What to do in Scottsdale while house and pet sitting

The City of Scottsdale is in the most beautiful setting. In the Sonoran Desert and at the foot of the McDowell Mountains, it’s the place to come if you love sweeping views and aren’t afraid of an energetic hike. The city itself is as lovely as its surroundings, especially its lively Old Town district.

There are so many things to do in Scottsdale, especially if you love the outdoors. Hike, cycle or even take a horseback ride on the many local trails, and if you’re here with a dog, you’ll love the city’s green spaces.

You’ll also find plenty of indoor activities, too. The city has a thriving arts scene, with a choice of contemporary galleries. There are also plenty of museums, several of which are free to visit. To find out more about this much-loved Arizona city, read our guide to the best things to do in Scottsdale.

Scottsdale attractions

To start you off, here’s a selection of the favorite things to do in Scottsdale, Az. These must-see attractions introduce you to the city’s landscape, its history and its impressive creative side.

1. McDowell Sonoran Preserve: explore the heart of the sweeping Arizona landscape in this protected area of desert. Motor vehicles are banned, and there are miles of hiking, cycling and horseback riding trails.

2. Scottsdale’s Museum of the West: find out more about the history of the west in this fascinating museum, which is housed in a beautiful contemporary building. It tells the story of 19 western states along with bordering Canadian and Mexican provinces.

3. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art: visit SMoCA for a fine collection of contemporary art and design. Keep an eye on their fantastic program of temporary exhibitions.

4. Taliesin West: this is legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and desert “laboratory”. The Unesco World Heritage Site is in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains and is open for tours.

Free things to do in Scottsdale 

If you were wondering what to do in Scottsdale on a budget, don’t worry: there are plenty of free places to visit here. It’s one of those cities where you can lose whole days simply exploring its streets, especially in the Old Town district. 

1. Old Town Scottsdale: wander around this picturesque and lively old district, admiring the western architecture. It’s full of unique stores, restaurants and galleries, and there are often events held here.

2. Scottsdale Fashion Square: OK, we’re probably stretching “free” here, but if you like a bit of upscale window shopping, this is the place to go. It’s also Arizona’s largest mall, and the scale really is spectacular.

3. The Ziegler Fiesta Bowl Museum: a must-visit for football fans. There’s a great collection of memorabilia, including college football’s most famous trophies.

4. Scottsdale Arts District: this is a pedestrian area in the Old Town and it is the place to come to immerse yourself in Scottsdale’s art scene. There’s a variety of public and private galleries, and try to catch one of the Thursday evening Art Walks.

Fun things to do in Scottsdale

Fancy trying something a bit different? Here are some of our favorite fun things to do in Scottsdale. (Just remember when you’re planning your Scottsdale activities, that the desert city and surroundings do get very hot in the summer. Stick to shady parks and museums with air con on the hottest days!).

1. Play golf: Scottsdale is famous for its golf courses, the best-known being Troon North and TPC Scottsdale. There’s a great choice of courses here for all abilities and budgets. 

2. Pinnacle Peak Park: make the 1.75 mile hike up Pinnacle Peak for incredible views across Scottsdale. With 1,300 feet of ascent, it’s for serious hikers (and cooler weather) only. At the base of the trail, there are useful facilities including a great visitor center.

3. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park: come here for all sorts of rail-related fun. Don’t miss the Railway Museum or the impressive exhibition of model railway layouts. The park itself is pleasant and shaded.

4.  MacDonald’s Ranch: relive your favorite Westerns and see the desert from horseback. This welcoming ranch offers horseback riding trails for riders of all abilities. If you’re here in the fall, the ranch’s famous pumpkin patch is also worth a visit.

What to do in Scottsdale with pets?

What are the best things to do in Scottsville, AZ with a pet? Well, it’s a dog-friendly city with a great choice of parks, and many of the shops and restaurants allow pooches inside.

If you’re cat sitting in Scottsdale, your feline friend will probably spend a lot of the day asleep in the shade! Don’t worry: you’ll get plenty of chances to hang out together in the cooler evenings, when you get back from your hike or museum trail.

1. Chaparral Park: this popular pooch playground features 3 acres of grassed area, cooling water fountains and plenty of benches for the humans. It has separate “active” and “passive” dog areas, for pups with different temperaments. 

2. Vista del Camino Park: leashed dogs are welcome to walk in this lovely park. If they need a scamper, there’s a dedicated half-acre dog park, with plenty of shade, benches and water.

3. Arizona Canal Path: this multi-use trail is a great spot for walkies. There are also a few dog-friendly cafes along the way. Just be aware that the hard surface may get too hot for paws during the heat of the day.

4. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park: the attractive, rail-themed park welcomes dogs in the outdoor areas. It’s a shady spot with picnic tables, making it a great pitstop for you and your furry companion.

5. Scottsdale Quarter: if you’re after some retail therapy and a place for lunch, try this popular shopping center. It even has a cooling garden area. It’s up to the individual businesses whether they welcome dogs and many of them do.

Best restaurants in Scottsdale: Food and drink

The food and drink scene in Scottsdale is superb and there’s a fantastic choice of places to eat here, especially in the Old Town. Here’s a selection of the best restaurants in Scottsdale.

Best restaurants in Scottsdale for lunch 

On a warm day in the desert, a lunchtime pause for food and drink in the shade is absolutely essential. Try out these absolute gems.

1. Arcadia Farms Cafe: there’s lots of home-grown loveliness on the lunch menu in this welcoming cafe. Come at the weekend for a fantastic brunch. Pulled pork, French toast, bagels, crepes… Work your way through their comfort food during your stay in Scottsdale!

2. Olive & Ivy: mediterranean-inspired brunch, lunch and dinner served on a beautiful patio. Share some small plates and flatbreads in lovely surroundings.

3. The Mission: modern Mexican food served in the atmospheric Old Town. There’s also a takeaway option if you prefer your tacos on-the-go.

4. Chula Seafood Scottsdale: if you love fish, don’t miss this incredible family-owned establishment. There’s always a great choice of fresh fish, including house-smoked. 

5. The Phoenician Resort: skip lunch and come for afternoon tea at the Phoenician. This English tradition is recreated to perfection in these elegant surroundings.

Best restaurants in Scottsdale for dinner

Treat yourself to an evening meal in one of Scottsdale’s sophisticated restaurants or seek out real Western flavors in a lively downtown spot.

1. The Roaring Fork: come here for flavors of the Old West. Classic American cuisine cooked the traditional way, over a wood fire.

2. Citizen Public House: this upscale restaurant in Downtown Scottsdale is modeled on a traditional English public house, but the menu is full of much-loved American ingredients and dishes.

3. Sel: located in the Old Town, Sel is a small and chic restaurant with a fine dining menu. Regarded as one of the best restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale, it’s the place to book for a really special occasion.

4. FNB Restaurants: another fashionable spot, FNB specializes in great Arizonan ingredients, and it has a fantastic local wine list. Beverage Director Pavle Milic even has his own wine label, Los Milics.

5. Franco’s Italian Caffe: a real Scottsdale favorite, Franco brings authentic Tuscan food to his Old West location. Try the risotto…

We love this friendly city, and it has a really welcoming vibe. Whether you’re into hiking, shopping, the arts or enjoying great local food and wine, this is the perfect place for you. If you were wondering what to do in Scottsdale, Az, we hope we’ve answered your question!

House and pet sitting in Scottsdale

Does Scottsdale sound like your kind of city? Take a look at our latest house and pet sitting assignments to see what’s coming up in Scottsdale. If you like the idea of an Arizona assignment, it’s also worth checking out what to do in Phoenix.