12 Best Things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona 

Planning a trip to Scottsdale? You’re in for a really fun time! 

Set in the heart of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale really surprised us with just how much there is to do here! We loved exploring the dramatic desert landscapes just as much as we enjoyed eating and drinking our way through the atmospheric Old Town. There are also some incredible day trips on offer, from Sedona to the Grand Canyon!

But with so much to do, where do you start? Well, that’s where we come in! We’ve rounded up the top experiences Scottsdale has to offer to help you plan your perfect trip.

Things to do in Scottsdale

1. Taste your way through Old Town Scottsdale

We’re huge fans of food tours, because they’re such a great way to get to know a new place! So really, we weren’t surprised when this food tour ended up being one of the best things that we did in Scottsdale. We booked it early in our trip, and it was the perfect introduction to the Old Town! 

It’s a walking tour, so we weren’t just eating the whole time, either. We got to explore the area as we hopped between different restaurants and tasting rooms, so we really got a feel for the area’s layout. By the end, we had a much better idea of where things were and where we wanted to come back to later.

And the food itself was amazing! There was such a good variety, from proper sit-down tastings to lighter bites and even a wine tasting along the way. Everything felt really well thought out, and there was more than enough food. We definitely didn’t leave hungry, and we got to finish on a sweet note with some delicious gelato – our favorite! 

Our guide, Lindsey, was also so much fun. She knows Scottsdale like the back of her hand, and her enthusiasm was infectious! She created a really fun and social atmosphere, so we think that this tour would be a great way to meet new people if you’re traveling solo. We recommend booking it early in your trip, as it’s the perfect way to kick off your time here.

2. Enjoy the sunset in the Sonoran Desert on an off-road Jeep adventure 

This Jeep tour was hands down our favorite thing that we did in Scottsdale. If you only book one experience here, make it this!

We think that this tour is the perfect mix of adventure and sightseeing. Within minutes of setting off from the city, we felt like we were in a totally different world! It was so much fun to bounce along sandy trails and wear through giant saguaro cacti. It allowed us to get properly off the beaten path in a way that we just wouldn’t be able to do on our own!

What really made it stand out for us, though, was the guide. Ours was super knowledgeable and made the whole experience so much more interesting, and he pointed out different plants and wildlife, and shared little details about the desert that we wouldn’t have known otherwise. 

And we have to talk about the sunset, which was incredible! We stopped at a panoramic viewpoint to watch the sun drop over the desert, and the sky turned vivid, almost shocking, shades of orange and pink. Our jaws were on the floor! 

This tour is super popular, and it often sells out, so we’d definitely recommend booking it as early as you can. It’s 100% worth it – and the thousands of glowing reviews certainly attest to that.

3. Go hiking 

Scottsdale is an absolute dream if you enjoy hiking! And we’re big hikers, so you can imagine how delighted we were to have all of these amazing desert trails right on our doorstep.

The scenery here feels totally different from anything you’ll find elsewhere in the US, so if you like to be active, we highly suggest taking advantage! 

One of the most famous hikes here is Camelback Mountain, and for good reason. There are two main routes to the top, Echo Canyon and Cholla, and both are pretty challenging at around 3 miles (5 km) out and back. It’s definitely a bit of a workout, but the views at the top are so worth it. Just take your time and bring plenty of water, and you’ll be fine. 

If you want something a little less intense, Tom’s Thumb is a great option. It’s a bit longer at around five miles (8 km), but the incline is more gradual, and it tends to be quieter, which is a nice perk. Plus, the views over the desert are incredible, especially as you get closer to the rock formations!

Then you’ve got the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, which is perfect if you want flexibility. There are loads of trails here, from easy, flat walks to more challenging climbs like Piestewa Peak.

Honestly, no matter your fitness level, there’s something here for you. Just try to go early in the morning if you can, as the desert heat is no joke!

4. Visit the Grand Canyon

If you’re even thinking about visiting the Grand Canyon while you’re in Scottsdale or Phoenix, we say do it! And the best way is on this tour because it makes it so easy. It’s a long day, yes, but it’s 100% worth it to see this natural world wonder.

The biggest win here is that you don’t have to plan a thing! The distances in Arizona are no joke, and driving to the Grand Canyon yourself would be a lot. Whereas on this tour, you just sit back in a comfortable van while your guide handles everything, from the route to the best viewpoints.

What we love about this itinerary is that it’s not just about the Grand Canyon. You also get to stop in Sedona, which is just stunning. 

But of course, the Grand Canyon is still the highlight! It really does live up to the hype. You’ll get plenty of time to walk along the rim and take photos, then grab lunch with a serious view! Seeing the canyon in person is something we’ve never forgotten, so we really do recommend visiting if you have time.

The small group size is another big plus, and there’s even a private option if you prefer! Either way, this keeps things relaxed and more personal than a big bus tour. If you want to see one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world without the stress of planning it yourself, we think that this is the perfect way to do it from Sedona.

5. E-bike through Scottsdale and Tempe

This e-bike tour is such a fun and easy way to explore Scottsdale, especially if you don’t fancy walking everywhere in the heat. It’s one of those experiences that just fits perfectly into your day, and we love that it’s short enough to do in the morning without taking over your whole itinerary.

Electric bikes make a huge difference, too. You can pedal as much or as little as you like, which means you get to cover way more ground without getting exhausted. It’s super beginner-friendly too, so even if you haven’t used an e-bike before, you’ll pick it up quickly after the quick intro at the start.

What makes this tour stand out is the variety. You’re not just cycling through one area; you’re moving between lakes, parks, canals, and desert landscapes, which keeps things really interesting. Riding along Tempe Town Lake is a highlight, and the paths are nice and easy, so it all feels very relaxed.

The stop at the Hole in the Rock is probably the standout moment. You hop off the bikes and do a short, easy walk up to the viewpoint, and the views over the desert are so worth it. It’s also a great photo spot! If you’re looking for something active but low-effort, this is a great choice. It’s super scenic and a really enjoyable way to get to know the area.

6. Visit the Desert Botanical Garden

If you want an easy way to get a feel for the Arizona desert without committing to a full hike, we think that visiting the Desert Botanical Garden is a great option! It’s full of native plants, from towering cacti to smaller desert shrubs, and it’s all laid out along well-maintained walking paths.

We really liked this as a more relaxed activity between hikes and desert adventures. We took our time wandering through the different sections, stopping to read about the plants and enjoying the scenery. It was very peaceful! 

You don’t need long here either. We found that 1 to 2 hours gave us plenty of time to see everything without rushing, which made it easy to slot into our day! We also think this is a good option for those who haven’t spent much time in the desert before, as it serves as a nice introduction to the landscape, but it’s not too far out of the city.

7. Ride a Segway around Scottsdale 

This Segway tour is such a unique way to explore Scottsdale, especially if you want to cover a lot of ground without spending hours walking in the heat! Plus, it doesn’t take long to get the hang of riding a Segway, and it’s a lot of fun once you get going.

After a quick orientation, you’ll be gliding through Old Town Scottsdale with ease, which means you get to see way more than you would on foot. Instead of sticking to just one area, you’ll roll past a mix of historic spots, public art, and scenic viewpoints while your guide shares stories about the city’s past and culture. Stops like the Old Adobe Mission and Rusty Spur Saloon add a bit of character, while places like the Scottsdale Waterfront and views of Camelback Mountain bring in that classic desert scenery.

What we really love about this tour is how easy it is to enjoy. The Segways are actually pretty simple to ride, and the guides make sure everyone feels comfortable before heading out. It’s also a small group, so it feels relaxed and personal rather than rushed.

This is a great option for families, especially if you’re traveling with teens. It keeps things active and entertaining without being too physically demanding, and it’s a lot more exciting than a standard walking tour! But don’t just take our word for it, because you can read 450+ glowing reviews here.

8. Explore Sedona and see Native American Ruins

If you’re looking to see one of Arizona’s most iconic landscapes without worrying about logistics, this Sedona day tour is a great option! It’s a long day, but it’s broken up really well, so it doesn’t feel like too much.

One of the things that makes this tour stand out is the mix of scenery and history. You’re not just heading straight to Sedona; you’ll stop at Montezuma Castle National Monument first, which is such a cool way to start the day.

And once you reach Sedona, it really lives up to the hype. Stops at Bell Rock and Chapel of the Holy Cross are definite highlights, and the views from places like Airport Mesa are just unreal. Everywhere you look here feels like a postcard thanks to the red rock landscapes, and we love the fact that you get a few hours of free time to explore by yourself. Sedona is famous for its New Age, spiritual community, and so there are tons of cute boutiques to browse and plenty of spots to grab a healthy lunch.

The small-group setup makes a big difference, too. The van is comfortable, the group stays manageable, and the guide can keep things flexible depending on what people are most interested in.

Overall, this is a really well-balanced tour. It’s ideal if you want to see Sedona properly in one day, with a bit of culture and a lot of scenery, minus the stress of planning it yourself!

9. Visit Taliesin West

This is the historic winter home and studio of Frank Lloyd Wright, and it’s such a cool place to visit if you have an interest in architecture or design.  It’s a UNESCO-listed site, which should give you an idea of just how significant it is!

What really amazed us about Taliesin West is how well it blends into the desert. Wright designed it to work with the landscape rather than against it, so you’ll see lots of natural materials and low-slung buildings that feel really connected to the surroundings. 

We decided to explore the site with a self-guided audio tour, which was easy to follow and gave us loads of insight into how Wright lived and worked here. It took us about an hour and a half to get through it all at a fairly chilled pace, and we thought there was a good mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, so we weren’t in the baking sun the entire time! 

Even if you’re not a huge architecture person, it’s still worth visiting Taliesin West just for the setting alone. It’s such a unique space, and it gives you a glimpse into a really interesting part of Scottsdale’s history.

10. See Old Town Scottsdale’s highlights on a golf cart tour 

This golf cart tour is a really novel way to explore Scottsdale, and it’s also great if you’re short on time here! Instead of walking around in the heat or sitting in a typical tour vehicle, you’re cruising through the city in a stretch limo-style golf cart, which is so much more fun.

What we love about this experience is how much ground you cover in a short amount of time. In under two hours, you’ll pass through multiple neighborhoods and tick off over 30 points of interest, including spots like Old Town Scottsdale, Old Adobe Mission, and the Scottsdale Arts District. It gives you a proper overview of the city without feeling rushed, and it’s also a great choice if you have mobility issues and struggle with a lot of walking.

Riding in an open-air golf cart definitely makes everything feel more interactive, and it’s a lot easier to take photos! We like the fact that this experience doesn’t take itself too seriously, but remains informative.

It’s also ideal if you’re visiting during the hotter months. You get all the highlights without having to traipse around in the Arizonian heat (which, trust me, is no joke!) Plus, it’s a small group tour, so it feels personal, and you’ll be able to ask your guide lots of questions.

11. Enjoy a Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale

This party bike pub crawl is hands down one of the most fun and social things you can do in Scottsdale. It’s not your typical bar-hopping experience either; it’s more like a rolling party that just happens to stop at some great bars along the way!

The concept is simple but brilliant. You and your group hop onto a multi-person party bike, pedal your way around Old Town, and stop at a few popular bars for drinks along the route. There’s music playing, and the biking isn’t that difficult, so you’ll be chatting and laughing the whole way around.

One thing that really stands out is how popular this tour is. A perfect 5-star rating with over 4,000 reviews is pretty rare, and it tells you everything you need to know! 

The only downside is that you’ll need at least six people to book this one, but if you’re visiting Scottsdale with a group of friends, it’s absolutely perfect. It’s the ideal experience for birthdays and bachelor or bachelorette parties – not that you need an excuse! 

The guides keep things organized and fun, so you don’t have to think about logistics at all. Plus, you’ll get to see a bit of the Old Town along the way and stop off at some really fun bars, which usually run drink specials just for the tour. It’s the ultimate night out in Scottsdale!

12. Go golfing 

Scottsdale is a dream destination for golfers! There are over 200 courses here, so you’ve got plenty to choose from. The two biggest names are TPC Scottsdale and Troon North. TPC Scottsdale is the one you’ve probably seen on TV during the Phoenix Open, while Troon North is a bit more scenic and challenging.

But it’s not just about the big leagues. There’s a really great mix of golf courses here, depending on what you’re after. You can treat yourself to a round at the high-end resorts, but there are plenty of more affordable options that still feel really special thanks to the gorgeous surrounding scenery. Conrado is a good budget option! 

Speaking of scenery, the views are definitely what make golfing here so enjoyable. Playing a round means being out in the desert with mountain views and the Arizona sun on your face. That beauty means golf here is really popular, though, so if you’re planning to play, I’d definitely book ahead, especially during peak season, as the top courses fill up quickly.

Where to Stay in Scottsdale

Now that you know what to do in Scottsdale, you just need a great place to stay! Scottsdale is quite a sprawling area, and some of the best resorts are just outside the city center, but still only about a 10-minute drive away. We suggest basing yourself near Old Town to make things easier, especially if you’re planning tours or heading out in the evenings. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up our top hotel picks for every budget!

Luxury – $$$

We think that Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia is such a great “treat yourself” option if you want something that really feels like a getaway. The setting is honestly stunning; it sits right at the base of Camelback Mountain, which means you get gorgeous views the whole time. We also love the architecture, which is inspired by a Spanish village! 

The whole place has a resort-style feel, so it’s a great choice if you’re planning to do a lot of relaxing on site. You’ve got multiple pools, a spa, and a great restaurant (Prado) that people rave about. It’s also in a great location, close enough to Old Town for easy dinners or tours, but far enough out to feel peaceful and tucked away – that’s the perfect balance if you ask me.

Rooms here cost between $350–$900 USD per night, depending on the season and room type. Read the amazing reviews and book your stay here!

Mid-range – $$

We think Scottsdale Marriott Old Town is a fantastic option, especially since this is where we stayed in Scottsdale! The reason we chose it is that it’s in the heart of the Old Town, which meant that we were able to walk to pretty much everything, from restaurants and bars to tour pickup points. 

This hotel is not super flashy, but you get everything you’d expect from a Marriott property, like spacious rooms, comfy beds, a gym, and an outdoor pool. We really liked the poolside cabanas! The staff here are super friendly, and staying here made our trip easy because we had everything we needed on our doorstep. It’s perfect if you’re short on time, and we’d definitely stay here again.

Rooms here usually start at around $200 USD per night, which we think is great value for such a central location. Check availability and book your stay here!

Budget – $

We think Sonesta ES Suites Scottsdale Paradise Valley is a great budget-friendly option if you want a bit more space without spending a fortune. It’s not right in Old Town, but you’re still only about a 10-minute drive away, so it’s easy enough to get around.

The rooms are more like small apartments, with kitchenettes and separate living areas, so you’ll have plenty of space to spread out. There’s also a pool, hot tub, and some outdoor seating areas, so you’ve got a few nice extras to enjoy during your downtime. 

Breakfast is included, too, which is always a win and helps keep costs down. It doesn’t have that luxury resort feel, but it’s clean, comfortable, and practical, which is exactly what you want at this price point!  Rooms here usually cost at around $100-$150 USD per night, depending on the season. Check availability and book your stay here!

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Check out more great hotel options for Scottsdale here!

Thanks for reading!

Scottsdale ended up being so much more than we expected, with desert adventures, amazing food, scenic hikes, and some seriously fun day trips all packed into one destination. Whether you’re here for golf, Jeep tours, hiking trails, or lazy afternoons exploring Old Town, there’s a little bit of everything waiting for you here.

Before you go, make sure to browse through the rest of our USA travel blogs here for more tips, itineraries, and favorite experiences from our time on the road. Or we’ve linked a few of our favorite blogs below to help you keep planning!

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How to Spend THREE DAYS in Phoenix, Arizona: The Best 3-Day Itinerary