Things To Do in Scottsdale Arizona (From a Local!)
Scottsdale, Arizona – the name often conjures images of luxurious resorts, championship golf courses, and vibrant nightlife. And sure, it does have all of that. But as a local who’s called this desert oasis home for over a decade, I can tell you there’s so much more to Scottsdale than what you see on the postcards and your friends’ bachelorette party posts. So, if you’re ready to ditch the typical tourist traps and discover Scottsdale like a true insider, stick around. This isn’t just another list of attractions; it’s your personal guide to experiencing the Scottsdale i know.
Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used in this post, which I do benefit from. It’s a great way to show support, if you want to!
Welcome to Scottsdale, Arizona
the west’s most western town
Scottsdale, Arizona has many nicknames, from “The West’s Most Western Town” to “Beverly Hills of the Desert” to “Snobbsdale.” What do all these nicknames mean? Scottsdale, Arizona is known as a western town as it was the end point for the “Pony Express” back in the day. Why Beverly Hills & “Snobbsdale?” Well, it is a wealthier area in the Phoenix Valley. It’s well-known for it’s fine dining, nationwide events, and world-renowned golf courses. There’s so much more to Scottsdale than what meets the eyes. I can’t wait to tell you what the locals love about Scottsdale, too.
getting to scottsdale, arizona
If you already live in Arizona, you know Scottsdale is located only 10 minutes from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and is a LARGE CITY. It spans miles and miles north to south.
If you’re flying in to Arizona to visit Scottsdale, you’ll also fly into the Sky Harbor Airport. Phoenix has one of the best airports I’ve been to across the country. It’s not too big or too small and not too busy. It’s easy to fly into, usually affordable, and easy to get a rental car!
best months to visit
Okay, let’s talk about the best time to visit Scottsdale from a local’s perspective. While we’re blessed with sunshine nearly year-round, the sweet spot for truly enjoying all our outdoor adventures is definitely the “shoulder seasons” – late fall (October, November) and early spring (March, April). During these months, the desert weather is pure perfection, with comfortable daytime temperatures typically in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit, crisp evenings, and low humidity. It’s ideal for hiking, enjoying a round of golf, exploring Old Town on foot, or simply lounging by a resort pool without feeling like you’re melting. You’ll also find a lively atmosphere with many outdoor events and festivals in full swing. Regardless of the month you visit, there’s plenty to see and do in Scottsdale!
tom’s thumb in scottsdale, arizona
Things To Do in Scottsdale Arizona: Hike!
One of the best things to do in Scottsdale Arizona is GO FOR A HIKE of course. The Sonoran Desert is one of a kind and is the only spot you can find towering Saguaro Cactus. The landscape is so unique, so you can’t miss out while you visit.
Camelback Mountain
I can’t start the list of best hikes in Scottsdale without mentioning the iconic Camelback Mountain. Camelback is a large mountain in the middle of Scottsdale. There’s a trail on both the East and West side of the mountain that meet on the summit with a 360 view of the Phoenix Valley. It’s short and steep and requires using your hands at parts! I’ll be honest, it’s very touristy, so I don’t do it often as a local. But it is an amazing workout when I do choose to do it. Make sure to read my blog post below on Camelback for a secret cave off the trail, too!
Tom’s Thumb
If you have some more time to spend in nature and want to experience a really unique landscape, Tom’s Thumb is the hike for you. Why is it called tom’s thumb? The rock feature at the end of the hike does look like a big thumb. I LOVE the landscape in the Mcdowell Mountains. I always recommend that visitors have proper hiking shoes (I recommend THESE), and understand heat safety. I suggest not hiking over 85 degrees!
Papago Park “Hole-in-the-Rock”
For a quick and iconic taste of the desert, I always recommend the Hole-in-the-Rock in Papago Park. It’s for sure one of the best things to do in Scottsdale Arizona. Fun fact- it actually straddles the Phoenix/Tempe/Scottsdale border. This isn’t a strenuous trek; it’s a short, easy walk up a unique red sandstone formation with a literal “hole” that frames the most incredible views of the city skyline, including downtown Phoenix, and the surrounding Papago Park landscape. It’s especially magical at sunrise or sunset, just be prepared for a bit of a crowd. It’s a perfect outing for families or anyone looking for a memorable desert vista without a demanding hike.
If you love hiking & camping, you’ve come to the right area in Arizona. On top of the hikes I’ve mentioned, there’s also numerous local campgrounds with great amenities (my favorite is KOA) if you plan to go that route. Check out the link below for some of the best places to camp near Scottsdale, Arizona.
Things To Do in Scottsdale Arizona: Eat
Make sure to spend time enjoying local food and restaurants as part of your Scottsdale itinerary. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, unique quick food, or treats- Scottsdale has it all! As a local, it’s one of the best cities in the Phoenix Valley to enjoy unique food options.
Get Brunch in Old Town Scottsdale
It’s no secret that brunch is practically a religion in Old Town Scottsdale! On any given weekend, locals and visitors alike flock to the vibrant heart of the city to grab food and drinks. The atmosphere is always buzzing, with patios full of sunshine and laughter, making it the perfect way to kick off a leisurely day in the desert. Here’s some options:
- Morning Squeeze: Known for its “groovy vibes” and dog-friendly patio, Morning Squeeze offers a fantastic mix of classic breakfast favorites and modern brunch dishes.
Morning Squeeze Scottsdale - Daily Dose Grill: A local favorite for its rich, decadent breakfasts, Daily Dose Grill serves up craveable dishes like various eggs benedicts and omelets in a popular hangout spot.
Daily Dose Grill Kitchen and Bar - JOJO Coffeehouse: For a breezy and bright start to your day, JOJO Coffeehouse is a must-visit, famous for its fun coffee flights and delicious breakfast sandwiches, tacos, and pancakes.
JOJO Coffeehouse - Schmooze Scottsdale: (Pictured below) Offering a chic, relaxed setting with a beautiful patio, Schmooze is a popular spot for elevated brunch fare and a great selection of drinks.
Schmooze Scottsdale
Enjoy Unique and Local Restaurants
While Scottsdale boasts plenty of upscale dining, true locals know that some of the best culinary and craft beer experiences come with a unique, authentic vibe. For a playful take on Mexican street food in a vibrant setting, you can’t beat Diego Pops in Old Town, offering creative tacos and a lively atmosphere perfect for a fun evening. For an old-school Arizona experience that exudes history and charm, El Chorro provides a sophisticated yet relaxed setting with stunning views of Camelback Mountain. And when it comes to local brews, Scottsdale’s craft beer scene is thriving. Check out Fate Brewing Company, which offers a laid-back, warehouse-style setting perfect for sampling their diverse range of beers, or head to Goldwater Brewing Co. in Old Town for an intimate and friendly taproom experience with consistently excellent brews. If you’re looking for a dog-friendly spot with a great patio and house-distilled spirits, OHSO Brewery + Distillery is a fantastic choice, especially their North Scottsdale location. I absolutely love OHSO.
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Diego Pops:
https://www.diegopops.com/ -
El Chorro:
https://elchorro.com/ -
Fate Brewing Company:
https://www.fatebrewingco.com/ -
Goldwater Brewing Co.:
https://www.goldwaterbrewing.com/scottsdale -
OHSO Brewery + Distillery:
https://www.ohsobrewery.com/
Sweet Treats in Scottsdale
When that desert heat hits, or you’re simply craving something sweet, Scottsdale delivers with some truly delightful spots! A trip to Sugar Bowl is like stepping back in time; this iconic bubblegum-pink ice cream parlor in Old Town has been serving up classic sundaes, malts, and shakes since 1958, complete with a charming, nostalgic atmosphere. For a more modern scoop with inventive flavors, you absolutely have to visit Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Jeni’s is fricken deliciousssss.
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Sugar Bowl:
https://www.experiencescottsdale.com/listing/sugar-bowl-ice-cream-parlor-%26-restaurant/2100/ -
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams:
https://jenis.com/blogs/scoop-shops/scottsdale-az
Things To Do in Scottsdale Arizona: Activities!
There are so many amazing things to do in Scottsdale. So far we’ve explored dining options, outdoorsy activities, and now let’s go over other activities/ attractions in this beautiful city!
Desert Botanical Garden
I guess this is still outdoorsy, but it’s not a hike, so I included it here. DEFINITELY add the Desert Botanical Garden (we call it DBG) to your Scottsdale itinerary. It has got to be one of the most stunning botanical gardens in the country- I never get sick of being here. If you’re not used to desert landscape, this will introduce you to the magical world of cacti and succulents. So many photo ops and places to relax, any time of the day!
Arizona Boardwalk & Odysea Aquarium
This entertainment complex offers a variety of attractions that are especially great for families or when you need a break from the sun. The highlight is the OdySea Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the Southwest, offering immersive exhibits and diverse marine life. I LOVE this Aquarium. PS- the bathroom sink “mirror” is a window into the SHARK TANK! Right next door, Butterfly Wonderland provides a tropical oasis filled with thousands of colorful butterflies, offering a truly magical experience. Highly recommend if you have time.
PopStroke Mini Golf
Scottsdale has truly upped its game in the entertainment arena, and a fantastic example of this is PopStroke, the experiential golf and casual dining concept co-owned by none other than Tiger Woods. PopStroke offers two beautifully designed 18-hole putting courses crafted with synthetic turf that mimic real golf greens, complete with fairways, bunkers, and rough. Beyond the innovative golf, it’s a full-on entertainment complex featuring multiple bars, a full-service restaurant serving up delicious fare, an ice cream parlor, and a playground for the little ones. They can even serve drinks on the mini golf course! It’s a perfect event to do with friends and family while you’re in Scottsdale!
Ride a Hot Air Balloon
Ever thought about this crazy experience? I recently got to ride a hot air balloon in the Phoenix area and it was a wild and really cool experience- this was my second ride. It’s so surprising how stable it feels up in the air! Highly suggest, especially if you’re visiting for a special occasion! 🙂
Final Thoughts about Things To Do in Scottsdale Arizona
From its breathtaking desert landscapes to its vibrant urban core, Scottsdale offers a truly diverse array of experiences that go far beyond the typical tourist itinerary. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast eager to hit the scenic trails of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve or Papago Park’s iconic Hole-in-the-Rock, a foodie searching for hidden-gem brunch spots like Schmooze Scottsdale or indulging in sweet treats from Sugar Bowl and Jeni’s, or someone looking to soak in local culture at unique breweries and old-school eateries like El Chorro, this desert city has something to captivate every visitor. It’s a place where luxury meets rugged beauty, and where a local’s insight can truly unlock the authentic charm and endless adventures that await.
