In the heart of Old Town Scottsdale Entertainment District, indulge yourself with dozens of local eateries, nightlife, spas and shops. Feel yourself becoming re-energized by nature with a stroll along the Arizona Canal Trail and visit Scottsdale Fashion Square or visit the art museums in downtown.
As a hiking destination for both tourists and locals alike, Camelback Mountain sits at an elevation of 2,704 feet, is a relatively quick hike, and offers stunning views of Phoenix Valley. There are only two hiking trails to choose from, the steeper Echo Canyon, and the longer Cholla trail. Be on the lookout for wildlife as well as common flora found on the mountain, like cholla, saguaro cactus, palo verde, ocotillo, and barrel cactus. Parking is available during the park’s operating hours from sunrise to sunset, so please plan accordingly.
Visit climbcamelback.com
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The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) building was designed by architect Will Bruder, known for its minimalist design and four galleries (it was previously a movie theater). The museum is dedicated to architecture, design and showcasing contemporary art. As an educational institution, SMoCA offers arts enrichment programs for the community, school field trips, residencies and masterclasses, and more. To learn more or buy your tickets to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.
Papago Park is home to the Desert Botanical Garden, Papago Golf Course, the Phoenix Zoo, golf courses, and various museums, lakes, and parks. Hiking trails are generally easy with little to no elevation and trails are open from sunrise to 11 PM (do note that parking areas and roadways close at 7 PM). One of the most intriguing and popular hikes leads to the Hole in the Rock trail, overlooking the city skyline and nearby lagoons. Both westside and eastside trails are great for trail running, mountain biking, walking, and hiking. Learn more about the Sonoran Desert and Papago Park:
Old Town Scottsdale features live entertainment, dining, shops and boutiques, spas, salons, and nightclubs. Peruse art galleries and historic museums, dine at a delicious steakhouse, or pick up a fresh cup of coffee if you’re just starting your day. Old Town offers something to do for everyone, from family friendly fun at the Farmers Market, to relaxing spa services for a little “Me Time”. Treat yourself to a day of fun at Old Town and explore all four districts – the historic, shopping, entertainment, and art gallery districts – by a complimentary trolley.
Visit: oldtownscottsdaleaz.com
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Scottsdale Fashion Square is the premier shopping destination in all of Scottsdale. Shop at all your favorite and exclusive stores like 7 for All Mankind, All Saints, Express, and Louis Vuitton, and dine in style at a variety of restaurants, quick service cafes, and eateries. Receive complimentary incentives, special offers, and discounts when you take your shopping experience to the next level at Fashion Square. For a more luxurious and customized experience, book the Fashionable Luxury Shopping Experience that includes a red carpet, champagne toast, access to three private shopping experiences, and dining reservations. Book the experience:
Visit: fashionsquare.com
Every day for the month of March and the duration of Spring Training, baseball fans can catch up to eight MLB games at a baseball stadium within a 30-minute drive from Scottsdale. Cheer on the Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, and many more teams at one of the multiple stadiums across town. Tickets may sell out for select game days.
Buy your tickets today: cactusleague.com/schedule.php#navigation-locations
Wonderspaces is a year-round, evolving, and immersive art experience showcasing phenomenal talent from around the world. New installations are added periodically. Wonderspaces is open five days a week and tickets must be bought in advance.
Visit: arizona.wonderspaces.com
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Taliesin West is a National Historic Landmark and an official UNESCO World Heritage site. Established in 1937, it was carefully created, diligently built, and maintained by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and his apprentices for over two decades. Today, it is known for its low-slung buildings, natural-looking rock formations, interior accents, and desert landscape.
Plan your guided tour, purchase tickets, or donate to Taliesin West here: franklloydwright.org/taliesin-west
Adventure photographer Edward Curtis devoted his life to capturing photographs, motion pictures, and audio clips of the Native Americans at the turn of the nineteenth century and for almost two decades in the 1900’s. The Western Spirit Museum of the West showcases his life work and is proud to be nominated as the nation’s Best Western Museum. Allow yourself at least two hours to explore and see all the articrafts, photographs, and audio recordings that are on exhibition here at the museum.
Visit: scottsdalemuseumwest.org
The Penske Racing Museum showcases a tremendous collection of cars, racing memorabilia, trophies, and career highlights from over the last 50 years. With over 500 major race wins, various replicas (and actual) cars are on display for race enthusiasts to admire and see up close. Stop on by and see these beautiful and legendary automobiles:
The Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a protected and sustainable desert habitat that features over 10 unique and diversified trails. Trails can be traversed by bike, walk, and horseback – electric bikes and motorized vehicles are prohibited from the trails, unless you are parking your vehicle in one of the designated parking areas. Dogs are allowed on a leash and the preserve is open year round, rain or shine, and is free to the public.
Visit: scottsdaleaz.gov/preserve
