The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona (AZ)

October 14, 2021 Carley Gatson

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. Cave Creek Outfitters

31313 N 144th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85262-6875 +1 480-471-4635 [email protected] http://www.cavecreekoutfitters.com/
Excellent
90%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 585 reviews

Cave Creek Outfitters

Cave Creek Outfitters is a riding stable offering rides into the Tonto National Forest and the Scottsdale Preserve. Also available Group activities such as Corporate Events, Teambuilding, Cowboy Cookouts, and Cowboy Games.

Reviewed By yek531 - Boston, United States

Our 2 hour ride was amazing, we ALL loved it, from Mom & Dad to our 3 kids, 21 16 & 13 years old. The sights were spectacular and Pam our guide was amazing! She gave us so much great fun educational information, she was kind, informative, engaging and just a great person to be with! We enjoyed every minute, then after we went had an amazing meal, bon fire, heaters ( it was chilly in Dec) then axe throwing and bow and arrow shooting, horse lassoing,, my kids all wanting bragging rights for the win! It was an awesome day that my kids and husband and I will always remember! Thank you Pam and everyone at Cave Creek!

2. Arizona Food Tours - A Taste of Old Town Scottsdale

Excellent
91%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,044 reviews

Arizona Food Tours - A Taste of Old Town Scottsdale

Welcome to Arizona's original food tour! Now in our 12th year as the top-rated culinary experience in the Phoenix area! Our award-winning tours are led by local foodie enthusiasts, with food tours offered 7 days a week in Old Town Scottsdale and Downtown Tempe. We offer various dine-around options including lunch, happy hour, and progressive dinner tours. Designed to feature signature tastings and pairings unique to each establishment, all tours visit 4-5 locations and constitute a full meal! Tourists and locals alike will benefit from Arizona Food Tour’s knowledgeable suggestions for activities, restaurants, shopping and nightlife. Specializing is social events, Arizona Food Tours offers private tours for groups of 10 or more! Corporate groups, birthday celebrations, wedding parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties, family reunions, and more! Take this tour at the beginning of your visit; then go out and explore all the great places that may otherwise go unseen.

3. Stellar Adventures

Excellent
97%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
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Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 688 reviews

Stellar Adventures

Get ready to explore the unique Sonoran Desert with our Arizona outdoor adventures & tours! Let Stellar Adventures help you experience this hidden treasure of the Southwest. Since 1997, Stellar Adventures is an outdoor adventure company that specializes in a variety of unique desert off-road adventure tours. Tame the rugged desert landscape on a H1 Hummer, Military M1009 (M-10-oh-9) Blazer or a guided ATV/UTVtour - Looking to add a unique experience? Test your marksmanship with the Stellar Shooting Experience alongside our NRA Certified Range Safety Officers. Spot nocturnal wildlife on a Night-Vision tour and let our professional astronomer take you on a tour of the universe with our breathtaking Stargazing tour. In addition, Stellar Adventures offers several corporate teambuilding activities and culinary experiences that can be bundled with any of our adventures.

4. REI Co-op Adventure Center Arizona

Excellent
94%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 899 reviews

REI Co-op Adventure Center Arizona

The REI Adventure Center in Scottsdale offers adventures for all, including guided hiking, road and mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, and SUP tours. Experience the desert with a guide or explore on your own with a bike from the Adventure Center's rental fleet. At the REI Co-op, we stand behind one simple belief, that a life outdoors is a life well-lived. Experience life outdoors with the REI Co-op on a guided day tour, hands-on class, or a curated rental experience delivered to you from a REI Co-op Adventure Center. Come with us and experience the great outdoors the Co-op way.

5. Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center

27026 N 156th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85262-9524 +1 480-471-3621 [email protected] http://southwestwildlife.org
Excellent
93%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 503 reviews

Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center

Tours by appointment only. Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center is a non-profit rescue and rehabilitation facility specializing in wild mammals. Over 70% of the animals that come into our center are returned to the wild. For those that cannot be released, we offer a home for life in our sanctuary. We conduct guided tours of our sanctuary by appointment only. Reservations are required and can be made on our website under the Visit Us tab.

Reviewed By nf0x - Denver, United States

Fun and educational experience for all ages. Passionate and well informed volunteers lead you through this animal sanctuary for Arizona rescued animals. Up close opportunity to see and learn about a variety of animals. See Mexican Gray Wolves that the center plays a role in their repopulation in the southwest US. Tours are outdoors and in the shade.

6. Tom's Thumb Trailhead

23015 N 128th St, Scottsdale, AZ http://arizonahiking.org/component/content/article/83-phoenix-area-and-central-arizona/188-toms-thumb
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 393 reviews

Tom's Thumb Trailhead

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.

7. New Serenity Spa - Facial and Massage in Scottsdale

15609 N Hayden Rd Ste 138, Scottsdale, AZ 85260-1974 +1 480-998-6991 [email protected] http://newserenityspa.com/facials_in_scottsdale_services/scottsdale-massage/
Excellent
87%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 126 reviews

New Serenity Spa - Facial and Massage in Scottsdale

New Serenity Spa - Facial and Massage in Scottsdale is home of the Serenity Massage and Serenity Facial. Massage and Facials are our specialty. Our Serenity Massage incorporates warm towels, sugar scrub, scalp massage and medium pressure. We offer body-centered therapy to help you heal mind and body. Our deep tissue massage therapy focuses on restoring blood circulation and lymphatic flow We are the only providers of the Serenity Facial, one of the best facials in Scottsdale. This is not your standard facial that treats the face only. It is the only facial that incorporates both facial and massage into one treatment. We have excellent reviews on Yelp, TripAdvisor, Facebook and Spafinder. We were recently named one of the top 10 day spas in Scottsdale, AZ by USA Today. Would you like to experience the most luxurious facial in Scottsdale? Try our new Miracle Facial. The best spa gift to look and feel younger and healthier.

Reviewed By RBinScotts

I had a lovely experience at the New Serenity Spa. The spa is small, but quiet and tranquil. You are warmly treated upon your arrival, and the services are nothing short of fantastic. I had a facial which was probably the best facial I have every had (complete with scalp, shoulder and foot massage), with Andrea. Next I enjoyed a massage with Kimberly, who paid attention to my comments, and gave me a wonderful, relaxing massage. The rooms are surprisingly quiet and tranquil. These services are a wonderful value, and I am so happy that a local business is doing so well. I highly recommend this day spa.....you will not be disappointed!

8. Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary

Scottsdale, AZ 85255 +1 480-513-4377 [email protected] http://www.phoenixherp.com/
Excellent
87%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 45 reviews

Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary

The Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is a statewide facility that includes a surrender facility, education program, summer camps and rescue and rehabilitation. Visit over 1700 reptiles in their natural habitat while expert guides describe origin, diet, and conservation status. Students may even interact with some critically endangered animals. See more than 230 venomous snakes in the Venom & Research Lab as well as alligators, crocodiles, Galapagos tortoises, Gila monsters, just to name a few.

Reviewed By Daryl0591 - Sanibel Island, United States

Must make appointment. Great to do with kids. Extensive collection of alligators, crocks, turtles and snakes. Took 2.5 hours.

9. Davis Circus Of Illusion

6105 N Cattle Track Rd Cattle Track Theater, Scottsdale, AZ 85250-4605 +1 480-330-1592 http://tickets.daviscircusofillusion.com
Excellent
96%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 118 reviews

Davis Circus Of Illusion

Master illusionist Craig Davis and renowned, award-winning dancer Myryka combine the artistry of grand illusion with the spectacle of the circus in the acclaimed show, Davis Circus of Illusion. This show plays weekly at the Cattle Track Theater near old town Scottsdale.

Reviewed By GMRPennsylvania - Newtown, United States

Incredible performance. We sat in the front row hoping to see more closely how these illusions are done. Nope - still have no idea how these tricks are done. Such a great entertaining evening. A must see.

10. The Brush Bar

4165 N Craftsman Ct, Scottsdale, AZ 85251-3863 +1 480-947-8700 http://thebrushbar.com
Excellent
88%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 17 reviews

The Brush Bar

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