Things to do in Scottsdale

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Scottsdale

Things to Do in Scottsdale


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Scottsdale.


Top Attractions in Scottsdale

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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From quick jaunts to full-day outings.





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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Dogbert51452
    Fountain Hills, AZ4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had a really nice time. The place was very welcoming, and the volunteers were quite knowledgeable about the animals. There were volunteers at every exhibit, too! We got to see some of the animals being fed. Our great-nephew (5) had a wonderful learning about the animals. The whole experience was really fun.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Scott D
    Spring, TX9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a beautiful, amazing place! Despite the incursion of civilization and subdivisions in the area, one can still see the beauty that inspired Wright to make this workshop here. The site is well preserved and maintained, and the audio tour lets you move through the site at your own pace, stopping to enjoy all the details.
    Written 7 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Travel lover
    35 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very cool place to spend some time! Lots of shops to browse! Great restaurants and bars! Parking is accessible on streets. Public restrooms in center of town were unique. We visited during the week so there were not that many people but I am sure on weekends the place is packed! Watch out for the people with the serums and moisturizers that "will make you younger and take your wrinkles away"! They are relentless and the same as the foreigners that run the kiosks in the malls!
    Written 18 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Oldjack
    Greater Melbourne, Australia27,929 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Having visited many times it never looses its charm. Walk the rugged hills of the McDowells,look at the flora and th saguaro's. Nothing better
    Written 6 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dean92802
    Anaheim, CA97 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was more fun than expected. Started off in the large indoor model train display. This had 3 huge tracks run by local train enthusiasts. So many details to inspect. A few sections of the model were also interactive. Outside were some authentic train cars, Pullmans if I remember. There is also a museum located in an old train depot, one of many that were saved a brought to the park throughout the years. You can also ride on a small scale train. There is a huge playground for the kids. There is also a large sculpture dedicated Bill Keane the creator of Family Circus who lived in Scottsdale and had quite a connection to the community (Google Sugar Bowl & PF Changs).
    Written 1 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • amelulu
    Hartland, WI186 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent trail for all levels as if it becomes too strenuous, you can turn around. It is well maintained and offers ample rest spots to take in beautiful views of the park, overlooks of golf course and neighborhood and to catch your breath if needed.

    The trail offers educational signs about the desert creatures and landscape, plants etc. they have a jr ranger program for children (actually all ages 😊).

    Be sure to take plenty of water and snacks, hiking sticks, etc.

    My suggestion is if you don't want to do the full trail from end to end to avoid the long climb back to the visitor center, that you go as far as Grand View or Owl's Rest and then turn around.

    This is a very popular trail with many visitors but there's plenty of room for all. If you don't like crowds while hiking this isn't the place for you.
    Written 14 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JohntheLast
    Barrington, IL1,321 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    VERY good museum of western artifacts and "cowboy" paraphenalia. Very pleasant exhibits with a lot of information. Western art collection is among the best that we every seen.
    Written 8 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brian T
    Indianapolis, IN701 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was enjoyable to see the many colorful butterflies. It was interesting to see the various stages in the lifecycle of a butterfly. We visited during a Friday morning to see the release of the butterflies at 11:00 am based on the website’s information. Unfortunately, the butterfly release is no longer held on Friday but now on Wednesdays.
    Written 14 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ellentambo
    Westerville, OH203 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great hike! Be aware no water available at trailhead (although they have the nicest composting toilets I have ever seen). Also, there is a significant uphill climb and then it levels off a bit. We went on to the Lookout which was nice because most people turn around at the thumb. Much less crowded and a GREAT view. Drawbacks: despite multiple signs instructing dog owners to pick up poop (“there is no poop fairy”) there was a significant amount of dog poop on the trail, some of it bagged (I don’t get it….)
    Written 20 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • James P
    Chapel Hill, NC415 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The last time that I was in Scottsdale, I stopped into Fashion Square and was amazed at both the upscale stores and crowds. So on this trip I returned since I had the better part of a day to explore. The upscale stores were still present, but the crowds were like a ghost mall. I guess people are predisposed to shop online.
    Written 7 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AverageJoe55
    Atlanta, GA444 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We stopped in on a Saturday morning and the place wasn’t busy. It basically sits in the middle of Penskes dealerships. That being said the collection and limited placards with descriptions are really cool and worth seeing if you enjoy racing. Probably 30 minutes is enough. The gentleman at the counter was quite friendly.
    Written 2 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • IndianaTravelmom
    South Bend, IN314 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Since this appears to be a for profit venture I was a bit nervous but since it is accredited we decided to go . I felt overall it was nicely done with a strong conservation theme. Though obviously not on the scale of a top aquarium it still made for a pleasant 2-3 hour visit. I think the price is high but other than that was satisfied with our visit. It is Surrounded by several attractions geared to take your money( ripleys believe it or not etc)
    Written 6 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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