Scottsdale is just 31 miles long and 11 miles broad. But it has managed to pack a lot of fun into that space, including parks, museums, retail malls, and music halls, to mention a few. Its 230,500-strong population has been staying busy with all of them as of 2014.
Everything that you might want is available in “The West’s Most Western Town.” Wildflowers, Western art, untamed horses, a stylish open-air eating scene, rough mountain hikes, and classic desert resorts are just a few of the attractions.
But how to Get Around Scottsdale?
There’s no denying that traveling these days may be a pain. However, we are pleased to inform you that traveling to and from Scottsdale has never been simpler! Leisure travelers and convention attendees may expect a pleasant landing in greater Scottsdale, which is served by three airports. Once you’re on the ground, you may choose from a variety of transportation choices. Which includes rental vehicles, limo services in Scottsdale, and executive buses, as well as upgraded golf carts, horse-drawn carriages, and complimentary Old Town trolleys.
1. McDowell Sonoran Preserve
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a huge, permanently protected, and sustainable desert area that offers some wonderful walks for the entire family. There are a lot of different hikes to choose from, all with varying degrees of difficulty and fitness. The Gateway Loop, for example, is quite rocky, so bring your hiking boots and poles! Browns Ranch, on the other hand, is a lot simpler and allows you to take in more of the desert beauty because you won’t have to look down all the time! What about the Bell Pass, Sunrise Pass, or Wingate Pass? The list goes on! There is a pathway for everybody who wants to get out and experience the best of desert nature.
2. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Make a point of visiting the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park if your family appreciates miniature train rides, a beautiful park with refreshments, and model railroading. The massive 15-inch gauge train, Magma Arizona Train engine, railroad museum, and much more will delight kids (and parents!) of all ages. Hundreds of square feet of painstakingly designed dioramas with model trains in every gauge going around, as well as interactive buttons that allow you to activate different equipment, sound, and light sections! There are various play areas, a carousel, and a gift store where you can buy refreshments and souvenirs in this large park.
3. Butterfly Kingdom
Butterfly Wonderland is a great spot to visit with your family for a fun day out. Its spectacular state-of-the-art building features an astonishing glass atrium that serves as the ideal tropical rainforest habitat for thousands of butterflies from across the world. There’s a 3D educational film called “Flight of the Butterflies” to view, as well as interactive bug displays that I’m sure the kids will like. There’s also a gift shop and a café selling great snacks. Also, don’t forget to bring your zoom lens!
4. Scottsdale’s Old Town
Take the family for a stroll around Scottsdale’s historic Old Town to get a true sense of the city. The region is ideally located in the heart of downtown, in a walking district brimming with award-winning restaurants, great art galleries, souvenir shops, jewelry stores, and unique boutiques. You’ll quickly feel transported back in time as you stroll by the Little Red Schoolhouse, Cavaliere’s Blacksmith Shop, and Rusty Spur Saloon. If you just want to relax for a bit and watch the world,go by, there are a few great cafes nearby.
5. The Ranch at MacDonald’s
Spend a family day at Scottsdale’s top equestrian riding stable, MacDonald’s Ranch. There’s much to do here, from guided horseback rides to hayrides and cowboy cookouts, all with the magnificent Sonoran Desert as a background. Regardless of the family’s previous riding experience, the ranch’s skilled guides ensure that all riders, regardless of skill level, are safe. The ranch’s horses are also friendly and well-behaved. Enjoy a relaxing ride across the region while learning about the local animals, plants, and animals.
6. Scottsdale Fashion Square
The finest names in the business call this premium retail mall home! This luxury shopping complex includes roughly 2 million square feet of sumptuous store choices, ranging from Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus to Gucci and Louis Vuitton. The mall is the largest in Arizona and is among the top 30 in the country. So put on your comfy walking shoes! You will also find helpful and courteous staff on hand throughout the shopping center. Though the shops are high-end you might also be lucky enough to pick up a few bargains at some anchor stores such as Macys!
7. Xeriscape Garden
One of Scottsdale’s hidden desert oasis is this amazing garden. With cactus, desert trees, and colorful succulents, as well as lots of shade spaces to wander in and fascinating pathways to climb, this is a great place for adults to relax and youngsters to burn off some energy! The message of the Xeriscape Garden may be found in its rusted and over scale steel water vessel. Which is a sign of wealth in a dry area. The message was enthusiastically adopted by homeowners and promoted by environmentalists and city water utilities. It was designed by landscape architect Christine Ten Eyck. And etched with the admonition “The frog does not drink up the pond in which he lives.”
8. Taliesin West
This is the world-famous house and architectural laboratory of Frank Lloyd Wright. It is currently a National Historic Landmark, having been built by the famed architect himself in 1937. It’s a fantastic attraction for anyone interested in architecture. As admirers of Frank Lloyd Wright, or just as an interesting and meaningful experience for the family. It was built from the actual sand and stone of the neighboring Sonoran Desert. Which that sits in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains. You have the option of joining a 90-minute tour led by well-trained, knowledgeable guides or exploring the home on your own.
About The Author
Andy Braddell is a UK citizen with tremendous experience in traveling. He wants to encourage people to be curious about the world and find ways to fit more travel into their lifestyle than they already have. He wants others to look at him and say ‘Because of you I didn’t give up’