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Scottsdale, Arizona is a desert city that you can’t help but love. This upscale city is known for its spas, shopping, and golf resorts. Scottsdale is also a very artsy city. From unique street art, to fine art galleries, to a contemporary art museum, there are so many different ways to appreciate the art in Scottsdale. 

There are so many great things to do in downtown Scottsdale. It’s one of the most interesting downtowns in the American Southwest. The downtown region is divided into nine districts. One of the districts, the Old Town, is a popular draw with its Old West theme. Often the entire downtown region is referred to as Old Town, but there is a specific Old Town district within the downtown.

This guide focuses on the best things to do in Old Town Scottsdale, the historic heart of downtown. As the walkable downtown has all nine districts in about 1 square mile, I have also included what to do in downtown Scottsdale in the surrounding districts.

The Best Things to Do in Old Town Scottsdale

Scottsdale Self-Guided Art Walk

One of the first things to do in Old Town Scottsdale is to go on a self-guided art walk. While Scottsdale is full of street art, the self-guided walk will take you to 10 of the best pieces. If you veer off the marked path you will run into many of the other works of art around the city. 

Not only will the walk show you the best street art, but it will also give you a good taste of the different downtown Scottsdale districts. You can start the walk from any point, but if you would like to go in order start at spot #1 (Camelback Rd & North Scottsdale Rd) in Scottsdale Fashion Square. The walk then continues through Scottsdale’s waterfront, South Bridge, the 5th Avenue shopping district, the Arts District, Historic Old Town, and ends in Civic Center Park. 

Open up the map on your phone or take a photo ahead of time if you don’t have data. There is wifi at the Scottsdale Fashion Square mall near the starting point. It is fairly easy to follow the route and find all of the pieces. During my visit in January 2023 there was construction near the end so I wasn’t able to see a couple. 

Historic Old Town Scottsdale Self-Guided Walking Tour

If history is more your thing then you will enjoy the Historic Old Town Scottsdale walking tour. This self-guided walk takes place only in the Historic Old Town and Civic Center Park districts. Through the historic buildings still standing today you will learn a bit about the early history of the town. 

The tour begins at the Scottsdale Historical Museum. The free museum within a two room schoolhouse is worth a visit before setting out on the walking tour. 

You may want to do both self-guided walks at the same time. Ideally have printed copies of the maps as it is a little harder to switch back and forth on your phone and follow both routes at the same time.

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

This small museum holds five galleries of contemporary art. The galleries rotate exhibits with many pieces of artwork coming from the museum’s permanent collection. The exhibits are usually on display for about two months to a year. 

As mentioned, the museum is quite small. Each gallery sometimes only has a handful of pieces of art. It’s a good place to really take your time and ponder the art! 

Thursday nights are pay what you wish for admission. Timed admissions are required for all tickets. 

Western Spirit Museum: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

One of the best things to do in Old Town Scottsdale is to visit the Western Spirit Museum. You’ll gain a new understanding of what Scottsdale was really like in the olden days! 

The museum is a mix of history, culture, and art. Several ongoing and temporary exhibits cover a range of topics related to the old West. 

The Spirit of the West exhibit was one of my favorites. This exhibit includes items from the permanent collection related to the West. There was everything from spurs and chaps to saddles and rifles. I loved the stories about outlaws and how the West really was wild! 

Another ongoing exhibit focuses on Native Americans during the fur trapper period. Through paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts the exhibit tells the story of this time period in the West. 

Scottsdale Art Walk

The best time to visit Old Town Scottsdale is on Thursdays. Most Thursday evenings from 6:30 – 9pm art galleries are open late. There is a wide range of artistic styles represented in the numerous galleries. I always gravitate to the local southwest artists who paint landscape scenes from the region. 

Usually once a month Gold Palette ArtWalks are held. Not to be confused with the self-guided street art walk above, these art walks involve the local galleries. They usually have a special theme, complimentary wine and small snacks in some galleries, and other special activities, events, or performances. 

I strolled through the galleries during the Demonstrate! Night which involved many artists giving live demonstrations. It was a great evening and many people were out and about enjoying the artwork. I have to say I felt quite cultured! 

It is a fun environment on Thursday nights, but if your visit doesn’t coincide with a Thursday night, visiting the art galleries is still one of the best things to do in Old Town Scottsdale! 

Scottsdale Shopping 

Scottsdale is a great place to simply walk around and browse the shops. There are a variety of shopping opportunities including the Scottsdale Fashion Square. The indoor mall is full of mid-range to luxury chain stores.

Fifth Avenue is lined with luxury retailers in NYC, but Scottsdale’s Fifth Avenue is home to many local boutiques.  

Within Old Town Scottsdale you’ll encounter the more touristy shops and western themed stores. Native American jewelry stores are also scattered about the neighborhood. 

Scottsdale Dining 

Scottsdale is a foodie destination. Trying out some of the excellent restaurants has to be on your list of what to do in Old Town Scottsdale.  Diego Pops is a Mexican restaurant that is known for its atmosphere as much as the food. The tacos are good, but they are definitely on the pricier side. Don’t expect authentic Mexican, but for Tex-Mex food it’s a good place. 

If you read my guide on things to do in downtown Phoenix, you know I loved the Cornish Pasty Co. I’m sure this local chain would be just as tasty in Scottsdale. 

Everyone loves Rusty Spur Saloon for an authentic country western saloon. As Scottsdale’s oldest bar it serves up western hospitality alongside live music 7 days and nights a week. 

I also really wanted to try Prep and Pastry for brunch. Rehab Burger therapy has excellent reviews and sounds delicious. 

A good way to try a variety of places recommended by locals is on an Old Town Scottsdale food tour.

More Things To Do in Old Town Scottsdale

There’s never enough time to see and do everything. You’ll want to allow some time to wander around. One of my favorite spots was along the Old Arizona Canal. 

I will have to make another visit to finish off exploring downtown Scottsdale and check out the following places. 

• Scottsdale Rodeo Museum
• Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
• Fiesta Bowl Museum
• The Entertainment district full of nightlife
• Kactus Jock Rydables Tour

Visiting Scottsdale

How to Get to Scottsdale

The best part of visiting Scottsdale is that it is so close to Phoenix, but feels like a world away. It is only about a 15 minute drive from PHX international airport and a 25 minute drive from downtown Phoenix. It will take about an hour from downtown Phoenix by bus, but it is definitely doable! My Phoenix guide explains how to use public transportation in the Phoenix metro area. 

How to Get Around Scottsdale

The nine districts of downtown are pedestrian friendly. As everything is relatively close together if you are able to walk, it is a nice way to get around. There is also a free trolley on Mondays – Fridays that connects all the top things to do in Old Town Scottsdale. 

When to Visit Scottsdale

Not only is Scottsdale extremely hot in the summer (June – August), many places are closed or have limited hours. Visit Scottsdale from October to April for the best weather and opening hours. It was very nice during my visit in January.

If you only have one day in Scottsdale, choose a Thursday. As mentioned above the Art Walk happens on most Thursdays. Several museums are also open late and the trolley runs later. 

Where to Stay in Scottsdale

Booking.com

Downtown Scottsdale

Staying downtown Scottsdale will be the most convenient to explore everything downtown Scottsdale has to offer without a car. The following are all highly rated properties in downtown Scottsdale. Be prepared for a high price tag. 

• Best Western Sundial
• Bespoke Inn Scottsdale
• Scottsdale Marriott Old Town
• Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town 

You’ll find many of the upscale resorts and spas that Scottsdale is known for outside of downtown. If your budget allows treat yourself to one of the following top choices.

• Scottsdale Camelback Resort
• Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows
• The Phoenician Scottsdale
• JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa

Downtown Phoenix

As mentioned above Scottsdale is very close to Phoenix. If you want to have nice accommodations, but save a decent amount of money consider staying in downtown Phoenix. 

The modern Springhill Suites in downtown Phoenix is a great place to stay with breakfast and an outdoor pool. The rooms are clean and spacious. It is convenient to public transportation and walking distance to downtown Phoenix. 

Whether you have one day in Scottsdale or are making “The West’s Most Western Town” your home, you’ll find there are so many things to do in Old Town Scottsdale. If I helped you plan your time in Scottsdale please consider supporting me by Buying Me a Coffee.

More About Arizona

• Things to Do in Downtown Phoenix 
• Grand Canyon’s South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point
• One Week Phoenix to Grand Canyon Road Trip

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