Destination guideArizona · United States
31 Things to Do in Scottsdale (2026)
Scottsdale, Arizona, is located in Maricopa County within the Sonoran Desert.
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Established in 1888 by Winfield Scott, the area was initially developed for agricultural purposes, specifically citrus farming and ranching. The city was incorporated in 1951 and carries the official slogan, "The West’s Most Western Town." The city’s history is preserved in the Old Town district, which contains structures from the early 20th century. Notable landmarks include the Little Red Schoolhouse, built in 1909, and the Cavalliere Blacksmith Shop, established in 1920 and still in operation.
- 31 spots
- 8 must-try dishes
- Researched October 2026
- 24 sources
Must-try in Scottsdale8 dishes
Enchiladas Where to order it in Scottsdale
Special Sushi Rolls Where to order it in Scottsdale
Hummus Where to order it in Scottsdale
Nosh Board Where to order it in Scottsdale
Falafel Pita Where to order it in Scottsdale
Purple Barley Waffle Where to order it in Scottsdale
Lentil Cauliflower Bowl Where to order it in Scottsdale
Sorbet Where to order it in Scottsdale
The short answer
- The top things to do in Scottsdale, from 24 sources researched October 2026, start with:
- Taliesin West (North Scottsdale)
- Soleri Bridge (South Scottsdale)
- Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (South Scottsdale)
- Scottsdale Historical Museum (South Scottsdale)
- Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden (South Scottsdale)
- 8 must-try dishes are on the map, each with the places to order them.
31 places worth your time in Scottsdale
Things to see and do
Taliesin West
Why it’s on the map
The former winter home and desert laboratory of Frank Lloyd Wright, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a masterwork of organic architecture that emerges from the Sonoran foothills.
12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA
Soleri Bridge
Why it’s on the map
Designed by the late architect and philosopher Paolo Soleri, this functional pedestrian bridge at the Scottsdale Waterfront serves as a monumental solar calendar.
4420 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Why it’s on the map
An ingenious architectural renovation of a former movie theater by architect Will Bruder, this minimalist structure is defined by its sleek, curved fiberglass exterior and polished concrete interiors.
7374 E 2nd St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
Scottsdale Historical Museum
Why it’s on the map
Housed in the landmark 1909 'Little Red Schoolhouse,' this museum serves as the primary guardian of the city's local heritage.
7333 E Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden
Why it’s on the map
This 5.5-acre 'outdoor lab' at Chaparral Park is an architectural showcase of sustainable desert design, featuring striking gabion walls, massive shade sails anchored by rusted steel pillars, and textured stone facades.
5401 Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250, USA
Botanical Garden · Camelback East Village
Nature Preserve · North Scottsdale
Art Museum
Hiking Area · Camelback East Village
Museum · Desert Ridge West
Park
Neighborhood
Where to eat
See the full Scottsdale food guide: where to eat and what to order.
Restaurant · Central Scottsdale
Mediterranean Restaurant · Central Scottsdale
Pizza Restaurant · Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus
Pizza Restaurant · Midtown
Hamburger Restaurant · South Scottsdale
Pizza Restaurant · Camelback East Village
Grocery Store · Camelback East Village
Bakery · Skyline Vista
Deli · Deer Valley
Chocolate Shop · Paradise Valley Village
Restaurant · South Scottsdale
Mediterranean Restaurant · Northsight
Restaurant
American Restaurant · South Scottsdale
Asian Fusion Restaurant · South Scottsdale
Sandwich Shop · South Scottsdale
Shops and markets
Shopping Mall · Thunderbird Industrial Airpark
Store
Shopping Mall
26 more places on the map
16 to eat · 7 to see and do · 3 to shop · 8 must-try dishes with where to order each
Start
When is the best time to visit Scottsdale?
- The best time to visit Scottsdale is from late October through April, when daytime temperatures range from the 60s to 80s (F), making it ideal for golf and outdoor activities. While spring is the peak season with the highest prices and crowds due to Spring Training and major events, the summer months (June–August) offer significant hotel discounts for those willing to endure extreme heat exceeding 100°F. For the best balance of pleasant weather and moderate pricing, consider the "shoulder" months of November or early May.
How do I get around Scottsdale?
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) Located just 10 miles west of downtown Scottsdale, this major hub serves as the primary gateway with numerous domestic and international flights daily. From the airport, travelers can reach Scottsdale via a 15-20 minute drive using rideshare services, taxis, or pre-booked shuttle vans.
- Rideshare and Personal Vehicle Scottsdale is a sprawling desert city where cars are the primary mode of transport; Uber and Lyft are readily available 24/7 throughout the valley.
- Old Town Scottsdale Trolley This free public circulator service provides a convenient way for visitors to explore the gallery districts, shopping centers, and dining hubs without worrying about parking.
What should I know before visiting Scottsdale?
- Hydrate aggressively and carry more water than you think necessary, as the desert climate causes rapid dehydration even during low-intensity activities.
- Schedule outdoor excursions and hiking for the early morning hours to avoid peak heat and potential heatstroke during the afternoon.
- Observe a standard tipping etiquette of 18-22% at restaurants, as service staff rely heavily on gratuities.
- Wear high-SPF sunscreen and protective clothing year-round, even on cloudy days, due to the intense high-altitude desert UV rays.
What’s new in Scottsdale in October 2026?
- Scottsdale Fashion Square's 'Dining District' Expansion: Following the April 2026 opening of Din Tai Fung, the mall has transitioned into a viral culinary destination with recent additions like Loewe and SKIMS, plus the highly anticipated October 2026 opening of Van Cleef & Arpels.
- North Scottsdale Robata Dining: Kuza, a high-energy Japanese-inspired concept from Clive Collective, recently opened on North Scottsdale Road, trending for its robata-grilled meats and sleek design.
- Scottsdale Western Week: Running through mid-October 2026, this city-wide celebration of Scottsdale's 75th anniversary features horse-drawn carriages, historical exhibits, and community activities throughout Old Town.
Research receipt
How this Scottsdale guide was researched
- Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
- Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
- Researched October 2026. A newer build for Scottsdale replaces this page automatically.
Sources checked
Planning questions
What are the top things to do in Scottsdale?
Start with Taliesin West, Soleri Bridge, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Scottsdale Historical Museum, and Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden: the places Varedelo's research (from 24 sources researched October 2026) puts first, each with its reason in the list on this page. All 31 places are pinned on the Scottsdale map.