Location: Scottsdale
Top Things to do in Scottsdale
10 Free Things to do in Scottsdale That You Shouldn't Miss
Scottsdale has more spas per capita than any other city in the U.S.—so whether you’re looking for the latest medi-spa technology or a new-agey, bohemian vibe, there’s sure to be something for you. It's a good thing, too—after spending all day touring the beautiful desert, you'll be grateful for some pampering.
Restaurants in Scottsdale
1. McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,114 reviews
Reviewed By 110edwardf
We visited the preserve on two different days from two different trailheads. Both Gateway and Lost Dog Wash trailheads had good parking, restrooms and trails. There were good maps and well marked trails in good condition. The trails were interlinked loops, so you could start on one but switch to another if you wanted to see different territory. For example at the Lost Dog Wash trailhead, we started in the Ring Tail trail. But at a junction at a choice to stay on that trail that had city views, but switched to Lost Dog Wash to hike into a different little valley with more birds, plants and cactus to see. WeSaw lots of people both days, but it didn’t feel crowded at all.
2. Tom's Thumb Trailhead
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 393 reviews
Reviewed By ca847
Beautiful scenery. Fun walk in the heat. Trails are marked very well. Be sure to bring plenty of water and proper shoes.
3. Native Art Market
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Our small, personal Native Art Market contains 35 artists all of Native American descent. Native Art Market is a weekly weekend market held every weekend October through March. We are located at The Pavilions at Talking Stick Shopping Center. 1 mile from Talking Stick Casino. Address: 9175 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250. Daily hours are 9am-4pm. Live performances and frybread is available at event.
Reviewed By DKB333
Visited the shop while on vacation and was not disappointed. Wonderful selection of art in various mediums, such as metalwork, beadwork, paintings, screen prints, etc! Staff is hands on and is happy to provide more information about the artists. Jingle dancers were performing the first day we were there. The next there was an in house demonstration of silversmithing. Bought a painting and two bracelets there!
4. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,215 reviews
Climb aboard the miniature replica of a Colorado narrow gauge railroad to explore this park that features famous railroad cars and an antique carousel.
Reviewed By jssplsn
This is a great way to spend a beautiful day in the Phoenix area if you have kids under the age of 5. There's a large playground and a model railroad for free, and for less than $20 you can buy enough tickets for a family of 4 to ride the carousel and the miniature train and visit the museum, which has real historical train cars to explore. There's tons of space for picnics and just running around, too.
5. Cosanti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 376 reviews
Our Windbell Gallery features an awe-inspiring collection of our hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind bells. Cosanti is a designated Arizona historic site, designed by world-renowned architect Paolo Soleri, featuring terraced landscaping with experimental earth-formed concrete structures. Organic structures emerge out of the Arizona landscape to immerse guests in a creative, meditative experience. Guests can take guided tours of the property 7 days a week, and can also view the dramatic bronze casting process weekday mornings at Cosanti’s foundry.
6. Scottsdale Civic Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By earlr877 - Scottsdale, United States
We bought a condo within two blocks of Scottsdale's Civic Center Park. Oddly, at the time of purchase we were unaware of this gem of a park. It contains the Performing Arts Center, Contemporary Arts Museum, the amazing Civic Center Library, City Hall, several restaurants, a major local hotel, interesting fountains, and impressive public art. We enjoy major festivals there throughout the year. It is one of the most photographed areas of any city in Arizona. Just this morning, some visitors asked me to take their pictures in front of Robert Indiana's LOVE sculpture, a spot that so popular it's hard for the city to keep the grass alive in front of it. The Scottsdale Civic Center is an exceptional gem, far surpassing similar facilities in much larger cities.
7. Main Street Arts District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
Reviewed By Brandyomariva
Nice district for a tourist who loves art and bars! I enjoyed my time here, and loved the galleries.
8. Kierland Commons
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Kierland Commons is a unique, upscale Main Street outdoor lifestyle center that artfully blends retail shopping, dining and entertainment. The one-of-a-kind development incorporates over 70 high-end specialty stores that include a distinctive selection of national retail choices, such as Anthropologie, Splendid, Michael Kors, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Crate & Barrel, Athleta, Sur La Table, Eileen Fisher, Tommy Bahama and Z Gallerie. Guests may also choose from a variety of the Valley's consistently ranked best restaurants like Zinc Bistro, The Greene House, Mastro's Ocean Club, North, and RA Sushi Bar & Restaurant. Featuring regional cuisine from Continental to French to Japanese, there is something for everyone.
Reviewed By E3698BAstevens - Hewitt, United States
I've been here countless times and they always seems to get better. The service is over the top and the food is amazing. The sleeping rooms are very nice and the golf is out of the world. Another good part is that Kierland Commons is right across the street where there is tons of shopping and restaurants.
9. Scottsdale Fashion Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 586 reviews
Scottsdale Fashion Square is the Southwest's distinctive address for premier shopping, dining and entertainment. Scottsdale Fashion Square offers a compelling retail experience in the heart of the country's fastest-growing major metropolitan area. In Phoenix, where shopping is a top passion for domestic and international visitors, Scottsdale Fashion Square offers the very best in every category. Elite brands beckon at every turn - from Burberry and Boss Hugo Boss to kate spade, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Neiman Marcus.
Reviewed By 91brandil - Turlock, United States
Neimans, Dillards, Nordstrom, Macy’s and designer shops all in one mall. The parking was easy too! Large food court. I’ll be back!!!
10. Chaparral Dog Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 132 reviews
Reviewed By bpred754 - Phoenix, United States
I use to live right next to Chaparral Park, so I took my German Shepherd to its dog park more times than I can count. It is by far the best dog park I have been to. It has 3 large lawns (although 1 is usually closed to let the grass grow back in) for both active and passive dogs. There are always a lot of dogs there and it is very well lit at night! Chaparral Park also offers several other amenities and has a great walking path for you and your pooch. I'd recommend downloading the app, Avem, to see what other Chaparral Park amenities interest you.
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