10 Best Things to Do in Scottsdale

Historic Old Town Scottsdale is a great place to experience the preserved charm of America’s Wild West. Wander the distinct neighbourhoods on foot or take a ride on the free Scottsdale Trolley for a great way to explore at your own pace.

If you’re looking for the perfect photo op, stop by the Scottsdale cowboy on the corner of Scottsdale Road and Main Street. Enjoy art galleries and murals in the arts district, souvenir and boutique shopping on Fifth Avenue, and great local eats at one of the many vibrant cafés and restaurants. If you’re visiting on a Thursday night, make sure to walk through the arts district to experience the excitement of Scottsdale’s free ArtWalk.

Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West is a must-see if you want to learn about the rich history, culture, and heritage of Western America. Located in the city's arts district, this museum is a great combination of both Western and Native American art through interactive events and a large collection of exhibits. The museums’ main exhibits include rare historic artifacts, cultural treasures, and fine art all dedicated to the 19 states in the American West.

Make sure to check out the sculpture courtyard on your way out to see how local artists use the landscape as their inspiration. If you’re here on a Thursday in winter or spring, you can enjoy extended hours – the museum closes at 9 pm as part of Scottsdale’s popular ArtWalk.

Experience the true beauty of desert landscapes at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Located just 20 minutes north of downtown Scottsdale, this park is a great place to spend your day outside. This large preserve is permanently protected and has over 200 miles of trails to explore.

Enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities from mountain biking and horseback riding to hiking and outdoor picnics. There are trails for every skill level from the tricky Gateway Loop for experienced hikers to serene nature walks. Arizona summers can get extremely hot, so make sure to bring a bottle and refill regularly at water stations.

Famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright fell in love with the Sonoran Desert and created Taliesin West as his winter home and architectural school. Located just 20 minutes northeast of downtown Scottsdale, in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, this 600-acre home and landmark is now considered a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Explore the grounds on one of their guided tours or make your own way to experience the magic of Wright’s architectural style. During busy seasons, the tours tend to sell out so make sure to book in advance.

Fashion Square is one of the top 30 largest malls in the USA, and the largest in the state of Arizona. Located in downtown Scottsdale, just 2 blocks from the waterfront, Fashion Square has a movie theater, restaurants and over 200 stores.

Escape the desert heat while walking through the mall and enjoy some of the best shopping in town for anything from luxury brands to small boutiques. If you’re riding the free Scottsdale trolley, there’s a stop right off Camelback Road in front of the mall for easy access.

Wonderspaces is a creative art space that displays art in a modern way, with sight, touch, sound, movement and virtual reality in mind. Located in the Fashion Square mall, near the food court, it is innovative and offers interactive art experiences through each of their exhibits.

With 13 total art exhibits that change frequently, the experience is always different. You can take pictures throughout the exhibits making it an awesome place for a unique photo op. Grab a drink or snack at the bar and revisit your favorite exhibits for a great way to spend an hour or 2.

Enjoy a truly unique experience at this 30-acre park dedicated to the history of the American railroad. Located on the corner of East Indian Bend Road and North Scottsdale Road, this massive park offers activities for guests of all ages. Enjoy an interactive railroad museum, take a short train ride, or hop on the 1950s vintage carousel for a one-of-a-kind experience.

This railroad park is a great place to enjoy an afternoon outside on the playgrounds or for a family picnic. There’s no admission to visit the park but you can buy tickets to ride the train or carousel. If you’re here on a Sunday during summer, make sure to take advantage of one of their free outdoor concerts.

The Scottsdale wine trail is a great option if you’re looking to sample some of the best wines from the region. Explore 5 popular tasting rooms on the wine trail, all located within walking distance of each other in downtown Scottsdale.

Spend an afternoon sampling delicious, award-winning local wines at some of the top tasting rooms in town. Must-visits include Aridus Wine Company, Carlson Creek Vineyards, LDV Winery, Salvatore Vineyards, and Su Vino Winery. Each tasting room is unique and offers wines from across Arizona. 

Established in 1959, Motorcoach House is Scottsdale’s oldest tavern. Located at the corner of North Goldwater Boulevard and East Indian School Road, it’s right in downtown and easy to get to from all the major sights. Play darts inside or enjoy the desert heat on their outdoor patio for an awesome place to spend a few hours.

If you’re looking for a festive vacation experience, they take decorating to the next level with their Christmas lights. The lights stay up for over half the year, so you can get into the vacation spirit from October to March. While Motorcoach House doesn’t often serve food, they serve free BBQ out front when you buy a drink on Sunday afternoons.

Jade Bar is a great place to enjoy live music and craft cocktails with a view. Located in the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort, just 10 minutes northwest of downtown, the views of the valley are unbeatable and it’s an awesome place to watch the sunset. Spend cool Arizona nights on their outdoor patio by the fireplace or bring your friends for happy hour at this stylish bar.

The cocktails at Jade Bar are innovative and made with farm-fresh local ingredients. Try a classic cocktail or get adventurous with their weekly libations while taking in impressive views of Camelback Mountain and the Praying Monk. For a truly unique experience, stop by on Thursdays for Latin night or sign up for a mixology class.