An Insider’s Guide to the Top 5 Things to do in Scottsdale

We Present Our Favorite Scottsdale Things To Do

If you’re planning an action packed trip to Scottsdale, Arizona and are looking for unique activities that are worth writing home about, continue reading to discover an insider’s guide to the top 5 things to do in Scottsdale. After all, life’s too short to waste your time on boring activities that you’ll forget about, in a few day’s time.

The top 5 things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona.

1. Visit Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

If you grew up watching Westerns, it’s well worth planning a trip to Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. Western Spirit’s exhibitions are constantly changing and examples of popular exhibits which have been on display in the past include Inspirational Journey: The Story of Lewis and Clark and the A.P Hays Spirit of the West Collection. The latter of which is a permanent exhibition and contains hundreds of authentic pieces from the wild west, examples of which include shiny Sherrif badges, leather saddles and spurs.

The Western Spirit Museum also boasts a large auditorium, where you can watch a movie about the wild west or watch a musical or theatrical performance, that will bring Scottsdale’s fascinating past to life. Depending on what time of year you visit, you may also have the opportunity to take a guided tour of the museum. Contrary to popular belief, museum tours aren’t always a bore fest. In fact, if you take part in a Western Spirit tour, your passionate tour guide will tell you nail biting tales of cowboys, outlaws and lawmen.

2. Book a thrilling ATV desert tour through Desert Wolf Tours

If you’re interested in veering off the beaten tourist track, you may be tempted to book an ATV tour of the beautiful Sonoran Desert, with Desert Wolf Tours. As part of your exciting desert tour, you’ll get to climb behind the wheel of a genuine, military grade TOMCAR ATV and explore parts of the Sonoran Desert that few people ever get the chance to explore. However, there’s no need to worry, you won’t be left for dead in the hot desert as you’ll be led by an experienced guide who’ll help you traverse the Sonoran’s Desert’s rugged terrain.

Better yet, your guide will even share their knowledge on how to survive in the desert and how to spot a variety of wildlife, including wild burros, coyotes, javalinas and scorpions. Each ATV tour lasts for 3 to 3.5 hours and if there is anyone in your party that is under 18, they can take part in the tour as a passenger.

If you’re tempted, you might be swayed to hear that each participant is given a free Desert Wolf Neck Buff. Just like the neck buffs, that are worn by contestants on the hit reality show Survivor.

3. Explore Scottsdale ArtWalk on a Thursday night

If you happen to be in town on a Thursday night, it’s definitely worth planning to stroll through downtown Scottsdale to explore the Thursday night ArtWalk. Scottsdale ArtWalk is a free event that is hosted by Scottsdale’s world class art galleries. In fact, each Thursday night around 100 local art galleries, display their work for pedestrians to browse. If you’re curious, Scottsdale Artwork takes place between 7pm and 9pm, each Thursday.

Better yet, many of the art galleries encourage their artists to attend ArtWalk. So you may find yourself rubbing shoulders with some of Arizona’s finest artists. If you’re looking for a souvenir to take home, you may also find the perfect piece of art, at a competitive price. Even if you’re not a huge art fan and don’t have any interest in making any purchase, you’ll enjoy people walking as each Thursday hundreds of tourists and locals flock to the ArtWalk.

4. Board a historic train at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a spacious 30-acre park which is run by Scottsdale’ Parks and Recreation Department and boasts a variety of shops, museums as well as an adventurous children’s playground. If you’re traveling with children, they’ll be sure to run to the vintage 1950 carousel.

If you’re jealous and wouldn’t mind taking a ride around the park yourself, you’re in luck as the park also offers a miniature train ride, that traverses through the park’s desert arboretum. Alternatively, you may be interested in taking a ride on the park’s number one attraction, the Paradise & Pacific Railroad. Especially if you’re a fan of historic steam trains.

If you have an interest in locomotive history, it’s also worth visiting the Scottsdale Railway Museum, which is located on-site and contains a variety of full size train carriages. Examples of which include the Baggage Car, which was built as a dining carriage in 1914 and was later converted to transport baggage during World War 2 and the Roald Amundsen Pullman Car, which was built in 1928 for a hefty sum of $205,000. It also holds the distinct honor of carrying a variety of US presidents including Herbert Hoover and Dwight Eisenhower.

5. Explore Butterfly Wonderland’s unique rainforest experience

Butterfly Wonderland boasts the largest indoor butterfly pavilion in America. If you’re looking for a unique experience that your whole family will enjoy, it’s well worth visiting Butterfly Wonderland, a huge dome which is climate controlled and boasts over 3,000 unique butterfly species, from around the world. Best of all there is no glass between you and the butterflies, so you can get up and close and personal with thousands of gorgeous butterflies!

If you assumed that Butterfly Wonderland only showcased rare butterfly breeds, you’re wrong. Butterfly Wonderland also features a 3d theater and Tropical Waters of the World a large aquarium which is teeming with fish from the Amazon. Examples of which include the Amazon Pacu and African Cichlids. If you’re feeling peckish, Butterfly Wonderland also boasts a handy, on-site café.

So what are you waiting for? If you’re planning a trip to Scottsdale Arizona, it’s well worth pre booking a variety of fun activities such as world famous Desert Wolf Tours’ thrilling ATV tour through the Sonoran Desert. After all you haven’t truly experienced the beauty of Arizona, until you’ve explored the beauty of the Sonoran Desert.  Click Here to book now!