Things to Do in Scottsdale

Things to Do in Scottsdale, AZ - Scottsdale Attractions

Things to Do in Scottsdale

Check out must-see sights and activities:
Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, Old Town Scottsdale, Hiking Trails, Nature and Wildlife Tours. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Scottsdale.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Scottsdale

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Wildlife sanctuary with engaging tours showcasing rescued animals in a natural setting. Highlights include bear feedings and a Full Moon tour with nocturnal howls.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Old West-inspired neighborhood with a blend of trendy boutiques, southwestern art galleries, and dining options. Features live music venues and maintains a historic charm.
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Architectural landmark featuring guided tours that provide an intimate look into the unique design and history of a famed architect's winter home, set amidst picturesque desert landscaping.
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Desert trails cater to all hiking levels amidst beautiful flora and wildlife; sturdy footwear recommended for rocky paths. Enjoy the Gateway Loop for a scenic hike.
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Family-centric park with historical train exhibits, model railroads, a playground, and train rides. Highlights include a Pullman car used by US presidents and engaging model train displays.
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Butterfly habitat with a lush rainforest setting, educational 3D film on monarch migration, and close encounters with diverse butterfly species, tropical birds, and a hatchery.
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Museum in a historic neighborhood showcases Western art, historical artifacts, and Native American exhibits, with a unique focus on cowboy culture and frontier history.
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Scenic hiking trail with a mix of easy and challenging paths, educational signage, and ample space for enjoying striking sunsets.
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Downtown shopping destination featuring a blend of luxury and budget-friendly retailers, eclectic dining choices, and a luxury cinema, set in a bright, spacious environment.
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Desert trail featuring panoramic views and diverse terrain for various fitness levels, complete with hiking poles for gravel paths and dog-friendly routes.
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*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 travelers are saying

  • adkview5
    Vermontville, NY5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Really informative and interesting tour of the animals they are saving. SUCH a worthwhile cause and wonderful organization!! Volunteer staff were amazing.
    Written February 3, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • David M
    5 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lots of great shops and eateries!
    Best to go first thing in the morning. Free parking. Great coffee shops. Grab and coffee and stroll.
    Written January 20, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Greg G
    Austin, TX534 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Highly recommend this tour, we thought it was fantastic. Self guided tour that lasts about 60 minutes, but you can pause the audio and wander as long as you wish. We went in winter so outside temps were not an issue. The condition of the house and gardens are very good considering age and extreme conditions. This was a great two hours.
    Written January 30, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LAC
    97 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great preserve with a lot of hiking trails and options for most activity levels. The trails range from easy to difficult, flat to high climbs etc... Beautiful cacti and mountain views. I wouldn't do it in the heat of the summer, but on the nice 60 degree day I went, it was perfect.
    Written February 1, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Beth R
    Savannah, GA52 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My husband and I visited the park and couldn’t believe the collection of train memorabilia. The collection of model railroads and trains were very impressive. The playground and picnic areas were perfect for families. This park is a true gift to the people blessed to live in Scottsdale!
    Written May 21, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ClareET
    Searsport, ME112 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Butterfly Wonderland was just that! It's very well laid out & there's so much to see! Plenty to look at for adults & children alike. The gift shop is a must!
    Written October 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rachel Bottoms
    Phoenix, AZ215 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I am a Scottsdale local, and this museum has been on my list for years! We finally had an opportunity to visit during Scottsdale’s Western Week this year, and it was wonderful!

    We spent about an hour here with our girls, and I highly recommend doing the scavenger hunt if you visit with kids. It kept my 7 year old engaged the whole time as we walked through each exhibit to answer all of the scavenger hunt questions. My 5 year old spent most of her time in the family area of the gallery, where they have coloring stations, a Candyland-type game, puzzles, and a giant optical-illusion wall mural where you can literally step into the painting.

    Without kids, I could’ve spent several hours here perusing their incredible western art and artifact collection, but I’m looking forward to visiting again with my children during next years’ Western Week!
    Written February 1, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kiamouse
    Atlanta, GA37 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great hike.
    Good parking, good facilities “ bathroom “
    This is a moderate hike if you’re conditioned. Beautiful views. Definitely recommend you bring water, sunscreen and maybe a hat.
    Written January 8, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jack M
    Welwyn Garden City, UK33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you are looking for a premium brand shopping centre then this is spot in. It has the biggest brands all under one roof and none of the shops are shy in size or what they stock.
    Written January 8, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tom K
    Phoenix, AZ4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was a good hike! A lot for a kid. I am so glad I finally made it up there and looked at it. It is so much different up close. I’ll remember this hike forever
    Written January 14, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dina S
    Florida, NY123 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We spent about 3 hours exploring this aquarium. The virtual reality ride was a lot of fun. The rotating aquarium was like Carousel of Progress in Disney World. The seats rotate around to various tanks with a narrated description of animals in each tank (sharks, turtles, rays, sea lions, etc.) Because it was Christmastime, we caught Santa's underwater visit as well. One neat highlight is the glimpse into a tank in place of a mirror in "America's best restroom."
    Written January 1, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • amorace
    Minneapolis, MN1,021 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    For free, it is a great spot if you are into racing in any way. I am generally a NASCAR fan, which they had there, but I really enjoyed seeing the Indy cars up close and how the cars have changed over the years.
    Written November 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
When to Visit
  • January
    55 ºF
    4 days of rain
    Very busy
    Busiest month
  • February
    58 ºF
    3 days of rain
    Very busy
  • March
    64 ºF
    3 days of rain
    Very busy
  • April
    72 ºF
    2 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • May
    81 ºF
    1 day of rain
    Less busy
  • June
    91 ºF
    1 day of rain
    Less busy
    Least busy month
  • July
    94 ºF
    Hottest month
    5 days of rain
    Less busy
  • August
    93 ºF
    6 days of rain
    Wettest month
    Moderately busy
  • September
    87 ºF
    3 days of rain
    Less busy
  • October
    75 ºF
    2 days of rain
    Very busy
  • November
    63 ºF
    3 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • December
    54 ºF
    Coldest month
    3 days of rain
    Moderately busy
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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