If you’re visiting from the Phoenix area and your thirst for knowledge is insatiable, then Scottsdale Waterfront is the place to go. This location has several million square feet of retail, restaurants, places to stay, and various other attractions like a movie theater and an outlet mall.
This guide will provide you with information about this interesting destination to make a better decision for your next visit to Scottsdale.
History of Scottsdale Waterfront
Scottsdale Waterfront was developed in the late 1990s, early 2000’s as a joint venture between Scottsdale, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, and private investors.
Today, it is considered one of the most visited tourist destinations in Scottsdale and one of the largest mixed-use developments in the world. The centerpiece of the development is the resort style hotel on the waterfront as well as two of Scottsdale’s most popular shopping and dining destinations.
The Shops at Gainey Village and Promenade at Granite Reef. The development also has many other attractions like movie theaters, an outlet mall, a marina, and other retail developments.
The Arizona Canal
One of the main attractions in Scottsdale Waterfront is a canal that runs from just north of the hotel on Scottsdale Road all the way to a water park built in the northeastern corner of the development. The canal is closed to vehicles, so locals and visitors can walk, run or bike along with it.
The Arizona Canal intersects with Scottsdale Waterfront, and the canal itself provides some nice views of the city.
The canal has a bike path that runs alongside it, but if you’re looking to get in the water and swim, you’ll need to visit Tempe Beach Park out by Tempe Town Lake or one of the many pools advertised on Craigslist.
Notable Shops in Scottsdale Waterfront
1. The Shops at Gainey Village
One of the most interesting shops in Scottsdale Waterfront is The Shops at Gainey Village. This is an outdoor shopping experience that takes place along the Arizona Canal and features over 300 shops and restaurants.
The shops include outlet stores like Tommy Bahama, Coach Factory Outlet, Lululemon Athletica, GAP, and many more. There are also 53 restaurants featuring everything from small businesses to large chains like Applebee’s, Olive Garden, Ruby Tuesday’s, and TGI Fridays.
There is also a movie theater located right by the canal. To get there, cross the canal and walk west on Scottsdale Road, then turn right. The mall is directly north of the hotel at Waterfront.
2. The Promenade
The Promenade is a shopping center located about 0.5 miles or a 5-minute walk west along Scottsdale Waterfront from the strip of outlet stores located to the east of the Arizona Canal. Along with retail space, it features restaurants and movie theaters.
The Promenade is probably the most hyped up part of Scottsdale Waterfront. It contains high-end retail, restaurants, and movie theaters. Many consider it to be an upscale version of Kierland Commons in North Scottsdale, but that’s just one man’s opinion.
There are over 100 shops and restaurants in the Promenade, including an Apple store and a Restoration Hardware which is about as high end as you can get for retail.
3. Scottsdale Quarter
A bit south of the Promenade and east of Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale Quarter, a collection of shops, restaurants, and stores in two buildings. This is by far the largest retail district in the area, with over 250 shops and restaurants.
Anchor stores in Scottsdale Quarter include Crate & Barrel, Gap Outlet, Lululemon Athletica, and Urban Outfitters.
4. Scottsdale Waterfront Marina
Another great feature of Scottsdale Waterfront is its marina. It has a total of 695 wet slips and 1,500 dry storage spaces. In addition to the marina, there are also 2 restaurants and a bar.
You can moor your boat right in the heart of downtown Scottsdale, or you can stop by if you’d like to enjoy some drinks or food at one of the establishments while watching boats come and go.
5. Scottsdale Waterfront Outlet Mall
The only outlet mall in Scottsdale is located at the eastern end of Scottsdale Waterfront, and it has all the usual outlet mall stores, including Nike, Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, etc. The shopping mall features over 100 shops and restaurants.
There is also a movie theater on-site as well as an ice skating rink that operates during the holiday season. To get there, just turn off Scottsdale Road onto Miller Road and follow the signs towards the outlet mall.
Notable Restaurants in Scottsdale Waterfront
1. The Hermosa
The Hermosa is located on the Promenade and was recognized as one of the country’s best seafood restaurants by Food & Wine Magazine. They have a wonderful seafood bar and bar-restaurant serving dishes like halibut, Alaskan salmon, lobster, and a variety of other fresh fish options.
This is a good place for dining al fresco, so if you’re visiting Scottsdale Waterfront or staying at the hotel, be sure to stop by The Hermosa.
2. Flemings
Flemings is an upscale steakhouse in Scottsdale Waterfront. This is where you go if you really want to treat yourself. The restaurant has a wonderful atmosphere and serves up some of the finest cuts of beef around.
They are also well known for hearty side dishes like creamed spinach, macaroni, cheese, Brussels sprouts, and artisan breads and pastas.
3. Pomo Pizzeria
Pomo Pizzeria is a pizza place in Scottsdale Waterfront. This is a casual restaurant that has a wide selection of pizzas as well as appetizers and salads. They also serve beer, wine, and mixed drinks to wash down your meal with.
The patio is also quite nice and a great place to dine if you’re visiting Scottsdale Waterfront in the spring or fall, whether you want to eat or drink al fresco.
4. Scottsdale Ale House
The Scottsdale Ale House is located on the southeast side of Scottsdale Waterfront and is a popular place to grab a beer. This is where many locals go to get a cold one. They serve many types of beer, including craft beers and ones that you can’t find anywhere else.
The restaurant also has Mexican-inspired dishes like guacamole, chicken tinga, and sopes and other Texan fare like enchiladas, quesadilla, tacos, and more.
Real Estate Options
If you want to live in Scottsdale Waterfront, there are a number of options. If you’re looking to buy a new place, there was a 29-story luxury apartment building built in 2007. It’s called Skye at the Waterfront and is located north of the Arizona Canal, east of Scottsdale Road, and west of Brown Avenue.
The apartments have floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors, and granite countertops.
Condos Near Scottsdale Waterfront
There are some great condos that you can buy in Scottsdale Waterfront.
1. Scottsdale Waterfront Residences
Scottsdale Waterfront Residences is a great condo to buy. It’s located on the northern side of Scottsdale Road, right at the edge of the canal.
The condos have floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceilings, large terraces and balconies, granite countertops, oak floors, etc. Price range for a 1 bedroom condo is around $500K and up.
2. Optima Camelview
Optima Camelview is a nice condo to buy in Scottsdale Waterfront. The condos have all the usual features that you can expect from an upscale condo building, like hardwood floors, granite countertops, and high ceilings.
Prices for Optima Camelview start at $424K for a 1 bedroom unit and go up to $1M for a 5 bedroom unit on the top floor.
Single Family Homes near Scottsdale Waterfront
1. Southwest Village
This upscale subdivision is located near the southern edge of Scottsdale Waterfront. It is right on the canal and has homes built in the early 2000s. Prices for homes in Southwest Village are between $300K to $750K.
2. Hidden Village
Another single family home community that is located just north of Scottsdale Waterfront just east of Shea Boulevard. It has homes built in the early 2000s as well. Prices are between $300K to $750K for a single-family home.
Townhomes near Scottsdale Waterfront
1. Luxian Villas on Camelback
These beautiful townhomes are located north of Scottsdale Road on the eastern edge of Scottsdale Waterfront. The homes were built in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Depending on size and features, prices range from $199K to $1M.
Summary
Scottsdale Waterfront was once a part of the large Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Reservation. The area is situated on the Salt River and forms a channel that flows through downtown Scottsdale. It is one of the most popular places to stay in Scottsdale.
Not only do you have access to its many restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, but you also have access to Old Town Scottsdale right across the street. If you are looking for a place to have fun and enjoy, worry no more!
