Getting Around Downtown and Old Town Scottsdale

Getting Around Downtown and Old Town Scottsdale can be tricky. The buzz of activity makes it filled with thrills, but the high density of people, working, living, and playing makes for challenging transit. Here are some tips to get you there, around and home, that are fast, safe and fun.

The excitement and glitz of Downtown and Old Town Scottsdale draws us there, with many choices to see, be seen and do fun and essential things. Especially during the cool season, add arts, equine and other events, like spring training, plus our other winter sport — road work — and it can be a hassle getting around Downtown and Old Town. When you just want to get to there fast, here are fun and smart tips that won't harsh your mellow.

Walking in Downtown and Old Town

If you're a walker, you can definitely get in your steps and see the sites up close in Downtown and Old Town. This is a great option if you live here or you're staying in a resort, hotel or motel nearby — and it's not too hot outside. We have an amazing trail system you can hit here too. And a post to see our public art and galleries, plus the trails for serious trekking.

Parking in Downtown and Old Town

But, if you're driving in from somewhere else in Scottsdale, the airport or another city, parking is a consideration getting around Downtown and Old Town.

As Downtown and Old Town continue to densify, parking is a big issue. Public parking is growing scarce, while paid and valet parking can be expensive, depending on your budget.

Private Parking

Thankfully, many shopping and dining areas like Fashion Square have both valet and free parking in structures at this time, but they can fill up fast. Many office buildings have parking lots and structures too for your ease in getting around Downtown and Old Town Scottsdale.

When parking in front of small businesses with parking lots or spaces nearby, make sure you're not parking in reserved spaces. It might look at first glance like a parking lot has free parking, but many businesses have parking permits for their tenants and employees and public parking is not available.

Public Parking Map and Rules

The City of Scottdale's Public Parking has many different locations:

Beware of rules, fees — or free, and time limits. When you seek street or public parking lots, make sure you pay attention to all signs, to avoid a parking ticket. Fines are steep and impossible to squirm out of. Take it from moi, adding $55 to the price of a Scottsdale coiffure is no fun!

If driving is your preferred way of getting around Downtown and Old Town for shopping, business, dining or services, I suggest going early in the day to score the best parking spots. Give yourself extra time to see what's available, so you might be able to get a coveted 2 or 3-hour space for flexibility with your outing.

If you park in a public metered or free parking spot with time limits, set a timer on your phone or timepiece, so you remember to feed the meter or move your car. The Scottsdale City Court and police have no sympathy for outings taking more than the allotted meter or sign time permits.

You might get lucky and park in front of your destination. But if not, here's a Pro Tip: take a picture of your car and your surroundings, in case you can't exactly remember where you parked. If you still forget, ask someone for help.

Alternatives to Driving to Downtown and Old Town

If you're visiting at a busy time, aren't a walker, have a well-heeled event, accessibility considerations, or just don't want the hassle, there are lots of other options to get around Downtown and Old Town.

Leave the Driving to Someone Else

Think about leaving the driving to a ride-share service like LYFT or Scottsdale's FREE Trolley. Note the Trolley only runs weekdays.

Scottsdale Limo Services

If you are planning a large or special event in Downtown or Old Town Scottsdale, a Limo, party bus or car service makes great sense. Travel safely and in style, adding to the fun with ease. Here are a few options to help you choose:

• Scottsdale Party Bus and Limo
• Scottsdale Car Service
• Arizona Black Tie Limos and Transportation
• Scottsdale Limo Company
• Scottsdale Sedan and Limo Service
• Mirage Limousines

A Word About Too Much Fun — DUI

If you go to Scottsdale for a good time that includes cocktails and/or other party additives, please don't drive or ride anything under your own power. A good time can go south fast. Make a good decision and good memories. Scottsdale DUI laws are vigorously enforced. Enough said.

Other Ways to Cruise — Golf Carts, Bikes, e-Bikes and Scooters

Golf cart taxis are abundant, and e-bike and scooter rentals also abound for the young and invincible.  Hotels may also have bikes, like the Scott Resort and Bespoke Inn.

Here's my post about Resorts, including hotels and motels in Downtown and Old Town, to find the perfect temporary home base for your visit:

A helmet for your pretty head's a good idea, although not required, and here's are tips for bike, e-bike and scooter trails and rules.

With bike-sharing and e-scooters are currently falling out of favor in Scottsdale, here are sure bets for rentals, tours, and trendy, fun ways for getting around Downtown and Old Town. And, you'll get helpful, knowledgable service with smiles.

• JoyRidesAZ – Golf Cart Transport Old Town
• Quick Silver Transportation
• Old Town Shuttle
• Old Town Scooters
• E-Bike Tours & Rentals of Scottsdale
• Phat Rides Electric Bikes
• PEDALJETZ – ebikes for sale, rental, and tours
• Pedego Electric Bikes Scottsdale
• Arizona Party Bike – Scottsdale
• Segway of Scottsdale Tours

Wrapping Up

Here's the lay of the land in Downtown | Old Town — there's so much to see and do. Now go have some good, safe, sweat-free fun! See you there!

Note: I have no experience with any of the services I've listed here — they are suggestions only.