Scottsdale, Arizona is situated in the stunning Sonoran Desert, at the foot of the picturesque McDowell Mountains. It is bordered by Phoenix to the west, the Tonto National Forest to the north, the McDowell Mountains to the east, and the Salt River to the south. This large city is located in the Phoenix neighborhood of south-central Arizona and has a long history that dates back to pre-European times. The indigenous population of this settlement was the Hohokam.
The city has a historic old town with a variety of museums and galleries. However, most tourists are drawn to its trade fairs, festivals, golf tournaments and other annual events. Points of interest include the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Taliesin West, McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Pinnacle Peak Park, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Desert Botanical Garden and Scottsdale Fashion Square. Scottsdale Airport is located about 9 miles from the city center.
Scottsdale is located in Maricopa County, one of two counties in the Phoenix metropolitan area and the capital of Arizona. Scottsdale Fashion Square presents Old Town Scottsdale which is one of the 30 largest malls in the country and offers exclusive shopping and luxury. The city is also home to some of Arizona's best luxury resorts which are clustered around picturesque Camelback Mountain. The largest is the Scottsdale Main Street Arts District which has the largest and most diverse collection of styles and genres.
The more contemporary Marshall Way Arts District and touristy Western-themed Old Town district with its Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art are also popular attractions. Scottsdale is renowned for its sprawling luxurious resorts, championship golf courses and luxury boutiques but Old Town Scottsdale is at its heart. In 1999, a second campus was opened at Scottsdale Airpark which allowed it to serve the business community and north of Scottsdale. The downtown trolley runs through downtown Scottsdale while the neighborhood trolley connects it to South Scottsdale and Tempe's own free public circulator, Tempe Orbit on Roosevelt and Scottsdale Road.
The annual month-long event, Scottsdale Jaycees Parada del Sol has been held in Scottsdale since 1954. Notable regional hubs include Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter in North Scottsdale as well as Scottsdale Fashion Square in downtown Scottsdale which is a major destination for high-end retailers. During World War II, a German prisoner of war camp was located at the intersection of Scottsdale and Thomas Roads in what is now Papago Park. The success of Casino Arizona led to the construction of a second location, Casino Arizona in Indian Bend in a temporary facility less than 8 miles (13 km) north.
