Welcome to North Scottsdale, where upscale shopping, desert hiking trails, and the best golf courses in the country are within mere miles of each other. Our apartment community is in Kierland Commons, a luxury outdoor shopping mall in North Scottsdale, so our residents have easy access to these top attractions.
The Quincy at Kierland has created this guide to exploring the best things to do in North Scottsdale, whether you’re a shopper, outdoor enthusiast, or looking for family activity.
Hike Scottsdale’s Scenic Trails
McDowell Mountain, located just north of Old Town, is where some of the Phoenix metro’s most famous trailheads are located. Tom’s Thumb is one of the area’s hardest but most popular hikes, known for its iconic 140 foot tall granite monolith at the top of the trail. Tom’s Thumb is where you’ll often find bachelorette parties or early-rising locals.
For an easy to moderate trail in the McDowell Preserve, try Dixie Mine Trail. Offering views of the Arizona desert and a stop at the old Dixie Mine, which once produced precious metals in the late 19th and 20th century, Dixie Mine Trail is good for a winter hike or mountain bike when visiting North Scottsdale.
If you are with family and simply seeking views and a brisk walk, head to the Gateway Trailhead. It offers a few trails with wildflowers among other desert vegetation, only slightly rocky terrain, and beautiful views (even better if you catch sunset!). The Bajada Nature Trail is best for all because it poses little challenge with the same desert beauty.
Cool Off At The Pool
Scottsdale has an abundance of pools to beat the heat. Many apartments in the area offer residents private access to resort-style pools, such as Quincy at Kierland.
Families enjoy public access pools like the lap pool at McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center. Or, discover high-end pools at North Scottsdale resorts like those at The Scott or Terravita Golf Club.
Kierland Commons Shopping
Scottsdale is one of the most luxurious cities in the U.S., so it’s natural that it also offers incredible upscale shopping malls, along with desert-themed boutiques, in the country. Unlike many upscale malls in the U.S., Scottsdale, with its very predictable weather, offers many malls outdoors.
Kierland Commons is one of those outdoor malls. Located in North Scottsdale, Kierland is where you’ll find stores like Alo, Aritzia, and Tommy Bahama, as well as Arizona-born eateries like Postino and Frost Gelato, and west coast icons like La La Land Kind Cafe.
Puttshack Scottsdale
For a round of mini golf, food, and drink, head across the street from Kierland Commons to Puttshack. Make it the perfect date night by first having happy hour at Kierland, Puttshack for activity, then Jeni’s Ice Cream or Frost Gelato to end the night!
Farmers Market North Scottsdale
Stop at Farmers Market North Scottsdale on a Saturday morning October through April for artisan breads, handcrafted jewelry, decadent baked goods, and a rotating list of food trucks. Over 35 vendors join this farmers market on Jomax Road to provide visitors with a uniquely local, laid-back shopping experience.
Arizona Boardwalk: OdySea Aquarium
Arizona Boardwalk is home to the top museums and exhibits in the state. OdySea Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Southwest featuring sea lions, sharks, and interactive experiences like the Odysea Voyager, a revolving aquarium where you’ll get a close view of marine life while a biologist describes the animals and ecosystems.
The Arizona Boardwalk also features a Butterfly Wonderland, Pangea Dinosaur exhibit, and UFO Experience.
Golf at the Best Courses
Scottsdale is consistently ranked the top golf city in the country, and North Scottsdale is home to the famous Waste Management Phoenix Open. The city is studded with top-rated courses known not only for their stunning desert views, but for their pristine grasses allowed by Scottsdale’s reliable weather conditions.
The best courses are in North Scottsdale. They include Troon North, TPC Scottsdale, and Grayhawk Golf Club, each offering manicured grasses surrounded by cacti, shrubs, and views of Pinnacle Peak and McDowell Mountains.
Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour
Last but not least, if you’re visiting Scottsdale, you can’t leave without a Jeep tour of the Sonoran Desert. This is a more accessible way of exploring the rugged landscape than a hike.
Scottsdale Adventure Tours launches an off-road jeep tour from North Scottsdale toward the Tonto National Forest. This guided tour will take you through the desert while explaining its ecosystem and animals that help support it.
Live With Access To It All In North Scottsdale
The apartments at Quincy at Kierland offer walkable access to shopping, dining, and entertainment within Kierland Commons, as well as a quick drive to these spots mentioned in this guide.
If you’re looking for a luxury apartment in a premier Scottsdale location, visit our one and two-bedroom apartment community!