The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Scottsdale: Top 15 Things to Do

There are many things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona. Some popular activities include visiting the Desert Botanical Garden, hiking in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, golfing, and shopping. Other attractions include the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and Taliesin West.

If you’re looking for things to do in Scottsdale, you won’t be disappointed. This vibrant city has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a night out on the town or a day of exploring the great outdoors. For those who enjoy the nightlife, Scottsdale offers plenty of options.

The Old Town district is home to many bars and clubs, as well as restaurants and shops. If you’re looking for live music, head to one of Scottsdale’s many music venues. You can also catch a show at one of the city’s theaters or comedy clubs.

If you prefer to spend your days outdoors, Scottsdale is also a great place to be. The city is home to several parks and hiking trails, as well as the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which is one of the largest desert preserves in the country. Golfers will find plenty of courses to choose from in Scottsdale, and there are also several spas and resorts if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway.

Top 10 THINGS TO DO in Scottsdale, AZ | 2023 Travel Guide 🌵

What is Scottsdale Best Known For?

Scottsdale, Arizona is best known for its desert landscape, luxury resorts and spas, golf courses, and fine dining. The city is located in the Sonoran Desert and has over 300 days of sunshine per year. Scottsdale is home to some of the nation’s top rated resorts such as The Phoenician, Camelback Inn, and Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain.

The city also boasts over 200 golf courses, including those at TPC Scottsdale (home of the Waste Management Phoenix Open) and Troon North Golf Club. In addition to outdoor recreation, Scottsdale offers a variety of arts and cultural attractions such as the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and Old Town Scottsdale. There are also numerous shopping opportunities ranging from high-end retailers at Fashion Square Mall to local boutiques in Old Town.

How Do I Spend a Day in Scottsdale Az?

There is no shortage of things to do in Scottsdale, AZ. Here are 10 suggestions for how to spend a day in this desert oasis: 1. Start your day with a hike at one of the many nearby trails, such as Pinnacle Peak or McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

2. Soak up some sun at Scottsdale’s famed resorts, such as The Phoenician or Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. 3. Shop ‘til you drop at Scottsdale Fashion Square or Kierland Commons. 4. Sample the local cuisine – from Southwestern specialties to Mexican food, there’s something for everyone’s taste buds in Scottsdale!

5. Catch a game at spring training – cheer on your favorite team at one of the many ballparks in the area. 6. Take a scenic drive through the Desert Botanical Garden or Taliesin West. 7.( If visiting during baseball season) Head to Chase Field to watch the Arizona Diamondbacks play ball!

8.( Or if its football season) Visit University of Phoenix Stadium to see an Arizona Cardinals game instead! 9.(In October) Don’t miss out on Scottsdale’s famed Oktoberfest celebrations – lederhosen optional but encouraged!

Is Scottsdale Worth Going To?

Scottsdale is a city in the eastern part of Maricopa County, Arizona, United States, part of the Greater Phoenix Area. Named after its founder Winfield Scott, a retired U.S. Army chaplain, the city was incorporated in 1951 with a population of 2,000. The 2015 population of Scottsdale is estimated to be 246,645 according to the U.S. Census Bureau,[5] making it the 88th-largest city in the United States and sixth-largest city in Arizona.[1]

The New York Times described downtown Scottsdale as “a desert version of Miami’s South Beach” and as having “plenty of late night partying and a buzzing hotel scene”.[6] Its slogan is “The West’s Most Western Town”. Historically home to Native American tribes such as the Hohokam and Apache,[7][8] Scottsdale was founded by European Americans in 1888 on a 160-acre (65 ha) plot near Fort McDowell.[9][10]

It officially became a town on May 4, 1904,[11] with five residents voting 26–0 in favor[12]. On November 7, 1951 it was incorporated as a city.[13][14][15][16] The founding father Winfield Scott had wide streets laid out specifically for horseback riding; many are named after local landmarks or prominent citizens including Marshall Way (after William A. Marshall), Indian Bend Road (after an adjacent bend in the Salt River), Drinkwater Boulevard (after early settler James Coues Drinkwater), Goldwater Boulevard (after Senator Barry Goldwater) and Camelback Road (so named because it resembles either two humpbacked camels or perhaps only one from certain vantage points).

In recent years several luxury hotels have been built along Camelback Road.[17][18] Is Scottsdale worth going to?

That really depends on what you’re looking for in a vacation destination. If you’re interested in outdoor activities like hiking and biking, then Scottsdale is definitely worth considering – there are plenty of trails located within close proximity to the city. And if you enjoy golfing, Scottsdale is also home to some world-renowned golf courses.

Why is Scottsdale So Popular?

Scottsdale is a city in the eastern part of Maricopa County, Arizona, United States. It is part of the Greater Phoenix metropolitan area. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2019, Scottsdale had a population of 255,310 people.

The city’s motto is “The West’s Most Western Town.” Scottsdale is bordered to the north and east by Tempe, to the east by Mesa, to the south by Phoenix and Paradise Valley Village, and to the west by Carefree. There are many reasons why Scottsdale is so popular!

One reason is that it has more than 300 days of sunshine per year, making it a great place to live if you love sunny weather. The average high temperature in Scottsdale is 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius), and the average low temperature is 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius). Another reason why Scottsdale is popular is because it has a thriving economy.

The city’s unemployment rate was just 3.8% in 2019, which was much lower than both the national unemployment rate (4%) and Arizona’s unemployment rate (5%). Scottsdale also has a very diverse economy, with businesses in industries such as healthcare, technology/startups, manufacturing/distribution/logistics, retail/e-commerce/restaurants, tourism/hospitality/entertainment/recreation…and many more! In addition to having a strong economy, Scottsdale also offers residents and visitors plenty of things to do.

There are more than 90 golf courses located within the city limits – more than any other city in America! In addition to golfing options galore, there are also hiking trails (including Camelback Mountain), museums like The Museum of Musical Instruments and Taliesin West Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture…just to name a few attractions! Whether you’re looking for sunny weather or an exciting place to live or visit – Scottsdale has something for everyone!

Credit: www.tripadvisor.com

Unique Things to Do in Scottsdale, Az

1. Visit the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art- if you’re a fan of modern art, this is the place for you! With ever-changing exhibitions and a variety of public programming, there’s always something new to see at SMoCA. 2. Take a hike or bike ride through McDowell Sonoran Preserve- with over 60 miles of trails, this preserve is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of Scottsdale.

You can even go on guided hikes or night walks to learn more about the area’s plants and animals. 3. Sample local wines at one of Scottsdale’s many wineries- whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking to try something new, Scottsdale’s wineries offer something for everyone. Many of them offer tastings and tours so you can learn about the wine-making process while enjoying some delicious Arizona wines.

4. Shop till you drop at Scottsdale Fashion Square- one of the largest malls in the country, Scottsdale Fashion Square has over 250 stores to explore. From high-end retailers to budget-friendly options, there’s something for everyone here. And if shopping isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other activities like movie theaters and restaurants to keep you entertained.

5. Play a round of golf at one of Scottsdale’s world-class golf courses- with over 200 courses in the area, Scottsdale is a paradise for golfers!

Things to Do in Scottsdale at Night

Whether you’re a night owl or early bird, Scottsdale has plenty of activities to keep you entertained long after the sun goes down. Here are just a few of our favorite things to do in Scottsdale at night. Catch a Show at Talking Stick Resort

Talking Stick Resort is home to some of the best live entertainment in Scottsdale. Catch a show at one of their many venues, including The Lounge, Showroom, and Orpheum Theatre. Recent performers include Reba McEntire, Bill Maher, and Wayne Newton.

Dine Under the Stars at El Chorro El Chorro is a Scottsdale institution, known for their delicious food and stunning views. Their outdoor patio is the perfect spot to enjoy dinner under the stars.

Make sure to try their famous sticky buns!

Things to Do in Scottsdale Today

If you find yourself in Scottsdale with some free time, there are plenty of things to do. Here are a few ideas to get you started: Visit the Taliesin West – Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and school in the desert.

Take a tour of this amazing property and learn about one of America’s greatest architects. Head to Old Town Scottsdale for some shopping, dining, and people watching. This is the city’s historic district and it is full of character.

There are also a number of art galleries worth checking out. Spend an afternoon at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. This museum features rotating exhibitions of contemporary art as well as educational programs for all ages.

For something truly unique, check out the Desert Botanical Garden. This 140-acre garden is home to more than 50,000 plants from all over the world. You can take a self-guided tour or sign up for one of the many special events that are held here throughout the year.

Conclusion

The city of Scottsdale offers a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a place to shop, dine, or simply take in the sights, Scottsdale has something for everyone. With its many attractions and events, Scottsdale is a great place to visit any time of year.