No matter what you’re into, here are some awesome things to do in Phoenix and Scottsdale. Take a hiking, take a hot air balloon ride, visit Frank Loyd Wright’s Taliesin West and even take a gondola ride!
As you may guess, Cynthia and I spent as much time as possible in Phoenix and Scottsdale eating our hearts out. The found scene in these two cities is seriously blowing up! You can read more about that in my Food Guide to Phoenix. But even when you’re eating a solid four meals a day (and snacks!), there’s still a little time left over to explore! There’s really something for everyone whether your idea of a good time is shopping until you drop or taking a hike among the cacti.
Read on for what to do during your visit…
Things to do in Phoenix and Scottsdale
Desert Botanical Gardens Phoenix
The Phoenix Desert Botanical Gardens are a lovely place to spend the morning before the Phoenix sun gets too hot. The gardens help save endangered species and preserve the native flora of Arizona. Not only do they have local cacti, they also have species from all over the world in their gardens. They also have featured art exhibits scattered throughout the gardens. When we visited, they had a Jun Kaneko exhibit featuring his signature ceramic heads and bears.
Desert Botanical Gardens Phoenix
1201 N Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, Arizona 85008
https://www.dbg.org/
Hot Air Balloon Ride in Phoenix
After being bit by the hot air balloon bug at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta last year, I was excited to learn that you can do hot air balloon rides in Phoenix. Rainbow Ryders offers group and private hot air balloon rides in their signature rainbow-colored balloons. It’s an early morning start time, but totally worth it to see sunrise over the desert while gently floating in a hot air balloon.
Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride
715 East Covey Lane Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85024
https://www.rainbowryders.com/hot-air-balloon-rides-phoenix/
More photos from our Phoenix hot air balloon ride:
Gondola Boat Rides at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale
I can’t think of a more charming way to spend an evening than a gondola ride at the Hyatt Regency in Scottsdale. We timed our ride for sunset and the experience was absolutely spectacular! Enjoying a warm Scottsdale evening with cotton candy skies and a serenade – it just doesn’t get any better. If you dine at the Hyatt Regency’s restaurant, Alto Ristorante, you’ll get a complimentary pass for a free ride with the purchase of an entrée. It’s such a romantic date night idea if you’re in Scottsdale! Even without a meal, the price of a ride is very reasonable at only $10 per person.
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Gondola Boat Rides
7500 East Doubletree Ranch Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
https://scottsdale.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/activities/hotel-activities/gondolaboatrides.html
More photos from our gondola ride at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale:
Easy Desert Hiking in Scottsdale, Arizona
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is an incredible space of protected land just outside Scottsdale. It boasts 195 miles of hiking and biking trails, over 30,000 acres and a staff that includes 650 volunteers.
You can get up close with towering saguaro cacti and Arizona’s famous ‘Jumping Cholla‘ cactus that has segments that detach from the main plant and cling to you with even the slightest touch. The beautiful Gateway trail we were on was very gentle with minimal elevation gain and would be great for most ability levels. I’d highly recommend visiting the preserve for mountain biking, hiking and my favorite – trail running.
Hiking in McDowell Sonoran Preserve Scottsdale
18333 North Thompson Peak Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/
More photos from our hike at McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale:
Aerial Yoga at Mountain Shadows Resort
Get a different perspective on fitness by taking an aerial yoga class at Mountain Shadows Resort in Scottsdale. Classes are $20 for resort guests or $25 for locals. Make sure you make a reservation at least a day in advance.
Aerial Yoga at Mountain Shadows Resort
5445 East Lincoln Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
https://www.mountainshadows.com/pool-fitness/fitness-center/classes
Visit Taliesin West in Scottsdale, AZ
Taliesin West is the southwestern home of famous architect Frank Loyd Wright. Frank spent summers in my home state of Wisconsin at Taliesin, and escaped the harsh snowy winters to Taliesin West outside of Scottsdale.
The architecture of Taliesin West is obviously uniquely spectacular. It has special significance as it was one of the few places the Frank completely commissioned and designed for himself. It was a true labor of love that didn’t have the constraints that come with building for a wealthy client. Taliesin West now houses a small architecture school and you can actually see the students at work during your tour.
The only way to see Taliesin West is via a guided tour that winds its way through the series of buildings that make up the home, connected by covered walkways and terraces. Its retro vibes will help transport you back to the 40’s and 50’s when Frank was living the last years of his life there.
Taliesin West – Home of Frank Loyd Wright
12621 North Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard
Scottsdale, AZ 85259
http://franklloydwright.org/taliesin-west/
Vida Moulin Clothing Boutique Phoenix
Whether you need a new dress to enjoy poolside or a cute date night outfit, Vida Moulin boutique in Phoenix has you covered! The too-cute store is perfectly decorated with shoppable knick knacks and the friendly staff will work tirelessly to help you find the perfect addition to your wardrobe.
Vida Moulin Boutique Phoenix
1568 Bethany Home Road
Phoenix, AZ 85014
https://www.vidamoulin.com/
More photos from Vida Moulin Phoenix:
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Looking for more Phoenix travel information? Check out my recommendations for where to eat in Phoenix!
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Oh, WOW, so many great things to do. The gondola ride sounds super fun and I also would love to take that aerial yoga class! \o/
I feel like we just scratched the surface too!