Top Eight Things to Do in Scottsdale in 2025
Scottsdale is considered Arizona's finest urban center. It is home to more than 90 restaurants, 320 retail shops, and 80 art galleries. The destination is quite famous for its art and architecture, with the Taliesin West being one of its biggest attractions. While you are planning to head to Scottsdale in 2025, you wonder about the Things to Do in Scottsdale, as there are quite a few things that you can do in Scottsdale in 2025. Go through the following information and get further updates. There, you can plan your itinerary accordingly.
Visit the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a 30,500-acre desert preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona. It's the largest city park in the United States. The preserve is home to native plants and animals and is a vital wildlife corridor. The main feature of this place is that it is a network of non-motorized trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and there you get award-winning facilities that include the lush cacti forests and diverse geography.
Opening hours are 7 am- 7 6 pm and 6 pm. Address - 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.
Explore Old Town Scottsdale.
Old Town Scottsdale is a top attraction in Scottsdale, Arizona, that mixes Old West charm with modern amenities. It's home to shops, restaurants, art galleries, and historic sites. The Scottsdale Trolley has three free fixed routes and connects to nine regional-fare bus routes. There, you witness the Arts District, home to galleries, wine-tasting rooms, the Scottsdale Museum of the West, and the Scottsdale Artists' School. It is a mixed-use district with restaurants, bars, and a Scottsdale Civic Center.
Opening hours - 24 hours. Address - 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
Set Sail on a Hot Air Balloon over the Desert.
With companies like Rainbow Ryders and Hot Air Expeditions, you can ride a hot air balloon over the Sonoran Desert in Scottsdale, Arizona. This is the most romantic thing to do in Scottsdale and one of the most unique. The tour includes a champagne toast, catered food, and a commemorative flight certificate. Thus, guests can explore the desert landscape from close to the ground or up to 5,000 feet in the air and there are being offers morning and sunset flights. The experience is unlike any other, and you'll see the Desert in a new light.
Opening ho7 am- 76 pm– 6 pm. Address - 715 E Covey Ln #100, Phoenix, AZ 85024.
Take a Day Trip to The Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It is a step-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in Arizona, United States. The Grand Canyon is famous for its immense size, striking views, and the history it reveals about the Earth. It is also considered one of the largest canyons, averaging 4,000 feet deep and 18 miles wide. Whether you want to hike to the bottom or take a helicopter tour, the Grand Canyon is a must-see in Arizona.
Opening hours - 24 Hours. Address - S Entrance Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023.
Explore the Desert by Jeep.
Another unique thing you can do in Scottsdale is explore the Desert by Jeep. One of the most popular ways is to go on a guided Jeep tour through the Sonoran Desert. Enjoy stunning views of the Desert as the sun sets and further focus on capturing the beauty of the desert landscape. his is an excellent activity for thrill seekers and adventure seekers. It's also a great way to see parts of Scottsdale.
Opening h10 am 107 pm– 7 pm. Address: Meeting point at Village At Pinnacle Peak 8711 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.
Enjoy a day at Butterfly Wonderland.
Butterfly Wonderland is one of the most unique places to visit in Scottsdale, and it truly is a wonderland. It is a unique experience where you can walk through a large indoor conservatory filled with thousands of butterflies worldwide, allowing you to observe them flying freely in a simulated tropical rainforest environment. The main attraction is a spacious glass atrium where you can freely wander among thousands of butterflies from various species across the globe.
H9 am: 95 pm– 5 pm. Address: 9500 E Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256.
Explore the Hidden Gem of Salt River.
One of the best things to do in Scottsdale is to explore and float down the Salt River. This gem is not so hidden now and is a beautiful spot for hiking, picnicking, and bird-watching. Salt River leaves the mountains and flows past the cities of Mesa, Tempe, and Scottsdale. Arrive at Salt River early to have the opportunity to see the remarkable Salt River wild horses. Therefore, the best way to explore Salt River is to rent a kayak or paddleboard from a company that offers tours.
Opening h9 am: 95 pm– 5 pm Address: 8000 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Make a visit to Scottsdale's Wine Trail.
The Scottsdale Wine Trail is a self-guided tour of wine-tasting rooms in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona. It includes award-winning wines from Arizona wineries. The trail is suitable for both experienced and new wine lovers, as the tasting rooms are within walking distance of each other. Thus, the trail is part of downtown Scottsdale's entertainment district, and there, you can purchase a $5 Wine Trail Passport for $2 off wine tastings at participating wineries.
Opening ho11 am 116 pm– 6 pm Address - 4225 N Marshall Way Suite #2, Scottsdale, AZ 8525
How do I spend a day in Scottsdale, AZ?
Scottsdale is considered a great tourist destination due to its sunny weather year-round, upscale shopping and dining experiences in Old Town Scottsdale. Thus, while you are planning to head to Scottsdale, AZ., and spend a day there, you can proceed to spend a day in Scottsdale, Arizona, exploring its gardens, shopping, hiking, and more.
What is Scottsdale most known for?
Scottsdale, Arizona, is known for its upscale lifestyle, golf courses, and desert setting. Below are a few things Scottsdale is quite famous for and well-talked about; get to know about the following.
Scottsdale is known as "The World's Finest Golf Destination." Desert setting, as Scottsdale is located in the Sonoran Desert at the foot of the McDowell Mountains. Scottsdale is known for its luxurious hotels, world-class spas, and fine dining. Scottsdale has a vibrant arts scene, and the Fifth Avenue District is known for its designer boutiques, vintage clothing shops, and Native American jewelry stores. Scottsdale offers many outdoor adventures, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and desert exploration.
Can you walk everywhere in Old Town Scottsdale?
Yes, you can walk around Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona. The historic district, art galleries, shops, restaurants, and entertainment are all close together. Thus, the places with the Walkable features are as mentioned below.
Neighborhoods: Old Town Scottsdale is made up of nine walkable neighborhoods. Public art: There are more than 70 public art pieces in Old Town Scottsdale. Museums: There are several museums in Old Town Scottsdale. Historic sites: Old Town Scottsdale has landmark sites from the late 1880s. Shopping: There are many shops and boutiques in Old Town Scottsdale Restaurants and bars: There are many restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in Old Town Scottsdale.
What is the popular street in Scottsdale?
One of the most popular streets in Scottsdale is Fifth Avenue, one of the well-known and popular streets in old town Scottsdale, Arizona, for shopping, restaurants, and other major attractions. Therefore, it is known to be one of the top shopping destinations for tourists and locals, one of the busiest and most photographed spots in town, and a perfect mix of locally owned boutiques and galleries.
What is the most walkable area of Scottsdale?
Old Town Scottsdale, also known as downtown Scottsdale, is a walkable neighborhood with many restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. It also features boutique shopping, art galleries, and fine art. Thus, according to Walk Score, Downtown Scottsdale has the highest walkability score in the city. There, you tend to get a variety of amenities as you can walk to many restaurants, cafes, and art galleries. Head to the place and witness the historic aesthetic.
Do any celebrities live in Scottsdale AZ?
Many celebrities, including musicians, athletes, and actors, live in Scottsdale, Arizona. Scottsdale is home to various famous people, such as David Ellefson, a founding member of the heavy metal band Megadeth. Ellefson and his family reside in Scottsdale. There are also Bret Michaels, Alice Cooper, Charles Barkley, Jimmy Adkins, Danica Patrick, and others. The Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale is also a celebrity hotspot.
What is the nicest part of Scottsdale?
Scottsdale, Arizona, has many beautiful areas, including Old Town Scottsdale, DC Ranch, and the Fifth Avenue District. There are quite a few nicest parts of Scottsdale. A few of the following are mentioned below. Learn about them to make your visit a pleasant experience.
Estancia. Desert Mountain. Whisper Rock Estates. Merit Crossing. Somerset. The Pecans in Queen Creek.














