, meditate in the labyrinth or enjoy a signature experience that connects ancient traditions and rituals to whole-body wellness.
Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
7575 East Princess Drive
(480) 585-4848
(480) 585-4848
The Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers a completely personalized experience to each guest. As a prestigious winner of a spot in USA Today’s 10 best hotel spas, Well & Being Spa offers a wide array of services and treatments, including aerial yoga and aromatherapy massage.
Shopping Experiences in North Scottsdale
North Scottsdale is home to several charming boutiques, locally owned retail shops and high-end shopping experiences. The most notable include:
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Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter
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Biltmore Fashion Park
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Scottsdale Fashion Square
Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter
Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter are two wonderful places to shop your favorite stores, grab a bite or enjoy an entertainment venue. Each offers a full palette of retail shops such as Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Crate & Barrel and west elm.
Biltmore Fashion Park
Biltmore Fashion Park in Phoenix’s Uptown neighborhood is a collection of the world’s finest retailers, You’ll find Saks Fifth Avenue, Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma, as well as a variety of restaurants ranging from fast, fresh bites to sit-down culinary experiences.
Scottsdale Fashion Square
Scottsdale Fashion Square is the area’s premier destination for luxury shopping, dining and entertainment. Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Cartier, as well as Indochino, Aldo and a whole host of other shops are located in this beautiful desert oasis.
