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Are you looking to plan your next trip? If you want to mix in breathtaking views with action-packed fun and adventure, Scottsdale sounds like the perfect place for you. From strolling through the Old Town to getting out in nature, there are plenty of things to do in Scottsdale, AZ.
Scottsdale is a scenic desert town easily accessible from the Phoenix metropolitan area at just a 25-minute drive away and only 15 minutes from popular Tempe. It’s also an easy place to enjoy day trips to Sedona or Tucson, both only two hours away. The Grand Canyon is also doable but will take closer to 4 hours to reach.
Scottsdale, Arizona offers visitors an eclectic range of activities that will match the needs of everyone in your group in some way. With tons of rich local history, exquisite creative art, excellent dining, and beautiful natural landscape, the region offers a little something for everyone.
Here are 11 of the best things to do in Scottsdale, AZ, during your vacation.
Visit the Old Town
Take a step back in time with a trip to Old Town Scottsdale, which is right in the heart of Downtown Scottsdale. The area features modern amenities, including art galleries, delicious restaurants, boutiques, and souvenir stores while providing a uniquely southwest rustic feel of a bygone era.
The area consists of nine districts with distinct themes in each one. They range from a fine arts district to historical to shopping centric. A major perk of the Old Town area is that everything is tightly packed and condensed, making everything easily accessible by foot.
Walking the streets of the old town, you will learn a great deal about local history and absorb some local culture. It is a great place to spend the day with no shortage of fun activities for all age groups and varying interests.
Things to Do:
- Check out an eclectic range of dining options
- Go shopping for antiques, clothing, souvenirs, etc.
- Take the trolley
- Take a guided walking or segway tour
- Visit Galleries and Museums to explore and learn more about the local culture
- Visit historic landmarks located right in downtown
Points of Attraction:
- Olive & Ivey (food)
- The Mission (food)
- Rusty Spur Saloon (drink)
- Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
- Crazy Horse Gallery
- Fashion square (shopping)
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a Scottsdale area gem, offering guests a truly unique Southwest experience and plenty of fun things to do. While it is an excellent attraction for families with kids, it is also ideal for history lovers and rail enthusiasts. Another great feature is that it is free to enter the park and explore (although rides are not free).
The park has a lot to offer, including train rides, models, replicas, an on-site museum, and plenty of ongoing events throughout the year. It is a great place to learn about an essential/historic local industry with plenty of interactive fun for younger crowds.
Things to Do:
- Go on train rides
- Learn about local history/development of trains
- Explore replicas/models of trains & cars
- Take the kids to the playground
- Post up at the Family Circus Pavilion
Points of Attraction:
- Paradise & Pacific Railroad (ride)
- Scottsdale Charros Carousel (ride)
- Scottsdale Railroad Museum
- Merci Train
- Ronald Amundsen Pullman Car
- 10,000-foot model railroad
Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the most famous architects in American history. Taliesin West was once his summer home and “desert laboratory.” The site was built by Wright and maintained after his death by some of his closest apprentices.
Today, Taliesin West is home to some visually stunning architectural feats. It is both a UNESCO World Heritage site and National Historic Landmark. Exhibits are woven into the background desert landscape, creating something truly unique to the local environment.
The grounds are open to visitors seven days a week, offering guided tours, self-guided tours, and audio tours. In addition, Taliesin West hosts plenty of educational and cultural programs for all age ranges with year-round events and programming. Anyone remotely interested in architecture or artistic innovation will find Taliesin West among the most exciting things to do in Scottsdale, AZ.
Things to Do:
- Take a tour
- Explore the grounds
- Learn about Frank Lloyd Wright
- Plan a field trip (educational)
- See a live performance
Points of Attraction:
- Unique architectural structures
- Visitors center
- Frank Lloyd Wright Store
- Camp Talisen West
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
A major draw of the Scottsdale area is its proximity to the nearby Sonoran Desert, which is home to diverse wildlife and incredible natural beauty. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve serves as an extension with a protected desert habitat constructed with sustainability in mind.
The preserve is over 30,000 acres with free admission to visitors and is home to some great outdoor activities like fantastic hiking trails of varying difficulty and walking paths and parks. It is an excellent destination for nature and animal lovers as it offers up both in spades.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve also offers plenty of information about local habitats and the surrounding area in the form of an information center, educational courses, and offering volunteer programs.
Things to Do:
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Sightseeing
- Nature/animal watching walks
- Educational courses
- Volunteer work
Points of Attraction:
- Sonoran Desert
- Parsons Field Institute
- Sonoran Education Center
- Gateway Trailhead
Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center
If you are drawn to the natural wildlife found in the Sonoran Desert, a trip to the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center (SWCC) is the perfect option. SWCC serves as a rehabilitation center for wildlife that has either been displaced or injured, with the ultimate goal to send the animals back out to their natural habitat.
Visitors can book a guided walking tour which allows them to see the animals up close and learn about their individual stories. Guests can book either a public tour that caps out at ten people or a more intimate private tour.
There are multiple types of animal species on the grounds, including black bears, bobcat, coyote, fox, great horned owl, mountain lion, and tortoise.
Things to Do:
- See animals up close in their natural habitats
- Learn individual stories about some of the animals
- Sponsor an animal
- Donate to help fund treatment and research efforts.
Points of Attraction:
- Dozens of different animal species
- Guided tour of the sanctuary
- Research center
- Gift shop
Pinnacle Peak Park
Scottsdale is home to exceptional hiking trails and scenic walks if you want to get out in the great outdoors. Among them is Pinnacle Peak Park, a moderate difficulty out-and-back in the Sonoran Desert that captures stunning views of the surrounding area.
The park is roughly 150 acres, while the hike is approximately 3.5 miles roundtrip, climbing to around 1,300 feet in cumulative elevation. There is a trailhead office equipped with detailed information, clearly labeled markers along the path, and restrooms and drinking fountains.
With unparalleled natural beauty, a trip to Pinnacle Peak Park is among the best things to do in Scottsdale, AZ. For those looking for other types of outdoor fun, the park is also home to some of the best rock climbing in the area is also great for dirt biking. You can also take guided tours within the park, including moonlight walks and stargazing.
Things to Do:
- Out-and-back hiking trail
- Rock climbing
- Dirt biking
- Guided tours including moonlight walks and stargazing
Points of Attractions:
- Moderate hiking trail
- Access to other outdoor sports
- Stunning scenery and views
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
The Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts is home to over 1,000 annual performances and festivals with ongoing indoor and outdoor events. In addition, there are different types of innovative artistic expression, such as art exhibitions, live music, and dance.
The center also hosts a series of interactive and educational outreach programs for both children and adults with courses for different experience levels. The center also includes a gift shop filled with unique souvenirs and several nearby dining options.
If you find yourself in Scottsdale looking to catch a live performance, check out their website for the latest listings of ongoing concerts. You can also sign up for a class and get some artistic culture mixed into your sightseeing adventures if you feel so inclined.
For another great place to check out the local art scene, add the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art to your list!
Things to Do:
- See a live performance
- Attend a festival
- Take a course
- Buy a souvenir
Points of Attractions:
- Scottsdale Philharmonic
- Live music of all different genres
- Rotating art gallery
- Ongoing festivals/events (check website for the latest)
- Gift shop
Wonderspaces Arizona
Suppose you are looking to explore more artistic culture in Scottsdale? Wonderspaces Arizona is another excellent option with immersive and interactive exhibitions that constantly evolve. It’s an ever-changing art show installation that promotes innovative and experimental forms of artistic expression.
Wonderspaces was created with the idea of “art for everybody.” Therefore, it features a little something for all age ranges. Visitors are active participants in each exhibition which are often visually stimulative and usually promote the use of all five senses.
If you are looking for a bit of a twist on the typical art exhibition/gallery scene, Wonderspaces presents a refreshing change of pace that will leave an impression long after you leave. The full bar with delicious signature cocktails also provides a nice touch.
Another wonderful place to visit in Scottsdale is Butterfly Wonderland, a place your whole family is sure to love.
Things to Do:
- Check out an ever-changing sequence of rotating art
- Explore innovative forms of artistic expression
- Participate in immersive/interactive exhibitions
Points of Attraction:
- Abstract and memorable art
- Inclusive for all ages
- Affordable prices
- A full bar with signature cocktails
OdySea Aquarium
Located right in the heart of central Scottsdale, the OdySea Aquarium is a massive 35-acre facility that houses over 300 species of sea life. The aquarium features many different ecosystems with marine creatures from lakes, rivers, oceans, and coral reefs.
OdySea promotes several signature exhibitions, including the Aqua Lobby, SeaTrek, Penguin Point, and Kids Cove. They also offer educational courses in virtual tours, summer camps, and on-site resources.
With a massive setup and an eclectic range of aquatic creatures, including sharks, penguins, and otters, a trip to the OdySea aquarium is a great way to beat the summer heat. In addition, the aquarium provides hours of entertainment, making it one of the best things to do in Scottsdale, AZ, during your trip.
Things to Do:
- Explore over a dozen exhibitions featuring different ecosystems around the world
- Check out exotic sealife
- Watch educational movies
- Attend an event
Points of Attraction:
- Animal encounters and tours
- The Lighthouse Cafe
- Odysea Treasures Gift Shop
Scottsdale Wine Trail
Scottsdale is home to several award-winning vineyards and wineries. Taking a trip down the Scottsdale Wine Trail is a fun and unique way to get into the western spirit and explore the surrounding area while supporting local businesses and sampling excellent products.
Vineyards/wineries included along the way are Aridus Wine Company, Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, LDV Winery, Carlson Creek, Salvatore Vineyards, and Merkin Vineyards. Each location offers guests a tour of the grounds and a sampling of their wines in their exclusive tasting rooms.
If you are interested in touring all locations and sampling as many wines as possible, guests can buy a Wine Trail Passport allowing access to each vineyard. It is a phenomenal deal for wine enthusiasts or those looking to sample a wide range of local wines.
Things to Do:
- Sample local wines
- Support/explore various local businesses
- Explore the region
Points of Attraction:
- Aridus Wine Company
- Carlson Creek
- Merkin Vineyards
- Salvatore Vineyards
Desert Splash Adventures
Desert Splash Adventures is an excellent option for thrill-seekers looking to experience the Scottsdale region from up above. It is a company that offers scenic flights around the surrounding area with breathtaking views of lakes and rock formations in the Sonoran Desert. Adrenaline junkies will get their fix towards the end of the trip with a thrilling water landing.
In addition to their chartered plane rides, Desert Splash Adventures has a range of other activities for guests, including exclusive gourmet meals, explorations of private islands, and canyoneering. If you are looking for adventure on your trip, this ranks among the best things to do in Scottsdale, AZ.
Things to Do:
- Scenic plane ride with spectacular views
- Island explorations
- Fine dining
- Canyoneering
Points of Attraction:
- Roosevelt Lake
- Lake Powell
- Sonoran Desert
MacDonald’s Ranch
If horseback riding among cacti in the desert is something you think you would enjoy, head to MacDonald’s Ranch. They can accommodate any type of group, so this is something you can do with your family, children included, or with a group of friends.
Things to Do:
- Horseback Riding
- Stagecoach Ride
- Pumpkin Patch
- Petting Zoo
Start Planning Your Trip Today
As you can see in this travel guide, there are plenty of things to do in the southwestern gem of Scottsdale, AZ. It’s an excellent choice if you are looking to plan a vacation that leaves no shortage of fun activities. The stunning desert landscape provides unforgettable views, while the vibrant culture of the surrounding area ensures you will never have a dull moment.
Start mapping out your trip to Scottsdale, AZ, and find the perfect accommodations to match your needs.
