Best Things to Do in Scottsdale
Scottsdale is one of Arizona’s most popular destinations, known for its beautiful desert scenery, vibrant nightlife, world-class golf courses, luxury spas, and thriving restaurant scene. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway, a golf trip, or simply exploring the area, Scottsdale offers a wide variety of activities and attractions for visitors and locals alike.
Many of the most popular things to do in Scottsdale can be found in and around Old Town Scottsdale, where visitors can explore art galleries, restaurants, bars, shopping districts, and cultural attractions all within a walkable area. Beyond Old Town Scottsdale also offers outdoor adventures, scenic desert trails, luxury resorts, and entertainment venues throughout the city.
From relaxing spa experiences and championship golf courses to lively nightlife and outdoor desert adventures, there is no shortage of things to do in Scottsdale.
Below are some of the best activities, attractions, and experiences that help make Scottsdale such a popular destination.
Explore Scottsdale Like a Local
Visitors often start their Scottsdale experience in Old Town Scottsdale, where dozens of restaurants, nightlife venues, shops, and attractions are located within a few blocks. The area offers a mix of historic charm, modern entertainment, and unique local experiences that make it one of the most exciting districts in the city.
Discover More Scottsdale Attractions
OldTownScottsdale.com helps visitors discover restaurants, nightlife, attractions, shopping, and local businesses throughout Scottsdale. Explore the activities below to find some of the most popular things to do during your visit.
Best Things to Do in Scottsdale
Taliesin West
📍 Location: Scottsdale
🎯 Experience: Architecture / Historic Landmark
⭐ Highlights: Frank Lloyd Wright design and desert architecture
Taliesin West is one of the most famous architectural landmarks in Scottsdale and served as the winter home and studio of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Visitors can take guided tours of the property to explore Wright’s innovative desert architecture, learn about his design philosophy, and experience one of the most unique historic sites in Arizona.
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McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
📍 Location: Scottsdale
🎯 Experience: Family Attraction / Outdoor Park
⭐ Highlights: Train rides, railroad museum, playgrounds
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is one of Scottsdale’s most popular family attractions. The park features vintage train rides, a railroad museum, playgrounds, and beautiful park grounds, making it a great place for families and visitors looking to enjoy a relaxing outdoor experience.
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Scottsdale Historical Museum
📍 Location: Old Town Scottsdale
🎯 Experience: History / Cultural Attraction
⭐ Highlights: Historic exhibits and Scottsdale heritage
The Scottsdale Historical Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of Old Town Scottsdale. Located in the historic Little Red Schoolhouse, the museum features exhibits highlighting Scottsdale’s early settlers, Western heritage, and the development of the city over the years.
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Desert Botanical Garden
📍 Location: Scottsdale / Phoenix Area
🎯 Experience: Nature / Desert Landscape
⭐ Highlights: Sonoran Desert plants and scenic walking trails
The Desert Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful outdoor attractions near Scottsdale, showcasing thousands of desert plants from around the world. Visitors can explore scenic walking trails, seasonal exhibits, and stunning desert landscapes that highlight the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
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MacDonald’s Ranch
📍 Location: North Scottsdale
🎯 Experience: Western Adventure / Outdoor Activities
⭐ Highlights: Horseback riding, cowboy cookouts, desert tours
MacDonald’s Ranch offers a true Western adventure experience in North Scottsdale. Visitors can enjoy horseback riding through the desert, stagecoach rides, cowboy cookouts, and seasonal events that celebrate Arizona’s Western heritage.
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Western Spirit: Scottsdale Museum of the West
📍 Location: Old Town Scottsdale
🎯 Experience: Art & Culture Museum
⭐ Highlights: Western art, history, and cultural exhibits
Western Spirit: Scottsdale Museum of the West celebrates the art, history, and culture of the American West. Located in Old Town Scottsdale, the museum features world-class exhibitions of Western art, artifacts, and storytelling that explore the spirit and heritage of the region.
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Topgolf Scottsdale
📍 Location: Scottsdale
🎯 Experience: Entertainment / Golf
⭐ Highlights: Driving range games, food, and social atmosphere
Topgolf Scottsdale combines golf, entertainment, and dining into a fun social experience. Guests can enjoy interactive golf games, food and drinks, and a lively atmosphere that makes Topgolf a popular destination for groups, families, and nightlife entertainment.
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Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
📍 Location: Old Town Scottsdale
🎯 Experience: Arts & Entertainment
⭐ Highlights: Live theater, concerts, and cultural events
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts is one of the city’s premier cultural venues, hosting a wide range of performances including concerts, theater productions, dance performances, and special events. The venue attracts both local audiences and visitors looking for live entertainment.
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Scottsdale Adventure Tours
📍 Location: Scottsdale
🎯 Experience: Desert Tours / Outdoor Adventure
⭐ Highlights: Jeep tours, desert exploration, guided adventures
Scottsdale Adventure Tours offers guided off-road adventures through the Sonoran Desert, giving visitors the chance to explore rugged desert landscapes, scenic viewpoints, and Arizona’s unique natural environment. These tours are a popular way for visitors to experience the desert beyond the city.
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McCormick Ranch Golf Club
📍 Location: Scottsdale
🎯 Experience: Golf / Outdoor Recreation
⭐ Highlights: Championship golf courses and scenic desert views
McCormick Ranch Golf Club is one of Scottsdale’s most well-known golf destinations, offering two championship courses surrounded by beautiful desert scenery. Golfers of all skill levels enjoy the scenic fairways, well-maintained greens, and classic Scottsdale golf experience.
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Scottsdale offers a wide variety of attractions and experiences for visitors looking to explore the city. From historic landmarks and museums to desert adventures, golf courses, and entertainment venues, there are countless things to do while visiting Scottsdale.
OldTownScottsdale.com helps visitors discover restaurants, nightlife, attractions, shopping, and local businesses throughout Scottsdale. Explore more local listings to plan your next Scottsdale adventure.
View our extensive list of all the Things To Do in the Scottsdale area. Check back often as the list keeps growing
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