Scottsdale, Arizona
Things to do.
Parks, museums, family days and nights out in Scottsdale, plus the Valley icons a short drive away. Something for tonight and something for the weekend.
Outdoors
North Scottsdale
Pinnacle Peak Park
A well-graded summit trail with big views, and kids can do it.
North Scottsdale
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Miles of desert trail, from nature walks to serious climbs.
Phoenix / Around the Valley
Camelback Mountain
The Valley's signature summit hike, 2,704 feet over the Sonoran Desert.
North Valley / Around the Valley
Lake Pleasant Regional Park
The Valley's big blue playground: boating, kayaking and desert coves up north.
Arts & culture
Arts District
Scottsdale ArtWalk
Every Thursday 7 to 9pm: gallery receptions, live music and art.
Old Town
Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West
The art and history of the nineteen states of the American West.
Papago Park / Around the Valley
Desert Botanical Garden
50,000 desert plants and rotating shows like the Chihuly glass. Free the 2nd Tuesday monthly.
Phoenix / Around the Valley
Musical Instrument Museum
4,000+ instruments from every country on earth, routinely called the Valley's best museum.
Family fun
Old Town
Old Town Farmers Market
Saturday mornings Oct through June: local produce, salsas, breads and honey.
North Scottsdale
DC Ranch Marketplace
The north-side gathering spot for coffee, dinner and a quiet evening walk.
Scottsdale
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
A miniature railroad, antique carousel and real railcars. A rite of passage here.
Papago Park / Around the Valley
Phoenix Zoo
Arizona's beloved nonprofit zoo, wild since 1962.
Downtown Phoenix / Around the Valley
Arizona Science Center
Hands-on STEM, a planetarium and a five-story screen downtown.
Nightlife & events
Old Town
Old Town Scottsdale
Nine walkable neighborhoods of galleries, patios, boutiques and nightlife.
Old Town
Old Town wine tasting rooms
Award-winning Arizona vintners pour a walkable trail (LDV, Aridus, Carlson Creek).
Scottsdale
Scottsdale Quarter
Open-air shopping, dining and a fountain the kids will not leave.
Kierland
Kierland Commons
A walkable main-street block of shops and patios next to the Quarter.
Hours and prices change. Confirm with each spot before you head out. Looking for a bite after? Where to eat in Scottsdale.
Never wonder what to do.
The Scottsdale weekly rounds up what is happening, what is new and what is worth your weekend. Every Friday morning.
