13 Things to Do in Old Town Scottsdale, AZ
HÓZHÓ Concierge ·
1. Stroll Through the Old Town Scottsdale Historic District
Take a step back in time as you wander through the district’s Western storefronts, wooden sidewalks, and rustic signage. This area is full of unique photo ops, locally-owned shops, and old-school charm, offering a great first stop for soaking in Scottsdale’s heritage.
3. Discover the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA)
Right around the corner from the heart of Old Town, SMoCA gives you a fresh take on modern and contemporary art, design, and architecture. It’s a chill, air-conditioned break—perfect for those warmer afternoons—and a great way to tap into Scottsdale’s creative side.
5. Visit Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
Ranked among the best things to see in Old Town Scottsdale, this Smithsonian-affiliated museum is home to a collection of art, artifacts, and storytelling that celebrates the American West. It’s an engaging experience for all ages.
6. Enjoy the Scottsdale Waterfront and Canal
Running along the edge of Old Town, the Arizona Canal is a beautiful spot for a walk, bike ride, or laid-back outdoor meal. Swing by around golden hour to catch the best light, or plan your visit around one of the cool seasonal events or surprise art installations that pop up throughout the year.
7. Dine at Old Town’s Best Restaurants
Iconic steakhouses, cozy cafes, and buzzy brunch spots make Old Town a foodie’s playground. You can try global flavors, dig into local favorites, or unwind with tacos and margaritas. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find a place that fits.
9. Take a Guided Tour (Ghost, History, or Segway)
Curious about Old Town’s offbeat history or hidden gems? Join a guided walking tour, hop on a ghost walk, or cruise around on a Segway. It’s a fun way to explore the area while picking up cool stories along the way.
11. Visit the Rusty Spur Saloon
The Rusty Spur Saloon is one of Scottsdale’s most well-known hangouts. It’s a historic spot with live country music, a laid-back cowboy feel, and tons of charm. Swing by for a drink and stick around to catch some live tunes.
12. Relax with a Spa Treatment or Boutique Wellness Session
Old Town has a bunch of spots where you can kick back for a while—day spas, massage places, and wellness studios are all over. It’s a great way to break up the day, especially if you’ve spent the morning hiking or shopping. A little downtime goes a long way.
13. Attend a Seasonal Event or Festival
There’s always something going on in Old Town. Big events like Scottsdazzle, the Parada del Sol Parade, food and wine festivals, and weekly outdoor markets keep the calendar full. No matter when you visit, chances are there’s something fun happening downtown.
Bonus: Stay Nearby in Luxury with HÓZHÓ Scottsdale
Once you’ve made the rounds in Old Town, it’s nice to come back to a place that feels like a getaway. HÓZHÓ Scottsdale has vacation rentals just minutes away, with cool extras like heated pools, spa rooms, home theaters, and concierge service. It’s a chill, comfortable way to wrap up your day.
Still in planning mode? Check out our Best Things to Do in Scottsdale and Scottsdale Visitor’s Guide to map out the rest of your trip.