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Two young children kayaking near Scottsdale Resort.Two young children kayaking near Scottsdale Resort.
scottsdale resort

Local Things to Do

Explore Sunny Arizona

From horseback riding in the desert and hiking past cacti to teeing off at world-class golf courses and day tripping to the Grand Canyon, there are so many things to do in Scottsdale.

To see just some of the Southwest fun that’s waiting for you, check out the Lopez family’s outdoor adventures at nearby McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

  • Young child on woman's shoulders in McDowell Sonoran Preserve near Scottsdale Resort.

    McDowell Sonoran Preserve

    Outdoor Activities | Free | 4.5 miles

  • Cowboy statue in Old Town Scottsdale near Scottsdale Resort.

    Old Town Scottsdale

    Outdoor Activities | Free | 15 miles

  • Man standing in front of Grand Canyon near Scottsdale Resort.

    Grand Canyon

    Outdoor Activities | Free | 224 miles

  • Cheetah at the Phoenix Zoo near Scottsdale Resort.

    Phoenix Zoo

    Entertainment | $$ | 19.2 miles

  • Indoor Skydiving building near Scottsdale Resort.

    Talking Stick Entertainment District

    Entertainment | Free | 10 miles

  • Pink Jeep Tour near Scottsdale Resort.

    Pink® Jeep® Scenic Rim Tour

    Outdoor Activities | $$$ | 111 miles

Travel Tips & Inspiration

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    • Posted October 7, 2025

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    • Posted July 28, 2025

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    The 16 Best Things to Do in Scottsdale: Can’t Miss Activities for the Whole Family

    • Posted June 27, 2025

  • A desert themed breakfast spread with fresh fruit Scottsdale AZ resort

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    Experience the Best Arizona Resorts: Your Ultimate Guide to a Dream-Worthy Arizona Vacation

    • Posted May 12, 2025

  • A family exploring a museum Scottsdale AZ resort

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    • Posted April 16, 2025

  • Family Hiking at McDowell Sonoran Preserve Scottsdale AZ resort

    Destination Ideas

    Top Resorts in Scottsdale, AZ: A Desert Oasis

    • Posted April 4, 2025

  • A man in a black jacket (left) and a woman in a white jacket and sunglasses (right) stand in front of cacti outdoors.

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    Your Guide to the Most Romantic Things to Do in Scottsdale

    • Posted May 24, 2022

  • A woman in a floral dress, two young girls wearing white dresses, and a man in a red shirt and khaki shorts wear hats and sunglasses in a desert surrounded by cacti under a blue, cloudy sky.

    Resort Visits

    Arizona National Parks: Your Guide to Planning Amazing Desert Adventures

    • Posted April 12, 2022

  • A man (left) wears a light grey crewneck sweater next to a woman (right) on a beach in Zandvoort, Netherlands.

    Travel Tips

    Retirement Travel: 7 Secrets to Making the Most of Every Vacation

    • Posted June 22, 2021

  • Jessica and her son laughing together while he sits on her shoulders as they hike in the Arizona desert.

    Resort Visits

    Scottsdale Vacation Tips: How to Plan a Family Adventure

    • Posted November 18, 2020

  • Jessica Averett's husband (right) and son (right) stand looking out at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona.

    Destination Ideas

    National Take a Hike Day: 9 Member-Favorite Hiking Trails

    • Posted November 16, 2020

  • Jeff taking a selfie at Tom's Thumb lookout trail.

    Things to Do

    Top 10 Best Things to Do in Scottsdale

    • Posted September 15, 2020