Scottsdale, Arizona, is the kind of place that surprises you. It started as a small farming community in 1888, and today, it’s recognized as a destination for fine dining, world-class spas, contemporary art, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or exploring the area as a potential place to live, there’s no shortage of things to do in Scottsdale, AZ.
Here’s a look at the experiences that make Scottsdale stand out.
1. Explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West
Taliesin West is one of the most important architectural sites in the country. Frank Lloyd Wright built it in 1937 as a winter home and studio, using a technique called “desert masonry.” The result is a structure that looks like it grew straight out of the landscape.
The site is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark. Its low, horizontal buildings are connected by terraces, walkways, and gardens that mirror the desert’s natural lines. Inside, redwood beams and translucent roofing let shifting desert light fill the living spaces.
Tours range from a 60-minute self-guided audio experience (starting around $39–$44 for adults) to a 2.5-hour behind-the-scenes tour at $90. There’s also a “Sunsets & Sips” program and a family-friendly tour designed for kids aged 6–12 that focuses on design and geometry.
2. Visit Paolo Soleri’s Cosanti
About 15 minutes from Taliesin West, Cosanti is the studio of architect Paolo Soleri. Built between 1955 and 1970, the site embodies Soleri’s philosophy of “arcology.”
Cosanti is also known for its handcrafted bronze and ceramic wind bells, which are still made on-site using traditional foundry methods. Walking through the sun-dappled courtyards with the sound of chimes overhead is an experience that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.
3. Hike the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
At 30,500 acres, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the largest urban preserve in the United States. The preserve has 11 trailheads, each designed with sustainability in mind. The Gateway Trailhead, for example, uses a rainwater catchment system that collects up to 50,000 gallons annually to provide 100% of the site’s landscape irrigation during the dry season. Popular entry points also include Tom’s Thumb (known for rock climbing access) and Lost Dog Wash (which features an accessible nature trail).
A few important safety rules: the city enforces a “90-degree rule,” prohibiting dogs on trails when temperatures are forecast to hit 90°F. Hikers should also follow the “half-way rule”—turn around once your water supply is 50% gone.
4. Wander Through Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale is the cultural and commercial heart of the city. It’s made up of nine walkable neighborhoods that mix mid-century modernism with 19th-century Western character.
History lovers can visit the Scottsdale Historical Museum, housed in the “Little Red Schoolhouse” built in 1910, or the Old Adobe Mission, the city’s first Catholic parish from 1933. Art fans will find over 100 galleries in the Arts District along Main Street and Marshall Way. The weekly Thursday night ArtWalk keeps galleries open late and brings artists out to engage directly with visitors.
For shopping, Scottsdale Fashion Square is the largest retail destination in the Southwest with more than 200 premium stores. If you prefer supporting local makers, the 5th Avenue Shopping District and the Merchantile of Scottsdale showcase over 100 local designers and artists in one place.
Nearby, Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West explores the art, culture, and history of the 19 states of the American West. And SMoCA (Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art) features rotating contemporary exhibits and James Turrell’s permanent “Skyspace” installation.
5. Dine at James Beard-Recognized Restaurants
Scottsdale’s food scene goes well beyond the classic Western steakhouse. Chef Charleen Badman of FnB won the James Beard Best Chef: Southwest award in 2019 for her innovative use of Arizona produce. The 2026 semifinalists continue this trend, with establishments like Indibar (Best New Restaurant) and Course by Chef Cory Oppold.
Other standout spots include Andreoli Italian Grocer, led by Giovanni Scorzo (also a Beard nominee), Cafe Monarch for European fine dining, and Citizen Public House, famous for its original chopped salad. The city’s culinary identity leans vegetable-forward and locally sourced.
6. Sip Your Way Along the Scottsdale Wine Trail
Arizona’s wine industry has come a long way, and Scottsdale is now a primary tasting destination. The Scottsdale Wine Trail connects seven Arizona wineries with tasting rooms in the downtown area. You can explore wines from Arizona’s three federally recognized AVAs without leaving the city center.
Highlights include LDV Winery (Rhône varietals from the Chiricahua Mountains), Arizona Stronghold (Rhône and Italian blends from Willcox), and Carlson Creek (a diverse lineup from Chardonnay to Malbec). It’s a great afternoon activity, especially if you’re already exploring Old Town.
7. Unwind at a World-Class Spa
With more than 50 luxury spas, Scottsdale has built its hospitality industry around holistic wellness. Treatments often incorporate desert botanicals and advanced therapeutic techniques.
Joya Spa at the Omni Scottsdale features the only Hammam-inspired experience in Arizona—a multi-stage ritual with a warming room, herbal black soap scrub, and cold deluge. The Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers “Twilight Tranquility” after-hours access for couples. Other top picks include Spa Avania at the Hyatt (treatments synced to circadian rhythms), The Phoenician Spa (Hungarian Moor Mud Detox), and the Four Seasons Spa (Sacred Sound Therapy with singing bowls).
8. Catch a Signature Event
Scottsdale’s annual event calendar draws a global audience. The Scottsdale Arts Festival in March draws art collectors and creative families, while the Bentley Polo Championships in November round out the luxury event season. In the fall, Canal Convergence brings interactive art installations to the Scottsdale Waterfront, exploring themes of light, technology, and water conservation.
9. Go Off-Road in the Sonoran Desert
Off-road exploration is a big part of the local tourism scene. Several operators provide guided ATV, UTV, and Jeep tours into the Tonto National Forest and along the Great Western Trail. Companies like Desert Wolf Tours, Pink Adventure Tours, and Scottsdale Jeep Tours offer experiences for every comfort level.
For hikers, Pinnacle Peak Park features a 3.5-mile trail with panoramic valley views and popular rock-climbing spots. The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy also runs guided hikes starting in October, with specialized walks focused on birding, wildflowers, and desert geology.
10. Bring the Family to Arizona Boardwalk
The Arizona Boardwalk complex houses nine major attractions in one location, making it ideal for families. The OdySea Aquarium features the world’s only rotating aquarium experience, “OdySea Voyager,” a 20-minute journey past shark tanks and sea lion habitats.
Other highlights include Butterfly Wonderland (a rainforest conservatory), the Museum of Illusions (60+ interactive exhibits), and Pangaea Dinosaurs (50+ life-sized animatronics). For younger kids, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park offers a 15-inch gauge railroad, a vintage carousel, and large play areas. The nearby Musical Instrument Museum lets visitors physically play instruments from cultures around the world.
Thinking of Moving to Scottsdale?
From desert preserves and architectural landmarks to James Beard restaurants and luxury spas, the things to do in Scottsdale, AZ, go far beyond a typical vacation checklist.
Scottsdale currently ranks among the most caring communities in the U.S., with strong social services and a median sold home price of around $1.2 million. If you’re exploring the area and starting to picture yourself living here, you’re not alone.
Ready to call Scottsdale home? Zoocasa can help you find the right property. Start your search today.
