Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Scottsdale, AZ

  • Published 2022/10/01

Scottsdale, Arizona, is a popular destination for travelers looking for a little bit of everything.

With its warm climate and abundance of activities, it’s no wonder people flock to this city every year.

If you’re looking for a vacation destination that offers something for everyone, look no further than Scottsdale.

The city has everything from world-class shopping and dining to outdoor activities and attractions.

Here are the best things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona:

Discover the Architectural Wonders of Taliesin West

Exterior of Taliesin West

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Taliesin West is a National Historic Landmark and the former winter home of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Located in the desert foothills of the McDowell Mountains, it is one of the world’s most innovative and unique architectural sites.

Visitors can take tours of the property, which includes Wright’s home, studio, and workshop.

Wright began building Taliesin West in 1937 as a place where he and his students could live and work during the winter months.

Interior of Taliesin West

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The property features many of Wright’s famous architectural innovations, including using natural materials and passive solar design.

Today, Taliesin West is a popular tourist destination and is considered one of the most important architectural sites in the United States.

It’s a must-see for anyone interested in architecture or history.

The grounds of Taliesin West

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Enjoy a Day Out with the Family at MacDonald’s Ranch

Nestled on North Scottsdale Road, MacDonald’s Ranch features a variety of activities that are perfect for kids.

It’s home to a petting zoo, a playground, and other attractions.

The petting zoo is home to various animals, including horses, sheep, and pigs.

Perfect for kids of all ages, the playground features a variety of games and activities that are sure to keep the little ones entertained for hours.

MacDonald’s Ranch also offers a variety of other attractions, including a train ride and a hayride.

Do Some Retail Therapy at Scottsdale Fashion Square

Welcome sign of Scottsdale Fashion Square

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Located on East Camelback Road, Scottsdale Fashion Square is more than just a shopping mall.

It’s also home to various restaurants, luxury retailers, and entertainment options.

For starters, the mall has a 14-screen AMC movie theater.

A store at Scottsdale Fashion Square

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If you’re looking for some retail therapy, Scottsdale Fashion Square is the place to be.

You’ll find all your favorite brands under one roof, from Nordstrom to Gucci.

Whether you’re looking to buy a new outfit or want to update your wardrobe, Scottsdale Fashion Square has you covered.

Gucci storefront at Scottsdale Fashion Square

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Experience the Life of a Cowboy for a Day at the Arizona Cowboy College

The Arizona Cowboy College, located on North 152nd Street, is a great place for tourists to learn about cowboy culture.

It offers a variety of educational programs, including hands-on workshops and lectures for interested visitors.

The college was founded in 1990 by Bob and Gayle White, and it’s dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and culture of American cowboys.

It’s also home to various exhibits that are sure to interest tourists.

The displays include a replica of a cow camp and a life-size sculpture of a cowboy.

The Arizona Cowboy College also has a gift shop that offers a variety of cowboy-themed gifts and souvenirs.

Spend the Day at TPC Scottsdale

Aerial view of TPC Scottsdale

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TPC Scottsdale is home to two championship golf courses: the Stadium Course and the Champions Course.

The Stadium Course is best known for its iconic 16th hole, which features a stadium-style seating area accommodating up to 20,000 spectators.

The Champions Course has also hosted several prestigious golf tournaments, including the Phoenix Open.

A stadium at TPC Scottsdale

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If you’re not a golf fan, don’t worry—there are plenty of other things to do at TPC Scottsdale.

The property on North Hayden Road features several restaurants, a spa, and a fitness center.

You can also go for a walk or ride your bike on the trails that wind through the property.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride with Firebird Balloons

If you’re looking for a unique way to see Scottsdale, Arizona, look no further than Firebird Balloons.

A hot air balloon ride is the perfect way to see Scottsdale from above.

Firebird Balloons offers hot air balloon rides that excite tourists of all ages.

The rides take off from the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which offers beautiful views of the desert landscape.

They last for about an hour and a half, and passengers are given a complimentary champagne toast upon landing.

Firebird Balloons is one of Scottsdale’s most popular tourist attractions, and reservations are strongly recommended.

Go for an Outdoor Adventure at the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Daytime view of Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve

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The Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a beautiful desert park on North Thompson Peak Parkway.

It features more than 30 miles of hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, fishing ponds, and an amphitheater.

The preserve is great for a nature hike or mountain bike ride.

People walking along Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve

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There are also several areas where you can stop and take in the views of the surrounding desert.

If you’re looking for a fun outdoor adventure, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is definitely worth checking out.

Cliffs at Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve

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Go for a Swim at the Swimming Holes of the Verde Valley

The Swimming Holes of the Verde Valley are a popular tourist attraction in Arizona.

Verde Valley is a beautiful area known for its red rocks and river canyons.

The area is home to various swimming holes, perfect for tourists looking for a place to cool off.

It’s also a great place to relax and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

The Swimming Holes of the Verde Valley are located along the Verde River, offering plenty of fishing, kayaking, and rafting opportunities.

Take a Trip Down Memory Lane at Old Town Scottsdale

Welcome sign of Old Town Scottsdale

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Old Town Scottsdale is a historic district developed in the early 1950s.

The district is home to various shops, restaurants, galleries, and museums.

It’s also home to several events, including art walks, live music performances, and car shows.

The area was initially known as “Goat Hill” because it was home to many goats.

Buildings along Old Town Scottsdale

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In the early 1950s, the city of Scottsdale began to develop the area into a commercial district.

The district was designed in an old Western town style, and many buildings featured false fronts and wagon wheel light fixtures.

Today, Old Town Scottsdale is a popular tourist destination and is considered one of Arizona’s most important historic districts.

A fountain at Old Town Scottsdale

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Summon Your Green Thumb at the Xeriscape Garden

The Xeriscape Garden is a great place for tourists to learn about drought-tolerant plants.

It features a variety of plants, including cacti and succulents.

The garden is also home to several educational programs, perfect for tourists who want to learn more about gardening.

It’s also the perfect place to get ideas for drought-tolerant landscaping.

The Xeriscape Garden is located in Chaparral Park, home to various other tourist attractions.

Look at Some Art at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

Exterior of the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

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One of Arizona’s most important cultural institutions, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art on East 2nd Street is an excellent place for tourists.

It plays a vital role in promoting art and creativity in the community.

The museum has a variety of exhibitions and educational programs that are sure to interest tourists.

Building sign of Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

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It also has an on-site cafe offering great views of the adjacent Scottsdale Civic Center Park.

The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is more than just a museum; it’s also an important cultural center for the city of Scottsdale.

The museum hosts various events throughout the year, including art walks, live music performances, and film screenings.

Go on an Off-Road Jeep Tour with Scottsdale Adventure Tours

Jeep tours with Scottsdale Adventure Tours are the perfect way to explore the area’s stunning desert landscape.

The tours are led by experienced guides who will show you all the best spots in the area.

You’ll see everything from cacti and Joshua trees to desert canyons and mountain ranges.

Scottsdale Adventure Tours offers a great way to get off the beaten path and explore some of the most beautiful areas in Scottsdale.

Be sure to bring your camera so you can snap some pictures of the incredible views.

See the Trains at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

Steam locomotive at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

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Located on East Indian Bend Road, the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is an excellent place for families to visit.

It features a train museum, a playground, and a picnic area.

The park is also home to the world’s largest model railroad, which features trains that travel through realistic landscapes.

Interior of a train at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

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The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a must-see for any train enthusiast.

The museum features a variety of exhibits that are sure to interest tourists.

The park also offers a variety of other attractions, including a playground and a picnic area.

Boarding station at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

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Play Golf at Troon North Golf Club

Troon North Golf Club is one of Scottsdale’s most famous golf courses.

This award-winning course on East Dynamite Boulevard features two 18-hole championship courses set against the backdrop of Pinnacle Peak Mountain.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced golfer, you’ll enjoy playing here.

Troon North Golf Club is also home to several other activities, including hiking and biking.

The golf course is set against the backdrop of Pinnacle Peak Mountain, so it’s the perfect place to enjoy a beautiful view.

You can also visit the clubhouse, which offers a variety of dining options.

Take a Day Trip with the Family at Butterfly Wonderland

Exterior of Butterfly Wonderland

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Butterfly Wonderland is the perfect place for families to learn about butterflies and other insects.

The park on East Vía de Ventura features a butterfly conservatory, a children’s garden, and various educational programs.

The butterfly conservatory is home to more than 3,000 butterflies from around the world.

A butterfly on a flower at Butterfly Wonderland

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The children’s garden features a variety of games and activities that are perfect for kids.

Butterfly Wonderland also offers a variety of educational programs perfect for families.

The programs include hands-on workshops, lectures, and Q&A sessions with the park’s staff.

A beautiful butterfly at Butterfly Wonderland

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Explore America’s Rich History at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

Exterior of Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West

PamMcP, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is a great place to learn about the history of the American West.

The museum, located on North Marshall Way, is dedicated to promoting the history and culture of the American West.

It’s one of the most important museums in Arizona since it plays a vital role in promoting art and creativity in the community.

Statue on the grounds of Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West

PamMcP, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West has a variety of exhibits that are sure to interest tourists.

It also has a gift shop, which offers a variety of Western-themed gifts and souvenirs.

Facade of Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West

Oqsayers, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

See a Show at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

Exterior of Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

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The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts is a world-class performing arts center that features a variety of events throughout the year.

The center, located on East 2nd Street, is home to three theaters.

It hosts everything from ballet and opera performances to rock concerts and stand-up comedy shows.

Building sign of Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

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Some of the most popular events at the center include the Broadway in Scottsdale series and the Scottsdale International Film Festival.

The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts is also home to several educational programs, making it the perfect place to learn about the arts.

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of things to enjoy in Scottsdale.

From exploring the natural beauty of the desert landscape to enjoying world-class performances, you’re sure to find something that interests you.

Be sure to add the best things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona to your itinerary so you can make the most of your trip.

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