Things to do in Scottsdale
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Top 10 attractions in Scottsdale
Desert Botanical Garden
Desert Botanical Garden is a themed botanical garden focused on the display and conservation of desert plants, spanning approx. 140 acres, featuring over 50,000 plants from global desert habitats, covering more than 4,000 taxa, including hundreds of rare or endangered species. The garden's history dates back to the 1930s, established through the efforts of local plant conservation advocates, and officially opened at its current site in 1939, with the original intention of changing the prejudice that the Sonoran Desert was a barren wasteland. The Webster Auditorium, built in the same year, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The tour route is structured around five themed trails: the Desert Discovery Trail focuses on iconic plants such as saguaro cacti and agave; the "Sonoran Desert People and Plants" trail connects indigenous culture with the history of desert plants; the Wildflower Loop Trail presents rare, vibrant colors in the desert during the spring blooming season; there are also the Center for Desert Living Trail, which focuses on more sustainable gardening, and the Nature Loop Trail, which offers views overlooking the Papago Buttes. Nearly 1,000 saguaro cacti are scattered throughout the garden, some reaching heights of over 10m, with upright forms, making them the most recognizable plant view in the Sonoran Desert and a long-term focus of the garden's conservation efforts.Phoenix · 4 km from Scottsdale
Hole in the Rock
Hole in the Rock is a unique geological wonder located in Papago Park in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. It is composed of red sandstone and has been eroded by wind and rain for about 20 million years to create its current amazing appearance. This unusual rock formation features large erosion-formed holes, including one large hole that opens into the other side of the rock. It's an easy 10-minute hike from the parking lot on a 0.3-mile trail. Standing at the entrance of the cave, it's like opening a window to a wonderful world, and you can see the magnificent scenery of Papago Park. The desert scenery in the distance stretches out, contrasting with the surrounding urban landscape, which is unique.On a clear day, the sun shines on the red sandstone, and the colors are particularly bright; at sunset, the soft light dyes the sky orange-red, adding a bit of romance and mystery to this place.Phoenix · 4.6 km from Scottsdale
Fear Farm Haunted House Phoenix AZ
Fear Farm Haunted House Phoenix AZ is located in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States, and is a prominent seasonal Halloween-themed horror attraction in the Phoenix area. It is open to the public only on select nights from late September to early November and is a long-standing autumn tradition for local residents. The venue covers a vast area and utilizes the farm setting to create multi-themed immersive horror spaces, combining rural elements such as barns, fields, and silos with the scenes to build an atmospheric, chilling world. The park is not a single haunted house but consists of multiple independent themed attractions, a corn maze, and a haunted hayride. Different themed attractions have their own complete storylines, with set design, lighting, sound effects, and live actor performances working together to create a layered, immersive scare experience. Actors will not touch visitors at any time, ensuring a safe experience. The winding horror corn maze weaves through tall crops, with a dim environment paired with hidden performance spots. Every turn holds surprises, making it a classic and iconic attraction of the park.Maricopa County · 5.7 km from Scottsdale
Arizona Falls
Phoenix · 3.1 km from Scottsdale
Big Surf
Big Surf Waterpark boasts the 3rd largest largest wave pool in the world, Waikiki Beach. The park offers rides for the whole family, with zones for children, surfing, and over 3000 feet of water slides.Tempe · 5.5 km from Scottsdale
Phoenix Convention Center
Phoenix · 14.2 km from Scottsdale
Golfland Sunsplash
Mesa · 14.4 km from Scottsdale
Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
The Japanese Friendship Garden is located in Phoenix, USA. It is a Japanese-style park with a quiet environment. Here, in addition to watching the koi in the ponds, visitors can learn more about Japanese culture. In addition, there are often interesting activities such as tea ceremony, yoga and live music.Phoenix · 14.4 km from Scottsdale
MacDonald's Ranch
MacDonald's Ranch is located in Scottsdale, Arizona, United States, and is an outdoor leisure destination full of Western charm. It has long attracted visitors with ranch experiences and a variety of outdoor activities, offering a chance to step away from city streets and experience the unique natural setting and lifestyle of the American West in an open desert environment. Around the ranch, you can see typical Sonoran Desert views, with distant mountains, cacti, and open terrain combining to form a distinctive Western landscape. Here you can try horseback riding, outdoor activities, and ranch-life experiences, enjoying a travel style that is completely different from typical city sightseeing. Especially on sunny days, riding through the desert views gives a more direct way to appreciate Arizona's unique natural environment. It is also well suited to visitors who enjoy photography and outdoor experiences, and the desert scenery at sunset is especially atmospheric. If you want to try a locally distinctive activity while visiting Scottsdale, it can be a stop on your itinerary. Compared with just visiting city attractions, it emphasizes participation and outdoor experience, making it suitable to arrange with family or friends. By riding horses and taking in the desert views, you can experience Scottsdale's unique Western charm under its bright sun.Scottsdale · 25.8 km from downtown
Tempe Town Lake
TempeTownLake is a beautiful lake that stretches down around the city, with fragrant green grass and pleasant scenery. You can fish and have a picnic by the lake, rent a boat to float in the middle of the lake, and ride a bicycle to wind the lake.Tempe · 7 km from Scottsdale
Experiences you can't miss in Scottsdale
Featured Outdoor experiences in Scottsdale
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Featured Day tours in Scottsdale
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Free things to do in Scottsdale
Camelback Mountain
Phoenix · 4 km from Scottsdale
Mesa Arizona Temple
Mesa · 13.4 km from Scottsdale
South Mountain Park and Preserve
Phoenix · 21.2 km from Scottsdale
ASU Art Museum
Tempe · 8.5 km from Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale
Scottsdale · 470m from downtown
Arizona Capitol Museum
Phoenix · 16.7 km from Scottsdale
Desert View Watchtower
United States · Coconino County
London Bridge
United States · Lake Havasu City
Colorado River
United States · Parker Strip
Yavapai Point
United States · Grand Canyon Village
What travelers say about Scottsdale
Haque SahebSeptember 26, 2026
5.0
Desert Botanical Garden is a beautiful place where the unique charm of the desert comes alive. The incredible collection of cacti, colorful desert flowers, and native plants creates a peaceful and fascinating atmosphere. Walking along the scenic trails feels like discovering a completely different side of nature, with stunning mountain views adding to the experience. The garden is especially magical during golden hour when the warm sunlight highlights the plants and surrounding landscape. It is a wonderful destination for photography, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a relaxing escape. Would you love to explore this beautiful desert garden on your next trip?
Desert Botanical Garden
M30***41March 2, 2021
4.0
This place is amazing not what you would expect to find in the middle of phoenix . it felt like the outback of australia .
Hole in the Rock
_FB***93August 12, 2019
5.0
had so much fun here water sides were super fun the wave pool was amazing the water wasnt super cold but not super hot either
Big Surf
PINGPINGPING1013August 17, 2022
5.0
My review is here. I will give my review right after I experience it. I highly recommend it to everyone.
Phoenix Convention Center
小鱼儿2015February 22, 2020
4.0
The Japanese Friendship Garden is also a very unique small park in this city. Many flowers and plants are planted here. It is also a small Asian-style park with a large number of koi fish.
Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
小懒虫她爸November 4, 2022
5.0
Kayaking was fun, but the weather was hot so make sure to wear sunscreen.
Tempe Town Lake
