Things to Do in Scottsdale: Old Town, Golf & the Desert

Scottsdale is the polished side of the Valley: a city of resorts, golf courses, art galleries, and one of the liveliest entertainment districts in the Southwest. It manages to be both a luxury destination and an outdoorsy one, with the Sonoran Desert right at its edge. Whether you are here for a bachelorette weekend, a golf trip, a spa retreat, or just a great dinner, Scottsdale delivers. Here is a local guide to the best things to do in Scottsdale.

Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town is the heart of the city and the most walkable district in the metro. In a few compact blocks you will find an unusual mix: souvenir shops and Western-wear stores from Scottsdale's cowboy past, high-end art galleries, sidewalk cafes, and at night, one of Arizona's busiest bar and club scenes.

• Dining: Old Town packs in everything from upscale steakhouses to taco joints and patios.
• Nightlife: The district is famous for its concentration of bars, lounges, and clubs, especially busy on weekends and during big events.
• Shopping: Galleries, boutiques, and Western shops sit side by side.

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Western heritage and museums

For all its modern polish, Scottsdale began as a Western town and still wears the title "The West's Most Western Town." That history shows up in Old Town's adobe-style architecture, the bronze cowboy and horse sculptures along the streets, and a handful of excellent museums. Western and contemporary art, Native American culture, and the legacy of the desert architecture pioneered nearby all have dedicated venues. Architecture buffs make the pilgrimage to Taliesin West, the winter home and studio that Frank Lloyd Wright built into the desert foothills, one of the most significant works of architecture in the state and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Scottsdale ArtWalk

Every Thursday evening, the galleries of the Old Town arts district stay open late for the long-running Scottsdale ArtWalk, one of the oldest weekly art walks in the country. It is free to stroll, and the mix of contemporary, Western, and Native American art on display is a genuine draw. It is one of the best low-cost evenings in the city.

Golf and resorts

Scottsdale is one of the premier golf destinations in the United States, with a high concentration of championship courses set against desert and mountain backdrops. The city is also known for its resorts and spas, many of them destinations in their own right with pools, dining, and golf on-site. Even if you are not staying at one, several resort restaurants and lounges are open to the public and offer a taste of the experience. After a round, the happy hours page is a good way to find a post-golf deal.

Desert hiking and the outdoors

For all its polish, Scottsdale sits right against some of the best desert hiking in the metro.

• McDowell Sonoran Preserve: One of the largest urban preserves in the country, with an extensive network of trails through classic Sonoran Desert, saguaros, washes, and mountain views.
• Pinnacle Peak: A popular, well-maintained out-and-back trail in north Scottsdale with big views.
• Desert botanical experiences: The area is rich in opportunities to see the Sonoran Desert up close, from guided hikes to scenic drives.

As everywhere in the low desert, hike early in the warmer months and carry plenty of water.

Shopping, spas, and slow days

Scottsdale is also a destination for shopping and pampering. Beyond Old Town's galleries and boutiques, the city has upscale shopping centers and a fashion district, while its resorts are home to some of the most acclaimed spas in the Southwest. A classic Scottsdale day might pair a morning hike in the McDowells with an afternoon by the pool or at the spa, then dinner and drinks in Old Town. It is the kind of place built for a relaxed, indulgent weekend, and the warm winter weather makes it an ideal escape when much of the country is cold.

When to visit Scottsdale

Scottsdale is busiest and most pleasant from roughly November through April, when daytime temperatures are ideal and the social calendar, spring training, art season, and festivals, is in full swing. Summer brings deep discounts at the resorts for travelers willing to brave the heat and stick to early mornings, pools, and evenings.

Plan your Scottsdale trip

Few places pack as much into one city as Scottsdale: world-class golf, a buzzing nightlife district, serious desert hiking, and a respected arts scene, all in one place. To build your trip around what is actually on during your dates, start with the Scottsdale hub for events, festivals, and seasonal happenings.