Scottsdale Attractions

Offering "something different for Scottsdale", this "challenging but not too difficult" Scott Miller design is "a sea of green with lots of rolling fairways", and while the three nines feature "plenty of sand", they're nonetheless "wide-open" and "forgiving"; "tied to the Westin Kierland Resort", it's a "great facility" that's sure to "boost your ego" – but not your temperature, thanks to air-conditioned golf carts that are "a plus" "in July or August."

Offering "something different for Scottsdale", this "challenging but not too difficult" Scott Miller design is "a sea of green with lots of rolling fairways", and while the three nines feature "plenty of sand", they're nonetheless "wide-open" and "forgiving"; "tied to the Westin Kierland Resort", it's a "great facility" that's sure to "boost your ego" – but not your temperature, thanks to air-conditioned golf carts that are "a plus" "in July or August."

"Set amongst the pomp and splendor of The Phoenician", one of Arizona's top resorts, this "immaculate" 27-holer consists of three "relatively short" nines that are draped across "beautiful terrain" with "dramatic elevation changes" and mountain, desert and city views; it's "fun and challenging without being torturous" and boasts "fine service" too, but while it's "well worth a visit", be sure to "bring your credit cards and your friends' credit cards."

"Set amongst the pomp and splendor of The Phoenician", one of Arizona's top resorts, this "immaculate" 27-holer consists of three "relatively short" nines that are draped across "beautiful terrain" with "dramatic elevation changes" and mountain, desert and city views; it's "fun and challenging without being torturous" and boasts "fine service" too, but while it's "well worth a visit", be sure to "bring your credit cards and your friends' credit cards."

"I've rarely learned so much from one museum" is a typical reaction to this "world-class" institution in Downtown Phoenix that's revered as a "preeminent" showcase for "Native American culture" (arguably "the nation's best"), with displays and programs that explore the "history, arts and present status of Arizona's tribes"; the "remarkable" collection of Southwestern art – including "wonderful" kachina dolls – is best appreciated on one of the "great guided tours", and there's an "excellent gift shop" to boot; N.B. the offshoots in Scottsdale and Surprise are smaller but draw from the same permanent collection.

Offering "something different for Scottsdale", this "challenging but not too difficult" Scott Miller design is "a sea of green with lots of rolling fairways", and while the three nines feature "plenty of sand", they're nonetheless "wide-open" and "forgiving"; "tied to the Westin Kierland Resort", it's a "great facility" that's sure to "boost your ego" – but not your temperature, thanks to air-conditioned golf carts that are "a plus" "in July or August."

For "old-fashioned fun", "train enthusiasts of all ages" make tracks to this "clean, well-maintained" and "shady" park boasting model choo-choo displays and a museum, plus a few non-rail-related attractions, including an arboretum, Navaho hogans (dwellings) and an old-time carousel; "gracious, knowledgeable" staffers who love "sharing a good story" help make this one of "Scottsdale's finest parks"; N.B. the locomotive ride costs $1 per person.

"The epitome of desert golf", this "gorgeous", "immaculate" Weiskopf/Morrish design "cut through the rocks" near Scottsdale is an "absolutely outstanding" layout that will "wear you out" with its "demanding tee shots" and "forced carries" yet remains "playable" and "fair"; it's an "expense-account" option that "can play slow", but the "awe-inspiring views", "great grass driving range" and "wonderful service" help make it "worth the money"; P.S. the "signature 3rd has a 'monument' (boulder) in the fairway."

"Set amongst the pomp and splendor of The Phoenician", one of Arizona's top resorts, this "immaculate" 27-holer consists of three "relatively short" nines that are draped across "beautiful terrain" with "dramatic elevation changes" and mountain, desert and city views; it's "fun and challenging without being torturous" and boasts "fine service" too, but while it's "well worth a visit", be sure to "bring your credit cards and your friends' credit cards."

For "Southwest trinket shopping" you can't beat Scottsdale's original downtown, a "mixture of art galleries, jewelry stores and tourist junk shops" selling goods "ranging from cowboy chic to the downright tacky"; "straight off the set of a Western", it "beats a big mall" for finding "special things to bring home", but cynics note that "the shops all look the same after about two cowboy steps", so "don't plan on spending the day here."

"It just doesn't get much better than this" Tom Fazio–designed "shotmakers course" in Scottsdale boasting "dramatic holes" with "lots of natural desert areas" and "tee boxes like velvet"; it hosts the PGA Tour's Frys.com Open each October, and while a few find it "pricey", most view the "phenomenal facilities" (you can expect a "fantastic 19th hole") and "expert" service (some consider it perhaps "the best in the West") as proof this layout is "the equivalent of a private club in every way."

"If you want to play where the pros play, have at it" on this "demanding" yet "fair" Weiskopf/Morrish design that offers "beautiful mountain views", "plenty of risk/reward" and "great finishing holes" like "the 18th – tap in and pretend you've just won the FBR Open"; it may be "pricey in season", but the "good practice facilities" and "highly trained staff" are two more reasons to "find a client in Scottsdale and use your expense account."

Frank Lloyd Wright's "beautifully maintained" winter retreat and studio is an "architectural wonder" made of rock and wood that "captures Southwest colors and textures" while providing "instructive insight" into the "work and life" of "America's premier architect"; "nirvana if you're into" buildings and a "must-see" even if you "don't know much" about them, this "hidden" Scottsdale "gem" offers a "variety of tours" that are "pricey" but "worth" it.