things to do in scottsdale az
Scottsdale, Arizona, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful desert landscapes, luxurious resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Here are some things to do in Scottsdale:
Explore Old Town Scottsdale: This historic district is filled with charming shops, restaurants, and galleries. You can stroll along the scenic streets, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Visit the McDowell Sonoran Preserve: This 30,000-acre nature preserve offers hiking trails, scenic views, and opportunities to spot wildlife such as bighorn sheep and coyotes.
Golfing: Scottsdale is famous for its golf courses, with over 200 courses in the area. Some popular courses include Troon North, Grayhawk, and TPC Scottsdale.
Desert Botanical Garden: This beautiful garden features over 50,000 plants and one of the world’s largest collections of cacti and succulents.
Scottsdale Museum of the West: This museum showcases the art, history, and culture of the American West, with a focus on the region’s Native American heritage.
Heard Museum: This museum is dedicated to Native American art and culture, with a collection of over 40,000 objects and a beautiful garden.
Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix: This water park is a great place to cool off during the hot summer months, with slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
Taliesin West: This National Historic Landmark was the winter home and studio of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and offers tours of the property.
Scottsdale Fashion Square: This upscale shopping mall features a variety of high-end retailers, restaurants, and a movie theater.
Nightlife: Scottsdale is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, with everything from rooftop bars to dance clubs and live music venues.
Horseback Riding: Take a guided horseback ride through the beautiful desert landscapes of Scottsdale, with options ranging from short rides to full-day excursions.
Hot Air Expeditions: Experience the thrill of hot air ballooning over the desert landscape, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Scottsdale Stadium: Catch a baseball game by the Scottsdale Scorpions, a minor league team that plays in the Arizona Fall League.
Papago Park: This 1,200-acre park features hiking trails, a botanical garden, and the famous "Hole-in-the-Rock" formation, a unique rock formation that resembles a hole in the ground.
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts: This performing arts center hosts a variety of shows and events, including concerts, plays, and dance performances.
Downtown Scottsdale: This vibrant downtown area features a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as a weekly farmers market during the summer months.
Taliesin East: This is another property of Frank Lloyd Wright, and it is a bit more accessible than Taliesin West.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art: This museum features a diverse collection of contemporary art, with a focus on works by local and regional artists.
Desert Ridge Marketplace: This outdoor shopping center features a variety of retailers, restaurants, and a movie theater.
- Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market: Every Saturday morning, the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market offers fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona. Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, cultural attractions, or simply relaxing in a beautiful desert setting, Scottsdale has something for everyone.