Scottsdale, Arizona has some of everything I love: towering palm trees, extraordinary cactus, a vibrant food scene, a commitment to the arts, beautiful weather, glorious flowers, a rich history and a laid back, welcoming vibe. It’s a place that calls you back again and again because it’s so unique. We answered the call this fall and discovered all sorts of ways to make the most of four days there. Let this article be your guide to a sampling of Scottsdale, Arizona things to do. As a bonus, listen to the Real Food Traveler Podcast episode below, recorded in the airport at the end of our visit – we just couldn’t wait to tell you more about the trip, expanding on our personal impressions and tips!

Save this article to Pinterest to help you plan your visit to Scottsdale, Arizona. Photos by Courtney Drake-McDonough for RealFoodTraveler.com.

Hungry for more? Listen to this Real Food Traveler Podcast with our Scottsdale, Arizona recommendations and tips.

Scottsdale, Arizona Things to Do: By the Numbers

5 Unique Ways to Take in Art:

Cattle Track Arts Compound – This historic property (that Scottsdale grew up around) with a Bohemian vibe is a place to meet artists at work, buy from them, attend lectures and performances. Check their hours before heading out as the Compound is sometimes closed while putting up new installations and to prepare for events.

Old Town Scottsdale’s Gallery Scene – Visitors can’t go far without running into a winery tasting room, restaurant, boutique or gallery while strolling the meandering streets of Old Town Scottsdale. Whether window-peeping or going in to peruse, the variety of mediums and styles is impressive. DON’T MISS: Thursday Night Art Walk, when galleries are open, sometimes with artists on-site to answer questions.

Old Town Scottsdale is full of iconic scenes, from fountains and sculptures to the wrangling cowboy sign. Photo by Courtney Drake-McDonough.

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) – Located conveniently in Scottsdale’s Old Town, the size of this museum makes it doable to see everything in one visit, without the pressure of rushing through to see it all. DON’T MISS: The curved outside area just off the lobby, a work of art itself.

Just off the entrance is a curved outside area worth visiting at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Arts. Photo by Courtney Drake-McDonough.

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West – This dramatic building is just a couple of blocks off the main streets of Old Town Scottsdale. Over two stories, you’ll see artifacts, sculpture, paintings and interactive displays celebrating the United States’ western region, from Arizona and beyond. DON’T MISS: The sculpture courtyard in the center. (Stay tuned for our upcoming podcast conversation with the Museum’s Chief Curator for insider insight.)

Be sure to visit Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West which celebrates the entire West, not just Scottsdale’s. Photo by Jimmy McDonough.

Wonderspaces – One might not think art + shopping mall would go together but they certainly do at this interactive space tucked behind the food court of the Scottsdale Fashion Square mall. Walk around, under and through a variety of art activations that invite spending time communing with each, truly taking in the, uh, wonder of it all. Some pieces are thought-provoking, some are pure fun, and some make you feel at peace or joyful. Let yourself go with the flow and respond as you will. Grab a drink at the bar while you’re at it.

“Bloom Bloom” by Dana Lynn Harper is a celebration in hot pink at Wonderspaces. Photo by Courtney Drake-McDonough.

3 Unique Places to Stay in Scottsdale, Arizona:

We spent the night at three places that were very different from each other, with different vibes, décor and theme.

Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort – We’d categorize this one as “luxurious.” A world unto itself, there’s a 2.5-acre water playground with 10, count ‘em, 10 swimming pools, a 3-story high-speed waterslide, and sand beach. There’s also a championship golf course, tennis, jogging and biking trails, spa and dining concepts by celebrated chef Richard Blais. Reveling in a recent, major renovation, the place is a stunner. DON’T MISS: Sneaking in a little work, catching up on social media, or reading a good book in the lobby. With balmy breezes wafting through, great décor and people-watching, it’s THE place to be. There’s even weekly live music.

A few scenes from the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort. Photos by Courtney Drake-McDonough.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess – “Fairytale” was the thought that kept coming to us here. The 65-acre, AAA Five Diamond resort is lovely, with arched pathways, fountains and twinkling lights. The family-friendly resort has six pools, pickleball, five restaurants and several immersive events throughout the year including for Mother’s Day, Fourth of July, and their biggest event, Christmas At The Princess. DON’T MISS: Order the Mussels with fries and a cocktail at The Plaza Bar enjoyed under the stars, by one of the firepits.

A variety of views from The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Photos courtesy of Courtney Drake-McDonough.

The Scott Resort & Spa – An “oasis,” The Scott manages to simultaneously channel old Havana, mission revival, desert sanctuary and Bauhaus style into one lush, boutique property (in fact, those are their four design pillars). There are two pools, including a main lagoon pool with private cabanas and a sand-bottom pool for families. Dine at The Canal Club restaurant or grab a nibble and drinks at the lobby lounge bar. DON’T MISS: Notice the hand-painted portraits around the lobby and in guest rooms. They were painted by the owner’s wife, honoring people significant to the property’s story including Julian Duarte, a local farmer who cultivated the land the resort sits on and Winfield Scott, the founder of Scottsdale. Also, take note of the signature fragrance throughout the lobby and hallways that combines carrot seeds, cedar, eucalyptus, fig leaves, musk, papyrus wood, sandal wood and violet. It can be purchased at the spa. I kept taking big, deep breaths just to take in the wonderful aroma!

The Scott Resort Hotel & Spa offers a lush atmosphere. Photos courtesy of Courtney Drake-McDonough.

3 Ways to Enjoy Scottsdale’s Famous Original Chopped Salad:

This salad, presented with ingredients in rows, dressed and mixed for guests tableside, is an institution in Scottsdale. It’s pretty much the official salad of Scottsdale, in fact, with its own social media presence. It can be had at three restaurants owned by In Good Spirits Hospitality: The Gladly, Citizen Public House and, where we had it, at Beginner’s Luck.

The ingredients include smoked salmon, Israeli couscous, arugula, freeze dried corn, trail mix and Roma tomatoes. Its filling, delicious and an event in itself. The restaurant group was generous enough to share the recipe with us (in the blue bar below) so you can make it at home. But there’s no substitute for getting the real thing, tableside prep and all.

The Famous Original Chopped Salad is mixed up and served up tableside at Beginner’s Luck in Scottsdale, Arizona. Photo by Courtney Drake-McDonough.

Hungry for more? Make Scottsdale’s Famous Original Chopped Salad.

2 Ways to Enjoy Nature in Scottsdale, AZ:

Arizona as a whole, and certainly Scottsdale, offers so many ways to get outdoors and explore the unique landscape. Here are two of our favorites.

Desert Botanical Garden – On the border with Phoenix, the short drive is worth it to see changing art installations, glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly and, quite simply, the artistry that is the variety of cacti throughout. DON’T MISS: Grabbing a bite at Gertrude’s, the café named after the Garden’s founder. They have a great menu including a creative cocktail menu and an excellent burger.

The Desert Botanical Garden has acres of cacti varietals from around the world and many native plants. Photo by Courtney Drake-McDonough.

McDowell Sonoran Preserve – The people of Scottsdale want this area to remain untouched as a living example of the Sonoran desert’s beauty – so they tax themselves to maintain this massive preserve to the east and north. Beautiful views by foot (numerous hiking trials of all intensities) or on a driving tour.

Hungry for more? Celebrate the holidays in the Arizona desert.

1 Way to Enjoy Authentic Indigenous Cuisine

The Frybread Lounge – For a Real Food Traveler experience, this is the place to go! The first and only Indigenous-owned restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale, they source food from native producers. Chef Denella, a member of the Navajo Nation, brings more than 15 years of culinary experience to appetizers and entrees showcasing ingredients purchased from local and national Indigenous food producers. Protein sources include bison, elk, venison and duck. There are several vegetarian items too and puffy Frybread takes center stage on the menu, which includes a nice list of Arizona wines and unique cocktails/mocktails (Prickly Pear Refresher or Pinon Coffee anyone?), too.

Strips of bison, peppers and onion nestle in authentic fry bread at the Frybread Lounge. Photo by Courtney Drake-McDonough.

1 Way to Meet the People Behind Local Food Sourcing

Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market – In an interesting twist, because of summer’s heat, this market (opened in 2009) is closed during the summer but is open when most areas of the country can only dream of super-fresh produce. From early October to late April, more than 100 local growers and specialty food producers sell organic and pesticide-free produce and seasonal specialties including things to eat on-the-spot like tamales and baked goods.

The Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market is a great place to see what grows locally in Arizona and to meet the people behind those goods. It’s also a great place to shop, of course. Photo by Courtney Drake-McDonough.

Add it all up and there are many reasons and ways to enjoy Scottsdale, Arizona, a city that is simultaneously historic and very modern.

For more information about Scottsdale, start with the Experience Scottsdale website, a great resource. Use our affiliate link to book your own trip to Scottsdale.

-Story by Courtney Drake-McDonough, Publisher & Managing Editor, Real Food Traveler. Photos by Courtney + Jimmy McDonough, RFT’s Eco-Friendly Food, Travel & Adventure Editor

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