If you’re looking for Scottsdale activities, read on to discover just what the city has to offer. From embracing the outdoors or enjoying indoor activities, there’s plenty of Scottsdale activities to great memories for years to come.
Outdoor Activities
Scottsdale offers plenty to do in the great outdoors, with the Tonto National Forest, McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Sonoran Desert, and many other nature preserves within short distance of town. Here are some great hiking trails to explore:
- - Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
- - Fraesfield Trailhead
- - Gateway Loop Trail (McDowell Sonoran Preserve)
- - Pinnacle Peak Summit Trail
ATV Tours
Or, you may prefer to hit the trails on an ATV/UTV. Several companies offer you the ability to go on a guided tour or take a rental for a spin:- - Sunset Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour (Off-Road Jeep Adventures)
- - Hummer Night Tour in the Sonoran (Desert Dog Offroad Adventures)
- - You Drive Off-Road Desert ATV/UTV Tours (Desert Monsters Tours)
Indoor Activities
When the weather isn’t cooperating, there’s still plenty to do in Scottsdale:
- - Scottsdale Fashion Square: an enormous shopping complex
- - Musical Instrument Museum: a interactive museum
- - iFly Phoeni: indoor skydiving complex without hopping into a plane
- - AZ on the Rocks: an indoor climbing gym with over 14,000 square of terrain
Arizona Boardwalk
35 acres of family friendly entertainment, including:
-
- - Butterfly Wonderland: America’s largest butterfly conservatory
-
- - OdySea Aquarium: the largest aquarium in the Southwest
- - Laser & Mirror Maze
- - Pangaea: Land of the Dinosaurs
Casual Dining Restaurants
Enjoy Luxury Accommodations
Scottsdale has a reputation for luxury, so why not indulge and stay at some of the area’s resorts? Enjoy poolside relaxation, spa treatments, golf, fine dining and much more:
- - Scottsdale Plaza Resort
- - The Phoenician
- - The Scottsdale Ranch at McCormick Ranch
- - Hotel Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
- - The Scott Resort & Spa
- - Talking Stick Resort
Family-Friendly Activities
Scottsdale offers great fun for all ages, whether you have young children or teenagers. You and your family can enjoy fun and educational experiences around town, including:
- - Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament - live entertainment
- - Musical Instrument Museum - hands-on exhibits and guided tours of music
- - McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park - miniature train rides, jungle gyms, and model railroad display
- - Arizona Boardwalk - includes the OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, laser tag, and bumper cars.
Hiking Adventures
Scottsdale features a wealth of hiking opportunities for visitors that want to explore the desert landscape, incomparable views, and fresh air. The following are located within a short drive of the area:
- - Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
- - Fraesfield Trailhead
- - Gateway Loop Trail (McDowell Sonoran Preserve)
- - Pinnacle Peak Summit Trail
- - Go John Trail
