Scottsdale, Arizona is one of the most popular destinations in the Southwest for travelers who want a mix of outdoor adventure, upscale dining, nightlife, desert scenery, golf, and local culture. Located just northeast of Phoenix and surrounded by the stunning Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale offers visitors everything from relaxing resort experiences to unforgettable adrenaline-filled activities.
Whether you are visiting for a weekend getaway, family vacation, bachelor or bachelorette party, golf trip, or corporate retreat, there is no shortage of memorable things to do in Scottsdale.
From Old Town and world-class golf to off-road desert adventures just north of the city, here are some of the best things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Outdoor Adventures in Scottsdale
One of the biggest reasons visitors come to Scottsdale is to experience the beauty and excitement of the Sonoran Desert.
Scottsdale sits near one of the most unique desert environments in North America, making it a top destination for outdoor recreation and adventure travel. The surrounding area offers dramatic mountain views, towering saguaro cactus forests, scenic trails, and wide-open desert landscapes that feel completely different from a typical city vacation.
Popular outdoor activities near Scottsdale include:
- Guided ATV and off-road desert tours
- Hot air balloon rides
- Hiking in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
- Horseback riding
- Desert Jeep tours
- Scenic wildlife viewing and photography
For visitors who want a true Arizona experience, outdoor desert adventures are among the most exciting things to do in the area.
You can explore our full range of Phoenix & Scottsdale Desert Adventure Tours here.
Scottsdale ATV Tours in the Sonoran Desert
If you are looking for one of the most unforgettable outdoor activities near Scottsdale, a guided desert ATV tour should be at the top of your list.
Just north of Scottsdale, the Sonoran Desert offers rugged off-road trails, incredible scenery, giant saguaro cactus, and sweeping mountain views that create the perfect setting for a memorable Arizona adventure.
Desert Wolf Tours offers highly rated guided Scottsdale ATV tours where guests drive rugged military-grade Tomcar vehicles through scenic desert terrain while professional Adventure Guides lead the group. This is not a basic ATV rental. It is a fully guided desert adventure designed to deliver a fun, organized, and professional off-road experience.
This activity is especially popular with:
- Couples
- Families
- Groups of friends
- Bachelor and bachelorette parties
- Corporate groups
- First-time Arizona visitors
Explore the adventure here:
Or go straight to the primary booking page here:
A One-of-a-Kind Scottsdale Adventure
For travelers looking for something even more distinctive, Desert Wolf Tours also offers one of the most unusual adventure experiences in Arizona.
The ATV Tour & Machine Gun Adventure combines a guided Sonoran Desert ATV tour with a professionally supervised live-fire machine gun shooting experience. Guests first head into the desert in rugged Tomcars, then continue the adventure with a range experience unlike anything most visitors have ever done.
This experience is especially popular with:
- Bachelor parties
- Corporate groups
- Adventure travelers
- Visitors looking for a truly memorable Scottsdale activity
Learn more here:
ATV Tour & Machine Gun Adventure
Explore Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale is one of the most popular areas in the city for visitors to explore.
Known for its mix of Western charm, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, galleries, and walkable streets, Old Town offers a very different side of Scottsdale than the desert adventure scene. It is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening before or after other activities.
Popular things to do in Old Town Scottsdale include:
- Visit the Scottsdale Museum of the West
- Browse local art galleries and studios
- Shop for Western wear, gifts, and fashion
- Walk the Scottsdale Waterfront
- Explore the Historic Old Adobe Mission
- Enjoy restaurants, bars, and rooftop lounges
For many visitors, Old Town is where Scottsdale’s culture, entertainment, and energy come together.
Scottsdale Nightlife
Scottsdale is well known for its nightlife, especially in and around Old Town.
Visitors can find everything from relaxed cocktail lounges and wine bars to energetic dance clubs and late-night hotspots. This makes Scottsdale especially attractive for celebration travel, including bachelor and bachelorette weekends, couples’ getaways, and group trips.
Popular nightlife experiences include:
- Rooftop cocktails
- Live music venues
- Stylish bars and lounges
- Late-night dining
- Dancing in the Entertainment District
Many visitors combine a daytime desert adventure with a night out in Scottsdale, making for a full and memorable Arizona itinerary.
Golf in Scottsdale
Scottsdale is one of the premier golf destinations in the United States.
The area is home to well-known desert courses, luxury golf resorts, and championship-caliber layouts that attract players from around the country. Scottsdale’s golf scene is one of the major reasons many visitors return year after year.
Popular golf names associated with Scottsdale include:
- TPC Scottsdale
- Troon North Golf Club
- Grayhawk Golf Club
Whether you are planning a golf getaway or just want to play a memorable desert round during your trip, golf remains one of Scottsdale’s signature attractions.
More Great Things to Do Near Scottsdale
Beyond golf, nightlife, and desert adventures, visitors can build a full Scottsdale itinerary with a mix of relaxing and active experiences.
Other popular Scottsdale-area activities include:
- Visiting museums and cultural attractions
- Enjoying chef-driven restaurants and upscale dining
- Shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square
- Hiking scenic desert trails
- Taking a day trip into Phoenix for additional attractions
- Relaxing at a resort pool or spa
If your trip also includes time in the Phoenix area, you can explore more ideas here:
Why Desert Adventures Are One of the Best Things to Do in Scottsdale
Scottsdale has many attractions, but one of the biggest competitive advantages of the area is its access to the Sonoran Desert.
Visitors can shop, dine, golf, and enjoy nightlife in many places. But very few destinations offer the combination of resort-style travel and truly rugged desert adventure that Scottsdale does.
That is why desert activities consistently stand out as one of the most memorable parts of a Scottsdale trip.
For many travelers, the highlight of their visit is leaving the city behind for a few hours and heading into the scenic desert north of Scottsdale for an authentic Arizona experience.
Suggested Scottsdale Itinerary
If you are only in Scottsdale for a short visit, here is a simple way to build a memorable day:
Morning: Guided Scottsdale ATV tour in the Sonoran Desert
Afternoon: Lunch and shopping in Old Town Scottsdale
Evening: Cocktails, dinner, and nightlife in the Entertainment District
If you are planning a longer stay, you can also add golf, hiking, museums, resort time, and other Phoenix-area attractions.
This kind of mix is exactly why Scottsdale remains one of Arizona’s most popular travel destinations.
Plan Your Scottsdale Adventure
Scottsdale offers something for nearly every kind of traveler — from luxury resort guests and golfers to adventure seekers, celebration groups, and families.
But if you want one experience that truly feels like Arizona, a guided desert adventure should be high on your list.
Desert Wolf Tours has hosted more than 100,000 guests and offers professionally guided Sonoran Desert experiences designed to combine excitement, scenery, and structured professionalism. The result is an outdoor adventure that feels memorable, organized, and distinctly Arizona.
View all available adventures here:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Scottsdale best known for?
Scottsdale is best known for its Sonoran Desert scenery, golf, nightlife, upscale resorts, shopping, dining, and outdoor adventure activities.
What are the best outdoor activities in Scottsdale?
Some of the most popular outdoor activities in Scottsdale include guided ATV tours, hot air balloon rides, hiking, horseback riding, and desert Jeep tours.
Are there desert adventures near Scottsdale?
Yes. The Sonoran Desert just north of Scottsdale offers scenic off-road trails, mountain views, and cactus forests, making it one of the best areas in Arizona for guided desert adventures.
Is Scottsdale good for bachelor and bachelorette trips?
Yes. Scottsdale is one of the most popular destinations in Arizona for celebration travel because it offers nightlife, dining, golf, shopping, and unique outdoor adventures.
Is an ATV tour a good activity for first-time visitors to Arizona?
Yes. A guided ATV tour is one of the best ways for first-time visitors to experience the Sonoran Desert, scenic terrain, and the kind of outdoor adventure Arizona is known for.
Experience the #1 Ranked Scottsdale ATV Tour with Desert Wolf Tours
A desert experience like no other — combine heart-pounding ATV riding with an unforgettable machine gun adventure at Desert Wolf Tours, just minutes from Scottsdale and Phoenix.
World Class golf awaits you in Scottsdale.
Scottsdale Fashion Square in the place to shop for top designer fashions.
A budding artist tries his hand at one of the many instruments at the Musical Instrument Museum.
Relax and unwind inside one of Scottsdale’s most stylish bars, where great drinks, warm ambiance, and unforgettable nights come together.
Scottsdale’s dining scene is as exciting as its adventures—featuring chef-driven restaurants, vibrant flavors, and unforgettable meals that turn every visit into a true taste of the desert.
Discover the spirit of the American West at Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, where art, history, and cowboy culture come together in the heart of Old Town.