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Things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona

This city has a vibrant downtown, shopping, and nightlife scene within arm's reach of the Grand Canyon.

Our most recommended things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona

Phoenix Zoo: One Day General Admission Ticket

1. Phoenix Zoo: One Day General Admission Ticket

Pick up a ticket to the Phoenix Zoo, one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S. nestled on 125 acres within the beautiful Papago Park. Explore the home of over 3,000 animals with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened and endangered species. Discover over 2.5 miles of walking paths, divided into Arizona, Africa, Tropics, and Children’s trails, each taking about 1 hour to complete. Admire a variety of inhabitants, including Bornean Orangutans, Asian Elephants, Sumatran Tigers, Komodo Dragons, Masai Giraffes, African Lions, and more. Learn about the threats that endanger many of the species and wildlife you encounter and discover interesting facts about Jurassic ecosystems with animatronic dinosaurs and installations.

Phoenix: Guided Self-Drive ATV/UTV Tour

2. Phoenix: Guided Self-Drive ATV/UTV Tour

Embark on a guided day tour of the famous Sonoran desert, off-roading in your single-passenger or 4-person ATV on some of the best trails in the stunning Bradshaw Mountains, located just north of Phoenix. Travel through giant Saguaro cacti, deep canyons carved by flash flooding rains, and cross the Aqua Fria River to experience the wild and vast desert terrain. Spot desert wildlife such as coyotes, bobcats, deer, rabbits, quail, and even rattlesnakes. Start your tour 45 minutes north of Phoenix in the Sonoran desert near the Agua Fria River Valley. Ride along creek crossings and soak up the gorgeous views of the Arizona landscape.  Accompanied by a certified guide, learn about the plant life, wildlife, history, and climate of the area. Hear stories about the Native Americans who once farmed, hunted, survived, and evolved in this unforgiving desert.

Phoenix: Hot Air Balloon Flight with Champagne

3. Phoenix: Hot Air Balloon Flight with Champagne

Glide over the Arizona desert on a hot air balloon ride and admire the desert landscape and mountains from above. Toast to your experience with a glass of champagne once you land. The experience begins even before you rise into the sky. Help the crew inflate the balloon for a real "hands-on" adventure, or just relax and take a few pictures as the gentle giant comes alive. Once you gain altitude, enjoy vistas you have to see to believe as you float over the Arizona landscape. Phoenix lies beneath you while desert stretches to the distant mountains. The pilots are FAA-licensed and experienced in navigating with your safety and enjoyment in mind. Your pilot will also answer questions and identify points of interest during your flight. A chase crew will follow on the ground and meet you at the landing site. From there a van takes you back to the launch site. Upon your return, enjoy a celebratory toast of Champagne to cap your unique airborne adventure. You'll also be presented with a flight certificate.

From Phoenix: Grand Canyon with Sedona Day Tour

4. From Phoenix: Grand Canyon with Sedona Day Tour

Experience the Grand Canyon National Park during this guided tour, entry tickets in. Explore the canyon rim with its panoramic views and visit Sedona along the way. Experience the stunning red rocks of Sedona. Photograph the famous location and take the opportunity to gaze upon the stunning sights of Arizona. Spend approximately 3 hours within the National Park marveling at the beauty that is the Grand Canyon. Discover historic El Tovar Lodge and Hopi House in Grand Canyon Village. Visit the South Rim and take in the dramatic views, ideal for photographers. Enjoy some shopping, walk the rim, or relax at one of the many viewpoints.

Phoenix and Mesa: Self-Guided Kayak Trip on Saguaro Lake

5. Phoenix and Mesa: Self-Guided Kayak Trip on Saguaro Lake

Experience the spectacular landscapes of the Tonto National Forest on a self-guided kayaking tour around Saguaro Lake. Paddle through canyons, see beautiful desert scenery, and discover the local flora and native wildlife from a unique perspective. Escape the heat and feel refreshed by one of the most stunning lakes of Arizona. Travel at your own pace, giving you the opportunity to truly take in the picturesque views. Start with an orientation of basic safety and paddling instructions. The “sit-on-top”-style kayaks are very stable and easy to maneuver. Before you know it you’ll be paddling below thousand-foot cliffs. Explore the lake's glimmering waters and discover coves and craggy shorelines. Keep your eyes open for the native wildlife native to the Tonto National Forest.

From Phoenix: Grand Canyon Tour with Sedona and Oak Creek

6. From Phoenix: Grand Canyon Tour with Sedona and Oak Creek

Take a trip to one of the 7 wonders of the natural world on this day tour of the Grand Canyon National Park. You will be collected from selected hotels or apartments in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, or Mesa Arizona. The journey north takes you through amazing views of the Saguaro Cactus in the Sonoran Desert. You will travel through the Ponderosa Pine Forests of Flagstaff where the Lowell Observatory is located. Stop among the Red Rocks of Sedona for time to take in the breathtaking scenery and lots of pictures. Travel through Oak Creek Canyon famous the world over for its spectacular scenery. In the afternoon be taken to the Grand Canyon National Park. Stop for pictures of the Red Rocks of Sedona. Make several stops along the South Rim for picture taking and enjoying the incredible views. See the El Tovar Lodge, a former Harvey hotel. Have the afternoon to explore the sublime park and see many of its ecological wonders and natural beauty. Your professional guide will be able to inform you of the history and stories behind this ancient wonder.

Scottsdale: Half-Day Lower Salt River Rafting Tour

7. Scottsdale: Half-Day Lower Salt River Rafting Tour

Cool off and explore the beautiful Sonoran Desert with a guided Salt River rafting trip on the Lower Salt River in the Tonto National Forest. Arrive at 7:30 AM at the local supplier's office in North Scottdale, then travel 35 minutes to the start point just outside the eastern metro area. Get kitted out with all necessary equipment then head out onto the water.  The Salt River is a scenic, Class I (the easiest rating on the international scale of river difficulty) waterway which provides some of the best wildlife and bird watching opportunities in the Southwest. The water flow on the river varies seasonally, based on this your guide will choose from a number of put‐in/take‐out locations in order to ensure guests have the best river rafting experience. Whilst light paddling is required, your experienced rafting guide will do most of the work, so you can sit back and enjoy the view. Water temperatures are in the 60s in the winter and rise to low 80s in the summer months. Swimming is possible year‐round, but the water may be chilly in January. Tours typically last about 4 hours and water and snacks will be provided for the duration of the tour.

From Scottsdale: Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Day Tour

8. From Scottsdale: Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Day Tour

Travel in a spacious and airconditioned van day trip from Phoenix or Scottsdale to Lower Antelope Canyon and take a walking tour with a Navajo guide. Discover the natural beauty of the Horseshoe Bend on a self-guided hike. Be picked up from your hotel in Phoenix or Scottsdale in the morning and relax in the van on the drive to Page. Along the way, your guide will tell you about a number of interesting sites and the history of the state of Arizona. Reach Page and head to Lower Antelope Canyon where you can capture pictures of the slot canyons and their colors and formations. Travel into the canyon with a Navajo guide. Stop to refuel with a delicious lunch before going to Horseshoe Bend.  Take a self guided hike at Horseshoe Bend for 80 minutes and explore this horseshoe-shaped curve in a canyon carved out by the flow of the Colorado River. Return to your hotel in Phoenix or Scottsdale at the conclusion of your tour.  .

From Scottsdale: Sonoran Desert & Tonto National Forest Trip

9. From Scottsdale: Sonoran Desert & Tonto National Forest Trip

Take a break from the streets of Scottsdale and get out of the city to discover the Sonoran Desert. Drive by jeep to the Pinnacle Peak neighborhood and see an old stagecoach station. Meet wild horses by the Verde River after walking through Tonto National Forest. Make your way to the Village at Pinnacle Peak to meet your friendly guide and group for the day. Jump in the jeep and admire the picturesque Arizonan landscape as you head towards the desert. Learn about local wildlife as your guide points out the different species you come across. Enter the Sonoran Desert and pass by a stagecoach station as you stroll around in the arid landscape with growing cacti and distant mountain peaks. Continue to the Tonto National Forest and begin walking along the winding tree-lined path. Find your way to the roaring Verde River to have the chance of watching wild horses playing on the riverbanks, before returning to Scottsdale.

From Phoenix: Apache Trail & Dolly Steamboat Day Trip

10. From Phoenix: Apache Trail & Dolly Steamboat Day Trip

Come join us on an adventurous tour along the Apache Trail and into the Sonora desert, then take a cruise on Dolly Steamboat through Canyon Lake. Driving into the Superstition Mountains, you will visit Tortilla Flat, a quaint Arizona town with a population of 6! Next, relax on a 90-minute cruise over picturesque Canyon Lake, with its magnificent desert surroundings. Don't forget your camera, as this is the ideal platform from which to snap postcard-perfect landscape photos. Your guide will then lead you into the desert for an explanation of the local flora, including the majestic Saguaro cactus and Arizona's state tree, the Palo Verde.

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What people are saying about Scottsdale, Arizona

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 1,191 reviews

We are coming from Quebec, Canada It was our first experience with this tour and really enjoy hit! Rich, our guide, was very kind and interesting and gave us a lot of information about the beautiful region and botanical as well during our 2h tour! it was appreciated by everybody! This tour worth the price and we recommend it absolutely!

Very interesting amd informative. This was the first time I went off Roading and I accomplished my goal to do so and took my daughter too. We had an amazing time but it was a bit cold too see any of the wildlife except for a Donkey .

Eric, our guide, was great! He is very knowledgeable and accommodating! Doing both Sedona and Grand Canyon is a day is the best way to see Arizona if you have limited time.

Excellent experience, would highly recommend! Our guide, Jesse, answered all questions & had a great sense of humor.

Our guide Chris was very good, knowledgeable and caring. It was a great day