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Top 20 Things To Do in Scottsdale
Discover Scottsdale's must-see attractions and highly-rated experiences. Our expertly curated guide helps you plan the perfect visit with insider recommendations and traveler favorites.
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Scottsdale Travel Guide
Scottsdale dazzles as Arizona's desert oasis, where luxury resorts, championship golf courses, and stunning Sonoran Desert landscapes create the ultimate Southwestern escape. Relax at world-class spas offering signature desert treatments, play golf on courses designed by legendary architects with dramatic mountain backdrops, and explore the vibrant Old Town Scottsdale with its Western heritage, art galleries, and upscale shopping. Hike through the beautiful McDowell Sonoran Preserve to experience the unique beauty of desert flora and fauna, including iconic saguaro cacti. Scottsdale's culinary scene showcases innovative Southwestern cuisine featuring fresh local ingredients and creative interpretations of traditional Mexican flavors, while the city's year-round sunshine makes every day perfect for outdoor activities. The nearby Salt River offers water adventures, while day trips to Sedona's red rocks and the Grand Canyon add natural wonders to your desert experience. With its luxury amenities, stunning sunsets, and relaxed desert lifestyle, Scottsdale provides the perfect retreat from winter weather.
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Top 20 Ranked
Best Attractions in Scottsdale
Our expertly curated list of the top experiences, tours, and attractions based on traveler reviews and ratings.
#1
Top Rated
2 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Mountain Bike Tour
5 (93)
Our tour guide is an experienced rider and will take you on an unforgettable, super fun, beautiful mountain bike tour. You will enjoy riding through the rolling Sonoran Desert, towering cacti, and beautiful mountains. Our tour guide will take the time to evaluate skill levels, train riders on how to safely use the mountain bikes and select the most appropriate and fun trails. We will provide you with bikes, helmets, gloves, back packs, snacks, water bottles, water, sunscreen, and cold drinks at the end of the ride. Be prepared for a unique experience created just for you!
#2
Top Rated
3 Hour EBike Rental In Old Town Scottsdale
5 (23)
We only rent the most modern and up to date electric bikes. Our bikes are belt driven which offers a clean and smooth drivetrain. Comfort, ease of use and reliabilty are the main focal points of our bikes. And being less than 5 minutes of multiple bike paths you don't have to worry about cars or traffic. With a battery range of 45 miles of riding time on a full charge you won't have to stress about running out!
#3
Top Rated
Sedona Day Tour
5 (9)
This trip shows you the best attractions Sedona has to offer! You will get plenty of great red rock photos from the best viewpoints in town. These stops include the iconic Chapel of the Holy Cross and the airport road overlook. Time on your own will also be granted in the cultural uptown Sedona where all the shops, restaurants and wineries are located. We will round out the experience with a stop to the great artisan area known as Tlaquepaque. A hearty lunch is also included as well as all admissions. You will get the full Sedona experience in the comfortable 8-hour day trip.
#4
Top Rated
Scottsdale & Phoenix Guided Desert UTV Tour
4.989362 (94)
This fun and adventurous tour offers a unique way to explore the Sonoran Desert. The UTV is perfect for a family to hit the sandy trails. See Saguaro, barrel and prickly pear cactus as well as dozens of other plant life. You may even spot a bald eagle or a mule deer! This is a great way to see the beautiful Sonoran Desert while having the adventure of a lifetime!
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#5
Top Rated
Private Apache Trail Day with Dolly Steamboat Tour
4.8 (5)
Arizona's first historic highway is just a few minutes outside of the city. The Apache Trail is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Get a chance to try panning for gold in the restored ghost town of Goldfield, marvel at the views of the Superstition Mountains, and take a cruise on scenic Canyon Lake. A pickup directly from your hotel or private residence gets the adventure started, leading you out to the Superstition Mountains along the path that guided Apache travelers, stagecoaches, and mountain men alike. When you get to Canyon Lake, board the famous Dolly Steamboat for a 6-mile narrated nature cruise. Watch for bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and a host of other desert animals, as well as unforgettable views of the towering volcanic cliffs. Next, your guide will take you to the town of Tortilla Flat, a stagecoach stop that holds onto its rich tradition through its architecture and unique decorating sense. ***The cruise is not private***
#6
Top Rated
Scottsdale Parks, Tempe Town Lake Hole in the Rock Hike
4.818182 (22)
Great views from the Valley of the Sun famous Hole in the Rock as you bike and then Hike! Enjoy the Scottsdale Greenbelt Park system and head into the Rio Salado Tempe Town Lake and Papago Park as we meet and take you for a fun 12-mile 1.45-hour tour. Your tour includes a history of Tempe Town Lake, Papago Park, the Valley of the Sun, and the Rio-Salado Salt River development project. Included: Guided tour, bikes, neck gaiter & backpack to use for your water and personal items. We will ride on some dirt paths. Required: Good riding ability and ability to control a bike on a dirt path and enjoy a short hike.
#7
Top Rated
Scottsdale Greenbelt E-Bike 20 Mile Ride
4.9097743 (133)
Designed for confident, above-average adult riders, this tour keeps the pace moving with a few well-timed stops for stories, history, and local highlights. Your guide gives you plenty of time to ride while sharing the best of Scottsdale and the Valley of the Sun—plus insider tips for Arizona outdoor adventures. Ride 18–20 miles through some of the most scenic corridors in the region, including the Scottsdale Greenbelt, Tempe Town Lake, and Papago Park. You’ll experience four cities in one unforgettable adventure, all connected by beautiful paths, art, and desert landscapes. Whether you choose one of our signature routes or prefer a fully customized experience, Greenbelt Bike Tours specializes in creating memorable group e-bike adventures. Gather your group, hop on a bike, and let’s ride!
#8
Old Town Scottsdale's Art District: A Self-Guided Tour
0 (0)
Old Town Scottsdale is one of America’s most concentrated art districts, also known as ”the West’s Most Western Town.” On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll discover how a frontier farming community transformed into a sophisticated cultural destination while maintaining its distinctive Southwestern character. You’ll walk through the historical center, where Native American trading posts evolved into luxury galleries. You’ll weave through Main Street’s gallery corridor and Marshall Way’s boutique district. As you walk, you’ll browse Native American pottery at galleries representing four generations of trading families, and see the city’s first public art installation, Louise Nevelson’s monumental 1973 “Windows to the West” sculpture. By the end of this two-hour tour, you’ll have explored how Scottsdale became the Southwest’s premier art destination, while still managing to preserve the cowboy culture that earned it legendary status.
#9
Top Rated
Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Scottsdale by 3Quest Challenge
5 (1)
The Scottsdale 3Quest Challenge is a scavenger hunt done on an app where players will find objects (given in the form of riddles) and complete fun challenges for points. The items & challenges are separated into 3 quests. Complete quest 1, then quest 2, then quest 3 in order to finish the game! Set a time limit for yourself to see if you can do all 3 quests in 2 hours! You'll have a remote host who will chat with you during the game if you need anything! The objective is to see if you can complete all 3 quests! Come play 3Quest Challenge in Scottsdale today!
#10
Top Rated
2 Person Inflatable Kayak Full-Day Rental - Transporting is required
5 (4)
Riverbound offers extraordinary and clean equipment with a personal touch that will make your outdoor adventure unforgettable. The expert staff is trained in providing exceptional and personalized customer service. exploring the surrounding lakes has never been more fun!
#11
Scavenger Hunt in Scottsdale by Zombie Scavengers
0 (0)
In Zombie Scavengers of Scottsdale , players will use an app to try to survive a zombie apocalypse. You'll do so by finding survival objects around the city, in any order you'd like, to get points and do fun zombie themed challenges for points as well. Use strategy to try and find as many items as possible in order to survive. Your survival team will be able to see the score on the app's rankings compared to teams across the country. You'll have a remote host via chat in case you need anything. Let's survive in Scottsdale today!
#12
Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Scottsdale by Operation City Quest
0 (0)
To play Operation City Quest in Scottsdale, you'll use an app to gather points by completing exciting tasks and finding objects around the city in any order you choose. Use strategy to gain the most points on the app's leaderboard and beat out other teams. Our scavenger hunt has a remote host that will help throughout the game via chat. Let's get competing in Scottsdale.
#13
Top Rated
Horse Country Estate and Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour
5 (2)
Ride in a lovely Mercedes van for an adventure tour. You will get to see private, gated, luxury equestrian estates and go on a lovely vineyard tour with a wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres/snacks provided. Lunch at restaurant is bought separately.. If you enjoy beautiful scenery and fresh air out in the country in other parts of Arizona, this is the tour for you. It may be possible to pick you up at your hotel if you call to make arrangements Mercedes Van Tours by Laura Hanson in Arizona
#14
Top Rated
Sedona with Vineyard or Montezuma Ruins Tour from Scottsdale
5 (1)
Ride in a lovely Mercedes van for a scenic tour up to Sedona, Arizona which may be combined with a vineyard wine tasting or Montezuma Ruins Tour. Add on a Sedona jeep tour for an additional $100 per person. Water and snacks are provided, and lunch in Sedona is bought separately. Please call Mercedes Van Tours by Laura Hanson in Arizona to make arrangements for hotel or residence pick up.
#15
Top Rated
Arizona Desert Guided E-Bike Adventure
4.936893 (618)
Embark on a thrilling electric bike adventure in the breathtaking Sonoran Desert! Since our inception in 2012, we have proudly been Arizona's first e-bike adventure outfitter, specializing in exciting on-road and off-road experiences that elevate your exploration of the desert landscape. Our high-quality Class 1 e-bikes, featuring advanced Bosch and Yamaha motors, provide an unmatched riding experience, effortlessly tackling the varied terrain of the desert. Unlike traditional mountain biking or hiking, our e-bikes allow you to cover more ground and access hidden gems that are often missed on foot or standard bikes. With our knowledgeable guides leading the way, you’ll have the chance to engage deeply with the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Enjoy stunning vistas, learn about the local flora and fauna, and soak in the unique ambiance of this remarkable environment.
#16
Top Rated
Antelope Canyon Day Trip Tour from Scottsdale (based on hotel availability)
5 (2)
Ride in a lovely Mercedes van for a scenic drive from Scottsdale. Van has comfortable leather seats with head rests and seat belts. Driver can give a semi custom tour and stop at a vineyard or Montezuma ruins or horseshoe bend. Snacks and water will be provided. Driver will stop at a highly rated restaurant for lunch bought separately. Schedule pick up at hotel or residence by call Mercedes Van Tours by Laura Hanson in Arizona.
#17
Grand Canyon 2 Day Trip From Scottsdale (based on hotel availability)
0 (0)
Ride in a lovely Mercedes van for a scenic drive and tour of the Grand Canyon South Rim. Enjoy Lunch. Then watch Grand Canyon The Movie and the National Geographic Visitor Center before heading back to Scottsdale. Schedule pick up at hotel or residence by calling Mercedes Van Tours by Laura Hanson in Arizona.
#18
Girls Trip Pink E-Bike & Hike Tour
0 (0)
Launch your Girl's trip with an electric bike ride along the famous Scottsdale Greenbelt, a small scenic hike at Hole in the Rock, and a photo op at the Love Sculpture in the heart of Old Town’s Civic Center Park. Your ride may also end with an optional Old Town tour or small bite & beverage at one of Scottsdale’s favorite haunts. Riders Must have good balance and be able to ride a bike at a good level. Minimum 5’2” and maximum 215lbs. All stops subject to change based on weather, trail conditions and special events.
#19
Explore Scottsdale with a Unique Scavenger Hunt by Crazy Dash
0 (0)
With Crazy Dash, you'll use an app to explore Scottsdale in this exciting scavenger hunt! Use an app to find things around the city in any order you want, take photos, and collect points. At the end, take a look at the rankings to see your score compared to others across the country. All scavenger hunts have a live remote host that will help via chat. Crazy Dash is our most easy-going scavenger hunt. Come join us in Scottsdale today!
#20
Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour
4.5 (6)
Ride in a lovely Mercedes van for a scenic drive up to Cottonwood and/or Cornville, Arizona to visit beautiful vineyard(s) with a tour as the schedule permits, and enjoy wine tastings and hors d'oeuvres. Lunch at restaurant bought separately. Pick up from hotel or residence by calling Mercedes Van Tours by Laura Hanson in Arizona
Review counts and ratings based on Viator and Tripadvisor data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tours cost in Scottsdale?
Tours in Scottsdale range from $10 to $1250, with an average price of $335. The highest-rated tour is "2 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Mountain Bike Tour" at 5 stars.
What are the best experiences in Scottsdale?
Our guide features 20 top experiences in Scottsdale, averaging 4.9 stars across 1,013 reviews. The top-rated is "2 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Mountain Bike Tour".
When is the best time to visit Scottsdale?
The ideal time to visit Scottsdale depends on your preferences. Plan your trip with Plan Harmony to organize all your activities and make the most of your visit.
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