Location: Scottsdale
Top Things to do in Scottsdale
What to do and see in Scottsdale, Arizona (AZ): The Best Things to do Good for Couples
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. Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 503 reviews
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.
3. 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.
4. Celebration of Fine Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 79 reviews
Where art lovers and artists connect! Visit 100 artists studios under one big roof in the big white tent! Jan 12 - Mar 24, 2019. Open 10-6 daily.
Reviewed By XYAZ
If you love seeing the largest collection of the finest of artists, head to the unique venue of the Celebration of Art on N. Scottsdale Road. Don't drive too fast because it is easy to miss the sign among the desert fauna and cactus. Worth every minute and tickets not expensive.
5. Taliesin West
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,062 reviews
Experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert through the eyes of Frank Lloyd Wright. Deeply connected to the land from which it was forged, Taliesin West is a celebration of the Arizona desert — a celebration you can step into and explore on a tour, either guided by a Taliesin West expert or at your own pace with an audio tour.
Reviewed By Bob1775 - Houston, United States
We took the night lights tour and highly recommend it. You need to make reservations. Start times range from 6, 6:30 or 7 depending on the time of year. The tour lasts for 2 hours and even had a snack stop of cookies and lemonade towards the end. The tour starts with everyone walking to Frank Lloyd Wright’s office where everyone sits down and listens to a history of Wright and the facility....it is still an active architecture school conferring Masters Degrees in Architecture. You then walk outside and see the night views of the valley and the facility. Here you get an explanation of the facility in the early days and how it closed up for the summer and how the canvas roofs were stored. Next stop is Wright’s living room where again you sit down and the architecture of the facility is discussed. We then walk back to Wright’s living quarters and hear about his bedroom, kitchen and bathroom. Also discussed how every year the place received tweaks with rooms being moved or reconfigured. Next we go to Wright’s movie and entertainment room. You are offered snacks and the sit down to hear about Wright’s connections to the motion picture industry. Also we hear about how Wright entertained his apprentices and visitors. Next we walk to the cabaret, which is our final stop. We walk through the school seeing the dining facility and student work areas. Don’t miss the fire breathing dragon...see attached photo. At the cabaret which is a tiered theater type room we sit again. We hear about Wright’s dinner parties and performances put on by the apprentices. We also hear more about Wright’s thoughts on right angles and acoustics. Over all a fascinating two hours. It was very informative, interactive and never boring. Bruce our guide. who is a retired employee of the architecture school, did an outstanding job giving us a fun and interesting learning experience.
6. 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.
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. Scottsdale Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 430 reviews
Reviewed By Rita23890 - Virginia Beach, United States
This is a great stadium - lots of parking and easy to find. Vendors are very nice. There are also several nice restaurants in the area, Vogue Bistro and Amuse Buche, as well as the typical chain restaurants.
9. 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.
10. 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!!!
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