Surely you have visited some cities and found yourself without the faintest idea where to go or what to do next. Scottsdale, known as The West’s Most Western Town, shouldn’t be one of those cities on your list, since it has too much to offer and you don’t want to miss out. To make your trip as enjoyable as possible, we have compiled a list of sites and activities that will make the best memories of your trip.
Scottsdale is Arizona’s sixth-largest city and it was once awarded as one of the most livable cities in the USA by the United States Conference of Mayors. And what it has to offer to those who are just visiting, is equally amazing.
Hiking – for Families and all Nature Lovers
For nature and hiking lovers, this place has to offer something truly special. It is called McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and it is a desert habitat that spans over 30,000 acres along the eastern edge of Scottsdale. It is permanently protected, sustainable and one of the most diverse environments on the planet.
If this description is not enough to wake up your curiosity, then the fact that it has a plethora of trails with different difficulty levels will for sure wake up the hiker in you. You can choose the simplest ones if you are on a family trip and enjoy the view of the desert while you are at it. Or, for more adventurous families, couples or individuals, there are more difficult trails that require special boots and poles.
You can also opt for bird watching, wildlife watching, you can try out mount biking, and you can test your abilities at rock climbing as well.
Shopping – from Luxury to Souvenirs
In Scottsdale, shopping is both therapy and art. If you are a fan, we do not doubt you will find a perfect spot for shopping. That goes for those who want a top designer’s item, but also for those who want a perfect local souvenir.
If you belong to the first group we mentioned above and you want to get yourself a lovely branded piece from i.e., Louis Vuitton, we suggest you check out the Scottsdale Fashion Square. It is one of the largest and boasts many luxury shops.
A great shopper location is also the Old town Scottsdale. Here you can enjoy wonderful scenery and see how this place was when it was founded; while shopping for goods from boutiques, visit a top-rated Scottsdale’s jewelry store, or find that perfect accessory that will help you bring a piece of Arizona home with you.
Museum Hopping for all Ages
When it comes to museums in this city, true history admirers must visit the Western spirit. It is a place to immerse in the history of all the western states, including Hawaii and Alaska. There you will see artifacts and paintings and hear facts about the rich culture of the West.
If you would like to learn about the past, but still would like to spend most of your time outdoors, we suggest that you visit the Old town that we have already mentioned above. Also, you should not miss McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, a railroad museum. Here you will enjoy rides on mini trains, learn about the train’s past and the development of railroads; since the museum is interactive, you will have the amazing opportunity to try out some equipment, which should be fun for children and all those who are in touch with their inner-child.
In a Nutshell
Scottsdale is truly a place for every type of traveler: nature lovers can find something for themselves, even the biggest history fans will learn something new and shopaholics will not leave empty-handed.