The short answer
How Old Town Scottsdale's districts fit together — the Arts District, Fifth Avenue, the entertainment district and the Civic Center — and how groups can plan a night out.
- Arts District and Main Street: galleries; Thursday-evening ArtWalk has long been a tradition.
- Fifth Avenue and Old Town shops: boutiques, Western wear and gifts.
- Entertainment district: the bar and club core for late nights.
- Scottsdale Civic Center and SMoCA: open space, events and contemporary art.
- Use ride-share or a designated driver; parking fills on busy nights.
Written and edited by Trailstead Stays content team, Trailstead Stays · Last reviewed 2026-10-05
How Old Town is laid out
Old Town Scottsdale is the city's historic and walkable center. It is less one street than a cluster of districts: the Arts District around Main Street and Marshall Way, the Fifth Avenue shopping area, the entertainment district with most of the late-night bars, and the Scottsdale Civic Center with its lawns, sculpture and event space.
Groups usually do best by choosing one district for dinner and another for later rather than trying to cover everything.
Galleries and art
The Scottsdale Arts District has a long-running Thursday-evening ArtWalk when galleries open late. Check the official listings for current dates. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) sits near the Civic Center, and Scottsdale's Museum of the West covers art and history of the American West.
Dining and nightlife
Old Town has a deep restaurant scene, from casual to special-occasion. For a large group, book well ahead and ask whether the restaurant takes reservations for your party size.
The entertainment district is the center of Scottsdale nightlife, busiest on weekends and during big events like the WM Phoenix Open and spring training. Cover charges, dress codes and age rules are set by each venue, so check before you go.
Getting around
Ride-share is the simplest option for groups heading out for the night. The City of Scottsdale has operated a free Old Town trolley in past years; check the city's site for current routes and hours. Public parking garages serve Old Town, but expect them to fill on busy nights.
Where to stay for Old Town nights
Both Scottsdale homes are within reach of Old Town by car or ride-share — check the trip in Google Maps from the links below rather than relying on a number from us.
The Sunkiss and The Scottsdale Social each have five bedrooms, a private pool, a hot tub and a putting green. The Sunkiss adds a sport court set up for pickleball and basketball; The Scottsdale Social adds 15+ indoor games and lawn games. Guest limits, dates and the full stay total are confirmed on each home's own booking page.
| District | Best for | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Arts District / Main Street | Galleries, ArtWalk evenings | Check ArtWalk dates |
| Fifth Avenue | Shopping, daytime browsing | Shop hours vary by season |
| Entertainment district | Late-night bars and clubs | Check each venue's rules |
| Civic Center / SMoCA | Open space, events, contemporary art | Check event calendar |
Frequently asked questions
Is Old Town Scottsdale walkable?
Yes. The districts sit close together and are easy to walk between, though summer heat makes evenings the more comfortable time.
When is Old Town Scottsdale busiest?
Weekends year-round, and especially during big events such as the WM Phoenix Open and spring training. Book dinner reservations early in those weeks.
How should a group get to and from Old Town at night?
Ride-share or a designated driver is simplest. Check the City of Scottsdale for any current trolley service.
Last reviewed 2026-10-05 · Maintained by Trailstead Stays content team
