Visit the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is a must-see destination for art lovers. Phoenix to Scottsdale shuttle The museum features various rotating exhibitions showcasing contemporary art and design worldwide. The museum offers a variety of educational programs and events, such as lectures, tours, and workshops, that give visitors more profound insights into the art and artists on display.
Take a hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is popular for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Shuttle vs rideshare guide It offers more than 330 miles of trails that allow visitors to explore the Sonoran Desert's natural beauty. It's essential to be prepared for the hike and, bring enough water, snacks, sunscreen, and wear appropriate footwear. Before heading out, it's also a good idea to check the weather forecast, trail conditions, and any trail closures. Pets are not permitted on the trails.
Enjoy the nightlife in Scottsdale's famous "Main Street."
Old Town Scottsdale, also known as "Main Street," is a popular destination for nightlife in Scottsdale. Phoenix airport pickup guide The area features a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants that offer something for everyone. Old Town Scottsdale is also home to various other entertainment options, such as comedy clubs, karaoke bars, and dance clubs, so there is plenty to see and do in the evening.
Visit the Scottsdale Fashion Square.
The Scottsdale Fashion Square is one of the largest shopping centers in the Southwest. It features luxury retailers and restaurants, several department stores, and a wide variety of specialty shops. The mall also features a variety of dining options, such as The Cheesecake Factory, The Capital Grille, and True Food Kitchen. It also offers a variety of entertainment options, such as a 14-screen AMC Theatre and a comedy club. The mall is open all week and offers complimentary valet parking, personal shoppers, and a concierge service.
Take a scenic drive through Pinnacle Peak Park.
Pinnacle Peak Park is a beautiful natural area in North Scottsdale that offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The park features various hiking trails ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous climbs to the summit of Pinnacle Peak. The park also features a scenic drive that winds through the park and offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains and desert. The drive is 3.2 miles long, a one-way road, and it is paved, so it's suitable for all vehicles.
Arizona Shuttle is a transportation service that provides transportation to and from various locations within Arizona, including Phoenix, Tucson, Sedona, and Flagstaff. Our service is perfect for solo travelers, groups, and families. A service is an excellent option for those who wish to prevent the hassle and expense of renting a car or for those who prefer not to drive. Our service is perfect for solo travelers, groups, and families. For more information, contact (480) 710-3441.
Step Back in Time at Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright chose the desert foothills at the base of McDowell Mountain for his winter home and architectural school, and today Taliesin West operates as a UNESCO World Heritage site and the headquarters of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Originally constructed in the late 1930s, the property offers a variety of daily tours that give visitors an insider's look at Wright's ingenious designs and his signature ability to blur the line between indoor and outdoor living spaces. The campus sits on the corner of Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard and_tcp McCain Drive, just off Loop 101 in northeast Scottsdale, making it an easy stop to pair with the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Tour availability changes seasonally, and popular time slots can sell out, so it's smart to book ahead through the official Taliesin West website before your visit.
Stroll Old Town Scottsdale's Galleries and Wine Tasting Rooms
Beyond its well-known nightlife, Old Town Scottsdale rewards daytime visitors with one of the Southwest's most walkable art and wine scenes. Every Thursday evening, the Scottsdale Gallery Association hosts the long-running ArtWalk along Main Street, where galleries open their doors for a casual, self-guided stroll. Art lovers should also make time for the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and the civic spaces around the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall.
Sample Arizona Wine Without Leaving Town
While Arizona's wine-growing regions are a two- to three-hour drive from Scottsdale, you don't need to leave the city to taste what the state's wineries are producing. Tasting rooms for Arizona wineries are scattered throughout Old Town, letting you sample Verde Valley and Willcox wines within a few walkable blocks. It's a relaxed way to spend an afternoon between gallery stops and dinner reservations.
Wander the Desert Botanical Garden
Located in south Scottsdale near Papago Park, the Desert Botanical Garden is one of the region's most beloved attractions and pairs perfectly with nearby Camelback Mountain views. Miles of trails meander through different garden concepts showcasing roughly 50,000 plants, with an emphasis on the Sonoran Desert's iconic saguaro cactus. The Garden also hosts seasonal events and rotating art installations, so check the calendar before you go. Plan for a scenic walk of a couple of hours, and bring sun protection even in cooler months.
Explore Scottsdale by Bike
Scottsdale is surprisingly bike-friendly. According to the City of Scottsdale, the city offers roughly 105 miles of paved pathways — a figure that climbs to approximately 384 miles once you add bike lanes and paved shoulders. Many of these paths follow the Arizona Canal, which traces its origins back to canals first dug by Indigenous peoples in the 1400s for their farms and later restored in the 1800s to serve miners during the gold rush. Riders today can follow this historic waterway past the Scottsdale Waterfront and through Old Town.
Guided Bike Tour or Self-Guided Ride?
Guided bike tours (typically lasting around two to two and a half hours) are a great way to cover more sightseeing in a single outing, with hotel pickup and a local guide leading the way through neighborhoods and green spaces. Confident riders who prefer to go at their own pace can rent a bike and follow the canal paths independently — just carry water and a phone for navigation.
Kayak or Float the Salt River
For a change of scenery, head about 45 minutes from Scottsdale to Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch in nearby Mesa, where outfitters launch trips onto the Salt River. The relaxed, roughly 2.5-hour kayak and tubing trips are ideal for gentle exercise among a beautiful desert landscape, with towering saguaros and the walls of the Goldfield Mountains framing the water. Reservations are strongly recommended on weekends, especially during the busy spring and summer season. Options and current rates are listed on each outfitter's website.
Unwind at a Scottsdale Resort or Spa
Scottsdale has more than 75 hotels and resorts within its city limits and the surrounding area, and nearly as many spas as resorts. Even if you're not staying overnight, many properties offer day passes or bookable treatments. Properties like the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort overlook the McDowell Mountains, and some resorts feature extensive pool complexes — water playgrounds with multiple pools, sandy beaches, and waterslides — that make an afternoon of lounging an activity in itself. Spa treatments at area resorts are typically priced per service and vary widely, so request a current treatment menu before booking.
Dine Your Way Through Nearly 1,000 Restaurants
The city has roughly 1,000 restaurants, many award-winning, so the hardest part is choosing. Old Town remains the densest cluster of options, from casual patios to fine dining rooms. For a splurge-worthy special occasion, Cafe Monarch in Old Town offers a four- or eight-course tasting menu format with optional add-ons — reservations are essential, and current menu pricing is listed on the restaurant's website. If you're celebrating, it's worth calling ahead; Scottsdale's most talked-about tables book out weeks in advance during peak season.
Scottsdale Attractions at a Glance
Use this quick comparison to build an itinerary that matches your interests and schedule:
| Attraction | Area | Best For | Time to Allow (estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taliesin West | Northeast Scottsdale (Loop 101) | Architecture and history buffs | Half a day |
| Old Town Scottsdale | Downtown | Galleries, wine tasting, dining | Half a day to a full evening |
| Desert Botanical Garden | South Scottsdale / Papago Park | Scenic walks and photography | 2–3 hours |
| Canal Path Bike Ride | Throughout the city | Active sightseeing | 1–3 hours |
| Salt River Kayaking | Mesa (~45 min from Scottsdale) | Gentle outdoor adventure | Half a day |
| Resort Pool or Spa Day | Citywide, incl. Gainey Ranch | Relaxation and pampering | Half a day |
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Scottsdale
What is the best time of year to visit Scottsdale?
Late fall through early spring offers the most comfortable weather for hiking, biking, and patio dining. Scottsdale enjoys roughly 314 days of sun per year with only about 7.5 inches of annual rainfall, according to local tourism sources, but summer temperatures regularly climb well above 100°F, so plan outdoor activities for early morning if you visit between June and September.
How far is Scottsdale from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport?
Sky Harbor Airport sits about 10–15 minutes from downtown Scottsdale via the SR-202 and Loop 101 freeways, depending on your exact destination and traffic. A pre-booked airport shuttle is one of the easiest ways to make the trip without renting a car.
Do you need a car in Scottsdale?
Not necessarily. Old Town, the Fashion Square area, and the canal paths are very walkable and bikeable, and shuttles, rideshares, and hotel pickup tours can cover the rest. A rental car is helpful if you plan to explore farther afield, such as the Salt River in Mesa or day trips to Sedona.
Is Scottsdale family-friendly?
Absolutely. The Desert Botanical Garden, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve's easier trails, resort water playgrounds, and calm Salt River floats all work well for families with children. Check age and height requirements with individual tour operators before booking.
How many days should I spend in Scottsdale?
Two to three days is enough to cover the highlights — Old Town, a desert hike, the Botanical Garden, and one resort or spa day. Add a fourth day if you want to include Taliesin West and a Salt River outing without rushing.
What should I pack for a Scottsdale trip?
Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and refillable water bottles are essentials year-round. For hiking, wear closed-toe shoes with good traction, and remember that pets are not permitted on McDowell Sonoran Preserve trails. Layers are smart for winter evenings, when desert temperatures drop quickly after sunset.
Are Scottsdale attractions expensive?
Costs vary widely. Hiking the Preserve, browsing Old Town's galleries, and riding the canal paths are free, while guided tours, spa treatments, and tasting menus are ticketed experiences. All prices in this guide are estimates only — always confirm current rates and hours on each attraction's official website before you go.
