Scottsdale SouthBridge District

With so many unique and vibrant separate districts to visit, planning a trip to Scottsdale, Arizona can feel overwhelming at times. Each district features its own unique flavor that will appeal to a specific set of people, but many of them hold an overarching sort of charm for almost any visitor. The SouthBridge District is one of these areas.

This little gem of a district is nestled in between the popular 5th Avenue boutiques and shops, and is just across the canal from the Waterfront District, so it is quite easy to find. While the Southbridge District is certainly picking up steam and attracting more and more residents and visitors, it still holds onto a little of that back-alley appeal. You know, it feels like you’re the one that discovered it.

The Southbridge District was created with images of Greenwich Village and The French Quarter in mind, so you know that you’re going to be experiencing something unique when you visit this area of Scottsdale. The independent spirit of shop owners and residents alike contribute to the slightly exotic feel of the area – you definitely feel like you just stepped out of the desert into the hip neighborhood of a larger city when you’re in the Southbridge District.

One of the most appreciated aspects of Southbridge is that it was created with pedestrians in mind. That’s right – it is extremely foot friendly. You can walk around the area with ease, popping into restaurants and shops at your fancy. If you’re feeling like more of a walk, then there are quite a few footpaths that line the historic canal that the district sits upon. Hardly anything in Scottsdale beats walking through downtown in the evening glancing at fish swimming in the waters of the canal with your special someone.

It is worth it to mention that the Southbridge District is 100% independently run. What this means is that all of the shops and restaurants are unique and one-of-a-kind. None of that national chain business is to be had in Southbridge. This gives visitors a chance to take a much-needed break from the boring chain atmosphere of most shopping districts and bathe in the loveliness of locally owned businesses.

Most of the shopping activity in Southbridge is centered around The Mix, a multi- level assortment of independently-owned shops and stores. There is almost a surefire chance that you’ll find what you’re looking for here, whether it is clothes, jewelry, a gift for a friend back home, or something else.

All About Shopping, Dining and Relaxation

While shopping is definitely a big attraction of the Southbridge District, the dining experience is what really takes the cake. The European-style open-air eating areas in front of many of the restaurants are what draw a lot of visitors to this district. They create a wonderfully social atmosphere and allow you to mildly mingle with locals and other tourists if you get the urge to. The Cowboy Ciao, Kazimierz World Wine Bar, The Herb Box, and Marcellino Ristorante are all great restaurants to start with. Chances are you’ll see another great looking spot (or get a tip from a local) and you’ll be back in Southbridge for the next night’s dinner.

Southbridge isn’t all about food and shopping though. An area with the cultural charm of Greenwich Village should probably have a thriving arts scene and Southbridge definitely doesn’t disappoint in this regard. If you’re lucky, then you’ll be in town when one of the popular arts festivals is going on – you don’t want to miss these. And if you miss out on a festival, there is still plenty of art and galleries for you to peak your head into.

All in all, the Southbridge District is one of the neatest places to visit in Scottsdale. It’s a great place for a romantic daytrip, an adrenaline-fueled shopping melee, or a relaxing dinner outing with the entire family. Just try not to be so enamored with Southbridge that you rip up your airline ticket and decide to move in – or wait, maybe you should!

ArtBridge Thursdays and SouthBridge Sundays are held in the SouthBridge District.

Downtown Scottsdale Map Location of Southbridge.