Six of the Most Fun Things to Do in Scottsdale, AZ
A unique desert city with a burgeoning wellness scene, Scottsdale effortlessly combines Westworld-style scenery with cosmopolitan city life. Whether you want to go horseback riding in the wilderness, or prefer kicking back with a cocktail at a rooftop spa, there’s no end to fun things to do in Scottsdale, AZ. Here we take a look at six of the best while answering some common FAQs about visiting.
Visit Art Galleries in the Old Town
Scottsdale is a beautiful, walkable city with nine distinctive neighborhoods and a historic Old Town at its heart. Here you’ll find a wealth of adorable boutiques and art galleries, with a weekly gathering every Thursday called the ArtWalk helping you get the best of the area.
Aside from the art district, the Old Town offers supreme shopping on 5th Avenue, a historic quarter built in the late 1800s, and a bustling entertainment district complete with more than 100 bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Just wandering around these delightful neighborhoods, taking in the public art installations, bubbling fountains and the contemporary wild west atmosphere is an activity in itself.
Explore the Sonoran Desert
Right on the doorstep of the city is the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which offers an array of alluring adventures as well as some of the best hiking in Scottsdale. Stroll through colorful desert meadows punctuated by cacti by heading off on a hike from The Gateway, one of the reserve’s 11 trailheads. Alternatively, channel your inner cowboy or girl with a horseback ride, crossing rushing rivers and keeping an eye out for roaming cattle en route. The more intrepid can even sign up for an ATV or desert buggy tour, taking on rocky rugged trails in the shadow of the Bradshaw Mountains.
See the Iconic Former Home of Frank Lloyd Wright
No list of the best things to do in Scottsdale could be complete without a mention of Taliesin West, the former home of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and headquarters of the foundation in his name, the building was originally constructed during the 1930s. Incredibly futuristic for its time, the space draws on a fluid indoor-outdoor design that celebrates the surrounding desert landscape.
Take a Spa Day
Scottsdale is fast gaining a reputation as an up-and-coming wellness destination, with new sprawling spas popping up every year. It’s certainly hard not to feel relaxed with a view of the boulder-strewn desert. Why not dedicate a day of your trip to indulging in a little self-care at CIVANA Spa, a self-professed ‘playground of wellbeing’ in the area coincidentally known as Carefree.
Here you’ll find an innovative circuit of hydrotherapy pools, allowing you to partake in the ancient healing tradition known as taking the waters, as well as an incredible range of massages, treatments, and facials. The Well and Being Spa at the Fairmont Princess is another excellent option, with a new-age approach to wellness. This includes all the bells and whistles, from a eucalyptus inhalation room to a rooftop adults-only pool with cabanas, as well as the full catalog of treatments.
Watch the Sunrise From a Hot Air Balloon
There’s nothing quite like a desert sunrise when the earthy orange landscape comes alight with a soft morning glow. Taking a hot air balloon ride is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this spectacular show from above. Unlike a plane or helicopter, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views in blissful serenity, as you drift gently through a cotton candy sky. You can book a private balloon just for your group, or choose a mixed tour to share the experience. Not a morning person? Sunset flights are also available from November to March.
Tour Some Cool and Quirky Museums
Scottsdale is home to an impressive roster of quirky museums, with something for every age and taste. Wonderspaces Arizona offers an enchanting interactive display of sound, light, color, and movement, while the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is housed in a renovated movie theater. Meanwhile, Western Spirit celebrates the wonder of the wild west, with authentic cowboy exhibitions and fine art, along with family-orientated shows and saloons in the Abe Hays Western town.
FAQs
Where to Stay in Scottsdale, AZ?
Find your home-from-home in this desert paradise at The Beverly, a freshly renovated three-bedroom rental in the heart of highly sought-after Kierland. Within walking distance of some of Scottsdale’s best attractions, the property features an immaculately landscaped garden with a private pool and hot tub, resort-style decor, and all the mod facilities such as Sonos, high-speed WiFi, and smart home systems. Click here to see availability and book.
See our rentals https://www.hildehomes.com/
How Far Is the Grand Canyon From Scottsdale?
The Grand Canyon is about 230 miles north of Scottsdale and can be reached by car in about four hours. While this perhaps puts it out of reach as a day trip if you’re driving, helicopter tours are available. Flying takes just an hour and a half and offers a mind-blowing perspective on one of the seven wonders of the natural world.
How Far Is Scottsdale From Phoenix?
To get from the center of Scottsdale to the center of Phoenix, the distance is about 12 miles and will take you roughly 20 to 30 minutes in the car. Technically, the two cities also share a border.
How Far Is Mesa From Scottsdale?
It is approximately 11 miles by car from Mesa to Scottsdale, which should take you about 20 minutes to drive. A visit to Mesa offers a wealth of arts and culture, from the Arizona Museum of Natural History to Native American artifacts and ruins from the ancient Hohokam tribe.