Desert Trails, Art Icons & Old Town Culture
8 activities
TRIP'N'AI
Scottsdale, Arizona
Experience the best of Scottsdale, Arizona in one carefully curated day, blending the city’s iconic desert landscapes, renowned art and architecture, and vibrant culture. This itinerary is designed for a solo traveler with medium budget and interests in sightseeing, nature, art, culture, shopping, wildlife, and architecture. Highlights include the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Taliesin West, Old Town Scottsdale’s museums and galleries, unique shopping, and Southwest-inspired dining. November offers mild weather, and though major festivals are limited, the city buzzes with art exhibitions and seasonal charm.
Daily Itinerary
Activities
Day Theme: Desert Trails, Art Icons & Old Town Culture
Sunrise Hike at McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Start your day with a sunrise hike on the Gateway Loop Trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Enjoy the pristine desert landscapes, iconic saguaro cacti, and panoramic city views. Ideal for photography and wildlife spotting.
Price Range: Expect to pay Free
Duration: Plan for about 1.5-2 hours
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open Sunrise to sunset
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Sunrise, sunset
Popularity Rating: 4.9/5
Here's what you need to know: One of the nation’s largest urban preserves, home to 225+ miles of trails and iconic Sonoran Desert scenery.
Start your day with a sunrise hike on the Gateway Loop Trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Enjoy the pristine desert landscapes, iconic saguaro cacti, and panoramic city views. Ideal for photography and wildlife spotting.
Price Range: Expect to pay Free
Duration: Plan for about 1.5-2 hours
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open Sunrise to sunset
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Sunrise, sunset
Popularity Rating: 4.9/5
Here's what you need to know: One of the nation’s largest urban preserves, home to 225+ miles of trails and iconic Sonoran Desert scenery.
Tour Taliesin West (Frank Lloyd Wright’s Desert Masterpiece)
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural winter home and studio. Explore guided tours of its stunning desert-modern design and learn about Wright’s philosophy.
Price Range: Expect to pay $$
Duration: Plan for about 60-90 min
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: $40+ (advance reservation recommended)
Opening Hours: Open 8:30 AM–6:00 PM
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Morning, early afternoon
Popularity Rating: 4.8/5
Insights Tour
If you're wondering what to order, Signature tour highlighting Wright’s innovative architecture.
Here's what you need to know: A National Historic Landmark and living laboratory for modernist architecture.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural winter home and studio. Explore guided tours of its stunning desert-modern design and learn about Wright’s philosophy.
Price Range: Expect to pay $$
Duration: Plan for about 60-90 min
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: $40+ (advance reservation recommended)
Opening Hours: Open 8:30 AM–6:00 PM
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Morning, early afternoon
Popularity Rating: 4.8/5
Insights Tour
If you're wondering what to order, Signature tour highlighting Wright’s innovative architecture.
Here's what you need to know: A National Historic Landmark and living laboratory for modernist architecture.
Stroll the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA)
Immerse yourself in innovative art, architecture, and design at SMoCA in Old Town. The museum features rotating exhibitions and a renowned James Turrell skyspace.
Price Range: Expect to pay $
Duration: Plan for about 45–60 min
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: $10
Opening Hours: Open 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Afternoon
Popularity Rating: 4.5/5
James Turrell Skyspace
If you're wondering what to order, A meditative light installation that changes with the sky.
Here's what you need to know: Cutting-edge modern and contemporary art in a striking venue.
Immerse yourself in innovative art, architecture, and design at SMoCA in Old Town. The museum features rotating exhibitions and a renowned James Turrell skyspace.
Price Range: Expect to pay $
Duration: Plan for about 45–60 min
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: $10
Opening Hours: Open 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Afternoon
Popularity Rating: 4.5/5
James Turrell Skyspace
If you're wondering what to order, A meditative light installation that changes with the sky.
Here's what you need to know: Cutting-edge modern and contemporary art in a striking venue.
Lunch at The Mission Old Town
Savor modern Latin cuisine amid adobe-white walls and flickering candlelight. The Mission is famed for its tableside guacamole and pork shoulder tacos.
Price Range: Expect to pay $$
Cuisine: Specializes in Modern Latin cuisine
Duration: Plan for about 1 hour
Opening Hours: Open 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Noon, evening
Popularity Rating: 4.7/5
Tableside Guacamole
If you're wondering what to order, Freshly made at your table, bursting with Southwestern flavors.
Here's what you need to know: Atmospheric ambiance in the heart of Old Town.
Savor modern Latin cuisine amid adobe-white walls and flickering candlelight. The Mission is famed for its tableside guacamole and pork shoulder tacos.
Price Range: Expect to pay $$
Cuisine: Specializes in Modern Latin cuisine
Duration: Plan for about 1 hour
Opening Hours: Open 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Noon, evening
Popularity Rating: 4.7/5
Tableside Guacamole
If you're wondering what to order, Freshly made at your table, bursting with Southwestern flavors.
Here's what you need to know: Atmospheric ambiance in the heart of Old Town.
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
Explore the heritage, art, and culture of the American West through artifacts, paintings, and immersive exhibits at this Smithsonian Affiliate museum.
Price Range: Expect to pay $
Duration: Plan for about 60–90 min
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: $20
Opening Hours: Open 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Early afternoon
Popularity Rating: 4.8/5
Cowboy & Native American Artifacts
If you're wondering what to order, Award-winning exhibits celebrating the diverse West.
Here's what you need to know: Smithsonian affiliate with rotating exhibitions and interactive displays.
Explore the heritage, art, and culture of the American West through artifacts, paintings, and immersive exhibits at this Smithsonian Affiliate museum.
Price Range: Expect to pay $
Duration: Plan for about 60–90 min
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: $20
Opening Hours: Open 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Early afternoon
Popularity Rating: 4.8/5
Cowboy & Native American Artifacts
If you're wondering what to order, Award-winning exhibits celebrating the diverse West.
Here's what you need to know: Smithsonian affiliate with rotating exhibitions and interactive displays.
Shopping & Gallery Hopping in Old Town Scottsdale
Wander through Old Town’s historic streets, exploring unique boutiques, Native American jewelry stores, and acclaimed art galleries. Find one-of-a-kind Southwestern treasures.
Price Range: Expect to pay $$
Duration: Plan for about 1–1.5 hours
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Free to browse
Opening Hours: Open 10:00 AM–7:00 PM (varies by shop)
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Afternoon, early evening
Popularity Rating: 4.6/5
Native American jewelry, Western fine art
If you're wondering what to order, Hand-crafted turquoise and silver pieces; local art.
Here's what you need to know: Vibrant Arts District, local crafts, and picturesque architecture.
Wander through Old Town’s historic streets, exploring unique boutiques, Native American jewelry stores, and acclaimed art galleries. Find one-of-a-kind Southwestern treasures.
Price Range: Expect to pay $$
Duration: Plan for about 1–1.5 hours
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Free to browse
Opening Hours: Open 10:00 AM–7:00 PM (varies by shop)
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Afternoon, early evening
Popularity Rating: 4.6/5
Native American jewelry, Western fine art
If you're wondering what to order, Hand-crafted turquoise and silver pieces; local art.
Here's what you need to know: Vibrant Arts District, local crafts, and picturesque architecture.
Golden Hour at Scottsdale Waterfront & Soleri Bridge
Walk along the scenic Scottsdale Waterfront and the Soleri Bridge, designed by Paolo Soleri. Perfect for sunset photos of art installations and canal reflections.
Price Range: Expect to pay Free
Duration: Plan for about 30–45 min
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open Open 24 hours
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Sunset
Popularity Rating: 4.7/5
Soleri Bridge & Plaza
If you're wondering what to order, A striking piece of public art and engineering.
Here's what you need to know: Iconic sunset views; blend of architecture, art, and landscape.
Walk along the scenic Scottsdale Waterfront and the Soleri Bridge, designed by Paolo Soleri. Perfect for sunset photos of art installations and canal reflections.
Price Range: Expect to pay Free
Duration: Plan for about 30–45 min
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open Open 24 hours
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Sunset
Popularity Rating: 4.7/5
Soleri Bridge & Plaza
If you're wondering what to order, A striking piece of public art and engineering.
Here's what you need to know: Iconic sunset views; blend of architecture, art, and landscape.
Dinner at FnB
Conclude your day at this James Beard Award-winning restaurant renowned for its locally sourced Arizona ingredients and an inventive, changing menu.
Price Range: Expect to pay $$$
Cuisine: Specializes in Seasonal American/Southwest cuisine
Duration: Plan for about 1.5–2 hours
Opening Hours: Open 5:00 PM–9:30 PM
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Evening
Popularity Rating: 4.8/5
Burrata
If you're wondering what to order, FnB’s signature starter with Arizona olive oil.
Here's what you need to know: Pioneering Arizona farm-to-table cuisine in an intimate setting.
Conclude your day at this James Beard Award-winning restaurant renowned for its locally sourced Arizona ingredients and an inventive, changing menu.
Price Range: Expect to pay $$$
Cuisine: Specializes in Seasonal American/Southwest cuisine
Duration: Plan for about 1.5–2 hours
Opening Hours: Open 5:00 PM–9:30 PM
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Evening
Popularity Rating: 4.8/5
Burrata
If you're wondering what to order, FnB’s signature starter with Arizona olive oil.
Here's what you need to know: Pioneering Arizona farm-to-table cuisine in an intimate setting.
Accommodation
Hotel Valley Ho
A mid-century modern icon blending retro flair with luxe comfort. Centrally located near Old Town, perfect for exploring on foot and relaxing by the pool.
Local Tips
- Book your Taliesin West tour ahead of time, as slots can fill up quickly.
- November mornings and evenings can be cool—bring a light jacket.
- Old Town is very walkable; wear comfortable shoes for exploring galleries and shops.
- Look for pop-up art shows and local events at Civic Center Park and galleries—November often features seasonal exhibitions.
- Sunset is the best time for photography at the Soleri Bridge and Waterfront.
Photo Spots
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve trail vistas
- Taliesin West desert-modern lines
- Colorful murals in Old Town Scottsdale
- Soleri Bridge at golden hour
- Art installations at SMoCA and Civic Center Park
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