15 Best Things To Do in Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale, Arizona, beckons with its vibrant blend of natural beauty and sophisticated urban offerings. As a haven of outdoor activities and cultural gems, the city presents an array of options to fill your days with exploration and enjoyment. Embrace the great outdoors at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, where trails wind through picturesque desert landscapes, or visit the architectural marvel of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, which offers insight into the famed architect’s vision.

Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Scottsdale’s sunny disposition promises over 300 days of clear skies annually, perfect for golfing on its world-class courses or indulging in the luxury of high-end spas. For a taste of local culture, Old Town Scottsdale is a mosaic of galleries, boutiques, and restaurants that showcase the city’s Western heritage and contemporary flair. Each experience in Scottsdale is a piece of a larger mosaic, offering a personalized retreat tailored to your interests.

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In the heart of Scottsdale’s luxury landscape, your experiences at upscale resorts and spas are paired with exceptional dining options.

Tia Carmen

At Tia Carmen, a dining venue acclaimed for its culinary finesse, you’ll find a menu that celebrates local flavors. Nestled within a resort famous for its comprehensive spa services, Tia Carmen offers a tranquil escape where your taste buds embark on a journey through innovative dishes crafted by skilled chefs. Whether you’re concluding a relaxing spa day or seeking a memorable meal, the ambient setting combined with meticulously prepared food creates an indulgent dining experience.

Deserts and Parks

In Scottsdale, your desert experience combines natural beauty and relaxation seamlessly. The stark landscapes of the Sonoran Desert are accessible through various serene parks, each offering unique ways to appreciate the rugged splendor around you.

Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary

Rejuvenate at Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary, an oasis set against the backdrop of the Sonoran Desert. Indulge in treatments utilizing local ingredients like saguaro cactus and wildflowers, enhancing your connection with nature.

Pinnacle Peak Park

For avid hikers, Pinnacle Peak Park provides a rigorous trail experience. Complementing its challenging routes are the park’s panoramic views, where the iconic saguaro cacti stand tall amidst the diverse desert landscapes.

Gateway Trailhead – McDowell Sonoran Preserve

At the Gateway Trailhead, step into the expansive McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Trails for all levels guide you through lush desert vegetation, opening up to vistas that capture the untouched beauty of Arizona’s parks and deserts.

Scottsdale Attractions

Scottsdale, Arizona, is a treasure trove of cultural experiences and architectural wonders. Among its top attractions, the city proudly boasts the historical significance and architectural marvel of Taliesin West.

Taliesin West

Designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesin West stands as an emblem of innovative design harmoniously integrated with its desert surroundings. Your visit will offer insights into Wright’s philosophy and his contributions to modern architecture. Open for guided tours, it’s a chance to walk through living spaces, workspaces, and the vibrant grounds designed by Wright himself. Whether you’re an architecture aficionado or simply curious, Taliesin West is an essential experience in Scottsdale.

See Related: Best Resorts in Scottsdale, Arizona

Family Adventure

Scottsdale offers an array of adventures that cater to families looking to explore and learn together. From interactive exhibits to rides through history, there’s something to capture the imagination of every age.

Butterfly Wonderland

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of butterflies at Butterfly Wonderland. This rainforest habitat is home to thousands of these delicate creatures, affording you a chance to witness a range of species up close.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

Step aboard miniature trains and explore the historical McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. The park is a wonder for train enthusiasts and offers a gentle adventure for the entire family.

Arizona Boardwalk

Arizona Boardwalk is a one-stop destination for varied family entertainment, featuring attractions that promise adventure and educational experiences with themes ranging from underwater to prehistoric.

OdySea Aquarium

At OdySea Aquarium, you’ll dive into an aquatic adventure. As one of the largest aquariums in the Southwest, it provides interactive experiences and encounters with diverse marine life.

Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs

Embark on a prehistoric journey at Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs. This interactive exhibit combines education and entertainment as you encounter animatronic dinosaurs in a variety of settings.

Art and Culture in Scottsdale, AZ

In Scottsdale, art aficionados and cultural enthusiasts will find a vibrant tableau of history and contemporary creativity. Explore museums spotlighting Western heritage and stroll through an arts district alive with galleries and weekly events.

Scottsdale Historical Museum

The Scottsdale Historical Museum offers a newly opened window into the city’s past. Here, you’ll uncover the city’s evolution from a small desert town to a bustling modern hub. Exhibits provide intimate glances at Scottsdale’s diverse heritage through photos, artifacts, and stories.

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

Immerse yourself in the Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, a Smithsonian Affiliate celebrating the art, history, and culture of the American West. The museum boasts an impressive collection of Western art, ranging from classic to contemporary pieces that tell the rich stories of the region.

Your visit to Scottsdale’s art and culture scene is incomplete without experiencing the Scottsdale ArtWalk. Held every Thursday evening in the Old Town Arts District, this event allows you to meander through charming art galleries, each offering unique insights into local and international artistry.

Outdoor Recreation

Scottsdale’s wealth of outdoor activities caters to enthusiasts looking for variety, from serene gardens to the adrenaline rush of mountain biking.

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

When you need a break from the sun, SMoCA offers an artistic oasis with its outdoor installations. It’s a unique blend where art meets the outdoors, ensuring your cultural and recreational needs are met in one visit.

Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden

For a tranquil retreat, the Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden educates you on desert flora while providing a peaceful hiking or biking experience. This garden is a testament to beauty with sustainability, where over 7,000 indigenous plants thrive.

Iconic Scottsdale

Scottsdale, Arizona, is a tapestry of culture and entertainment where you can immerse yourself in the unique blend of attractions that the city has to offer, from innovative art galleries to vibrant nightlife hubs.

Soleri Bridge

Cross the Soleri Bridge and you are not just traversing the Arizona Canal; you’re stepping over a piece of architectural artistry. This bridge doubles as a sundial, casting its shadow to mark solar events.

Talking Stick Entertainment District

The Talking Stick Entertainment District is your one-stop destination for leisure and entertainment. Revel in a spectrum of options from high-end shopping to casino gaming and golfing, ensuring your evenings are as thrilling as your days.

Wonderspaces Arizona

Wonderspaces Arizona in Scottsdale’s Fashion Square presents an ever-changing lineup of interactive art installations. Each visit offers diverse genres to ignite curiosity in ways that traditional galleries often don’t capture, pushing the boundaries of how art is experienced.

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Entertainment and Discovery

In Scottsdale, your quest for entertainment and discovery converges at thrilling museums that challenge the limits of reality and history. Engage your senses at attractions that blend art, history, and mind-bending fun.

Museum of Illusions Scottsdale

Experience visual and educational exhibits that will boggle your mind at the Museum of Illusions. Immerse yourself in rooms that defy gravity, shrink, or expand before your eyes, guaranteeing unique photo opportunities.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!®

Dive into the world of the extraordinary at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!. Witness an eclectic collection of oddities gathered from around the globe that will leave you in awe of the world’s bizarre and unbelievable aspects.

Laser + Mirror Maze

Navigate through the OdySea Mirror Maze, a labyrinth filled with mirrors and a laser challenge that’s both an adventure and a puzzle. Test your agility and strategic thinking as you make your way through this disorienting yet exhilarating maze.

Culinary Experiences

Scottsdale offers a vibrant culinary scene that’s rich in variety and taste. Your palate can embark on a journey through multiple dining options ranging from gourmet restaurants to unique culinary tours.

Arizona Food Tours

Discover Scottsdale’s food scene with Arizona Food Tours, the first of its kind in the state, providing a taste of Old Town Scottsdale. Dive into the local cuisine with knowledgeable guides who deliver a curated experience 7 days a week. You might explore:

• Scottsdale Wine Trail: Sip your way through Scottsdale’s renowned wineries.
• Chocolate Tour of Scottsdale: Indulge in the sweeter side with a decadent tour of chocolate spots.

Explore each savory and sweet cornerstone of Scottsdale’s edible offerings, all while soaking in the beautiful Arizona ambience.

Sports and Leisure

Scottsdale offers an array of active pursuits, from exceptional golfing opportunities to exploring sports history. Whether you’re improving your swing on premier courses or delving into athletic heritage, your leisure time here promises both vigor and enrichment.

Fiesta Bowl Museum

At the Fiesta Bowl Museum, you can immerse yourself in the history of one of college football’s top events. Surrounded by a wealth of memorabilia, you’ll revisit the bowl’s storied past and celebrate the game’s most thrilling moments.

Golf: Scottsdale is a mecca for golf enthusiasts, boasting more than 200 golf courses. Courses like TPC Scottsdale, home to the Waste Management Phoenix Open, blend challenging play with the luxury resort experience.

Horseback Riding: Seek adventure on horseback as you traverse the Sonoran Desert, riding trails that offer picturesque vistas unique to Scottsdale’s landscape.

Spend your days here engaged in sports that invigorate or rest in the knowledge of games well played.

Local History and Heritage

When you visit Scottsdale, you step into the vivid tapestry of American West history. Old Town Scottsdale is the heart of the city’s past where the Old West meets the new. You can feel the pulse of frontier life as you stroll down streets lined with wooden sidewalks and rustic storefronts.

Significant Historical Attractions:

• Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West: Celebrate the art, history, and cultures of the Greater Western region.
• Scottsdale Historical Museum: Housed in the iconic Little Red Schoolhouse, it offers a glimpse of Scottsdale’s formative years.

Winfield Scott, the city’s founding father, laid the groundwork for Scottsdale. His adventurous spirit is honored throughout the city, and nowhere more so than the historic Old Town. Not to be overshadowed, Scottsdale Stadium joins the historical ranks as a favorite pastime location, blending sports heritage with local community spirit.

Your journey through the sun-soaked streets of Scottsdale is not just a tour; it’s a passage through the storybook of the American West, a story still alive in the spirit of Arizona.

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