Scottsdale, Arizona is one of the top tourist destinations in the United States. It’s best known for its luxury shops and golf courses, as well as the incredible weather. Scottsdale is also equipped with dozens of hiking trails ranging from moderate to extreme. It can be overwhelming to figure out the best places to go if you’re new to the area so we’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Scottsdale as well as the best restaurants, shops and more.

Cool Things To Do In Scottsdale

• Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Located in Old Town, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is an educational institution dedicated to displaying modern art. They present varied exhibitions of architecture art and design, and children under the age of 18 can get in for free. This can be one of the best things to do in Scottsdale if you need to escape the heat for an afternoon.
• Arizona Cowboy College
  • Despite the upscale shops and golf resorts, Scottsdale is still home to the wild southwest. Get in the spirit by visiting the Arizona Cowboy College. You can take horseback riding lessons or try your hand at learning ranching techniques.
• Taliesin West
  • This historic landmark in Scottsdale once belonged to the famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Taliesin West is a UNESCO World Heritage Sight and lies in the foothills of Scottsdale’s McDowell Mountains. You can tour the expansive property during the day or visit at sunset for a sunset and sips happy hour program.
• Golf
  • Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, Scottsdale has golf options for everyone! There are affordable municipal courses that start at roughly $30 a round at places like Continental Golf Course, and luxury ones such as Troon North, which goes for over $300 a round.
• Hike
  • Some of the best things to do in Scottsdale don’t cost any money and this includes hiking. In order to fully enjoy the experience, it’s important to find a hike that fits your activity level. Additionally, bring plenty of water as it can get extremely hot.

Best Places To Eat In Scottsdale

• Maple & Ash
  • Maple & Ash is a dining experience like no other. With steakhouse food crafted by two-Michelin-Star chef Danny Grant, they strive to make every single meal one to remember. This restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Scottsdale for date nights, birthdays, and special celebrations.
• Sugar Bowl
  • Sugar Bowl is an Old Town treasure. The hot pink interior will transport you back in time to an old fashioned diner. Sugar Bowl is a fan favorite with both kids and adults and is the perfect sweet treat to indulge in.
• Toca Madera
  • The southwestern United States is known for its Mexican-inspired cuisine. Toca Madera serves up hispanic food with a unique and modern twist. While the food is amazing, the decor and vibes inside the restaurant are equally worth the visit.
• Cala
  • Located in the new Senna House hotel in Old Town Scottsdale, Cala serves up fresh Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and cocktails in a space that mimics the airy, laid-back vibes of the restaurants along the coast. Beau MacMillan, a Food Network star and internationally-known chef, is one of the masterminds behind this new restaurant, so you won’t want to miss out on this culinary experience.

• Hash Kitchen
  • Hash Kitchen is perfect for a boozy brunch, and of course, hash potatoes. Hash Kitchen is one of the most popular and best places to eat brunch in Scottsdale, so arrive early if you’re attending Sunday brunch.

Best Shopping Centers in Scottsdale

• Scottsdale Quarter
  • Scottsdale Quarter is a great outdoor shopping destination. They have a movie theater, local boutiques, and chain stores.
• Scottsdale Fashion Square
  • Scottsdale Fashion Square is the ultimate destination in Arizona for luxury shopping. After a day of shopping, you can unwind at luxury restaurants nearby like Nobu.
• Old Town Scottsdale
  • Old Town Scottsdale is home to tons of local boutiques and art galleries. It’s a great shopping center in Scottsdale for home decor, clothing, and unique treasures that you can only find in Arizona.
• Kierland Commons
  • Kierland Commons is located in North Scottsdale and is a stylish and upscale outdoor shopping center, perfect for browsing on a sunny afternoon.
• The Promenade
  • Scottsdale hosts a mix of well known stores and small boutiques. This landmark shopping destination is not just for shopping as it hosts tons of fun events year round.

Scottsdale has so many cool things to do year-round. Whether you want to hike, golf, shop, or dine, you’ll never be short of ways to stay entertained.