Scottsdale, Arizona, is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. Known for its beautiful desert landscapes, luxurious resorts, and thriving art scene, Scottsdale offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. If you’re planning on taking some time off or you feel like escaping the city jungle, we recommend visiting Scottsdale as it’s a small town, so you’ll be able to get some quality rest but also see a lot of things.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s always something new to discover in Scottsdale. In this blog post, we will explore five things to do and see during a day in Scottsdale.
1. Visit Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the city. This historic district is home to some of the best art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants in the city. You can take a leisurely stroll down the charming streets and admire the Western-style architecture, or browse the many shops and galleries for unique souvenirs and gifts. There are many local dishes and specialties to try and you should definitely check out some of the restaurants after a long day of sightseeing and running around Scottsdale. Old Town is always a great idea, wherever you go!
2. Treat Yourself to a New Jewelry Piece
Scottsdale is home to many high-end jewelry stores that offer unique and exquisite pieces. Whether you’re in the market for a new engagement ring, a special gift for a loved one, or simply want to treat yourself to something special, Watchlink has something for everyone. You can browse the many boutiques and galleries for handmade jewelry, Native American pieces, or designer brands. There are also many local jewelry stores that sell high-quality jewelry pieces and wristwatches, so it’d be a shame to miss out on the opportunity to get something for yourself or your loved one.
3. Explore the Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden is a stunning attraction that showcases the beauty and diversity of the Sonoran Desert. This 140-acre garden is home to over 50,000 plants, including cacti, succulents, and wildflowers. You can take a guided tour, attend a special event, or simply wander through the various exhibits and enjoy the serene beauty of the desert landscape. One tip of advice: make sure to bring your camera with you, because you’ll definitely want to capture the beauty of this mesmerizing place.
4. Visit the beautiful Heard Museum
Since its founding in 1929, the Heard Museum has grown in size and stature to become recognized internationally for the quality of its collections, world-class exhibitions, educational programming, and its unmatched festivals. Dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art, the Heard successfully presents the stories of American Indian people from a first-person perspective, as well as exhibitions that showcase the beauty and vitality of traditional and contemporary art.
The Heard Museum sets the standard for collaborating with American Indian artists and tribal communities to provide visitors with a distinctive perspective on the art of Native people, especially those from the Southwest.
5. OdySea Aquarium
OdySea Aquarium, located in Scottsdale, was recently voted Best Indoor Entertainment. This multi-level, state-of-the-art facility holds more than 2 million gallons of water and is the largest aquarium in Arizona. OdySea Aquarium offers an educational, interactive and entertaining experience for guests of all ages by combining theme-park style amusement with highly engaging presentations of aquatic life.
The Aquarium features more than 65 exhibits, 370 species, the world’s only Russian Sturgeon touch exhibit as well as 2 Stingray touch exhibits and a tide touch pool! OdySea is also home to Voyager, where guests take their seats in a stadium-seating style theater with 46 ft. viewing windows for the “world’s only revolving aquarium experience. Additional interactive activities include SeaTREK underwater walking, fun & engaging Penguin & Sloth Encounter programs, walk-about “Animal Ambassadors”, and Question & Answer sessions with the Animal Care specialists.
6. Take a Hike in McDowell Sonoran Preserve
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a breathtaking nature reserve that offers some of the best hiking trails in the area. With over 30,000 acres of pristine desert terrain, the preserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including coyotes, bobcats, and javelinas. You can choose from a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. If you’re the outdoor type looking for a bit of adventure, paying a visit to the preserve and going on a hike is a must. Of course, it will be challenging, but after you’re done with the hike, you’ll feel much better and all the negative energy and stress will leave your body immediately.
7. Visit Taliesin West
Taliesin West is a National Historic Landmark and a must-visit destination for architecture and design enthusiasts. This stunning complex was designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright and served as his winter home and studio. You can take a guided tour of the property and learn about Wright’s design philosophy and his impact on the world of architecture.
One of the key task of Taliesin West is preserving the buildings, landscapes, collections, and communities of Taliesin and Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s own homes and studios and the most personal expressions of his work, to provide experiences that will inspire and challenge visitors to build and live better.
The final word
A day in Scottsdale is full of exciting opportunities to explore the city’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a local looking for new adventures, there’s always something new to discover in this vibrant city. From exploring Old Town Scottsdale to hiking in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, treating yourself to a new jewelry piece, visiting the Desert Botanical Garden, or learning about the history of Taliesin West, Scottsdale offers a wide range of activities and attractions that are sure to make your visit unforgettable. Once you come, you will always want to come back!
