How to Have An Affordable Trip to Scottsdale, Arizona
Nestled in the heart of the American Southwest, Scottsdale, AZ is a haven for travelers looking to experience a unique blend of natural beauty and lively culture. Known for its luxury spas and upscale experiences, Scottsdale often is marked with a reputation as a pricey destination. However, there is more to the city than what meets the eye!
An affordable Scottsdale is more than just an option, but a guarantee. Travelers can experience all that this desert city has to offer without breaking the bank, although you may break a sweat. Embark on a journey to remember in this sunny desert oasis, offering a wide-variety of free and low-cost attractions, pocket-friendly restaurants, and fair-priced accommodations. Scottsdale offers something for every traveler, no matter your budget!
Porter: Perfect Stays & Perfect Prices
Welcoming guests of all backgrounds and budgets, Porter serves as the best of Scottsdale vacation rentals. Whether a short term rental or long, Porter guarantees that every guest will feel cherished and cared for when staying in their Scottsdale homes. Although there are a number of opulent properties available as well, their affordable vacation rental options takes the cake.
Here are a few of our favorite options, where you don’t have to trade in comfort for a good price!
1. Desert Cove
Up to 22 Guests | 7 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms
Affordable does not have to mean small! When you stay at Desert Cove, you can bring all those you love most on the trip of a lifetime without breaking the bank. Boasting a variety of different amenities and options for entertainment, this home may just be all you need for an affordable Scottsdale getaway.
Guests will enjoy the built-in BBQ, heated pool, home theatre, arcade, and wet bar just to name a few. The Desert Cove is a Scottsdale dream, affordable and luxurious!
Check here for availability & pricing
2. Pickleball in Paradise
Up to 16 Guests | 6 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms
Stunning in every way, Pickleball in Paradise is a property made to create memorable experiences and an enjoyable getaway. With more than a few amenities catered to providing guests with the best stay possible, all of the entertainment needed lies within the home for your pleasure.
Boasting a convenient location near a variety of favorite attractions, guests can also revel in access to the heated pool, sports court, arcade room, tiki hut, and large outdoor space. Cost-effective and elegant, Pickleball in Paradise is the Scottsdale getaway you have always dreamed of.
Check here for availability & pricing
3. The Myah
Up to 12 Guests | 5 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms
Make yourself at home in this resort-style utopia, the perfect blend of extravagance and pocket-friendly pricing. Designed with guest satisfaction in mind, each detail of this home is catered to providing top-notch convenience and comfort. Boasting amenities such as a large diving pool, stone BBQ, and sunken fire pit, everything about this home is a detail you will love.
Bask in the Arizona atmosphere and escape into a dream you never have to worry about affording more of. The Myah is the Scottsdale vacation rental you dreamed of, but never knew existed.
Check here for availability & pricing
Things to Do: Fun without the Price Tag
Finding the best and most affordable things to do in Scottsdale is easier than you may think! There are a wide variety of cheap activities in Scottsdale to choose from, and even a few that are free! The Camelback Mountain hike, Scottsdale Artwalk, and McDowell Sonoran Preserve are just a few of the best things to do in Scottsdale for free.
There is no need to choose between a good time and a budget-friendly getaway, in this desert oasis the best of both worlds is yours to take! Take a look at a few of our favorite pocket-friendly options, however, your Porter liaison is an expert on the area and can provide more customized options if you need them.
1. Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale is the perfect place to visit for budget travelers who want to soak up the local culture and history without the extra fees. Explore various art galleries, unique boutiques, and historic sites steeped in Southwestern charm all without spending a dime. Travelers will also love the Scottsdale Waterfront which provides a beautiful view.
Many affordable eateries and food trucks are also surrounding this area. Check out their website to see what kind of events and festivals they will be hosting during your Scottsdale getaway.
2. Butterfly Wonderland
9500 East Vía de Ventura F100, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Butterfly Wonderland transports visitors from the desert to the rainforest, a mesmerizing experience everyone will love. Home to thousands of butterflies, this indoor rainforest offers guests a chance to experience their lush habitat and various species that inhabit it. You will also love events such as story time, something children will greatly enjoy!
Check their website to buy a day pass, or choose from their many bundles so you can enjoy attractions such as Pangaea, UFO Experience, and the OdySea Aquarium.
3. Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center
27026 N 156th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85262
As Scottsdale’s primary wildlife sanctuary, this incredible conservation center is perfect for a true nature enthusiast! Choose between three different tours ranging between $35-$40 per adult, you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal to the native Arizona wildlife. The tranquil, organic environment is a wonderful setting to learn all about local wildlife while supporting a worthy cause.
Visitors must reserve their spots so check their website to book the tour that calls to you.
Where to Eat: Foodie Finds on a Budget
Entrenched in the American Southwestern culture, food is a big part of the lively spirit of Scottsdale. What to do in Scottsdale is important, but where to eat is where true joy begins. Whether you’re craving local flavors or global cuisine, you can find a delicious, budget-friendly meal in a variety of places.
Restaurants like The Mission, Los Sombreros, and Pho 43 are just a few of the low-cost and tasty cuisine Scottsdale has to offer. Here are the best places to visit for a meal where you won’t feel bad for ordering seconds.
1. Portillo’s Scottsdale
10574 N 90th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Known for their famous Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and decadent chocolate cake, Portillo’s provide classic Chicago-style comfort food at affordable prices. With meals ranging between $3-$20, Portillo’s is the perfect place to experience great flavor the whole family will love without it draining your pockets. The casual, fast-paced atmosphere satisfies guests and sends them on their way to enjoy the rest of what Scottsdale has to offer.
Check out their website to find the establishment nearest to you, or order online for delivery and takeout.
2. Julio’s Too
7305 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
Flavorful and authentic, Julio’s Too brings the culture and spirit of Mexico to Scottsdale through their delicious cuisine. Guests will love their most popular dishes such as their burritos, fajitas, and chimichangas, all falling underneath their $19 menu maximum.
The generous portions and fresh ingredients make this restaurant a space you may come back to a few times during your visit. Check out their menu for specials and new additions for you to enjoy.
3. Randy’s Restaurant & Ice Cream
7904 E Chaparral Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Randy’s Restaurant & Ice Cream provides a classic and sweet mix to the American diner experience. Providing comfort foods such as burgers, fries, breakfast cuisine and of course, ice cream, Randy’s offers a menu of wide variety for low-cost prices.
Enjoy homemade ice cream and milkshakes with a nostalgic and friendly vibe. Even on a budget, you deserve a sweet treat! Check their menu to see which of their delicacies you’ll be ordering during your visit to Scottsdale.
4. Sugar Bowl
4005 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Since 1958, Sugar Bowl has remained devoted to providing delicious American food and delectable desserts to both tourists and locals alike. Remaining virtually unchanged in their menu options since the very beginning, this eatery is like stepping back in time in both atmosphere and flavor.
With a menu ranging from $2-$17, the prices haven’t changed much either! Prepared to your order with flavor and freshness in mind, the Sugar Bowl menu has never been one to disappoint.
Scottsdale proves that a memorable vacation does not have to come at a hefty price. Providing a wide range of fun activities, flavorful eateries, and jaw-dropping properties that won’t empty your pockets is one of the many magical things about a Scottsdale gateway. Enjoy your trip and indulge with ease, your desert dream retreat is just a few clicks away.
