Old Town Scottsdale Travel Guide
Old Town Scottsdale is a vibrant and historic neighborhood in Arizona that offers a unique blend of culture, art, history, and outdoor adventures. If you’re planning a trip to this charming town, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do, regardless of your interests and budget. In this travel guide, we’ll cover all the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
Old Town Scottsdale is home to many iconic landmarks and attractions that you can’t miss during your visit. Some of the top places to explore include:
- The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
- The Scottsdale Waterfront
- The Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
- The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
- The Scottsdale Civic Center Mall
- The Scottsdale Fashion Square
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for some off-the-beaten-path experiences, Old Town Scottsdale has plenty of hidden gems to explore. Here are some of our favorites:
- The Cosanti Foundation and Gallery
- The Rusty Spur Saloon
- The Sugar Bowl
- The Little Red Schoolhouse
- The Scottsdale Historical Museum
Food Scene
Old Town Scottsdale is a foodie’s paradise, with countless restaurants, cafes, and bars that offer a diverse range of cuisines and dining experiences. Some of the must-try places include:
- Fat Ox
- The Mission
- Farm and Craft
- Café Monarch
- The House Brasserie
- Diego Pops
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling to Old Town Scottsdale doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some budget-friendly tips to help you save money during your trip:
- Visit during the off-season to take advantage of lower prices.
- Stay in a budget-friendly hotel or vacation rental.
- Take advantage of free activities, such as hiking, walking tours, and visiting public parks.
- Eat at local restaurants instead of tourist traps.
Outdoor Adventures
Old Town Scottsdale is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and offers plenty of outdoor adventures for nature lovers. Some of the top activities include:
- Hiking in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
- Hot air balloon rides
- River rafting
- Biking on the Arizona Canal Trail
- Horseback riding in the desert
Historical Landmarks
Old Town Scottsdale is steeped in history and is home to many fascinating landmarks that offer a glimpse into the past. Some of the top historical sites to visit include:
- The Old Adobe Mission
- The Scottsdale Historical Museum
- The Little Red Schoolhouse
- The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
- The Rusty Spur Saloon
Family-Friendly Activities
Old Town Scottsdale is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities that both kids and adults will enjoy. Here are some of the top family-friendly things to do:
- The OdySea Aquarium
- The Butterfly Wonderland
- The Phoenix Zoo
- The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
- The Scottsdale Batting Cages
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something unique and memorable, Old Town Scottsdale has plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to offer. Here are some of our favorites:
- The Desert Botanical Garden
- The Goldfield Ghost Town
- The Verde Canyon Railroad
- The Cave Creek Regional Park
- The Musical Instrument Museum
Natural Wonders
Old Town Scottsdale is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, from the Sonoran Desert to the nearby mountains. Here are some of the top natural wonders to explore:
- The McDowell Sonoran Preserve
- The Camelback Mountain
- The Pinnacle Peak Park
- The Tonto National Forest
- The Superstition Mountains
Vibrant Nightlife
Old Town Scottsdale comes alive at night, with countless bars, clubs, and lounges that offer a vibrant nightlife scene. Here are some of the top places to party:
- The Mint
- The Beverly
- The W Scottsdale
- The Riot House
- The Rusty Spur Saloon
Local Markets
Old Town Scottsdale is home to many local markets and farmers’ markets that offer fresh produce, artisanal products, and unique souvenirs. Here are some of the top places to shop:
- The Old Town Farmers’ Market
- The Scottsdale Farmers’ Market
- The Canal Convergence
- The Scottsdale ArtWalk
- The Scottsdale Fashion Square
Beaches and Mountains
Old Town Scottsdale is located near some of the most beautiful beaches and mountains in Arizona. Here are some of the top places to explore:
- The Salt River
- The Lake Pleasant Regional Park
- The Saguaro Lake
- The Sedona Red Rocks
- The Grand Canyon
Cultural Immersion
Old Town Scottsdale is a melting pot of cultures and offers many opportunities for cultural immersion. Here are some of the top places to explore:
- The Heard Museum
- The Musical Instrument Museum
- The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
- The Desert Botanical Garden
- The Taliesin West
Art and Music Scene
Old Town Scottsdale is a hub for art and music, with many galleries, museums, and venues that showcase local talent. Here are some of the top places to explore:
- The Scottsdale ArtWalk
- The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
- The Scottsdale Gallery Association
- The Scottsdale International Film Festival
- The Scottsdale Jazz Festival
Walking Tours
Old Town Scottsdale is a pedestrian-friendly town that is perfect for exploring on foot. Here are some of the top walking tours to take:
- The Old Town Scottsdale Walking Tour
- The Scottsdale Art District Walking Tour
- The Scottsdale Culinary Walking Tour
- The Scottsdale Ghost Tour
- The Scottsdale Wine Trail
Architectural Marvels
Old Town Scottsdale is home to many architectural marvels that showcase the town’s rich history and culture. Here are some of the top places to explore:
- The Taliesin West
- The Old Adobe Mission
- The Frank Lloyd Wright Spire
- The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
- The Scottsdale Waterfront
Historical Sites
Old Town Scottsdale is a living museum that offers a glimpse into the past. Here are some of the top historical sites to visit:
- The Rusty Spur Saloon
- The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
- The Little Red Schoolhouse
- The Scottsdale Historical Museum
- The Old Adobe Mission
Biking Routes
Old Town Scottsdale is a great destination for bik