Scottsdale: 10 Fun Things to Do

You’ll find endless adventure in Scottsdale, from exploring Frank Lloyd Wright’s stunning Taliesin West to hiking 230+ miles of trails through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Experience the electric atmosphere at TPC Scottsdale’s famous 16th hole, browse over 75 galleries in Old Town’s Arts District, or take sunrise hot air balloon rides over the Sonoran Desert. Don’t miss Pinnacle Peak’s challenging climbs, world-class desert spas, and the Desert Botanical Garden’s 50,000+ plants—there’s much more to discover.

Explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s Desert Masterpiece at Taliesin West

Tucked into the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, Taliesin West stands as Frank Lloyd Wright’s most ambitious desert experiment—a UNESCO World Heritage site that’ll give you an intimate look at where the legendary architect lived, worked, and taught for over two decades.

You’ll walk through Wright’s winter home and studio, built from local desert masonry that blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The guided tours showcase his organic architecture philosophy, where low-slung buildings feel embedded in the terrain itself.

You’ll see the drafting studio where apprentices learned, theaters for performances, and Wright’s private quarters—all featuring his signature Cherokee red beams and canvas roofs that filter Arizona’s intense sunlight. The site features five pianos throughout the buildings, reflecting Wright’s belief that music and architecture shared similar textures and patterns. The interconnected courtyards and reflecting pools create surprising coolness in this desert setting.

Hike the McDowell Sonoran Preserve Trail System

With over 230 miles of trails sprawling across 30,500 acres of protected Sonoran Desert, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers some of the best free hiking in Arizona—and it’s right in Scottsdale’s backyard.

You’ll find trails for every skill level across 11 trailheads, from the easy Bajada Nature Trail to challenging Tom’s Thumb with its 570-foot elevation gain. The Gateway Loop delivers panoramic valley views after a moderate 4.5-mile trek.

Hit the trails early during summer’s brutal heat, and always pack plenty of water—there’s virtually no shade. Wear sturdy shoes since rocky terrain dominates most routes. Dogs are welcome but must stay leashed.

Best of all? It’s completely free with no parking fees, making it perfect for budget-conscious adventurers. As the largest city park in the United States, this preserve represents an incredible achievement in urban conservation and public recreation.

Experience the Energy of TPC Scottsdale’s Famous 16th Hole

If you’ve ever wondered what golf would look like if it borrowed from the Roman Colosseum, the 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale delivers that answer in spectacular fashion. This 163-yard par 3 transforms into a raucous amphitheater during the Waste Management Phoenix Open, with 294 skyboxes and massive stadium seating surrounding the green.

You’ll witness thousands of fans creating an electric atmosphere that’s unmatched in professional golf. The crowd cheers, jeers, and celebrates every shot with college football-level intensity.

While you can’t play this championship course year-round without serious expense, attending the tournament offers an accessible way to experience golf’s most entertaining venue. Designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, this hole showcases how architectural brilliance can create the perfect stage for sporting theater. The energy here proves golf doesn’t have to be stuffy – it can be pure, unfiltered fun.

Wander Through Old Town’s Art Galleries and Western Shops

When you’re ready to trade golf’s manicured greens for artistic treasures, Old Town Scottsdale’s Arts District delivers one of the Southwest’s most concentrated gallery experiences.

You’ll find 75+ galleries packed into a walkable area along Main Street and Marshall Way, representing over 1,000 artists’ work spanning Western, Native American, contemporary, and wildlife art.

Time your visit for Thursday evenings (7-9 p.m.) when Scottsdale ArtWalk opens gallery doors for special exhibits and artist meet-and-greets. The district also features independent art galleries alongside jewelers, fashion boutiques, and interior design studios for a complete cultural shopping experience.

Beyond fine art, you’ll discover authentic Western shops selling handcrafted turquoise jewelry, cowboy hats, and leather goods that capture the Old West spirit.

Don’t miss the nearby Western Spirit Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate showcasing art from all 19 Western states across 43,000 square feet.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Sonoran Desert

Three thousand feet above the Sonoran Desert, you’ll experience Arizona’s breathtaking landscape from a completely different perspective during a hot air balloon adventure. You’ll float for 45-60 minutes over stunning desert terrain, spotting wildlife like coyotes, javelinas, and roadrunners while enjoying panoramic views of the McDowell Mountains and Phoenix skyline.

Book between October and May for ideal flying conditions—summer heat and monsoons can cause cancellations. Expect early wake-up calls around 4:30-5:30 a.m. for sunrise flights. Budget around $169-$249 per adult with reputable operators like Hot Air Expeditions or Rainbow Ryders.

You’ll need to stand throughout the flight and be at least 48 inches tall. Most tours include transportation, champagne toasts, and light refreshments after landing. The complete experience takes 3 to 4.5 hours from pickup to return, though the actual flight time is just under an hour.

Discover Underwater Wonders at OdySea Aquarium and Arizona Boardwalk

After soaring above Arizona’s desert landscape, you can explore an entirely different world beneath the surface at OdySea Aquarium, the Southwest’s largest aquarium located just 25 minutes from Phoenix.

You’ll discover over 30,000 animals across multiple galleries, with free parking at the Arizona Boardwalk location keeping costs down.

Don’t miss the world’s only rotating aquarium experience—the OdySea Voyager offers stadium-style seating that rotates past 46-foot viewing windows during a 20-minute educational journey through four major exhibits. Before boarding, you’ll become part of the aquarium’s research team at a marine research station-style gallery with interactive installations.

You can touch Russian sturgeon and stingrays at interactive pools, walk through shark tunnels, and watch penguins play.

For adventure seekers, try SeaTREK’s underwater helmet diving experience where you’ll walk on the ocean floor surrounded by sharks and rays.

Summit Pinnacle Peak or Camelback Mountain for Desert Views

For breathtaking desert panoramas that’ll make your Instagram followers jealous, you can’t beat hiking either Pinnacle Peak or Camelback Mountain—both offering stunning Sonoran Desert views without entrance fees.

Pinnacle Peak’s 3.5-mile moderate trail features well-graded switchbacks, restrooms, and interpretive signage—perfect for families and casual hikers. You’ll enjoy granite formations and continuous valley vistas without technical scrambling. The trail includes educational displays about unique desert flora, including the rare redberry juniper found in this ecosystem.

Camelback’s steeper Echo Canyon and Cholla trails demand better fitness but reward you with superior city skyline views from higher elevation. Both require early starts during summer’s 100°F+ heat, plus plenty of water and sun protection.

Note that dogs aren’t allowed at Pinnacle Peak, while Camelback’s parking fills quickly year-round.

Unwind at World-Class Desert Spas

While Scottsdale’s hiking trails offer one way to connect with the desert, the city’s world-class spas provide a more luxurious approach to experiencing Sonoran wellness traditions. You’ll find treatments featuring local botanicals like prickly pear, jojoba, and agave at properties including The Phoenician Spa and Spa Avania.

Many resorts offer day-use packages that include pool access when you book weekday services—a smart way to maximize value.

Don’t miss the hydrotherapy circuits at Well & Being Spa, featuring hot and cold plunge pools, saunas, and steam rooms. Spa Avania stands out with its unique Himalayan Salt Room, the only one in the Valley of the Sun, providing inhalation therapy for skin and respiratory wellness.

For budget-conscious visitors, consider Joya Spa’s extensive facilities spanning 31,000 square feet, or look for spa packages that include fitness classes and meditation sessions to stretch your wellness dollar further.

Browse Desert Plants at the Desert Botanical Garden

Beyond pampering yourself at luxury spas, you can explore nature’s own wellness pharmacy at the Desert Botanical Garden, where 50,000+ desert plants showcase the healing botanicals that make those spa treatments so special.

This 140-acre living museum houses over 4,000 desert species, including rare crested saguaros and stunning Chihuly glass installations that pop against the natural backdrop.

You’ll follow five thematic trails featuring towering saguaros, colorful wildflowers, and fascinating succulents.

The garden’s collection includes 13,973 cacti and 4,026 agaves, plus 379 endangered species.

Don’t miss the seasonal exhibitions and art shows. The garden offers lectures on desert landscaping, nature art, cooking, and wellness for visitors seeking deeper knowledge.

With workshops on desert landscaping and plant science, you’ll gain practical knowledge for your own desert garden while experiencing one of only 35 museum-accredited botanical gardens nationwide.

Join Thursday Evening ArtWalk in the Arts District

Every Thursday evening since 1975, you can join America’s Original ArtWalk as it transforms Scottsdale’s Arts District into a free cultural playground from 7–9 p.m. You’ll explore over 100 galleries along Main Street and Marshall Way, enjoying rotating exhibitions, live artist demonstrations, and street performances.

Most galleries offer complimentary wine tastings and small bites, making it an affordable night out.

Mark your calendar for special Gold Palette nights (6:30–9 p.m.) featuring extended programming and themed entertainment like “Showtime” or “Western Week.” The 2025–2026 season includes special themed nights such as Scottsdazzle, Western Week, Demonstrate: Sculpture, Native Spirit, and Celebrate Spring. Free parking‘s available throughout the district, and you can sometimes catch complimentary trolley rides between locations.

Western Spirit Museum extends hours until 9 p.m. with free admission for Scottsdale residents after 5 p.m.

The Sum Up

You’ve got endless options to explore Scottsdale without breaking the bank. Mix free hikes with budget-friendly activities like the Thursday ArtWalk or browsing Old Town’s galleries. Save on pricier experiences like hot air balloon rides by booking during off-season or looking for group deals. Don’t forget to pack water and sunscreen – the desert sun’s no joke. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, Scottsdale delivers memorable experiences that’ll fit your wallet.