Known as “The West’s Most Western Town,” Scottsdale is one of the crown jewels of the Grand Canyon State. Golf, shopping, and a thriving nightlife define the city as one of premier leisure. Its location proximity to the Greater Phoenix area allows Scottsdale residents the chance to travel to neighboring cities with ease. Not only does Scottsdale blend wild west themes with a high-class atmosphere, it’s also home to some of the best golf courses in the country. Explore relaxing spas, nearby nightlife, and more.
One of the best places to start your trip to Arizona is in Old Town Scottsdale. That’s where the city was originally founded, and it maintains classic cowboy saloons alongside modern restaurants. The rest of Scottsdale expanded to be a thriving business center and a place of residential bliss. This creates a balanced ecosystem fit for tourists looking to explore and weekenders looking to party.
Frank Lloyd Wright, the notable American architect, designed several buildings around Scottsdale. Tour his Taliesin House, the ASU Gammage Theater, and the Piper Cherry House while you’re in town to experience the wonder of his mid-century modern works.
Other popular attractions near Scottsdale include:
The Western Spirit: Scottsdale Museum of the West, filled with regionally inspired art
The boutique shops in the Scottsdale Quarter
A day of education and fun at Odysea in the Desert
A free trip to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
One the most fashionable urban centers in Scottsdale is Kierland Commons, an outdoor mall aiming to provide high quality shops, restaurants, and entertainment to visitors. Stop by and shop at one of the well-known retailers or grab lunch at Zinc Bistro or North Italia.
Check out these exciting activities near Scottsdale:
Explore the beauty of the desert at the Desert Botanical Garden
Take a photo at the popular Robert Indiana LOVE statue near the Scottsdale Civic Mall
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West house offers tours for curious architect lovers
Stop in for a seasonally themed lunch at Farm and Craft
For a taste of Scottsdale’s nightlife, look no further than Old Town Scottsdale. Bottled Blonde, El Hefe Scottsdale, Bevvy, The District, and Hi-Fi are all within walking distance of each other. Stop in for a late bite to eat at Kazimierz World Wine Bar.
Nighttime activities near Scottsdale include:
A night of dancing at Maya Day & Nightclub
A flight of beers at Mesquite River Brewing Company
The Comedy Spot, the best place to see stand-up
Live country music at Dierk Bentley's Whiskey Row
Dinner and cocktails at local favorite Olive & Ivy
Scottsdale isn’t all Old West – many Arizonans see Scottsdale as an upscale suburb of the Greater Phoenix area. With so many families calling the city their home, it’s not hard to find tons of things to do with kids in Scottsdale.
Family-friendly things to do include:
The hands-on room for kids at the Musical Instrument Museum
Petting the penguins at Odysea Aquarium
Riding the train at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Learning to pop an ollie at Scottsdale Skate Park
Experiencing the country’s first wave pool at Big Surf
Old Town Scottsdale is home to boutiques with a shanty-town exterior that feature both touristy trinkets and upscale wares (especially artwork). For national retailers, visit Fashion Square Mall for a wide variety of options.
The top things to do indoors in Scottsdale:
Unleash your inner artist at the Scottsdale Artists’ School
Visit the Cosanti Gallery to view a one-of-a-kind work space
Play with the butterflies at Butterfly Wonderland
The Sanctuary Resort Spa, located right on the side of picturesque Camelback Mountain
Sports and Outdoor Activities in ScottsdaleView All
Tee off at some of the most popular golf courses in the city, including McCormick Ranch Golf Club, Troon North, TPC Scottsdale, Kierland Golf Club, and Top Golf.
Scottsdale is full of things to do outdoors:
Bring your pets for a walk along the Arizona Canal
Practice your swing at the Scottsdale Batting Cages
Hike up to the Hole in the Rock in Papago Park
The Desert Botanical Gardens’ concerts and events
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve, home to breathtaking desert landscape