Looking for the absolute best things to do in Scottsdale Arizona?
You’re in the right place.
Scottsdale isn’t just another desert city. It’s where luxury resorts meet authentic Western heritage, where world-class hiking trails wind through pristine desert landscapes, and where you can float above saguaro forests at sunrise in a hot air balloon.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 10 most unforgettable experiences Scottsdale has to offer—from exploring vibrant Old Town galleries to conquering Camelback Mountain, from thrilling desert Jeep tours to day trips that’ll take your breath away.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning an extended stay, these handpicked activities showcase exactly why Scottsdale ranks as Arizona’s premier destination.
Let’s dive in.
1. Explore Old Town Scottsdale: Art Galleries, Western Heritage & Nightlife
Old Town Scottsdale is where your Scottsdale adventure should begin.
This walkable district serves as the cultural and entertainment heart of the city, packing art galleries, Western boutiques, exceptional restaurants, and vibrant nightlife into a compact area you can explore on foot.
Best Art Galleries in Old Town
The Scottsdale Arts District features over 100 galleries concentrated along Main Street, Marshall Way, and Fifth Avenue. You’ll find everything from traditional Western art and bronze cowboy sculptures to contemporary paintings and Native American pottery.
Here’s what makes Old Town galleries special:
The concentration is unmatched. Walk two blocks and you’ll pass a dozen galleries showcasing works from nationally recognized artists. Many specialize in Western and Southwestern art—think dramatic desert landscapes, Native American subjects, and sculptures capturing the spirit of the Old West.
Pro tip: Visit during the Thursday evening ArtWalk (7-9 PM) when galleries host openings with wine receptions and artist meet-and-greets. Even if you’re not buying, it’s the best free entertainment in Scottsdale.
Where to Eat and Drink in Old Town
Old Town restaurants range from casual patios perfect for afternoon margaritas to upscale steakhouses worthy of special occasions. The area’s walkability means you can easily restaurant-hop or grab drinks at multiple spots in one evening.
The concentration of dining options around Scottsdale Road and Main Street makes finding excellent food effortless. For the best Scottsdale restaurants with diverse options, check our complete dining guide.
Old Town Nightlife Experience
After dark, Old Town transforms into one of Arizona’s premier nightlife destinations.
The entertainment district spans several blocks filled with nightclubs, bars, lounges, and live music venues. You’ll find Western-themed bars with mechanical bulls, craft cocktail lounges showcasing local spirits, and high-energy dance clubs attracting a diverse crowd.
Most venues cluster along Scottsdale Road and Stetson Drive, making bar-hopping convenient. Peak nights are Thursday through Saturday, when the streets buzz with energy from sunset until the 2 AM closing time.
Where to stay: Book an Old Town Scottsdale hotel to walk to dinner, galleries, and nightlife without worrying about driving.
2. Hike the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is Scottsdale’s crown jewel for outdoor recreation.
This massive 30,000+ acre natural area protects pristine Sonoran Desert while offering over 200 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. It’s the kind of place where you can experience authentic desert wilderness minutes from luxury resorts.
Best Trails for Different Experience Levels
For beginners and families:
The Gateway Loop (4.5 miles, moderate) delivers excellent desert views without technical difficulty. The well-maintained trail winds through classic Sonoran Desert landscape with saguaros, palo verde trees, and sweeping vistas of the McDowell Mountains.
The Sunrise Trail offers easier terrain perfect for those new to desert hiking or traveling with children. Multiple access points mean you can customize distance based on fitness level.
For experienced hikers seeking challenge:
Tom’s Thumb Trail (4 miles, strenuous) climbs to a distinctive rock formation offering panoramic views. The trail gains significant elevation through rocky terrain that requires scrambling in sections. The payoff? Some of the best views in Scottsdale.
The Granite Mountain Trail pushes experienced hikers with steep elevation gain rewarded by stunning summit panoramas.
When to Visit & Essential Tips
Here’s the deal with desert hiking:
Timing matters enormously. October through April offers ideal conditions with pleasant temperatures for all-day hiking. Morning starts (by 7 AM) during warmer months let you complete hikes before afternoon heat peaks.
Never underestimate desert conditions. Always carry:
- At least one liter of water per person per hour
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Sturdy hiking shoes with good ankle support
- Fully charged phone
Multiple trailheads throughout North Scottsdale provide convenient access. The preserve’s commitment to conservation means you’re experiencing the Sonoran Desert in its most natural state—expect possible wildlife sightings including roadrunners, desert cottontails, and occasional bobcats.
3. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise
Few Scottsdale experiences match the magic of floating silently above the Sonoran Desert at sunrise.
Picture this:
You arrive in darkness at the launch site. As the crew inflates massive balloons, the desert horizon begins glowing orange and pink. Minutes later, you’re airborne, rising peacefully as the sun paints saguaro forests and mountain peaks in golden light below.
What Makes Scottsdale Balloon Rides Special
The Sonoran Desert landscape creates an unforgettable backdrop. You’ll soar over forests of giant saguaros (found only in the Sonoran Desert), past rugged mountain ranges, and across desert valleys stretching to every horizon.
Flights typically last one hour, reaching altitudes between 1,000-5,000 feet depending on wind conditions. The silence strikes you first—no engine noise, just occasional bursts from the propane burner and wind across the desert below.
Best Balloon Tour Companies
Professional balloon companies operate year-round from Scottsdale, launching at sunrise when desert winds are calmest. Most packages include:
- Champagne toast after landing (following ballooning tradition)
- Breakfast
- Transportation to/from Scottsdale hotels
- Flight certificates
Reserve your hot air balloon tour for an unforgettable Scottsdale experience:
Book it hereTours accommodate all ages and fitness levels, making this perfect for couples, families, and groups celebrating special occasions.
Expect to commit about 3-4 hours total including transport, flight, and post-flight celebration.
4. Conquer Camelback Mountain
Camelback Mountain stands as Scottsdale’s most iconic landmark and most challenging hike.
Named for its distinctive profile resembling a kneeling camel, this 2,704-foot peak dominates the Scottsdale-Phoenix skyline. Two trails lead to the summit, and both demand respect.
The Two Routes to the Summit
Echo Canyon Trail (1.23 miles, very challenging):
This is the more popular but more difficult route. The trail attacks the mountain head-on with relentless steep, rocky terrain requiring hand-over-hand scrambling in multiple sections. Metal handrails assist in the steepest areas, but fitness and determination are mandatory.
Cholla Trail (1.42 miles, challenging):
The slightly longer but less technical alternative starts from the east side. Still strenuous with significant elevation gain, but the gradient is more consistent without Echo Canyon’s extreme steep sections requiring handrails.
What to Expect on Summit Day
Let’s be clear about Camelback:
This isn’t a casual morning stroll. The hike challenges even fit individuals. Rocky terrain, steep grades, and full sun exposure combine to create a genuine workout that typically takes 2-3 hours round trip.
But here’s why it’s worth it:
The 360-degree summit views are absolutely spectacular. Downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale’s resort corridor, and surrounding mountain ranges spread below in every direction. Sunrise and sunset hikes offer particularly stunning lighting (though sunset means descending in darkness, so bring headlamps).
Critical Hiking Tips
Start early. The limited parking lots fill by 6 AM on weekends. More importantly, summer temperatures make afternoon hikes dangerous. Park rangers actively recommend avoiding the mountain when temperatures exceed 100°F.
Come prepared: Bring minimum one liter of water per person, wear sturdy hiking shoes with excellent traction, and never hike alone. Cell service works on most of the mountain, but accidents happen on steep terrain.
The trailheads lack water fountains. Bring everything you need.
5. Experience a Desert Jeep Tour
Want to experience the raw Sonoran Desert without the hiking?
Desert Jeep tours deliver thrilling off-road adventures through terrain regular vehicles can’t access, combining excitement with genuine desert education.
What Happens on a Desert Jeep Tour
Professional guides navigate specially equipped 4×4 Jeeps through rugged washes, up steep rocky trails, and across desert terrain most visitors never see. You’ll bounce through sandy washes, climb trails offering panoramic desert vistas, and stop at locations showcasing the Sonoran ecosystem’s unique beauty.
Tours typically last 2-4 hours depending on which you book. Half-day tours venture deeper into the desert, visiting ancient Native American sites and more remote viewpoints.
Why These Tours Are Worth It
Here’s what makes Jeep tours special:
The guides. Most are desert enthusiasts who love sharing knowledge about desert plants, wildlife, geology, and survival adaptations. Expect to learn about saguaro cacti (they can live 200+ years and weigh several tons), discover which plants Native Americans used for food and medicine, and understand how desert animals survive extreme conditions.
The access. These tours reach locations impossible to visit otherwise—remote canyons, elevated viewpoints, and ancient petroglyphs far from any paved road.
Wildlife sightings are common: roadrunners, jackrabbits, various lizard species, and diverse desert birds. Guides know where animals typically appear and explain desert ecology throughout the tour.
Booking Your Desert Adventure
Book a desert Jeep adventure for an authentic Arizona experience.
Reserve your Jeep tour hereSunset tours are particularly popular, timing the tour to end with spectacular desert sunset views from an elevated viewpoint. The combination of cooling temperatures, golden hour lighting, and dramatic desert scenery creates unforgettable moments.
Tours accommodate all ages. Some companies offer private options for families or groups wanting personalized experiences.
6. Discover Old West Heritage on Horseback
Experiencing the Sonoran Desert on horseback connects you with Arizona’s Old West heritage in ways nothing else can.
Numerous stables around Scottsdale offer guided trail rides through pristine desert landscapes, from one-hour introductory rides to half-day adventures deep into the McDowell Mountains.
What to Expect on Your Trail Ride
Rides wind through saguaro forests, across sandy washes, and past ancient rock formations while experienced wranglers share desert lore and Western history. Most stables provide well-trained, gentle horses suitable for all experience levels—from first-time riders to accomplished equestrians.
The guides match horses to riders based on experience and comfort level. If you’ve never ridden, you’ll get a calm, steady horse and basic instruction before departing. Experienced riders can request more spirited horses.
Best Times for Desert Horseback Riding
Morning rides offer cooler temperatures and excellent lighting for photos as the sun illuminates desert landscapes. Sunset rides have become incredibly popular—finishing your ride as the sun sets behind distant mountains creates magical moments.
Many ranches also offer cowboy cookout rides, combining 1-2 hours of trail riding with authentic Western barbecue around a campfire under the stars. These typically last 3-4 hours total and provide the full Arizona ranch experience.
Book a horseback riding tour through the Sonoran Desert here:
Book hereThis quintessential Arizona experience appeals to families (most stables accept riders as young as 6-7 years), couples seeking romantic desert adventures, and anyone wanting to experience desert landscapes from the unique perspective only horses provide.
7. Visit World-Class Cultural Museums
Scottsdale’s cultural scene extends well beyond art galleries, featuring museums that rank among Arizona’s finest.
Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
The Musical Instrument Museum displays over 8,000 instruments from nearly 200 countries, making it one of the world’s finest music museums.
Here’s what makes MIM extraordinary:
Each exhibit features instruments alongside video footage of them being played in their cultural context. Wireless headphones (included with admission) automatically play relevant audio as you approach each display, letting you hear the gamelan orchestras of Indonesia, the throat singing of Mongolia, or the sitar music of India while viewing the actual instruments.
Galleries are organized geographically, taking you on a musical journey through Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe, and beyond. The Artist Gallery showcases instruments owned by famous musicians—Elvis Presley’s piano, Eric Clapton’s guitars, Taylor Swift’s banjo, and many more.
The Experience Gallery lets visitors play instruments from around the world—try African drums, Asian gongs, or even an organ.
CLICK HERE FOR SPECIAL OFFERLocated in north Phoenix near Scottsdale, MIM offers climate-controlled exploration perfect for hot Arizona afternoons. Music enthusiasts need 3-4 hours to fully explore. The on-site café serves light meals, and the gift shop offers unique instruments and recordings.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA)
SMoCA showcases cutting-edge contemporary art, architecture, and design in a striking modern building downtown. Rotating exhibitions feature internationally recognized artists alongside emerging talents, with focus on contemporary painting, sculpture, photography, and installation art.
The museum’s innovative architecture—featuring geometric forms and dramatic use of natural light—makes the building itself noteworthy. SMoCA’s intimate scale allows contemplative viewing without overwhelming crowds.
Insider tip: Admission is free on Thursdays, and the museum stays open late for Scottsdale ArtWalk.
8. Take a Day Trip to Sedona’s Red Rocks
Sedona’s stunning red rock formations lie just 120 miles north of Scottsdale, making it Arizona’s most popular day trip destination.
The scenic two-hour drive rewards you with some of America’s most dramatic landscapes—towering crimson cliffs, spires, and canyons that seem to glow in changing sunlight.
What to Do in Sedona
Popular Sedona activities include:
Hiking among red rocks: Trails like Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge offer relatively short hikes to spectacular viewpoints. The red sandstone formations create an otherworldly landscape unlike anywhere else in Arizona.
Browsing Uptown and Tlaquepaque: These areas feature art galleries, jewelry shops, and restaurants with red rock views. Tlaquepaque (pronounced “T-lah-keh-pah-keh”) is a beautiful Spanish colonial-style village filled with galleries and courtyards.
Visiting Oak Creek Canyon: The drive through this lush canyon north of Sedona offers dramatic scenery and swimming holes popular in summer months.
Exploring ancient cliff dwellings: Montezuma Castle National Monument (between Scottsdale and Sedona) preserves 800-year-old cliff dwellings built by the Sinagua people.
Driving Yourself vs. Guided Tours
You can certainly drive yourself via I-17 North to Highway 179. The route is straightforward and the drive itself offers beautiful scenery, especially through Oak Creek Canyon.
However, guided tours offer advantages:
Reserve a guided Sedona day trip here including transportation and key attractions:
Book hereGuided tours eliminate navigation concerns, include stops at multiple viewpoints most visitors miss, often add Native American site visits, and provide knowledgeable commentary throughout the day. Most tours last 8-10 hours, departing Scottsdale around 8 AM and returning by 6 PM.
9. Play Championship Golf at TPC Scottsdale
Golf enthusiasts visiting Scottsdale have one course at the top of their bucket list: TPC Scottsdale.
Home to the PGA Tour’s WM Phoenix Open, TPC Scottsdale features two championship courses that showcase desert golf at its finest.
The Famous Stadium Course
The Stadium Course hosts the WM Phoenix Open each February, with its notorious 16th hole creating golf’s loudest, most raucous atmosphere. During tournament week, 20,000+ fans pack a temporary stadium surrounding the 162-yard par-3, creating an environment unlike anything else in professional golf.
Playing the Stadium Course yourself offers a chance to experience the same holes PGA Tour pros navigate, including that famous 16th (though without the roaring crowds). The course features challenging target-style desert golf with pristine conditions, dramatic bunkering, and strategic design requiring accuracy over raw power.
The Champions Course Alternative
The adjacent Champions Course offers equally stunning desert golf without the Stadium Course’s intimidating reputation. Designed by Randy Heckenkemper with oversight from Greg Nash, the Champions Course provides championship-level golf in a slightly more forgiving package.
Both courses feature immaculate conditions, stunning desert scenery with saguaros framing many holes, and the kind of presentation you’d expect from a PGA Tour venue.
Booking Your Round
Public tee times are available year-round, with twilight rates offering excellent value. The facility features a full-service golf shop, clubhouse dining, and practice areas rivaling any in Arizona.
Reserve tee times well in advance, especially for the Stadium Course during winter months (October-April) when Scottsdale golf weather is perfect.
Consider staying at one of Scottsdale’s premier golf resorts for convenient access to TPC Scottsdale and other championship courses.
10. Experience Desert Wildlife Up Close
Scottsdale offers exceptional opportunities for close encounters with desert wildlife and exotic species—perfect for families or anyone fascinated by nature.
Butterfly Wonderland
Butterfly Wonderland, North America’s largest butterfly conservatory, creates an enchanting experience in north Scottsdale.
The main atrium houses thousands of free-flying butterflies from around the world in a lush tropical rainforest environment maintained at 85°F with 80% humidity. Colorful species flutter around you as you walk elevated pathways through the conservatory.
The emergence gallery lets you watch butterflies emerge from chrysalises—witnessing this transformation never gets old. Interactive exhibits explain butterfly lifecycles, rainforest ecosystems, and conservation efforts.
The facility also includes a 3D theater, honeybee exhibit showing a working hive behind glass, and rainforest reptile exhibit featuring poison dart frogs and other tropical species.
Arizona Desert Wildlife at OdySea Aquarium
Located next to Butterfly Wonderland, OdySea Aquarium features extensive exhibits including a significant focus on desert aquatic life alongside ocean species. The combination of both venues makes an excellent full-day indoor activity perfect for hot summer days.
Planning Your Visit
Plan 1-2 hours for Butterfly Wonderland, more if combining with the aquarium. The north Scottsdale location puts it near many resorts and hotels, making it convenient for families staying in that area.
This ranks among the top things to do in Scottsdale with kids, though adults without children often enjoy it equally. The educational components appeal to all ages while maintaining engaging presentation.
Planning Your Scottsdale Adventure: What You Need to Know
These 10 experiences represent Scottsdale at its absolute best—combining natural beauty, cultural richness, outdoor adventure, and unique desert experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
When to Visit Scottsdale
October through April offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities. Daytime temperatures range from pleasant (70s-80s°F) to perfect (60s-70s°F), with cool evenings and virtually no rain. This is peak season for golf, hiking, and resort stays.
May through September brings intense heat (often 105°F+) but also significantly lower hotel rates and lighter crowds. Indoor activities like museums become priorities, with outdoor adventures limited to early mornings. Resort pool days become highlights.
Where to Stay for Easy Access
Your hotel location dramatically impacts your Scottsdale experience:
Old Town puts you walking distance to galleries, restaurants, and nightlife—ideal if you want to explore on foot and enjoy evening entertainment without driving. See the best hotels in Old Town Scottsdale.
North Scottsdale offers resort-focused experiences with easy access to hiking, golf courses, and desert adventures—perfect for travelers prioritizing outdoor activities and spa relaxation.
Getting the Most from Your Visit
Scottsdale rewards planning:
Book hot air balloon rides, desert Jeep tours, and horseback riding adventures in advance—popular times sell out, especially during peak season (January-March).
Start outdoor activities early. Summer morning hikes at 6 AM beat afternoon heat. Even in winter, trails get crowded by 9 AM on weekends.
Combine indoor and outdoor experiences. Museum visits and gallery browsing provide perfect hot afternoon activities between morning and evening outdoor adventures.
The beauty of Scottsdale lies in its diversity. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures, cultural enrichment, or relaxed luxury experiences, this desert oasis delivers unforgettable moments that’ll have you planning your return visit before you leave.
Related Scottsdale Guides
Plan your complete Scottsdale experience:
- Best Hotels in Old Town Scottsdale: Where to Stay in 2025
- Best Mexican Restaurants in Scottsdale Arizona
- Best Family Resorts in Scottsdale: Top 5 for Kids 2025
Last updated: October 2025
