Accessible Guide to Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale sits in the Sonoran Desert surrounded by mountain landscapes, the McDowell Mountains to the east and Camelback Mountain visible to the southwest. The city draws visitors with its concentration of luxury resorts and destination spas. In fact, it has one of the most spas per capita in the U.S. city. But that's not all. You'll find a contemporary art scene centered in Old Town, desert trails winding through preserved landscapes, and an eclectic food scene ranging from modern Latin restaurants to trendy eateries, and upscale dining to casual spots. So, you'll have plenty of options to choose from.

This guide covers where to stay, what to do, and how to get around Scottsdale using verified accessibility information. This includes actual measurements by expert mappers, so you can determine what works for you.

Is Scottsdale Wheelchair Accessible?

Yes, Scottsdale is a very wheelchair accessible city with many accommodation and activity options suitable for barrier-free access. For example, you'll find many trails within or just outside the city that are doable, such as the Jane Rau Interpretive Trail and Chaparral Lake Loop. Much of the infrastructure provides easy access, too. Even Old Town Scottsdale is accessible by wheelchair, although busy stores and narrow sidewalks in some places may present some challenges.

Many of the top accommodation options are resorts with spacious, accessible suites. Plenty of these properties have outdoor pools equipped with lifts, which is a huge plus since Scottsdale has warm temperatures practically year-round.

The best part? 23 hotels have been mapped by accessibility experts. This means you can view over 200 accessibility measurements and pieces of info for each property. Overall, Scottsdale is committed to providing accessible experiences, making it a welcoming destination for visitors with disabilities.

Best Time to Visit Scottsdale

Scottsdale is a near perfect city to escape the winter cold. The best time to visit is generally from October through April when daytime temperatures are mild and you'll be able to enjoy the outdoors. Thanks to the city's year-round sunshine, winter temperatures can easily reach 70°F during the day. But since the city sits in the desert, nights bring chillier temps, typically in the 40's°F.

Summer in Scottsdale is extremely hot and dry, with temperatures exceeding 100°F daily from late May to mid-September. While the heat may limit outdoor activities to the cooler, early morning hours, Scottsdale has plenty of indoor options to keep you busy. You'll find art galleries, museums, shopping, and no shortage of food and drink spots throughout the city—so there's always something to do even when it's blazing outside.

Top Accessible Hotels in Scottsdale

Scottsdale and the surrounding cities offer many accessible accommodation options. Here are 5 top-notch hotels to consider:

Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows

Andaz Scottsdale offers accessible bungalows with a desert-modern design. The property has step-free access throughout, with an onsite restaurant, poolside bar, and room service available. The pool is equipped with a lift, and the bungalow-style layout gives you more space and privacy than a traditional hotel room.

"I dream about that shower regularly and will never be able to look at another shower the same." - Kerry, on her stay at Andaz Scottsdale

Accessibility Details at Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows:

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a luxury resort with accessible accommodations that include roll-in showers and spacious room layouts. The property has six outdoor pools, each equipped with lifts. You'll find two full-service spas on-site, plus several restaurants ranging from steakhouse fare to award-winning Mexican cuisine. The resort sits on 65 acres, so distances between buildings can be longer than at smaller properties, but that also means you get more options.

Accessibility Details at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess:

Senna House Hotel Scottsdale, Curio Collection by Hilton

Located right in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, Senna House puts you in the middle of the action, within walking distance of Old Town's many art galleries, restaurants, and shops. The rooftop pool area is a highlight. Not only is the pool equipped with a lift, but you'll be greeted with great views of the surrounding mountains.

The hotel's onsite restaurant, CALA, serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and wood-fired pizzas. There's also a full bar with happy hour daily from 3-6pm.

Accessibility Details at Senna House Hotel Scottsdale, Curio Collection by Hilton:

Element Scottsdale at SkySong

Element Scottsdale is designed for longer stays, with all rooms featuring kitchenettes (mini-fridge and microwave) so you can prepare your own meals. Element tends to be more budget-friendly than some of the luxury resorts in the area, making it a solid option if you want accessible features without the resort price tag. The hotel provides complimentary hot breakfast each morning, plus an onsite restaurant called Revive serving lighter bites throughout the day with a full bar. There's an outdoor pool equipped with a lift.

Accessibility Details at Element Scottsdale at SkySong:

The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale

The Phoenician is a luxury resort sitting at the base of Camelback Mountain with accessible rooms that include private balconies. The property has nine outdoor pools (including the famous Mother-of-Pearl Pool), and the pool complex is equipped with a lift. There's a Forbes Five Star spa on-site offering massages, body treatments, and facials, plus an 18-hole championship golf course.

The resort sits on 250 acres, so distances between buildings can be significant—but there are on-site shuttles available. This is one of the higher-end options in Scottsdale with resort pricing to match.

Accessibility Details at The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale:

Top Accessible Things to Do in Scottsdale

From outdoor trails to museums to parks, Scottsdale has a range of things to do during your visit. Here are some accessible activities to consider.

Explore Accessible Trails

It's always nice to enjoy the outdoors when you're visiting a new place, and Scottsdale has many accessible trails where you can do just that. Here are a few to consider:

• Chaparral Lake Loop – Just under a mile around the lake with paved concrete and flat surfaces. If you're looking for a nice, short, easy stroll, this is a perfect one to choose.
• El Dorado Park Path – A 1.3-mile loop around a series of parks. The trail is paved and very flat, making it accessible and easy to navigate.
• Jane Rau Interpretive Trail – A short half-mile loop with paved surfaces and interpretive signs about desert plants and geology. Keep in mind this trail has some mild inclines built to Forest Service standards, so it's slightly more challenging than a completely flat path.
• Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt – A beautiful, paved trail that extends 13 miles from central Scottsdale to Tempe with multiple access points along the way. The path is mostly flat and works great for biking, walking, and running.
• Bajada Nature Trail – A half-mile, hard-surfaced loop offering scenic desert views and interpretive signage about local flora, fauna, and geology.

Explore Scottsdale Quarter

Scottsdale Quarter is an upscale, open-air shopping and dining destination in North Scottsdale. The center features over 80 retailers—including the Apple Store, Lululemon, and Restoration Hardware—plus restaurants ranging from Eddie V's Prime Seafood to Culinary Dropout. At the center sits The Quad, a park-like gathering space with the largest pop-jet fountain in the region.

Handicap parking is available in all parking garages located on the north, south, and southeast sides of the property. The outdoor layout features wide, pedestrian-friendly streets and plazas, making it easy to navigate. You'll find a mix of national brands and locally-owned specialty shops, so there's plenty to explore whether you're looking for tech, fashion, home goods, or just a place to grab lunch.

Visit Scottsdale Center For The Performing Arts

The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, nestled in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, is a vibrant cultural hub. With its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to artistic excellence, the center enriches the community by providing memorable and transformative experiences for audiences of all ages. There is step-free access into the building and an accessible restroom inside. An elevator is available for getting to the upper level.

Visit Wonderspaces Arizona

Wonderspaces Arizona is an immersive art experience in Scottsdale, featuring rotating exhibits from global artists. Interactive installations and virtual reality showcases engage visitors of all ages. Each visit offers a unique, ever-changing adventure, making it a must-see destination for art enthusiasts and families alike. The entrance is at ground level inside the Scottsdale Fashion Square mall and there is a private restroom designated for people with disabilities. A bar is also available with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Enjoy the Desert Botanical Garden

Located just a few miles from Scottsdale, the Desert Botanical Garden spans 140 acres with fully accessible paved paths winding through the Sonoran Desert landscape. You'll see thousands of desert plants, including towering saguaros, colorful wildflowers (especially in spring), and rare cacti from around the world. The garden has interpretive signs throughout that explain what you're seeing, making it both beautiful and educational.

If you get hungry, there are dining options on-site where you can grab a bite surrounded by desert scenery. The garden also hosts seasonal events and art installations, so check their calendar before you visit.

Explore Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town Scottsdale is where Western heritage meets contemporary art and culture. The Arts District runs along Main Street and Marshall Way, with nearly 20 galleries on Main Street alone. Every Thursday evening from 7-9pm, the Scottsdale ArtWalk brings galleries to life with extended hours, artist demonstrations, and street performances—it's the nation's longest-running event of its kind.

You'll find Fifth Avenue lined with boutiques and jewelry stores, plus restaurants ranging from classic American to Mediterranean and Italian. The Civic Center is a pedestrian park with public art installations, including Robert Indiana's iconic "LOVE" sculpture. On Saturday mornings from October through June, the Old Town Farmers Market sets up with organic produce, artisan breads, and local goods.

Keep in mind that narrow sidewalks and crowds can make maneuvering trickier, especially during peak times. Plan your visit during quieter hours if mobility is a concern.

Visit Taliesin West

Taliesin West is Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and desert laboratory, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the McDowell Mountains foothills. Built starting in 1937, the property showcases how Wright designed buildings to blend with the Sonoran Desert landscape. You can explore his living spaces, office, and drafting studio through a self-guided audio tour or opt for a guided behind-the-scenes experience.

All tours are walking tours on gravel and concrete pathways with some shallow steps and uneven surfaces. The site has ramps, handrails, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom available. If standing for an hour is difficult, bringing a portable seat or seat walker is recommended. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Musical Instrument Museum

The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) houses over 8,000 instruments from around the world. The museum takes you through the history and artistry of music with interactive exhibits, audiovisual displays, and live performances. You'll see instruments from every continent and hear how they sound through personal headphones that activate as you move through each gallery.

The museum has step-free accessibility throughout, accessible restrooms, and all exhibitions designed to be easily viewable from a wheelchair.

Where to Eat and Drink in Scottsdale

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

A Chicago institution that's been making deep-dish pizza since 1971, with locations now across Arizona. Lou Malnati's Pizzeria spot serves their signature Buttercrust deep-dish alongside thin-crust options, pastas, salads, and sandwiches. The restaurant has step-free entry and movable seating throughout.

Serves: Chicago deep-dish pizza, pasta, sandwiches, full bar

Culinary Dropout

Culinary Dropout is a gastropub sitting along the Scottsdale Waterfront. Chef Bernie Kantak's Original Chopped Salad has become one of Arizona's most iconic dishes. Live music plays most nights.

Serves: American gastropub fare, craft cocktails

Ocean 44

From the James Beard-nominated Mastro brothers, Ocean 44 centers around an 18-foot raw bar stocked with oysters, Alaskan crab legs, Maine lobster, and whatever fresh fish the kitchen sourced that day. Chilean sea bass and Wagyu beef are two of the most consistently praised dishes. Much of the menu is served à la carte.

Serves: Fresh seafood, prime steaks, extensive wine list

Uchi Scottsdale

Founded by James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole, Uchi serves non-traditional Japanese cuisine with a menu spanning hot and cool tastings, sushi, sashimi, tempura, and an ever-changing omakase. The Hama Chili — yellowtail with ponzu, Thai chili, and orange — is a signature dish that appears on every menu across the brand's locations. Happy hour runs daily from 4–6pm.

Serves: Contemporary Japanese, sushi, omakase, craft cocktails

OHSO Brewery + Distillery

Arizona's original craft distillery, OHSO brews its beer and distills its spirits on-site — bottles are available to take home. The North Scottsdale location runs a rotating Test Kitchen menu alongside elevated pub fare. The covered patio is dog-friendly and open year-round.

Serves: House-brewed craft beer, house-distilled spirits, American pub food

Dive Deeper

Want a firsthand look at Scottsdale? Kerry, wheelchair user and traveler, shared her experience. Read her experience →