Scottsdale Arizona is known for its vibrant art scene, golf courses, and picturesque landscapes. You can explore restaurants, shops, and art galleries of Old Town Scottsdale; the world-class golf courses at McCormick Ranch, and the spring training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies.
You can also go hiking, biking trails, and other scenic mountain walks, or any nearby park for spending time together. With tons of attractions, here are some captivating things to do in Scottsdale.
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers you an array of spectacular desert trails and excellent facilities, including its unique geology, stunning landscapes, flourishing cactus forest, and diverse wildlife.
With 11 easily accessible trailheads and 230+ miles of shared-sue trails, this preserve has options for you no matter your level of fitness or hiking experience. You can also challenge ascents and reward yourself with stunning views while rock climbing. Also, spend even a little time in the Preserve and chances are good that you will spot a saguaro, wildflowers, and wildlife glimpse.
OdySea Aquarium is known as the largest aquarium in the southwest, which takes guests on an entertaining and educational oceanic adventure like no other.
This sea aquarium features an amazing array of animals, including sharks, otters, sea lions, penguins, sea turtles, sloths, and more. It will provide you with an immersive experience like SeaTREK underwater ocean walking, four different touch habits, and the world's only rotating aquarium.
The town offers a variety of boutique shops where you can find unique souvenirs, jewelry, and art with a Southwestern touch. Kick off your old boots and slide your feet into a pair of new ones, a pair of designer shoes, or both.
Also, the art piece or authentic Southwestern furniture will ensure your home doesn't feel left out. Shopping here in Old Town is a slipper slope to bliss with such concentration of high-end designer boutiques and art galleries all within the walking distance of one another.
4. See A Show At Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
People consistently revisit the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts in Scottsdale and the clear reason is its fantastic facilities, from spacious seating to convenient parking.
Established in 1975, it has become a renowned venue that showcases a variety of artistic performances, including dance, music, theater, comedy, and film, representing diverse cultures and perspectives.
5. Take A Hot Air Balloon Ride Over The Sonoran Desert
A hot air balloon ride above the Sonoran Desert offers the ultimate experience with a breathtaking sunrise at 3,000 feet. The sights that you will behold during this flight are truly mesmerizing.
The tour includes a guide who shares information about the area's wildlife and history, followed by breakfast, horse d'oeuvres, and champagne. A hot air balloon ride usually lasts about an hour but can be an adventure, romantic, and offers breathtaking scenery.
Located in the heart of downtown Scottsdale, the stadium offers a picturesque setting and is just a short stroll away from diverse dining options, clubs, and art galleries.
This impressive venue was constructed in 1992, has a seating capacity of 12,000, and is operated as a spring training home ground for MLB team San Fransisco Giants. Located in the heart of downtown, the stadium is easily accessible by foot, bike, or trolley.
Pinnacle Peak Park offers a hiking route measuring 6.6 km in length with an elevation of 311 meters without and back route types. The route offers spectacular views of the surrounding Scottsdale Area.
A little past the half-mile marker, the Grandview rest stop presents a panorama of the valley and McDowell Mountain. You can also make out Camelback Mountain in the distance. The hike has no facilities along the trail, so you should fill your water bottles at the drinking fountains. It is recommended to hike in early morning hours or weekdays for those who enjoy the quiet environment.
It is a family-oriented park located in the heart of Scottsdale and features a 5/12th scale train ride, a 1950s carousel ride, the historic railroad museum, two food concessions, and a souvenir shop.
You can get tickets to ride the Paradise and Pacific Road or Charros Carousel at $3.00 each. The Train and Carousel house of operations is between 9 am to 5 pm usually the whole year, but closed on holidays, including Thanksgiving Day and Christmas.
Butterfly Wonderland transports guests of all ages to the rainforest by immersing them in the world of butterflies and other rainforest animals. Explore the rainforest in the largest butterfly conservatory in the country here in Arizona.
They have assembled their most popular butterflies in one place so you can spot and identify butterflies right from your phone while walking through the wonderland. Also, you may exit and re-enter the Wonderland throughout the day to enjoy restaurants, shops, and attractions venues.
Taliesin West is a celebration of the Arizona desert you can step into and explore on a tour, guided by a Taliesin West expert at your own pace with an audio tour. The duration of this tour is 1-2 hours.
Experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert through the eyes of Frank Lloyd Wright, deeply connected to the land from which it was forged. It is a great tour for first-timers and those wanting to experience things at their own pace. You can pause at any time, linger in a favorite room, take photographs, or talk with their experience team along the way.
Harkins is a family-owned theatre based in Arizona. It is conveniently located among restaurants and shops. Enjoy a nice dinner before catching a show, or start with the show and then relish your favorite scenes while having a meal.
If you want to watch independent films, foreign films, or other arthouse cinema, the theater can be your top choice. The ticket prices at this theater are reasonable.
With over 400 restaurants, the city offers a diverse array of cuisines, from family-run Italian spots to modern Latin tacos and empanadas.
A notable choice is Talavera at the Four Seasons, renowned for perfectly executed tapas like paella and octopus in mojo picón, serving Spanish delights since 2008. Delight your taste buds with the city's rich culinary scene.
Sedona is a magical place and should be on everyone's travel bucket list. This place is known for its stunning red rock formations, vibrant art scene, and outdoor adventures. From exploring along Main Street to hiking some breathtaking hikes to indulging in delicious food, you can enjoy it all in a day trip.
They offer scenic bike tours that allows you to explore their stunning red rock landscapes and discover the breathtaking beauty of Sedona, AZ, and EZ Rider of Sedona.
Scottsdale isn't just about desert views but an amazing structure with a community hub for chilling and having fun. Biking is one of the most popular activities to enjoy on the Scottsdale Greenbelt.
This recreational area is home to one of the longest and most well-maintained bike paths, everything from pro cycles to training wheels can enjoy the route. The route of wide paved paths mostly flat with a gentle downward slope makes a bike path welcoming to all levels.
15. Fun With Kids At Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs
With over 50 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and realistic recreations of prehistoric environments, Pangaea Land allows visitors to journey back to the time of the dinosaurs era.
The exhibits are decked out in dazzling holiday lights. You will also be able to learn about a colder time in the special showcase of Ice Age fossils. Children ca also bring out their merriest inner paleontologist with a special dinosaur ornament activity.
16. Admire Art At Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
This museum of Contemporary Art lies in-between the Scottsdale Center for the Arts and Los Olivo's most historic location. It changes galleries of contemporary art and architecture pieces and is a worthwhile place to visit for local contemporary art aficionados and visitors.
You can also find their gift store stocked with books on contemporary art, photography, architecture design, pop culture, and many more. The museum further provides a memorable experience of art, architecture, and design by exploring new curatorial approaches.
The Scottsdale Waterfront is a chic and elegant neighborhood featuring quality-driven and community-focused coffee shops, providing specialty coffee using the highest quality coffee products every day.
With coffee shops including Press Coffee, Cartel Roasting, and Fourtillfour, you can grab a delicious coffee in any of the coffee shops and enjoy a cup of coffee with a mindblowing view of the waterfront. It also unfolds a five-acre linear park, a canal-side outdoor amphitheater, water features, and a tempting array of new shops and restaurants.
Papago Park is home to the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, golf courses, various museums, baseball fields, and Sonoran Desert plants and animals. You can take a hike around the red butte formations in Papago Park including the iconic Hole-in-the-Rock trail, with seven acres of stocked fishing lagoons.
The trails include an interpretive nature trail to learn about Sonoran Desert flora and fauna, and a short hike inside Hole-in-the-Rock. the park's most scenic viewpoint. The east side of the park features a main chamber that looks out nearby lagoons and distant downtown skyline, perfect during sunset.
