Scottsdale has excellent museums and galleries and numerous outdoor attractions as well as the appeal of golf and spas in its resorts.
Scottsdale can be a very pleasant surprise for visitors who think Arizona is all about the desert. It is a smart and sophisticated small city with numerous cultural attractions alongside world-class golf courses and some of the finest spas and resorts in the USA.
Taliesin West
One of its major attractions is Taliesin West, which was the winter home of the acclaimed architect Frank Lloyd Wright for the final 22 years of his life. He died at Taliesin West in 1959 at the age of 91. Today architects come here to study, and visitors flock to the buildings to admire the work of this designer genius, and to see where he lived. There is a range of tours on offer, with evening tours being very popular.
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) describes itself as a ‘museum without walls’. It has five galleries which contain changing exhibitions as well as work chosen from its permanent collection. There is also a section for children, called Young at Art, and free guided tours are available on certain days. The museum is just one aspect of Scottsdale’s art scene, as there are numerous galleries around the city as well as a number of public art works for visitors and residents to enjoy.
Museum of Musical Instruments
Another major attraction is the Museum of Musical Instruments, which shows the history of musical instruments in a collection of items from over 200 different countries. There are displays on folk and tribal music, through to an impressive collection of modern guitars. Wireless headsets allow visitors to hear the instruments while walking around the galleries. There are also special exhibitions and video displays showing the instruments being played.
Outdoor Attractions
As well as the many indoor attractions, Scottsdale has much to offer outdoors too. There are many hiking trails surrounding the city, and these are easy to get to and allow you to get out into the desert scenery. The McDowell Mountain Regional Park is one of the most popular places, with over 50 miles (80 kms) of trails. With lots of room for everyone, there is a chance you might see some of the local wildlife such as deer, coyotes, javelina, and many species of hawk. You can also go biking and horseriding here too, and there are guided walks if you want to learn about the park.
Arizona Cowboy College
As a further reminder that Scottsdale is in the west, it is also home to the Arizona Cowboy College. If you want to learn some of the skills of the cowboy, like roping and penning, or simply riding western-style, you can book ahead for courses from one day up to a week and get a true western experience.
OUR PICK OF THE GUIDES
From that blues bar you haven’t visited yet to the desert hike you keep meaning to plan, experience something new right here at home with Moon 52 Things to Do in Phoenix & Tucson.
- Cool things to do in and around the cities: Kick back at a Spring Training game or squeeze into the grandstands of El Gran Mercado for some lucha libre. Bike the famed Loop in Tucson, kayak Tempe Town Lake, and lace up your boots for an urban hike in the Phoenix Mountains. Support local BIPOC writers at Palabras Bilingual Bookstore and taste what’s on tap at a women-owned brewery. Savor Sonoran-style food like tamales and carne asada or try authentic Tohono O’odham fry bread.
