Vacationing in Arizona is an absolute treat, but you would be hard-pressed to find a more exciting site to visit than Scottsdale. If you do decide to stop by, you won’t regret your stay — especially if you immerse yourself in some of their top attractions. Otherwise, you’re missing out on the quintessential Scottsdale.
Here are the top 10 attractions you’ve got to check out during your stay at a vacation home in Scottsdale, AZ:
- Old Town Scottsdale
- Desert Botanical Garden
- Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
- Pinnacle Peak
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve
- Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
- Wonderspaces
- Musical Instruments Museum
Scottsdale has it all, from beautiful outdoor landscapes to culturally diverse museums. Let’s take a closer look at some of these must-see attractions during your stay in Scottsdale.
Visit Old Town Scottsdale
Many US cities have their take on Old Town, but no one does it quite like Scottsdale. Here, you’ll find many quaint little shops selling myriad novelties, from Mexican fabrics to Native American arts and crafts. You’ll also find the juxtaposed fine-art gallery featuring works from famous artists worldwide. On Thursdays, Old Town hosts an evening open house for the public.
The Civic Center Mall features the famous LOVE sculpture and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. It’s a great place to relax, featuring many nearby shops for excellent Scottsdale souvenirs and spectacular restaurants where you can sit outside and enjoy the cozy patios.
Desert Botanical Garden
Arizona and the desert are synonymous, so if you want to see all the flora and fauna associated with the southwestern US deserts, then the Desert Botanical Garden is a must-visit. Hosting plants from the Sonoran Desert, Chihuahuan Desert, Great Basin Desert, and the Mojave Desert, each section is themed and characterized by unique art pieces around the grounds.
Thousands of species of cacti, trees, and flowers grow in arid regions around the world, making it an ideal stop for any fan of the outdoors. You’ll also see butterflies, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and other small wildlife that call the garden their home. It’s truly iconic, and it’s a joy to walk around at sunset.
Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
This museum shares the spirited history of 19 states on the west coast and some bordering Mexican states and Canadian provinces. It boasts two floors filled with art, historic artifacts from each state, and some fascinating outdoor sculptures.
It’s also got a well-recognized collection of Hopi pottery, Native American jewelry, and a collection of art by Southwest women. The museum is a celebration of America and lends a voice to Native Americans who have been such an instrumental part of Arizona’s history.
Pinnacle Peak
If you’re looking to spend time outside during your stay in Scottsdale, then Pinnacle Peak is the perfect excuse to get some exercise. Challenge yourself on the 1.75-mile trail that meanders to the top of Pinnacle Peak. Here, you’ll see the spectacular sights of northern Scottsdale.
As you make your way up the trail, you’ll see several informational plaques describing the plant life of the Sonoran Desert and Pinnacle Peak itself. Reaching the top is an outstanding achievement, but if the trail proves too challenging, you can complete the approximately half-mile trek to the 1/3 point, where you can stop and still enjoy the view. Down at the base of the trail, you can enjoy an afternoon at the visitor center or in the nearby space with picnic tables and shelters.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Haven’t had your fill of the gorgeous Arizona sights yet? Well, if you’re in Scottsdale, the odds are that you love exploring nature. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the largest urban preserve in North America, covering over 35,000 acres and spanning 225 miles of trails.
It’s worth asking the locals what the best trails are for first-time guests, but some of the most popular include Tom’s Thumb and the Lost Dog Wash Trail.
Lots of these trails provide stunning views from sunrise to sunset, are well-marked, and make for a great day’s hike. You certainly don’t want to visit Scottsdale and miss this iconic landscape that, believe it or not, takes up almost a third of the city’s land.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary ART (SMoCA) describes itself as “a museum dedicated to contemporary art, architecture, and design. It features modern pieces by various artists using different mediums.
One exhibit, Language in Times of Miscommunication, features art pieces intended to provoke thought about the social complexity of communication. SMoCA prides itself on “the human connections [they] make with contemporary art.”
If you enjoy the finer things in life, visiting this contemporary art museum might be a fascinating exploration of culture, art, and architecture.
Wonderspaces
An iconic and creative art show featuring a rotating selection of immersive and interactive installations, Wonderspaces is an excellent location in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Located inside Scottsdale Fashion Square, the exhibit features a rotating display of 14 art exhibits with some level of interactivity with the senses.
Wonderspaces aims to create connections, highlight the illusion of sensory perception, and empower independent artists worldwide through visual, audial, and sensorial media. Aside from the always-rotating displays of artwork, Wonderspaces also has a full-service bar with signature cocktails to enjoy.
Musical Instruments Museum
If you’re into those live jazz bands at weddings and restaurants, you’ll love The Musical Instruments Museum. This museum is a fascinating exploration of global music—the only one of its kind. Advanced multimedia displays create a strong sense of immersion, allowing visitors to experience the musical tradition of people worldwide in a single location.
The Experience Gallery provides a hands-on experience for aspiring musicians to try different instruments from around the world as well.
The Bottom Line
There are many great experiences just waiting for you in Scottsville, AZ, from the picturesque, gorgeous McDowell Sonoran Preserve to the bustling, lively Old Town. Whether you want to shop ’til you drop or explore the wonders of nature, it’s time to start putting some of these top attractions in Scottsdale on your bucket list during your stay!
