Things to Do in Scottsdale (2025)

Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and studio remains Scottsdale’s most transporting design experience. The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation offers immersive tours that wander through drafting rooms, desert masonry, and terraces. Celebrated by Architectural Digest and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a powerful window into how the Sonoran landscape shaped American architecture.

SMoCA brings sharp, timely exhibitions to Old Town in a minimalist building by Will Bruder—plus a James Turrell Skyspace that quietly steals the show. Named Best Art Museum in the Best of Phoenix awards, it also offers pay-what-you-wish Thursdays, making cutting-edge art accessible to everyone.

A Smithsonian Affiliate in the heart of Old Town, Western Spirit explores the art, stories, and material culture of the American West with rotating exhibitions and a serene sculpture courtyard. Frequently lauded by regional critics and Western arts publications, it’s an essential stop to understand the city’s roots.

Indigenous-owned and operated, this year-round Old Town gallery showcases handmade works by Native artists—from jewelry and pottery to weavings—ensuring purchases directly support creators. Seasonal outdoor markets at Talking Stick add live performances and frybread for a vibrant weekend scene. Praised by local tourism and community organizations for its mission and authenticity.

An independent institution since the 1980s, The Poisoned Pen draws marquee authors for lively talks and signings—regularly hosting New York Times bestsellers and genre stars. It’s equal parts neighborhood bookshop and national literary stage, with a calendar that anchors Old Town’s year-round culture.

Chef Charleen Badman’s vegetable-driven cooking and Pavle Milic’s Arizona-centric wine program defined modern Scottsdale dining. The James Beard Award winner still turns out seasonal menus that spotlight local farms, drawing consistent praise from national outlets like Condé Nast Traveler and The New York Times.

Chef Dom Ruggiero’s intimate spot delivers big, personality-driven flavors—think duck fried rice, crab hush puppies, and a braised-oxtail riff on Italian beef. A regular on Eater Phoenix’s essential lists and highlighted by Forbes, it’s the kind of local favorite visitors remember long after the trip.

Family-run and boat-to-desert, Chula brings pristine, never-frozen catch from its own vessel to a relaxed counter-service spot—poke bowls, chowder, and the cult-favorite green chile tuna melt. Celebrated by Eater Phoenix and named Arizona’s best seafood by Phoenix New Times coverage of national lists.

A family operation by two brothers and their dad, Goldwater anchors the local beer scene with staples like Machine Gun Teddy and Desert Rose. Frequently cited by Phoenix New Times among the city’s top bars, it’s a relaxed base for exploring Old Town’s creative corridor.

Sip estate-grown Rhône varietals from southeastern Arizona without leaving Old Town. LDV’s polished tasting room anchors the Scottsdale Wine Trail and doubles as an easy primer on the state’s rising wine scene—often noted by local editors for championing Arizona terroir.

Family-owned since 1956, this working ranch leads guided horseback rides through Sonoran Desert trails, plus seasonal moonlight rides and a beloved fall pumpkin patch. A fixture in local travel coverage, it’s a welcoming way to experience Scottsdale’s Western heritage beyond Old Town.

Built by hand in 1933 by Scottsdale’s early Mexican community, this restored adobe church offers a quiet, history-rich counterpoint to the buzz outside. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s frequently spotlighted by local historians for its cultural significance.