Things To Do In Scottsdale, Arizona

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale offers an array of spectacular desert trails and excellent facilities that have received praise. The Preserve is notable for its unique geology, as well as its stunning landscapes, flourishing cactus forests, and diverse wildlife.

Currently, there is a perfect chance to explore the expansive 30,580 acres of the Sonoran Desert. You have the option to choose from any of the main trailheads to access over 225 miles of trails within Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

OdySea Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the southwest, offers a distinctive and captivating oceanic experience. This high-tech facility showcases a wide variety of animals, such as sharks, otters, sea lions, penguins, sea turtles, sloths, and more.

In addition to that, visitors can enjoy immersive activities like SeaTREK underwater ocean walking, four interactive touch exhibits, a submerged escalator, and the world's only rotating aquarium making it a must-see attractions in Scottsdale Arizona.

There are plenty of things to do at Scottsdale's Downtown area to keep you entertained. One option is to enjoy some retail therapy, as the town offers a variety of boutique shops where you can find unique souvenirs, jewelry, and art with a Southwestern touch. 

If you're looking for dining and nightlife options, you'll be pleased to discover a high concentration of bars, lounges, restaurants, and clubs within proximity to each other.

People consistently revisit the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts in Scottsdale for entertainment. The clear reason is the fantastic facilities it offers, from spacious seating to convenient parking.

Established in 1975, it has become a renowned venue that showcases a variety of artistic performances, including dance, music, theater, comedy, and film, representing diverse cultures and perspectives. The Center continues to provide the community with unforgettable experiences that celebrate artistic excellence and foster cultural awareness.

Are you visiting Scottsdale, Arizona? Consider taking a hot air balloon ride above the Sonoran Desert in Scottsdale! It offers the ultimate experience with breathtaking views of the sunrise at 3,000 feet. The sights that you will behold during this flight are truly mesmerizing.

The sight of colorful balloons in the distance, gently rolling hills all around, and towering cacti below makes it the perfect way to spend a morning in Scottsdale Arizona United States.

Plan a match day with your friend at Scottsdale Stadium. Located in the heart of downtown Scottsdale, the stadium offers a picturesque setting and is just a short stroll away from a plethora of dining options, clubs, and art galleries.

Serving as the spring training home to the San Francisco Giants, the stadium boasts a baseball field designed by the Baltimore Orioles' Camden Yards owner. This impressive venue was constructed in 1992 and has a seating capacity of 12,000. 

Things Scottsdale visitors should add to their itinerary is a hiking day at Pinnacle Peak. This park offers a moderate out-and-back trail, spanning a total distance of 3.5 miles, showcasing the untouched beauty of the Sonoran Desert environment.

Additionally, the park provides rock climbing routes, picnic tables, an informative trailhead office, and interpretive displays along the trails. During your hike, you may encounter various wildlife, including Gila monsters, bobcats, javelinas, grey foxes, and the western diamondback rattlesnake.

Spend a delightful day at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale This 30-acre gem is operated with care by Scottsdale's Parks & Recreation Department and is truly unique.

Take a scenic ride on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad, hop on the charming 1950s vintage carousel, and explore quirky shops and museums. Let the kids have a blast in the one-of-a-kind playgrounds. Or simply find a cozy spot on the grass under a tree and soak in the beauty of Scottsdale’s most enchanting park.

Step into the wonder of Butterfly Wonderland right here in Arizona! Imagine being surrounded by thousands of lively butterflies in the country's largest butterfly conservatory. Isn't it beautiful?

Here, you can encounter the magic of butterflies and other rainforest creatures through live exhibits. It's a special escape, a haven from the chaos outside, where you can connect with the beauty of butterflies and the rainforest. Take your time wandering through the conservatory, surrounded by beautiful butterflies. 

Discover Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's desert home and studio nestled in the McDowell Mountains' foothills. This iconic space, where Wright created masterpieces like the Guggenheim Museum and Fallingwater, is now open to the public.

Immerse yourself in various experiences, including the "Sunsets and Sips" Happy Hour program. Join in to explore the legacy of this American master architect and enjoy a unique blend of architecture and nature in the breathtaking surroundings of Taliesin West.

Harkins Theatres is a family-owned and operated business, founded and based in Arizona in 1933. This theater is conveniently located among restaurants and shops, making it a perfect destination for a night out.

You can enjoy a nice dinner before catching a show, or start with the show and then relish your favorite scenes while having a meal. If you're looking to watch independent films, foreign films, or other arthouse cinema, this theater is your top choice. The ticket prices at this theater are reasonable.

Things to do in Scottsdale Arizona is incomplete without savoring its culinary delights. With over 400 restaurants, the city offers a diverse array of cuisines, from family-run Italian spots to modern Latin tacos and empanadas.

A notable choice is Talavera at the Four Seasons, renowned for perfectly executed tapas like paella and octopus in mojo picón, serving Spanish delights since 2008. Delight your taste buds with the city's rich culinary scene.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Sedona, Arizona on a day trip that will leave you in awe. Explore the astonishing red rock formations, embark on picturesque hiking trails, and immerse yourself in the serenity of nature.

Uncover the spiritual energy emanating from the scattered vortexes in the region, and seize the opportunity to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Delight in the local cuisine, peruse through distinctive shops and capture awe-inspiring views that will forever be etched in your memory.

Scottsdale isn't just about desert views. Have you heard of Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt? It's not only an amazing structure but also a community hub for chilling and having fun.

Whether you are seeking relaxation, sports activities, or the opportunity to explore on an e-bike from McCormick Ranch, this green paradise offers it all. It is the perfect spot to spend a leisurely afternoon without exerting yourself too much.

Take your kids to Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs, an Interactive animatronic dinosaur exhibit. With over 50 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and realistic recreations of prehistoric environments, Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs allows visitors to journey back to the time of dinosaurs.

Search for fossils and enjoy other family-friendly activities, educational explorations, dinosaur-themed dining, and much more. Make sure to get there early so you can have plenty of time to explore everything.

Situated in the bustling Old Town area, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) showcases an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design from all corners of the world. 

In addition, visitors can enjoy the captivating desert sky, as the museum offers a unique experience of the ever-changing light. SMoCA further enriches the visitor's experience by hosting various exhibitions, educational programs, docent-led tours, and special events tailored for both adults and families.

Cosanti is an art gallery and studio in Paradise Valley. It was the residence of Italian-American architect Paolo Soleri until his demise in 2013. Cosanti is marked by terraced landscaping, experimental earth-formed concrete structures, and sculptural wind-bells.

Likewise, this art gallery provides a selection of handcrafted bronze or ceramic bells, pots, planters, jewelry, and various other products. Feel free to stroll through the gallery, observe the bell pouring process (typically at 10:30 am and 11:30 am on weekdays), and explore the gift shop.

Looking for things to do in Scottsdale and Phoenix Arizona? Plan a trip to Desert Botanical Garden, the finest collection of dry-climate plants from various global deserts. With over 50,000 desert plants on view across five themed trails, it educates on conservation, desert life, Sonoran Desert flora and fauna, and wildflowers.

Explore through specialized tours, events, seasonal exhibits, concerts, family activities, Gertrude's restaurant, Patio Café, and the Garden's gift and plant shop for a diverse experience in the heart of nature.

The Scottsdale Waterfront, nestled in Downtown Scottsdale between Scottsdale Road and Marshall Way, is a chic and elegant community. It features a mix of retail, office, restaurants, and high-rise residential buildings.

Connecting through vibrant plazas and pathways, it unfolds a five-acre linear park, a canal-side outdoor amphitheater, water features, and a tempting array of new shops and restaurants. Enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the view.

Consider exploring the red butte formations in Papago Park for a fun day out in Arizona. It is also home to several Scottsdale attractions, such as The Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, golf courses, museums, baseball fields, lakes, and a variety of Sonoran Desert flora and fauna. 

Do not miss the famous Hole-in-the-Rock Trail, which is perfect for hiking or enjoying fishing in the park's seven acres of stocked lagoons. Make sure to add these things to do in your things to do in Scottsdale Phoenix list.