Area Attractions

Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden offers the world's finest collection of arid-land plants from deserts around the world in a unique outdoor setting. The Garden has more than 50,000 accessioned plants throughout its five thematic trails, which illustrate topics such as conservation, desert living, plants and people of the Sonoran Desert and desert wildflowers. The Garden offers a variety of lectures and workshops on desert landscaping and horticulture, botanical art and illustration, nature art and photography, and health and wellness.

Kierland Commons
Kierland Commons is a unique, upscale Main Street lifestyle center that artfully blends retail shopping, dining and entertainment. The one-of-a-kind development incorporates over 70 high-end specialty stores that include a distinctive selection on national retail choices, such as Anthropologie, Crate & Barrel, Sur La Table, Barnes and Noble, Restoration Hardware, Tommy Bahama and Z Gallerie. Guests may also choose from a variety of the Valley’s consistently ranked best restaurants featuring regional cuisine from Continental to French to Sushi, there is something for everyone.

McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy's commitment to the community is to champion the preservation of the Sonoran Desert and its mountains, facilitate their relationship with preserved land, and develop a local culture of stewardship. It is our goal to secure for future generations their unique environmental and archeological heritage. Through our partnership with the City of Scottsdale, we have successfully created the largest urban preserve in the nation, with more than 100 miles of trails open to hikers, bicyclists and equestrians. A significant area of natural wildlife and desert flora, Arizona Game and Fish considers Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve the most significant wildlife habitat in the Valley outside the Tonto National Forest.

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Located in Scottsdale's popular Old Town district, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) features the most compelling modern and contemporary art, architecture and design from around the globe. Designed by award-winning architect Will Bruder, SMoCA's minimalist building (an ingenious renovation of a former movie theater) includes a public "skyspace" by the acclaimed artist James Turrell, where visitors can experience the ever-changing light of the desert sky. SMoCA also presents a wide variety of changing exhibitions, educational programs, including docent-led tours, cell phone audio guides, and special events for adults and families.

Ziegler Fiesta Bowl Museum
Spend the afternoon enjoying exhibits that feature memorabilia from Fiesta Bowl events and bowl games and some of college football's most prestigious award trophies. Contact the museum directly for more information at (480) 350-0900.

Additional Destination Attractions

The Grand Canyon
Just a four hour drive from Scottsdale, revel in one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. During this time of year, visitors can access the South Rim, the most popular tourist destination at the Grand Canyon National Park. The South Rim also houses the Visitor Center, open 365 days a year, and is home to many hiking paths and scenic overlooks. Attractions and activities include the Tusayan Museum, IMAX Theater, ranger-led programs, shopping, restaurants and more.

Sedona, Arizona
Often called "Red Rock Country" Sedona is a four seasons playground for everyone. Whether you're into history and archaeology; arts and culture; shopping; outdoor sports; or the spiritual and metaphysical, imagine doing all this in a backdrop of some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. This picturesque city is surrounded by red-rock monoliths named Coffeepot, Cathedral and Thunder Mountain. At the north end of the city is the stunning Oak Creek Canyon, a breathtaking chasm that is wildly wonderful. Natural endowments aside, you'll also find world-class hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts and a very good variety of dining to keep you satisfied. Escape the chaos of life, kick back and relax in Sedona.

For more information on things to do while in the area, visit the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.