Scottsdale ArizonaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Scottsdale, Arizona.
1. Old Town Scottsdale
HISTORIC WESTERN CHARM
Old Town Scottsdale offers visitors a charming glimpse into the city's Western heritage with art installations throughout the area. Visitors can explore numerous art galleries, specialty shops, and chef-driven restaurants that showcase the unique culture of the Southwest. The vibrant district serves as the perfect starting point for exploring Scottsdale's many attractions and cultural experiences.
2. Taliesin West
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT'S LEGACY
Taliesin West was the winter home of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright and now functions as a school of architecture preserving his legacy. The stunning desert compound showcases Wright's genius for integrating buildings with the natural environment, featuring distinctive geometric designs that complement the surrounding Sonoran Desert. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about Wright's architectural philosophy and see his living quarters, drafting studio, and other significant spaces.
3. Desert Botanical Garden
SONORAN DESERT SHOWCASE
The Desert Botanical Garden spans 140 acres and houses over 21,000 plants, with impressive collections of agave and cacti native to the Sonoran Desert. Visitors can explore several trails and exhibits dedicated to Arizona's natural plant life, learning about desert ecology and conservation efforts. The garden offers seasonal events, nighttime illuminations, and educational programs that highlight the beauty and resilience of desert flora.
4. Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West
CELEBRATING WESTERN HERITAGE
Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West celebrates the art, history, and culture of the American West through immersive exhibits and artifacts. The museum showcases an impressive collection of Western art, including paintings, sculptures, and cultural items that tell the story of the frontier. Visitors can experience the spirit of the Old West through rotating exhibitions that feature both historical pieces and contemporary Western-inspired works.
5. Pinnacle Peak Park
SCENIC DESERT HIKING
Pinnacle Peak Park offers a 1.75-mile trail that provides hikers with spectacular views of the Sonoran Desert landscape. The moderately difficult path winds around the iconic granite peak, allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty of the desert while spotting native wildlife and vegetation. Informational signs along the trail educate hikers about the geological features and diverse ecosystem of this pristine natural area.
6. Hot Air Balloon Rides
SOARING DESERT VISTAS
Hot air balloon rides in Scottsdale, offered by companies like Rainbow Ryders, provide breathtaking aerial views of the Sonoran Desert landscape. These peaceful flights typically take place at sunrise or sunset when desert colors are most vibrant and winds are calm. After floating above the desert terrain with its majestic mountains and unique vegetation, many balloon tours conclude with a traditional champagne toast to celebrate the adventure.
7. Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center
NATIVE ANIMAL SANCTUARY
The Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center rescues and rehabilitates injured, orphaned, and displaced wildlife native to the Southwestern United States. Visitors can observe rescued animals including mountain lions, black bears, Mexican gray wolves, and various desert species in naturalistic habitats. The center offers educational tours that focus on wildlife conservation, the importance of predators in ecosystem health, and human-wildlife conflict resolution.
8. McDowell Sonoran Preserve
VAST DESERT WILDERNESS
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve protects more than 30,500 acres of pristine Sonoran Desert, making it the largest urban preserve in the United States. With over 225 miles of trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes, visitors can explore diverse desert ecosystems and encounter native wildlife. The preserve offers stunning views of unique geological formations and seasonal wildflower displays while providing educational programs about desert conservation and ecology.
9. Butterfly Wonderland
TROPICAL BUTTERFLY CONSERVATORY
Butterfly Wonderland houses America's largest indoor butterfly pavilion where visitors can walk among thousands of butterflies from around the world. The tropical rainforest environment maintains the perfect humidity and temperature for these delicate creatures to thrive year-round. Beyond butterflies, the attraction includes educational exhibits about butterfly life cycles, a honeybee observatory, and displays of other fascinating arthropods and aquatic life.
10. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
HISTORIC TRAINS EXPERIENCE
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park offers a fascinating journey through railroading history with vintage train exhibits, model railroad displays, and a working carousel. Families can enjoy rides on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad, a 5/12-scale reproduction of a Colorado narrow-gauge railroad that circles the park. The park's museums house impressive collections of railroad artifacts and memorabilia, including the Scottsdale Railroad Museum located in the historic Peoria depot building.
11. OdySea Aquarium
DESERT MARINE ADVENTURE
OdySea Aquarium takes visitors on an underwater journey through diverse marine habitats in the unlikely setting of the Sonoran Desert. The massive facility features more than 65 exhibits, 370 species, and over 6,000 animals, including sharks, penguins, sea turtles, and colorful reef fish. Unique experiences include a rotating SeaTREK experience where guests remain dry while their seats move through different aquatic environments, offering changing panoramic views of marine life.
12. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
MODERN ARTISTIC EXPRESSION
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) showcases modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design in thoughtfully curated rotating exhibitions. The museum is housed in a minimalist building designed by award-winning architect Will Bruder, featuring five galleries and a unique outdoor sculpture garden. SMoCA offers innovative programming including artist talks, workshops, and performances that engage visitors with cutting-edge artistic concepts and creative practices.
13. Scottsdale Fashion Square
LUXURY SHOPPING DESTINATION
Scottsdale Fashion Square is the largest mall in the American Southwest, boasting over 225 stores across 2 million square feet of retail space. This luxury shopping destination is anchored by high-end department stores including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Dillard's, and Macy's. Beyond shopping, visitors can enjoy fine dining experiences, a cinema complex, and seasonal events in this premier fashion and lifestyle center.
14. Camelback Mountain
ICONIC DESERT SUMMIT
Camelback Mountain stands as one of Phoenix's most recognizable natural landmarks, resembling the hump and head of a kneeling camel. Hikers can challenge themselves on two difficult trails—Echo Canyon and Cholla—that ascend to the 2,704-foot summit offering spectacular 360-degree views of Phoenix and Scottsdale. The distinctive red sandstone formations not only provide recreational opportunities but also represent significant geological and cultural history of the region.
15. Scottsdale Civic Center
URBAN CULTURAL OASIS
The Scottsdale Civic Center serves as the cultural heart of downtown, featuring beautifully landscaped gardens, fountains, and public art installations. This urban park connects important civic buildings including City Hall, the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Throughout the year, the Civic Center hosts numerous community events, festivals, and outdoor concerts that draw both residents and visitors to this vibrant public space.