Must see places in Scottsdale AZ (A complete Guide)
Scottsdale, a city in the Greater Phoenix Area, is a great place to visit. With good weather, beautiful scenery, and tons of exciting activities and attractions, your trip is bound to be enjoyable!
What to Do in Scottsdale
Scottsdale is home to many luxury resorts, spas, golf courses, museums, and high-end shopping centers. You can also find great restaurants, nightlife venues, museums, and art galleries here. Let’s take a deeper look at what the city has to offer!
Explore the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA)
One of the best places to visit in Scottsdale, Arizona, the SMoCA has three galleries that feature different exhibitions throughout the year. The permanent collection houses over 5,000 pieces of art, making it one of the largest art museums in the United States. In addition to the galleries, the museum also has a sculpture garden, an auditorium, and a cafe.
Get your creatives juices flowing with a variety of events which happen here every day. Check the schedule for the day before visiting.
And if it’s one of your lucky days, you might get a glimpse of a contemporary art exhibit before the world.
Entry Fee: Adults $10, students $7, free for ages 4-18
Address: 7374 E 2nd St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Take a Hike Through McDowell Sonoran Preserve
If you love the outdoors, you need to go hiking here. This preserve is filled with beautiful Sonoran Desert scenery and has over 200 miles of hiking trails. This protected habitat is home to many different wildlife species, including snakes, lizards, birds, and mammals. You might even see a javelina (a wild pig) or two!
There are several different trailheads located throughout the preserve, with the most popular ones being Gateway Loop Trailhead, Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, and Lost Dog Wash Trailhead. Each stretch is at least 5 miles in length.
And you can also opt for Horseback riding or Mountain biking!
Entry Fee: None
Address: 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Stroll Through the Desert Botanical Garden
If you are in Scottsdale, you might want to take a short trip to Phoenix to visit the Desert Botanical Garden – a must-see for any nature lover. This garden is home to over 50,000 plants, including cacti, trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. There are also many different trails which you can take to explore the gardens. In addition, the Desert Botanical Garden hosts many events throughout the year, such as concerts and workshops.
What’s more, the garden is home to a research center that works to conserve desert plants and habitats. The center also offers educational programs for both adults and children.
You can check their website for additional information and advance booking of tickets. And you can even include Phoenix in your itinerary while traveling to Scottsdale.
Entry Fee: If you want to escape the fees, then visit the second Tuesday of the month as its free. The entry fee for adults is $24.95 and for youth (3-17 years) is $14.95. Kids under 3 years of age are free.
Address: 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Play a Round of Golf
In Scottsdale, golfing is a great activity to do with friends or family. It’s also a great way to relax and enjoy the beautiful sunny weather! With over 200 golf courses in the Scottsdale area, you’ll definitely be able to find one that suits your skill level.
Some of the most popular golf courses in Scottsdale include Troon North Golf Club, Grayhawk Golf Club, and We-Ko-Pa Golf Club. If you’re looking for a challenge, try out one of the city’s many public or private courses.
Visit Taliesin West
Located on 600 acres of desert land, Taliesin West is a must-see if you’re interested in architecture or history. And even if you’re not, it is worth sparing your time for. Because this complex, built in 1937 was designed by world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright and is an architectural marvel. It served as Wright’s winter home and studio. It also includes several buildings, a garden, and a theater.
Today, Taliesin West is a National Historic Landmark and is open for both, guided and solo tours. You can explore the buildings, gardens, and desert landscapes that make up this unique complex to learn more about Wright’s life and work.
You can also buy souvenirs for family and friends from the gift shop.
Entry Fee: The fee for adults is $40, for youth (6-12 years) is $19 and for students is $30.
Address: 12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259
Shop at Scottsdale Fashion Square
Located in downtown Scottsdale, Scottsdale Fashion Square is one of the largest malls in the United States and the biggest in Arizona. This high-end shopping center features over 250 stores, including luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co. With many on-going offers and sales, it’s the perfect place to spend a day if you’re looking for some retail therapy.
In addition to the many stores, Scottsdale Fashion Square also has a food court, movie theater, and several restaurants. So, if you don’t want to go on a shopping-spree, try some of the local cuisines at the cafes and enjoy the delicious food.
Address: 7014 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, United States
Enjoy the Nightlife
The nightlife in this city is amazing! No wonder it’s called “the Beverly Hills of Arizona.” Scottsdale boasts a vibrant live music scene, so you can enjoy seeing bands perform at venues around the city.
Some of the best places to go out at night in Scottsdale include Old Town, Scottsdale Entertainment District, and Downtown Scottsdale. These areas are filled with bars, clubs, and restaurants that stay open late. With all these live music venues, bars, clubs, and restaurants, you’re sure to have a night of fun and excitement!
Old Town
Old Town Scottsdale is a historic district because it is the place where the city began its expansion to what it is today. Winfield Scott, a US Army Chaplain, was the first resident here. You can explore this town to see some of the old spectacular structures and the variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife venues it has to offer.
The area is also home to many art galleries, museums, and businesses. In addition, Old Town Scottsdale is a popular spot for events and festivals. Some of the most popular events include the Scottsdale Culinary Festival, Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, and Arizona Indian Market.
Address: 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Scottsdale Entertainment District
The Scottsdale Entertainment District is a lively area with many bars, clubs, and restaurants. This area is especially popular at night when people come out to enjoy the live music scene. There are also several hotels in the area, so it’s easy to find a place to stay if you’re looking to make a night of it.
OdySea Aquarium
It is a one-of-a-kind aquarium experience and is the largest aquarium in Arizona. It also happens to be the only revolving aquarium in the world! The aquarium features over two million gallons of water and more than 370 species.
You can indulge in activities like shark tour or sea trek underwater helmet diving. This aquarium is a must-visit, especially if you are travelling with kids.
You can also watch the movie “underwater giants” in its in-house movie theatre.
Entry Fee: Prices vary accordingly. Combo packages and other options are available.
Address: 9500 East Vía de Ventura Suite A-100, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Downtown Scottsdale
Downtown Scottsdale has plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to keep you entertained. This area is also the site of many events throughout the year, so there’s always something going on. Whether you’re looking for a night of dancing or just want to grab a drink with friends, Downtown Scottsdale is the place to be!
Great Eats
Scottsdale is home to many different types of restaurants, from casual cafes to fine dining establishments. You’ll be able to find whatever you’re in the mood for, whether it’s American, Mexican, Italian, or Asian food.
Some of the best places to eat in Scottsdale include Pizzeria Bianco, The Herb Box, FnB Restaurant, and Virtu Honest Craft. These are just a few of the city’s many great restaurants!
Grand Hotels and Resorts
There are plenty of places to stay in Scottsdale, whether you’re looking for a luxury resort or a more affordable hotel. Some of the best places to stay include The Phoenician, Kimpton Hotels, Marriott Hotels, and the Scottsdale Camelback Resort.
The Phoenician
The Phoenician is one of the most luxurious resorts in Scottsdale. This AAA Five-Diamond resort features a spa, golf course, pools, and several restaurants. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, and the service is top-notch.
Kimpton Hotels
Kimpton Hotels is another great option for luxury accommodations in Scottsdale. This chain of boutique hotels offers stylish rooms, great service, and a variety of amenities.
Marriott Hotels
Marriott Hotels is a good choice if you’re looking for affordable accommodations in Scottsdale. This hotel chain offers comfortable rooms and all the standard amenities you would expect, such as a pool, gym, and business center.
Scottsdale Camelback Resort
The Scottsdale Camelback Resort is a luxury resort located in Scottsdale, Arizona. This AAA Four-Diamond resort features two 18-hole golf courses, a spa, and several restaurants. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, and the resort grounds are beautiful. The service is top-notch, and the amenities are second to none. If you’re looking for a luxury resort experience in Scottsdale, the Camelback Resort is the perfect place for you!
Why Should I Take a Charter Bus?
Charter bus services offer a number of benefits to those traveling to Scottsdale. They are an affordable and convenient way to get around, and they can also be used for group travel. Charter buses are available in a variety of sizes, so you can choose one that’s right for your group. Charter bus services can make it easy to see all the sights in Scottsdale without having to worry about parking or traffic.
The cost of charter bus services in Scottsdale will vary depending on the size of the bus and the length of the rental. For a standard charter bus, you can expect to pay around $200-$300 per day. For a luxury charter bus, you can expect to pay around $500-$1,000 per day.
Ride with Avalon
Avalon Charter Bus is the best way to get to Scottsdale. Avalon bus offers service to Scottsdale from a variety of locations. You can choose from a number of different pick-up and drop-off points, and the buses are comfortable and reliable. The buses offer a variety of amenities, such as Wi-Fi, power outlets, and reclining seats. The service is great for those who want to avoid the hassle of driving or taking public transportation.
Pack your Bags and Book your Trip
There’s plenty to do in Scottsdale, Arizona! Whether you’re looking for luxury resorts or more affordable hotels, there’s something for everyone. From golfing and hiking to exploring museums and art galleries, you’ll never be bored in this city. And with over 200 restaurants, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Scottsdale today! With so much to see and do, you’ll definitely want to add this city to your travel list!
