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Scottsdale's canal, slow and easy
A desert city with a waterfront sounds like a joke. Then you're on the canal at sunset and it isn't.
The Scottsdale Waterfront is the stretch of the Arizona Canal that runs through downtown, lined with paved paths, pedestrian bridges, condo towers, patios and the back side of Scottsdale Fashion Square. It's the one place downtown where you can walk next to water, and at golden hour the whole thing turns copper.
It sits right between the bar blocks of the Entertainment District and the galleries of the Arts District, so it works as a connector as much as a destination. Come for a slow walk, a shopping trip with the AC cranked, or the light art show on the canal in the fall.
The vibe and a little history of the Waterfront
The canal is the real old thing here. It moves water across the Valley, and downtown Scottsdale built its waterfront by facing restaurants and plazas toward it instead of away from it. The paths are flat and wide, and they keep going well past downtown in both directions if you feel like walking it off.
The centerpiece is Paolo Soleri's bridge and plaza, dedicated in 2010. Soleri was the architect behind Arcosanti and Cosanti, and he designed the bridge as a giant solar calendar right on the water. Stand on it at noon around the solstices and you'll get it.
Heads up: the canal banks sometimes close or get restricted for maintenance, usually in the cooler months. If a stretch is fenced off, the bridges and plaza usually still give you a good look.
Things to do on the Scottsdale Waterfront
Everything here is a short walk apart. Go early or at sunset in the warm months. Midday on the canal in July is like walking on a griddle with a nice view.
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Scottsdale Waterfront
Soleri Bridge and Plaza
Paolo Soleri's pedestrian bridge sits on a true north axis. At the summer solstice it casts no shadow at solar noon, and at the winter solstice the shadow stretches its longest. A red stripe along the deck tracks the light across. It's a sundial you can walk on.
Tucked inside the pylons near the plaza's south edge is the Goldwater Bell, a bronze Soleri made back in 1969. The whole thing is very cool to stare at for a while.
TipCome at noon on a solstice and watch the stripe. Then go eat.
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Scottsdale Waterfront
Arizona Canal path
Paved paths follow the canal through downtown, with pedestrian bridges to hop sides. It's the easiest long walk in central Scottsdale and it's flat the whole way.
Locals walk it, run it and bike it. At night the downtown stretch is lit and people stroll it between dinner and drinks.
TipIt's a public path, so no smoking out there. Sesh first, walk after.
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Scottsdale Waterfront
Scottsdale Fashion Square
7014 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251The big mall on Camelback, right on the canal. Luxury stores, the usual suspects, and enough indoor real estate to kill a whole afternoon when it's 112 outside.
For a stoner it's peak climate control. Wander, people watch, grab food and get your steps in without melting.
TipPark once here and walk the canal to the rest of downtown.
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Scottsdale Waterfront
Canal Convergence
A free light art event on the Arizona Canal, run in the fall along the paths and bridges between Scottsdale Road and Goldwater Boulevard. Glowing installations on the water, fire shows, live music, food trucks and a beer and wine garden.
It runs for about ten nights. If you're in town while it's on, go. It's the best night walk Scottsdale offers all year.
TipGo on a weeknight in season. Same art, half the crowd.
Where to eat and drink on the Waterfront
Restaurants around Fashion Square and the canal turn over more than the rest of downtown, so check before you commit. Fashion Square has plenty of food inside and out for a quick fix.
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Scottsdale Waterfront
Olive & Ivy
7135 E Camelback Rd #195, Scottsdale, AZ 85251Mediterranean food with a California lean, a few steps from the canal. The patio is the draw: about 4,000 square feet with water features and fire pits, and it's sunny and roomy in the cooler months.
Order sangria and share plates. The bacon wrapped dates and the bruschetta are the moves. There's a market side too and a long wine list.
TipGrab a patio table at sunset, then walk the canal after.
Questions about Waterfront
What is the Scottsdale Waterfront?
It's the downtown stretch of the Arizona Canal next to Scottsdale Fashion Square, with paved paths, pedestrian bridges, the Soleri Bridge and Plaza, and restaurants with patios facing the water.
What is special about the Soleri Bridge?
Paolo Soleri designed it as a solar calendar on a true north axis. At the summer solstice it casts no shadow at solar noon, and a red stripe on the deck tracks the light. The Goldwater Bell, made by Soleri in 1969, sits inside the bridge's pylons.
Is Canal Convergence free?
Yes. Canal Convergence is a free light art event along the Arizona Canal between Scottsdale Road and Goldwater Boulevard. It runs for about ten nights in the fall.
Can you smoke weed on the Scottsdale canal path?
No. The canal path is a public space, and public consumption is a petty offense in Arizona. Sesh on private property where the owner allows it, then go for your walk.
Does the Scottsdale Trolley go to Fashion Square?
Yes. The free trolley's 68th Street/Camelback route serves Fashion Square, Old Town and the Entertainment District. Check the city's trolley page for current routes and detours.