Accessible Guide to Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale, Arizona, is a vibrant destination known for its luxurious resorts, rich cultural experiences, and stunning desert landscapes. Whether you're looking to unwind in a world-class spa, explore the arts, or enjoy the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale offers something for everyone. This guide is designed to help travelers with disabilities plan an inclusive and enjoyable trip to Scottsdale, highlighting accessible accommodations, attractions, activities, and dining options.
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 will find many trails for outdoor exploration, such as the Jane Rau Interpretive Trail, Chaparral Lake Loop, and more. Much of the infrastructure provides easy access, too. Even Old Town Scottsdale is explorable by wheelchair, although busy stores and narrow sidewalks in some places may present occasional challenges. Many of the top accommodation options are resorts with spacious, accessible suites, and the properties are conducive to a comfortable stay. And plenty of these properties have outdoor pools equipped with lifts, which is wonderful since Scottsdale boasts warm temperatures practically year-round. Overall, Scottsdale is committed to providing accessible experiences, making it a welcoming destination for visitors with disabilities.
Best Time to Visit Scottsdale
The best time to visit Scottsdale is from October through April when daytime temperatures are mild and outdoor activities are most enjoyable. Thanks to the city’s year-round sunshine, winter temperatures can easily reach 70°F during the day, with chillier temps at night. The summer months in Scottsdale are 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 activities to keep summer travelers entertained and engaged.
Top Accessible Hotels in Scottsdale
Scottsdale and the surrounding cities offer many accessible accommodation options. Here are 5 top-notch hotels to consider:
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers luxurious, accessible accommodations with features like roll-in showers, spacious rooms, and a beautiful outdoor pool equipped with a lift. The resort provides two outstanding spa and wellness facilities, as well as several on-property restaurants ranging from steakhouse fare to award-winning Mexican cuisine.
Accessibility Details at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess:
Senna House Hotel Scottsdale, Curio Collection by Hilton
Located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, this modern hotel combines style and accessibility. Accessible rooms are equipped with roll-in showers, lowered fixtures, and spacious interiors. Public spaces, including the rooftop pool area and dining facilities, are fully accessible. Senna House Hotel is also in close proximity to attractions and activities.
Accessibility Details at Senna House Hotel Scottsdale, Curio Collection by Hilton:
Element Scottsdale at SkySong
Known for its sustainable design, Element Scottsdale offers accessible suites with features such as roll-in showers, grab bars, and step-free access. Keep in mind that not all the rooms have these features, so it's important to book the right one. The Studio Suite, Multiple Beds is the one you want, as the other ones have step-in showers instead of roll-in ones, and no toilet grab bars.
Element Scottsdale provides complimentary hot breakfast each morning, and there is also a restaurant onsite serving lighter bites with a full-service bar. The hotel has an outdoor pool with a lift.
Accessibility Details at Element Scottsdale at SkySong:
The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale
The Phoenician offers unparalleled luxury with accessible features that ensure comfort and convenience for all guests. The resort includes incredibly accessible rooms with private balconies and various outstanding amenities. There is a full-service spa for guests to enjoy massages, body treatments, or facials. A golf course is available, as is a massive pool complex (with lift) where guests can swim, relax and grab a beverage or light meal from the poolside restaurant.
Accessibility Details at The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale:
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows
Book yourself a unique desert experience with accessible bungalows at Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows. There is accessibility throughout the property with amazing service and amenities, including an onsite restaurant, poolside bar, and room-service. The pool is equipped with a lift.
Accessibility Details at Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows:
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.
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.
Explore Accessible Trails in Scottsdale
It's always nice 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 - About a 1-mile loop 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 beautiful parks. The trail is paved and very flat, making it a great one to choose for accessibility.
- Jane Rau Interpretive Trail - a short 0.6-mile loop thats mostly flat throughout and has paved surfaces. Keep in mind that there are some mild inclines on this trail, with a max grade of 11%.
- 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 greenbelt path is mostly flat and is great for biking, walking and running. - Bajada Nature Trail - a .5-mile, hard-surfaced loop trail offering beautiful
scenic views and interpretive signage about desert flora, fauna and geology.
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 is the Desert Botanical Garden. This 140-acre garden has fully-accessible paths that showcase the unique flora of the beautiful Sonoran Desert. It's a unique and easy way to see the different desert species and is perfect for the whole family. If you're hungry, grab a bite at one of the dining options onsite amongst the scenery.
Explore Old Town Scottsdale
Explore historic Old Town Scottsdale, the vibrant heart of the city, which features
unique shops, restaurants, museums, galleries and more. Busy stores and narrow sidewalks in some places can affect maneuverability, but it’s definitely worth a visit
Visit Taliesin West
Explore Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and architectural laboratory, on an accessible tour (offered Tuesdays and Thursdays). Taliesin West’s unique design elements may pose occasional maneuverability challenges, but the staff is committed to providing exciting tours for everyone. Accessible tours must be reserved three weeks in advance.
Musical Instrument Museum
The Musical Instrument Museum is a unique institution celebrating the diversity of musical cultures worldwide and boasting an extensive collection of over 8,000 instruments from every corner of the globe. MIM offers visitors an immersive journey through musical instruments' history, artistry, and technology. Through interactive exhibits, audiovisual displays, and live performances, MIM showcases the universal language of music, fostering appreciation and understanding across cultures and generations. The museum offers step-free accessibility, an accessible restroom, and exhibitions that are all easily viewable for wheelchair users.
Restaurant and Dining Options in Scottsdale
- Lou Malnati's Pizzeria: Authentic Chicago-style pizza and Italian classics.
- The Mission: Located in Old Town Scottsdale, The Mission offers modern Latin cuisine and craft cocktails
- Beginner’s Luck: A new addition to Old Town, Beginner’s Luck offers innovative seasonal fare and craft cocktails for brunch, lunch and dinner.
- CALA Scottsdale: Located at Old Town’s Senna House, CALA features modern coastal cuisine with the rich flavors of Greece, Spain, Italy and Morocco.
- El Chorro: A longtime local favorite, El Chorro complements its classic, Southwestern-inspired cuisine with scenic Camelback Mountain views.
Final Thoughts
Scottsdale is a destination that combines luxury, culture, and natural beauty, all within a framework of accessibility. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing retreat or an adventure in the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale ensures that every traveler can enjoy their visit with comfort and ease.
Click here to visit Scottsdale with detailed accessibility information.
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