Things to do in Scottsdale

Scottsdale and Phoenix are often criticised for lacking distinctive character. The historical atmosphere is somewhat lacking and the overall atmosphere can be a bit subdued. People come to Scottsdale to escape the winter cold and to enjoy some pampering and relaxation. Add to this the surrounding desert parks, which are all within easy access of Scottsdale, and you’ve got some fantastic walking and biking opportunities.

5th Avenue (Old Town Scottsdale)

This trendy street in downtown Scottsdale has it all: friendly merchants, colourful storefronts and even a classic cigar-store. This is the place to shop for Native American arts and crafts, western clothing and just about everything else you’d expect to see in a cowboy movie.

El Pedregal Festival Marketplace

Another of Scottsdale’s premier shopping destinations, El Pedregal is a Moroccan-style marketplace featuring designer fashion next to suburban outlet shops. Mixed in between are countless galleries, restaurants and boutique shops. It’s also home to the Heard Museum North, famous for its comprehensive collection of Native American art.

Goldfield Ghost Town

This authentic mining town dates back to the 1890s and sits at the foot of the Superstition Mountains, offering a glimpse of life during the gold boom. Gunfights, a narrow-gauge train and mining museums make up this family-orientated attraction.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

This railroad park is a tribute to the railroads which helped to open the western US to expansion. The 30 acre property is sure to appeal to train buffs and little kids alike with its authentic train station, trains and historical atmosphere.

Phoenix Zoo

You won’t find any polar bears or penguins in this zoo. The focus here is on creatures that come from climates similar to Phoenix and Scottsdale, with the exception of a wonderful rainforest exhibit. The African savannah as well as Central and South America are all represented and the animals are all kept in friendly, natural enclosures.

Cave Creek

Cave Creek was once a mining camp in the 1870s; and today this town, just north of Scottsdale, still bears some semblance to the old Wild West. The main attraction is Frontier Town, a family area that resembles a western cattle town. Most visitors visit Cave Creek for the local steak houses and saloons, as well as shopping for Western and Native American crafts. The Cave Creek Museum provides a glimpse into the town’s colourful mining history.

Encanto Park

This vast 222 acre park in one of the city’s oldest residential neighbourhoods has many attractions for relaxation, including picnic areas, a large lagoon perfect for paddling and a nature trail. The park also has two public golf courses and a small amusement park.

Museums

Scottsdale is not renowned for its cultural sights, but there are a few museums which are sure to interest visitors. There are many art museums and galleries such as the Heard Museum, which is located in El Pedregal Festival Marketplace.

Phoenix Art Museum

This is located in downtown Phoenix and is the largest of all of the art museums in southwest America. It has a comprehensive collection that covers all the major art movements from the Renaissance to the present. Its exhibit of modern art is especially impressive, showing works by Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, Diego Rivera and others. Due to its massive size, the museum hosts all of the major exhibits that pass through the region.

Phoenix Museum of History
This modern museum is located in the Heritage and Science Park. It presents the history of the city and surrounding areas. Though at first glance Phoenix does not seem to possess any history, the museum’s interactive exhibits offer an interesting perspective on this part of America.