The name of the Scottsdale Waterfront is misleading. Much like the Tempe Beach Park, really has no beach to speak of, the Scottsdale Waterfront is more of a Riverwalk along a waterway.
It is not really a destination in itself. It is more an area to take a walk after happy hour or a meal at the many restaurants near here. In addition, the area serves as a great backdrop to art, wine, charity events and even the Scottsdale Grand Prix finish line each Fall.
The Waterfront is the location of both Scottsdazzle (December) and the Canal Convergence Water + Art + Light (End of February beginning of March.) These pubic art installations change every year, but have always been worth walking around and often interacting with the art. They often make for a great date night stroll.
I wish the the city planners in the Valley of the Sun realized that we could convert more sections of the extensive canal systems into more Riverwalk sections. We live in a desert, and we enjoy being near the few open places in the city with flowing water. Let go of the outdated perception that canals are only open air sewer systems and see the Waterfront as what they can be.
In reference to some old reviews, I have come here regularly over the past several years and have never smelled any bad odors coming from this water. If there was a problem years back, it has long been eliminated.