Soleri Bridge & Plaza
A striking architectural marvel functioning as a giant sundial, featuring unique Soleri bells and seasonal light displays.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Witness the sundial's shadow play
Soleri Bridge & Plaza
Best Time
Witness the sundial's shadow play
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking architectural marvel functioning as a giant sundial, featuring unique Soleri bells and seasonal light displays.
"A beautiful walking bridge and a must for any Scottsdale visit!"
🎯 Visit during Solar Noon
Experience the bridge as a true sundial with unique shadow patterns.
🚗 Park at South Bridge Garage
Convenient and accessible parking is available nearby.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Soleri Bridge Sundial
Scottsdale Waterfront
Experience a giant sundial where pylons cast unique shadows, especially striking at solar noon on the solstice.
Soleri Bells
Sides of the bridge
Admire the distinctive, expensive storm bells designed by Paolo Soleri, adding an artistic and auditory element.
Seasonal Light Displays
Bridge Plaza
During holidays like Christmas, the bridge and plaza are beautifully decorated with festive lights and even a Christmas tree.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything: Solstice & Sundial Magic
+2Access and Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Visit during Solar Noon
Experience the bridge as a true sundial with unique shadow patterns.
🚗 Park at South Bridge Garage
Convenient and accessible parking is available nearby.
📸 Great for Photos
The bridge's architecture and seasonal decor make it a picturesque spot.
🚶♀️ Walk to Waterfront Plaza
Easily connect to shops and restaurants after crossing the bridge.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Visit during Solar Noon
Experience the bridge as a true sundial with unique shadow patterns.
🚗 Park at South Bridge Garage
Convenient and accessible parking is available nearby.
📸 Great for Photos
The bridge's architecture and seasonal decor make it a picturesque spot.
🚶♀️ Walk to Waterfront Plaza
Easily connect to shops and restaurants after crossing the bridge.
🔔 Listen for the Bells
Don't miss the unique sound of the Soleri storm bells.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Soleri Bridge & Plaza for its unique architectural design and its function as a giant sundial, especially during solstice events. It's a beautiful spot for photos and a pleasant walk, particularly when decorated for holidays. However, some find it lacks significant attractions outside of special events or nighttime, describing it as dark and quiet during off-peak hours.
"Beautiful bridge, I have stopped by on bike rides multiple times and it is a great entry to Old Town Socttsdale from the canal."
Elijah Mills
"Nothing here. Perhaps it's only worth a visit during the festival, otherwise you can't find anything even at night. Dark and quiet."
ชาเคียล โนอาห์
"I've often seen this bridge driving by, so it was nice to finally take some time to explore it. There's accessible parking at South Bridge garage and/or on the nearby streets. From the garage, it took me about 10-15 minutes to get here. The sidewalk is paved, and the bridge itself is wide and concrete. Standing there, you get a view of the canal, and in the holidays- you get treated to some festive decor; there's even a Christmas tree on the bridge plaza area. At the side of the bridge, there is some wall artwork and Soleri bells, and there's tall metal columns that hold the bridge. Crossing it- it's only a 5 or so minute walk to then get to the Waterfront plaza."
A Z
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Soleri Bridge & Plaza is located in Old Town Scottsdale. Accessible parking is available at the South Bridge garage or on nearby streets. It's also easily accessible by bike along the canal path.
Yes, accessible parking is available at the South Bridge garage and on surrounding streets.
Absolutely! The bridge is a popular spot for cyclists and pedestrians using the canal path.
The bridge connects to the Waterfront Plaza, which is surrounded by shops and restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale.
The bridge is a wide, paved concrete structure, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting the Soleri Bridge & Plaza is free and open to the public.
The bridge is generally accessible during daylight hours, though specific plaza hours may vary. It's often lit up during holidays.
There is no admission fee to walk across the Soleri Bridge or explore the plaza.
While the bridge itself is accessible, it can be dark and quiet at night unless there are special events or holiday light displays.
Yes, the bridge is a focal point for events like the Winter Solstice yoga sessions and holiday decorations.
📸 📸 Photography
For unique shots, visit during solar noon on the solstice to see the sundial effect. Holiday evenings offer festive light displays.
Yes, the bridge's modern architecture, the canal views, and seasonal decorations provide excellent photo opportunities.
Drone regulations vary by location. It's best to check with the City of Scottsdale for any restrictions before flying a drone.
It's ideal for architectural photography, landscape shots of the canal, and capturing festive holiday scenes.
The pylons themselves and the views down the canal offer distinct photographic perspectives.
🎫 🏛️ Architecture & History
The Soleri Bridge was designed by the renowned Italian artist, architect, and philosopher Paolo Soleri.
It's a unique piece of architecture that functions as a giant sundial and incorporates Soleri's signature bells.
Paolo Soleri coined 'arcology' (architecture + ecology) to describe his vision for integrated, sustainable urban environments, which influenced his designs.
These are large, expensive storm bells mounted on the bridge, designed by Paolo Soleri as part of his artistic vision.
While both are works of Paolo Soleri, Soleri Bridge is in Scottsdale, whereas Arcosanti is an experimental town north of Phoenix. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During the holidays, the festive lights and Christmas tree create a magical atmosphere that children will love. It's also a good starting point for exploring the Scottsdale Waterfront, with plenty of shops and restaurants nearby for a family meal or treat. The unique Soleri bells add an interesting auditory element that can capture a child's imagination.
🚶♀️ Walkers & Cyclists
It serves as a beautiful connector between different parts of the Waterfront area, allowing you to easily access shops, restaurants, and other attractions. The architectural design and the unique sundial feature add an extra layer of interest to your journey.
📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
The bridge's function as a sundial provides dynamic shadow play, especially during solar noon on the solstice, creating unique photographic opportunities. Beyond the architecture, the Soleri bells add a sculptural element, and the seasonal light displays during holidays offer vibrant, festive scenes.
+1 The surrounding Waterfront area also provides picturesque canal views and urban backdrops. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Genius of Paolo Soleri and Arcology
Soleri's experimental city, Arcosanti, located north of Phoenix, served as a living laboratory for these ideas. While the Soleri Bridge is a distinct project in Scottsdale, it embodies many of his core principles. The bridge's design as a functional sundial and its integration into the urban waterfront reflect his desire to connect human activity with natural cycles and create aesthetically pleasing, meaningful public spaces.
The Soleri bells, a notable feature of the bridge, are not just decorative but also functional storm bells. Their presence adds an auditory dimension to the architectural experience, further emphasizing Soleri's holistic approach to design, where art, engineering, and environment converge.
Experiencing the Soleri Bridge as a Sundial
During solar noon on the solstice, the pylons cast minimal or no shadows, creating a unique visual phenomenon. This alignment highlights the bridge's connection to celestial movements and the passage of time. Visitors who time their visit for this specific moment often report a profound appreciation for the ingenuity of the design.
+1Beyond the solstice, the shifting shadows throughout the day offer a dynamic visual experience. It transforms the bridge from a mere crossing into an interactive timepiece, inviting contemplation of the sun's path and its relationship with the built environment.
Seasonal Charm and Festive Ambiance
+1During Christmas, visitors can expect to see a beautifully decorated Christmas tree on the bridge plaza, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. These seasonal decorations make the bridge a popular spot for evening strolls and family outings, drawing crowds eager to soak in the holiday spirit.
Events like the Winter Solstice yoga session, hosted in partnership with local organizations, further enhance the bridge's appeal during this time. These gatherings celebrate the changing seasons and the unique astronomical alignment of the bridge, offering a serene and memorable experience.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit