10 Best Things to Do in Scottsdale, Arizona for an Unforgettable Desert Getaway

Scottsdale, Arizona sunset with saguaro cacti, desert mountains, Old Town architecture, and text reading “10 Best Things To Do in Scottsdale, Arizona.”

By: Adam Jerold Cansino | August 19, 2026

Scottsdale blends Sonoran Desert scenery with art, architecture, shopping, golf, wellness, and a lively food scene, making it easy to build a trip around a wide range of interests. You can spend the morning on a trail, the afternoon at a museum or spa, and the evening dining in Old Town Scottsdale without feeling like you have left the heart of the city. Scottsdale tourism resources highlight everything from outdoor recreation and museums to wine tasting, botanical gardens, and family attractions.

If you are planning several days in Arizona, choosing a comfortable home base can make it easier to explore at your own pace. Browse Scottsdale vacation rentals from Paradiso to compare private homes before building out the rest of your travel itinerary. Paradiso’s destination page allows guests to search Scottsdale properties by dates, guest count, bedrooms, and amenities.

1. Wander Through Old Town Scottsdale

People walking along the historic street of Old Town Scottsdale past outdoor patio diners, local art galleries, and a bronze cowboy statue.

Old Town Scottsdale is one of the easiest places to begin a first visit. The walkable district brings together restaurants, galleries, boutiques, public art, historic sites, wine tasting rooms, and nightlife across several distinct neighborhoods. It is a useful starting point when you want a mix of sightseeing and spontaneous stops rather than a tightly scheduled day.

Spend time browsing local shops, stop for coffee, visit the Arts District, or stay into the evening for dining and nightlife options. If you are researching downtown Scottsdale, Old Town is generally the district travelers are referring to when they want the city’s most concentrated pedestrian-friendly entertainment zone.

Good for: first-time visitors, couples, groups, food lovers, and travelers who like to explore on foot.

2. Hike the McDowell Sonoran Preserve

For an outdoor adventure, head toward the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Scottsdale’s preserve system offers more than 230 miles of shared-use trails, giving hikers and mountain bikers a wide range of routes through Sonoran Desert terrain.

Choose hiking trails based on your group’s experience level, the season, and how much time you want to spend outdoors. Early starts are especially practical during warmer months. Travelers can also explore Camelback Mountain and Pinnacle Peak for more hiking options in the greater Scottsdale and Phoenix area.

Bring water, sun protection, and proper footwear, and check current trail conditions before you hike.

Good for: active travelers, nature lovers, photographers, and anyone who wants wide-open scenery.

3. Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West

Architecture adds a completely different dimension to a visit to Scottsdale. Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and desert laboratory, sits in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains and is both a National Historic Landmark and part of a UNESCO World Heritage inscription.

A guided or audio-based visit gives travelers a closer look at how Wright worked with the landscape, local materials, light, and indoor-outdoor spaces. Advance reservations are strongly recommended by the site due to limited tour tickets.

This stop works particularly well for design enthusiasts who want an experience that feels specific to Arizona rather than a standard sightseeing attraction.

Good for: architecture lovers, design fans, history travelers, and couples.

4. See Contemporary Art at the Scottsdale Museum

The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, commonly known as SMoCA, focuses on modern visual culture, architecture, and design. It is located at Scottsdale Civic Center near Old Town, making it easy to pair a museum visit with lunch, shopping, or an evening in the surrounding district.

The museum’s exhibitions change, so check the current schedule before your visit. The compact format also makes SMoCA a useful indoor option when you want a cultural stop without committing an entire day.

Good for: museum lovers, architecture fans, couples, and travelers looking for an indoor activity.

5. Walk Scottsdale Civic Center and Experience ArtWalk

Continue the creative theme outdoors at Scottsdale Civic Center, where landscaped public spaces and installations make it easy to stroll between cultural stops. The campus serves as one of the city’s creative hubs and is located near SMoCA and the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

On Thursday evenings, the Scottsdale ArtWalk offers another way to explore the historic Arts District in Old Town Scottsdale. Galleries open their doors for an evening centered on local and regional work, giving visitors a relaxed alternative to a traditional museum visit.

Check the calendar for performances, exhibitions, and special events that may overlap with your travel dates.

Good for: couples, culture-focused travelers, and relaxed evening itineraries.

6. Discover Desert Botanical Garden Near Scottsdale

A paved walking trail lined with blooming desert wildflowers, cacti, and a tall saguaro cactus at the Desert Botanical Garden.

Just outside Scottsdale, Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden is an excellent addition to a longer Arizona itinerary. The garden focuses on regional plants and conservation and offers trails, tours, seasonal programming, and family-oriented activities.

It is especially useful for travelers who want to understand the Sonoran landscape beyond the view from a hotel pool or roadside scenery. Plan enough time to walk comfortably, take a photo or two, and notice how dramatically cactus, wildflowers, and trees can vary across the grounds.

Because the garden is in Phoenix rather than Scottsdale proper, combine it with another nearby stop instead of treating it as a quick walk from Old Town.

Good for: families, couples, gardeners, nature lovers, and first-time Arizona visitors.

7. Take a Sonoran Desert Adventure

Not every desert experience needs to happen on foot. Scottsdale has guided options that can include horseback riding, off-road excursions, and hot-air balloon flights, depending on the season and operator. The city’s official activity guide features a broad range of ways to experience the landscape beyond traditional sightseeing.

Choose an activity based on your group’s comfort level, weather, and how much travel time you want to spend outside the central city. A sunrise or late-day outing can also offer a different perspective on the landscape than a midday excursion.

For groups, this can be one of the most memorable parts of the itinerary because it offers a shared experience rather than just another stop to check off.

Good for: groups, couples, adventurous families, and repeat visitors.

8. Play a Round of Golf

Golf is deeply connected to the Scottsdale visitor experience, and travelers can choose from a wide range of courses across the area. TPC Scottsdale is one of the most recognizable options, and its Stadium Course has long hosted the WM Phoenix Open.

If golf is a major reason for your getaway, plan tee times before arrival and compare course locations with your accommodations. That can reduce driving and leave more time for meals, a wellness appointment, or an evening out after your round.

Even non-golfers can build a separate day around shopping, wellness, or sightseeing while the golfers are on the course.

Good for: golf getaways, friend groups, couples with different interests, and sports fans.

9. Recharge With a Scottsdale Spa Day

Scottsdale is widely promoted as a wellness and spa destination, and a slower day can be a smart counterpoint to hiking, golf, and long afternoons outside. Resort spas throughout the area offer treatments and relaxation spaces, while local tourism resources feature wellness as one of the destination’s major visitor experiences.

Schedule a spa visit after your most active day, or make it the centerpiece of a low-key afternoon. For a longer stay, alternating active days with slower ones keeps the itinerary from feeling rushed.

A spa day also works well for couples, celebration getaways, and groups that want a few hours apart before meeting again for dinner.

Good for: couples, groups, wellness travelers, and anyone building relaxation into the stay.

10. Shop and Dine at Scottsdale Fashion Square

Scottsdale Fashion Square offers visitors a polished shopping experience, with luxury brands, department stores, restaurants, entertainment, and services all under one roof. Its current directory includes major fashion labels alongside dining options ranging from quick stops to full-service restaurants.

Its location near Old Town Scottsdale makes it easy to combine shopping with galleries, drinks, or dinner later in the day. It is also a practical option when the weather makes a long outdoor afternoon less appealing.

If shopping is not a priority, use this stop as a flexible backup rather than a must-do. The strongest Scottsdale itinerary balances time for retail with the landscape, culture, and local neighborhoods that make the destination distinctive.

Good for: shoppers, food-focused travelers, groups, and warm-weather afternoons.

Plan Your Scottsdale Stay Around the Experiences You Care About Most

A strong Scottsdale guide does not need to pack every hour. Start with two or three anchor experiences, then leave room for meals, pool time, scenic drives, and unplanned stops. A three- or four-day stay can combine Old Town, an outdoor outing, architecture or a museum, golf or wellness time, and one nearby attraction without making the schedule feel overloaded.

Location matters as much as the activity list. Staying near the experiences your group cares about most can simplify travel between morning plans and evening reservations. For a private home option, explore Scottsdale vacation rentals from Paradiso and choose a home base that fits your group size, preferred area, and getaway style. Paradiso’s Scottsdale search includes filters for house type, bedrooms, guest count, and amenities.

Whether your ideal Arizona escape revolves around trails, galleries, restaurants, golf, wellness, or time by the pool, Scottsdale makes it possible to mix several travel styles into one memorable vacation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should first-time visitors do in Scottsdale?

First-time visitors should explore Old Town Scottsdale, hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, tour Taliesin West, visit local art museums, and enjoy the city’s dining and shopping scene. These experiences provide a good mix of desert scenery, culture, architecture, and entertainment.

How many days do you need in Scottsdale?

Three to four days is enough time for most Scottsdale trips. This gives travelers enough time to explore Old Town, enjoy an outdoor activity, visit a museum or architectural attraction, and leave room for golf, shopping, dining, or a spa day.

What is Scottsdale best known for?

Scottsdale is known for its Sonoran Desert scenery, luxury resorts, golf courses, spas, art galleries, shopping, and vibrant Old Town district. The destination also offers hiking trails, architectural landmarks, restaurants, and outdoor adventure opportunities.

What can families do in Scottsdale?

Yes. Families can explore desert trails, visit museums, walk through Scottsdale Civic Center, spend time at the nearby Desert Botanical Garden, shop and dine around town, or choose guided outdoor experiences for different ages.

Where should you stay when visiting Scottsdale?

The best area depends on what you want to do. Old Town is convenient for dining, shopping, galleries, and nightlife, while North Scottsdale can be a good choice for golf and desert activities. Families and groups looking for more space can also browse Paradiso’s Scottsdale vacation rentals for private homes near popular Scottsdale attractions.