{"id":40807,"date":"2026-03-29T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-29T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zoocasa.com\/blog\/?p=40807"},"modified":"2026-03-25T11:21:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T15:21:10","slug":"things-to-do-in-scottsdale","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zoocasa.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-scottsdale\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Things to Do in Scottsdale, AZ: Where to Spend for the Best Experience"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Scottsdale, Arizona<\/a>, is the kind of place that surprises you. It started as a small farming community in 1888, and today, it\u2019s recognized as a destination for fine dining, world-class spas, contemporary art, and outdoor adventure. Whether you\u2019re planning a long weekend or exploring the area as a potential place to live, there\u2019s no shortage of things to do in Scottsdale, AZ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a look at the experiences that make Scottsdale stand out.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Explore Frank Lloyd Wright\u2019s Taliesin West <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Taliesin West<\/a> 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 \u201cdesert masonry.\u201d\u00a0 The result is a structure that looks like it grew straight out of the landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The site is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a> and a National Historic Landmark. Its low, horizontal buildings are connected by terraces, walkways, and gardens that mirror the desert\u2019s natural lines. Inside, redwood beams and translucent roofing let shifting desert light fill the living spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tours<\/a> range from a 60-minute self-guided audio experience (starting around $39\u2013$44 for adults) to a 2.5-hour behind-the-scenes tour at $90. There\u2019s also a \u201cSunsets & Sips\u201d program and a family-friendly tour designed for kids aged 6\u201312 that focuses on design and geometry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Visit Paolo Soleri\u2019s Cosanti<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Credit: Cosanti Originals<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

About 15 minutes from Taliesin West, Cosanti is the studio of architect Paolo Soleri. Built between 1955 and 1970, the site embodies Soleri\u2019s philosophy of \u201carcology.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s hard to replicate anywhere else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Hike the McDowell Sonoran Preserve<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At 30,500 acres, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve<\/a> 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\u2019s landscape irrigation during the dry season. Popular entry points also include Tom\u2019s Thumb (known for rock climbing access) and Lost Dog Wash (which features an accessible nature trail).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few important safety rules: the city enforces a \u201c90-degree rule,\u201d prohibiting dogs on trails when temperatures are forecast to hit 90\u00b0F. Hikers should also follow the \u201chalf-way rule\u201d\u2014turn around once your water supply is 50% gone.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n