Top Outdoor Adventures + Local Favorites
Searching for the best things to do in Scottsdale? From iconic desert scenery and outdoor fun to Old Town dining and art, Scottsdale is packed with unforgettable experiences. If you want the most memorable outdoor activity near Scottsdale, start with a true hands-on desert adventure: the Half-Day Tomcar ATV Tour with Desert Wolf Tours.
Top Adventure Pick: Half-Day Tomcar ATV Tour
If “things to do in Scottsdale” led you here and you’re craving real desert excitement, this is the experience guests talk about long after they get home. Our signature Half-Day Tomcar ATV Tour puts you in the driver’s seat of a rugged Tomcar as you follow expert guides through classic Sonoran Desert terrain—scenic, thrilling, and beginner-friendly.
- You drive (hands-on adventure—no experience needed)
- Guided route with safety-focused instruction
- Epic Sonoran Desert views near Scottsdale & Phoenix
- Perfect for couples, families, friends, and groups
Want the Ultimate Arizona “Bucket List” Day?
Scottsdale is famous for sunshine and luxury—but if your group wants an experience that’s truly rare, combine your desert driving with an action-packed add-on that visitors can’t find just anywhere. Our ATV Tour + Machine Gun Adventure is designed for high-adrenaline fun and an unforgettable story to take home.
More Scottsdale ATV Tour Options
Comparing outdoor activities near Scottsdale? Here’s a helpful starting point to explore tour options and choose the right fit for your group, schedule, and adventure style.
Build the Perfect Scottsdale Day
Morning: Desert Adventure
Start your day with the Half-Day Tomcar ATV Tour (or level up with the ATV Tour + Machine Gun Adventure) for a Scottsdale experience that feels like a true Arizona highlight.
Afternoon: Old Town Scottsdale
After your desert adventure, head to Old Town for lunch, western charm, boutique shopping, and galleries. It’s one of the best ways to round out your list of things to do in Scottsdale.
Evening: Sunset + Dining
End the day with a Scottsdale sunset view, a great dinner, or a resort-style unwind. Scottsdale is a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
More Things to Do in Scottsdale (Quick Ideas)
Outdoor & Scenic
- Desert hikes and scenic trails
- Sunrise or sunset viewpoints
- Nature walks and photography
Old Town, Art & Culture
- Old Town Scottsdale dining & shopping
- Art galleries and outdoor installations
- Local museums and seasonal events
Family-Friendly
- Interactive museums and kid-friendly attractions
- Aquarium visits and indoor experiences (great for warm afternoons)
- Parks, rides, and local favorites
Relaxation
- Golf, spas, pools, and resort days
- Patios, happy hours, and desert nightlife
FAQ: Things to Do in Scottsdale
What’s the #1 outdoor activity near Scottsdale?
For hands-on desert excitement, the Half-Day Tomcar ATV Tour is a top pick and a guest favorite.
Is the Half-Day Tomcar ATV Tour beginner-friendly?
Yes. You’ll get clear instruction, guided pacing, and a route designed for both first-timers and thrill-seekers.
How do I choose between the tours?
If you want the classic Scottsdale adventure, start with the Half-Day Tomcar ATV Tour. If your group wants the most unique “bucket list” day, check out the ATV Tour + Machine Gun Adventure.
Ready to plan your Scottsdale adventure?
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.