8 Reasons to Consider Visiting Scottsdale Waterfront

In the heart of Arizona’s sun soaked landscape lies Scottsdale Waterfront, a gleaming stretch of restaurants, art, and energy framed by palm trees and mountain silhouettes. It’s a place where modern sophistication meets desert calm, where golden light spills across glass buildings and the scent of jasmine mingles with the warmth of the evening air.

Whether you’re here for sunset cocktails, art walks, or simply the magic of strolling beside the canal as fairy lights flicker above, the Scottsdale Waterfront captures everything travellers love about the Southwest, glamour, relaxation, and that effortless desert soul.

Old Town Scottsdale may have the word “old” in it, but this vibrant town has all the perks of a newly developed city with the recent renovation of the Scottsdale Waterfront located at the heart of Downtown Scottsdale. We can’t wait for you to check us out, so let’s dive into this great town and all it has to offer. 

History of Scottsdale Waterfront

Scottsdale is located just East of Phoenix and West of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. It was once noted as “The West’s Most Western Town”. $250 Million was invested into creating the modern and vibrant area you see today along the Arizona Canal. 

The Scottsdale Waterfront completed its most recent redesign back in 2005. The Scottsdale Waterfront is now a stunning 1.1 million square feet of mixed-use buildings that incorporate urban design with high end materials as well as that southwestern character that we have always loved. 

These mixed use buildings include a multitude of shops, fine dining, and luxurious living. Once again bringing everything you could possibly need into one convenient and beautiful location. 

Arizona Canal

The Arizona Canal once separated the primary Scottsdale Riverfront area from Old Town Scottsdale. Now there are two bridges connecting the two areas for convenient use. 

The northern bridge was designed by architect Paolo Soleri with the purpose of being a beautiful piece of art as well as functional for pedestrians, cyclists, and horseback riders. 

Closer to the center of Old Town Scottsdale is the Arizona Canal South Bridge. The South Bridge has become another popular tourist destination to do a lot of picture taking. 

Luxe Girl Tip: Time your visit for golden hour. The way the Arizona sun dips behind the McDowell Mountains and bathes the waterfront in liquid gold is pure magic. Sip a prickly pear margarita at a terrace bar and let the evening unfold that’s Scottsdale at its most cinematic.

Notable Shops in Scottsdale Waterfront

Scottsdale should definitely be at the top of your list for shopping in Arizona. There are thousands of luxury stores, gift shops, boutiques, and high-end malls and shopping centers. Here are a just few of the notable stops you should take during your shopping endeavors…

1. The Flower Bar – In this beautiful store you can find a unique floral arrangement for your home or as a perfect gift. It’s not only a place to shop, but a place to learn. Flower Bar hosts classes where you can express your creative side as well learn about the elements of design.
2. The Native Art Market – This area is where the local Native Americans go to sell their art. Not only can you find some beautiful pieces of art and jewelry, but you can learn about the rich culture of Arizona’s indigenous people.
3. Kactus Jock – This is your one stop shop for Scottsdale and Arizona Souvenirs. It is also conveniently surrounded by many other unique gift shops.

Notable Restaurants in Scottsdale Waterfront

If you can’t find something to eat in the Scottsdale Waterfront area then honey, you aren’t hungry. There’s such a wide variety of restaurants. but here are a few options to satisfy any craving.

1. Olive & Ivy – This trendy restaurant serves delicious Californian-Mediterranean cuisine with options that are perfect if you’re looking for something on the lighter side. With a beautiful outdoor dining area, you can’t go wrong with checking out this chic restaurant.
2. Tapas Papa Frita – This is the perfect place to take a break from all that shopping and grab some tapas (Spanish style appetizers) and a glass of sangria. Also, if you decide to stop by after 6:30pm Thursday through Sunday, you will be submerged into the Spanish culture with either live music or Flamenco dancers. What a treat.
3. Maple & Ash – This sophisticated restaurant is the definition of fine dining with a modern twist. This is a local favorite for celebratory occasions due to the wide variety of cocktails and extensive wine list. They also offer Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
4. Kyoto Scottsdale at the Waterfront – As Arizona’s oldest Japanese Restaurant, this unique location has had plenty of time to create an outstanding menu. 

Although, some things were already too perfect to change. The founder, Masa Kudo, has a special family recipe for a delicious teriyaki sauce. This teriyaki sauce as well as a few other recipes were never changed since the day they opened back in 1982, because…well…why change perfection?

A Desert Oasis with a City Soul

The Scottsdale Waterfront is more than a destination, it’s a feeling. Set along the Arizona Canal, this sleek stretch blends city style with desert serenity. Palm lined walkways invite leisurely evening strolls, while contemporary art installations and boutique storefronts give the area its creative pulse. During the day, cafés hum with locals catching up over iced lattes; by night, the glow from string lights and restaurant terraces transforms the atmosphere into something almost Mediterranean.

It’s also a shopper’s dream. High end boutiques and independent galleries line the waterfront, making it easy to drift between retail therapy and riverside relaxation. For food lovers, it’s a feast, from sushi and modern American dining to intimate wine bars that pair perfectly with Arizona’s crisp desert evenings. The best part? Everything here moves at its own pace. There’s no rush, no chaos, just an invitation to linger and enjoy the art of being.

Experiencing Scottsdale in Style

Beyond the waterfront itself, the surrounding Old Town Scottsdale neighbourhood extends the magic. Just a short walk away, you’ll find art galleries, weekend farmers’ markets, and vibrant nightlife. The area’s pedestrian friendly layout means you can explore freely, weaving between rooftop lounges, artisan stores, and desert-inspired architecture.

If you visit in spring, catch the Scottsdale Arts Festival or Canal Convergence, where light, water, and creativity blend into an immersive evening experience. Summer brings long, warm nights that pair perfectly with waterfront dining and boutique stays nearby.

For those who prefer a slower pace, morning yoga sessions by the canal or brunch beneath flowering trees offer that signature Arizona calm. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or simply passing through, the Scottsdale Waterfront proves that desert living can be both vibrant and indulgent.

Real Estate Options

Whether you’re looking for a Condo right in the middle of the action of the Riverfront and Downtown area, or a quieter home just outside of the high traffic areas, Scottsdale has a home for you. 

Condos Near Scottsdale Waterfront

1. Scottsdale Waterfront Residences Are Luxury Condominiums that are located right on the Waterfront as expected by the title which means it is surrounded by everything the Waterfront and Downtown area has to offer. 

On top of its prime location, Scottsdale Waterfront Residences has a variety of amenities such as a rooftop pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, club room, fitness center, valet parking, and 24-hour security.

The floorplans at this location range from 1 Bed 1 Bath units to 3 Bed 3.5 Bath units. Price depends on square footage of the unit and the location within the building. The average price was around the $750k range.

1. Optima Camelview is a Condominium complex that is located just outside of the main Riverfront area, but still very close. 

Some of the amenities included in this location are private garden terraces with built-in irrigation systems in all units, fitness center with indoor basketball and racquetball courts, two outdoor pools, indoor lap pool, spas, steam rooms, an onsite restaurant, and onsite dry cleaner. 

It’s safe to say that this location has a lot to offer. The floor plans and prices available at this location range from 1 Bed 1 Bath units at about 500k to 5 Bed 4 Bath units back at the $3-million-dollar range.

Single Family Homes near Scottsdale Waterfront

1. Southwest Village is a neighborhood located just south of Downtown Scottsdale, but still close for those weekend shopping sprees. 

This neighborhood is also located within Scottsdale’s top-rated Unified School District. Home sizes range from 3 bedroom homes that cost an average of $350k to 4 bedroom homes that average $800k.

1. Hidden Village is a neighborhood just across the Arizona Canal from Southwest Village, but it features larger homes of a higher value. 

The current homes available in this neighborhood are averaging the $3 million dollar range and are either 5 or 6 bedroom homes with bathrooms ranging from 4 to 6.

Townhomes near Scottsdale Waterfront

Luxian Villas on Camelback are luxury townhomes located west of the Riverfront and Downtown area of Scottsdale. These townhomes have views of Camelback Mountain and the recently renovated Phoenician Golf Course as well as 5 star resort worthy grounds. 

The amenities include a pool and hot tub, outdoor seating, BBQ Grills, and beautiful landscaping. The sizes of these town homes range from 2 to 3 bedroom bi-level units.

Obviously there is so much to offer in the town of Scottsdale, and only a small portion of it has been listed. We didn’t even get to mention all the museums, art galleries, and resort and spas in the area. That just means you have to come check it out for yourself. 

FAQ for your trip to Scottsdale Waterfront

Q: Where is the Scottsdale Waterfront located?

A: The Scottsdale Waterfront sits along the Arizona Canal in the heart of downtown Scottsdale, near Old Town and Scottsdale Fashion Square.

Q: What can you do at the Scottsdale Waterfront?

A: Enjoy canal side walks, boutique shopping, art installations, upscale dining, and seasonal events like Canal Convergence and the Scottsdale Arts Festival.

Q: Is the Scottsdale Waterfront family-friendly?

A: Yes, the area is safe, walkable, and welcoming, with cafés, parks, and events that appeal to all ages.

Q: When is the best time to visit?

A: Visit between October and April for cooler weather, outdoor dining, and golden sunsets. Evenings during this season are especially magical.

Q: Are there hotels near the Scottsdale Waterfront?

A: Absolutely. The area is surrounded by luxury hotels and boutique resorts, including The W Scottsdale and Hotel Valley Ho.

Q: Can you walk from the Waterfront to Old Town Scottsdale?

A: Yes, it’s a short, scenic walk that connects the modern waterfront to Old Town’s historic charm and lively nightlife.