20 Best Things to Do in Downtown Scottsdale

 

Downtown Scottsdale has a way of surprising you. Once you start wandering its alleys, canal paths, plazas, and art-filled corners, the area shows a softer and more welcoming side than you might expect from a desert city.

The area is unusually walkable for the Southwest, and the pace feels easy. People stroll instead of rush, patios fill as the day warms, and the desert light hangs over the canal just long enough to make everything look photogenic. You’ll also find great dining woven into the walkability, from casual patios to spots like The Capital Grille Scottsdale for a polished meal in the heart of it all.

At Scottsdale Rentals, we specialize in full-service vacation rental management, offering travelers a carefully curated selection of luxury homes across the Scottsdale area. With deep roots in the region, our team brings nearly two decades of experience and a genuine connection to the desert — because Scottsdale isn’t just where we work, it’s home.

From full local guides to last-minute tips and the amenities you can expect during your stay, we’re here to help you make the most of your time in the desert.

Today, we asked our local team to put together a grand tour with 20 of the best things to do in Downtown Scottsdale.Let’s take a look around.

Every good day in Old Town begins near the canal. The Scottsdale Waterfront is calm in the mornings, with soft light bouncing off the water and a long, palm-framed path that gently wakes you up as you walk. We’ve walked this path dozens of mornings, and the soundscape never gets old: the quiet hum of bikes rolling by, the murmur of early conversations on patios, and the occasional splash of ducks drifting along the edge.

Here, you don’t rush your coffee; you carry it as you stroll, stopping at the railing every so often to admire reflections in the canal or the curve of a sculpture catching the sun.

Here’s a lovely reminder that art in Scottsdale isn’t confined to galleries; it lives in the landscape, too. The Soleri Bridge stands tall and sculptural, unmistakably the work of Paolo Soleri. The experience here is less about crossing from point A to point B and more about stepping into a space designed to make you notice the desert light.

The bridge’s pylons create long, dramatic shadows that stretch across the walkway, and the bridge actually functions as a solar calendar. A six-inch gap between the 64-foot pylons lets sunlight cast a shifting beam that marks solar noon daily, stretching longest on the winter solstice and vanishing entirely on the summer solstice.

You’ll notice this piece as you follow the canal, one of those sculptures that surprises people: three massive door-like panels of Brazilian hardwood leaning together, rising 28 feet tall. But the real surprise is inside: the interior is lined with mirror-polished stainless steel, turning the whole structure into a giant walk-in kaleidoscope.

Step inside and you’ll find fractured reflections of yourself and an optical illusion of a geodesic dome overhead. There’s also a hidden sound element called Sound Passage by Jim Green, layering in mysterious aural textures that muffle the nearby traffic

Want more of Scottsdale’s artsy side? Then head to the Arts District. The canal fades behind you, replaced by charming storefronts, warm-lit galleries, and quiet sidewalks that feel made for browsing. What we like most about this area is how welcoming it is — you can walk into almost any gallery without feeling pressured or out of place.

Main Street and Marshall Way hold some of the city’s best-known galleries, each one showcasing a different facet of Western, Native American, contemporary, or abstract art. Step inside, talk to an artist if you’re lucky, and let yourself slow down. Scottsdale’s art scene rewards curiosity more than anything else.

As you explore the Arts District, you’ll naturally stumble onto Scottsdale’s public art installations. Some are playful, some are powerful, but all are memorable.

“One-Eyed Jack,” the giant jackrabbit, has become something of an unofficial mascot for the neighborhood. “Jack Knife,” a bronze by Ed Mell modeled after Scottsdale’s official city seal, captures a rider on a bucking horse with bold, angular energy. And “Passing the Legacy” by Herb Mignery tells a real story.

It depicts a vintage Pony Express rider passing mail to a modern Hashknife rider at full gallop, commemorating Arizona’s annual 200-mile horseback mail relay from Holbrook to Scottsdale. The sculpture is actually where those riders finish their ride each year.

Want a little advice from locals? Don’t rush past. These pieces invite you to pause, grab a photo, and maybe even circle around them to catch a different angle.

Thursday nights are special in Downtown Scottsdale. The ArtWalk transforms the Arts District into a friendly, open-air event where galleries extend their hours, artists mingle with visitors, and music drifts from one end of the street to the other.

There’s no ticket needed, no fixed route; you just wander. The whole neighborhood feels alive in a communal, low-pressure way that makes even the simplest stroll feel like an event.

When you leave the galleries behind and drift south, you’ll arrive at Civic Center Plaza, a beautifully redesigned park that functions as the cultural heart of the city. The open lawns stretch wide beneath the Arizona sky, broken by walkways, fountains, and comfortable shaded areas perfect for mid-day breaks.

This is where Scottsdale really leans into its identity as an arts destination. The plaza itself is lovely, but what makes it special is its proximity to the institutions that define the city’s cultural landscape.

SMoCA — the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art — may be compact, but it has a big personality. Exhibits rotate frequently, and they tend to be bold, clever, and visually engaging. The architecture alone is worth admiring: crisp lines, intentional shadows, and an understated sophistication that contrasts beautifully with the bright desert sun outside.

What’s inside? Installations, light-based works, and design-focused exhibitions that feel refreshingly different from larger museums.

Just a few steps away, the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts keeps a full calendar of concerts, dance performances, comedy shows, and visiting artists. It’s intimate without feeling small, polished without feeling stiff, and always worth checking for evening plans.

You’ll spot it in Civic Center Plaza: the iconic red-and-blue LOVE statue is impossible to miss and irresistible to photograph. Even locals snap a picture now and then, especially when the light hits just right. Resistance is futile.

From Civic Center, it’s an easy walk to 5th Avenue, one of Scottsdale’s most vibrant shopping streets. Expect a cheerful mix of boutiques, Southwestern art, home décor, turquoise jewelry, handmade crafts, and cafes that seem to call your name when the sun gets warm.

There’s something inherently fun about wandering here. The pace is relaxed, the storefronts colorful, and you never feel far from your next iced drink or snack. Here’s something we always tell our guests: wander down the narrower streets and alleys too; they’re packed with unexpected gems.

 

Located right in the center of 5th Avenue, this is where many people stop to regroup, rest, or take photos. The sculpture is dynamic and classic, and the sound of the water adds a welcome coolness to the desert air.

Scottsdale takes patio culture to heart. On almost any sunny day — which is most days — diners spread out across open-air tables with views of the canal, the arts district, or the surrounding mountains.

This is the perfect time to lean into the slower rhythm of Old Town: sip something cold, linger over your meal, and let the day stretch a little.

When evening arrives, The Capital Grille becomes one of the most dependable, polished dining experiences in Downtown Scottsdale. The dry-aged steaks are rich and savory, the service is refined but warm, and the wine list reads like a thoughtful exploration of flavors. It’s celebratory without being stuffy, just ideal for a night you want to feel a little special.

After dinner, return to the canal. Sunset is where the Waterfront shines. The sky turns into layers of apricot, rose, and soft lavender; the water catches the last glimmers of the day; and the entire district relaxes into its evening mood. You’ll see people strolling slowly, couples sharing quiet conversations, and patios lighting up as night settles in.

Whenever you need to travel a little farther, it’s a good time to try Waymo, a fully driverless ride-hailing service that operates across Metro Phoenix, including Scottsdale. How does it work? Summon one from your phone, and a sleek white car will pull up with no driver behind the wheel.

It feels futuristic at first, then oddly natural. The ride is quiet, smooth, and almost meditative. Many visitors say this is one of the most memorable parts of their trip, like a little glimpse of the future made surprisingly accessible.

If you’re not ready for the evening to end, settle into a patio overlooking the canal. Drinks taste better when the air is warm and the surroundings are glowing softly. Whether you choose wine, cocktails, or something cooling and citrusy, this is where Downtown Scottsdale shows its relaxed desert magic.

Come Saturday morning, the Old Town Farmers Market fills with local produce, baked goods, artisan treats, and Arizona-made specialties. It’s lively without feeling chaotic, and it’s one of the best ways to feel the pulse of the community.

Grab citrus, fresh bread, salsas, or just a coffee to sip while you walk — whatever you choose, it’s a perfect blend of local flavor and neighborhood charm.

Some of the best artistic finds in Scottsdale aren’t on the main gallery rows. Wander off Marshall Way or take a side turn off Main Street, and you might find a tiny studio with an artist painting in the back or a small exhibition tucked behind a courtyard.

These hidden gems often hold the most personal stories and the most memorable conversations.

At the end of the day, the greatest pleasure of Downtown Scottsdale is how comfortable it is on foot. You can start at the Waterfront, drift into the Arts District, drop into Civic Center, browse 5th Avenue, and loop back along the canal, all without a car and without ever feeling rushed.

 

 

Settle into one of our Scottsdale Rentals homes and enjoy a space that feels warm, welcoming, and thoughtfully prepared for your time in the desert.

In a world full of generic stays, we focus on creating homes that feel personal, places with character, comfort, and the small details that make travel easier. Your desert memories begin with the right home base, and we’re here to help you find the one that lets you settle in, slow down, and truly enjoy Scottsdale.

If Scottsdale’s laid-back charm has you dreaming of more sun-soaked getaways, Sun Palace Vacation Homes offers the perfect Gulf Coast counterpart in Fort Myers Beach. Think warm breezes, waterfront strolls, and evenings that never feel rushed. Click here to view their properties.