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Scottsdale, United States
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Most popular attractions in Scottsdale, United States
1. Old Town Scottsdale
Visit guide, tips & moreVibrant southwestern culture, art and nightlife packed into a walkable district. Wander galleries, public art, boutiques and patio restaurants beneath the desert sky.
2. Taliesin West
Visit guide, tips & moreSee Frank Lloyd Wright's desert studio and sculptural concrete-and-stone architecture up close. Guided tours lead through studios, gardens, and dramatic desert-light spaces.
3. McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Visit guide, tips & moreVast Sonoran Desert preserve with dramatic granite ridges and towering saguaro forests. Hike, bike, or photograph colorful sunrises and rugged trails for all levels.
Book a FREE walking tour in Scottsdale, United States
The best way to experience a city with a local tour guide.
Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!
4. Pinnacle Peak Park
Visit guide, tips & moreRugged desert skyline and accessible trails make Pinnacle Peak worth visiting. Hike rolling switchbacks, pass towering saguaros and enjoy wide valley panoramas.
5. Butterfly Wonderland
Visit guide, tips & moreA tropical butterfly rainforest in the desert, alive with color and motion. Wander among hundreds of free-flying butterflies and watch pupae hatch in the emergence gallery.
6. OdySea Aquarium
Visit guide, tips & moreArizona's largest aquarium with immersive exhibits and a 300-foot ocean tunnel. See sharks, rays, interactive touch tanks, and lively daily feedings.
7. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Visit guide, tips & moreLive railroad history with restored locomotives and kid-friendly train rides. Ride the miniature railroad, tour the Scottsdale Railroad Museum, and spin on a vintage carousel.
8. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Visit guide, tips & moreContemporary art in downtown Scottsdale, compact and powerful. Rotating exhibitions, a rooftop sculpture terrace, and thought-provoking installations create a focused, inspiring visit.
9. Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West
Visit guide, tips & moreDiscover vivid art and stories of the American West in a modern museum. Galleries feature cowboy paintings, Native American objects, and interactive displays.
10. Scottsdale Fashion Square
Visit guide, tips & moreTop-tier desert shopping and dining in one stylish complex. Wander luxury boutiques, local brands, and sunlit restaurants with outdoor patios.
11. Local Farmers Market
Visit guide, tips & moreFresh local produce and artisanal foods showcasing Arizona flavors. Stroll colorful stalls, taste samples, and meet the growers.
12. Street Food Tour
13. Cooking Class with Local Chef
Visit guide, tips & moreLearn Southwestern flavors from a local chef, hands-on. Cook authentic dishes and enjoy your meal with fellow students.
14. Historic Cafe
Visit guide, tips & moreCentury-old cafe preserving original tile and counter, serving classic diner breakfasts with neighborhood charm. Expect retro photos by the neon sign and lively local conversation.
Things to Do in Scottsdale, United States
Popular activities and local experiences recommended by travelers
Additional popular things to do in Scottsdale, United States
Curated tours, tickets, and activities recommended by travelers
Traditional Sweet Dishes
Prickly Pear Jelly
Made from the magenta fruit of the prickly pear cactus, this sweet jelly captures the Sonoran Desert flavor and appears on many Scottsdale menus and gift shops.
Navajo Frybread with Honey
This Native American frybread is served sweet with honey or powdered sugar at festivals and markets around Scottsdale, reflecting the region's Indigenous culinary influence.
Churros
Crisp fried dough dusted with cinnamon sugar, churros are a popular Mexican-American street dessert you will find at Scottsdale festivals, malls, and Mexican restaurants.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Sonoran Hot Dog
A bacon-wrapped hot dog in a bolillo roll topped with beans, onions, tomatoes, and a creamy jalapeño sauce, the Sonoran hot dog is a Sonoran Desert staple widely loved across Scottsdale.
Chimichanga
This deep-fried burrito, often claimed to have Arizona origins, is a comfort-food classic featured on many Scottsdale restaurant menus.
Carne Asada Tacos
Grilled, thinly sliced beef served in corn tortillas with cilantro, onion, and lime, carne asada tacos are a cornerstone of Scottsdale and greater Arizona Mexican food culture.
Traditional Beverages
Prickly Pear Margarita
A vibrant twist on the classic margarita using prickly pear syrup or puree, this cocktail is a signature drink at many Scottsdale bars and resorts.
Date Shake
A thick milkshake made with local desert dates, the date shake is a beloved Southwestern treat that you can find at Scottsdale diners and roadside stands.
Agua Fresca (especially prickly pear or horchata)
Light, fresh fruit drinks like prickly pear agua fresca or creamy horchata are common in Scottsdale, offering a refreshing complement to spicy regional dishes.
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Day trips
Flagstaff
Mountain town, cooler weather, and gateway to national parks.
Google MapsComments (7)
Old Town is lively at night but gets packed, expect waits at brunch spots and tourist prices, still fun for people watching.
Had an amazing long weekend, desert sunsets are unreal, resort pools and spas excellent, food is pricey but worth it.
For hikes, start Camelback or Pinnacle Peak before 7am, bring 2 liters water and electrolytes, parking fills fast after sunrise.
Surprised by the Mexican food and bakery scene, farmer markets were a weekend highlight and coffee shops feel local.
Felt a bit too polished and touristy, lots of chain restaurants. Nice if you want comfort, disappointing if you want grit.
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
Amtrak Sunset Limited / Texas Eagle, limited service
Light rail linking Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa
From PHX take the Sky Train to Terminal 4, then rideshare, taxi, or a 20-30 min drive to Scottsdale.
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