If you’re an Arizona resident or if you’ve finally decided to pay this southwestern state a visit, then you should definitely take a day to explore the charming city of Scottsdale. The city is located near Phoenix, so all that stands between you and Scottsdale is a quick car drive. When you google Scottsdale, you’ll probably see people mentioning golf courses and spa resorts, but this area has a lot more to offer. It’s rich in different tourist attractions and there are many outdoor activities if you’re an adventurist.
Although a relatively small city, with just 31 miles in length, it still has something to offer to each visitor. Whether you’re a nature lover or love to shop until you drop, look no further, as you’ll find it all in Scottsdale. If you’re not the best at making an itinerary, we’ve compiled a list of 3 things that make Scottsdale a must-see destination, so keep reading to learn more.
Outdoor adventures
Instead of spending your day stuck in a hotel room, take advantage of the sunny weather and enjoy the outdoors. The Sonoran Desert is definitely the place to visit as well as The McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which is a sustainable desert habitat. Here, you can go hiking with friends or family and get some much needed exercise and vitamin D. If you don’t feel very comfortable with long and arduous hikes, don’t worry as there are different types of hikes, ranging from beginner friendly to those intended for fitness pros.
Animal lovers will have the time of their lives at MacDonald’s Ranch where they’ll get to ride horses and take some breath-taking photos to show off later to their friends. The Ranch is ideal for families as there are loads of fun things to do and little kids will be occupied the entire day. The most important thing is that safety is guaranteed as all the horseback rides are guided and the animals are trained and obedient.
Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale is the heart of the city and it consists of nine neighborhoods where you’ll get to explore tons of shops, galleries, museums, restaurants, and much more. There are even some historical places dating back all the way to the 1880s. It’s the perfect balance of urban and traditional and you’ll be amazed by the variety of activities available.
One of the most well-known parts of the neighborhood is The Fifth Avenue and if you have some money that’s just waiting to be spent, that is the place to be. The Old Town has a plethora of stores to explore, from small high-end fashion boutiques to fine Scottsdale jewelers. Trust us, you won’t be leaving empty-handed. And when you’ve finally exhausted your credit card(and yourself), it’s time to grab a bite to eat and enjoy a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine. The restaurants serve delicious food and it would be a shame to leave before you’ve treated yourself to a tasty meal.
Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
A true western movie fan will surely appreciate Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. It opened in 2015 and has been a popular spot ever since. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a cowboy, you can get a taste of the true wild west by paying a visit to the museum. It’s an homage to the spirit of the American West and there are many exhibitions that’ll help you get to know the culture of that time better.
If you know the exact date when you’ll be in Scottsdale, you can check out the museum’s website and see which exhibition is on at the moment. You can even book the tickets in advance. There are many public tours as well and even a museum souvenir store where you can get a keepsake of the trip.
The bottom line
All in all, Scottsdale is certainly worth your time. Not only will you get to recharge your batteries but you’ll get a chance to renew your wardrobe and upgrade your jewelry collection. The next time you’re visiting Arizona or Phoenix, we highly recommend taking a short trip to Scottsdale and seeing what the city has to offer.