Things to Do in Arizona
A guide to some of our local favorites and most popular spots in the valley including Scottsdale, Phoenix, Sedona, and the surrounding areas.
Dining & Restaurants
Olive and Ivy
Old World meets new at Olive & Ivy Restaurant & Marketplace, which blends the flavors and timeless elegance of the Mediterranean with contemporary California chic. Located in Old Town Scottsdale at the Waterfront.
Roka Akor
Voted one of the top 10 sushi spots in the United States by Bon Appetit, Roka Akor is Scottsdale's Sushi Restaurant and Japanese Robata Grill. The adjacent Shochu Lounge features shochu infusions and signature cocktails in contemporary yet relaxed surroundings.
Tommy Bahama
Island lifestyle. Savor our chef's eclectic, tropical fare or just unwind with one of our many delicious cocktails. Our second-story lanai dining rooms offer breathtaking desert sunset views or dine al fresco on our spacious patio. Located in Kierland Commons.
Mastro's Steakhouse
This restaurant is ranked as one of the best steakhouses in the U.S. It is pricey but if you are looking for a great atmosphere and tasty steak this is a great choice. 2 locations: North Scottsdale and Old Town Scottsdale.
Pizza Bianco
This is voted as the best pizzeria in the United Status. It is located in downtown Phoenix and requires a little patience. Plan on a long wait unless you arrive about 4:30PM (30 minutes before they open to get in line). It is worth the wait though. You can also hang out at their bar next door while waiting.
Sassi
Sassi is Scottsdale’s nationally known celebration of the best of Southern Italian wine and food. This AAA 4 Diamond independent restaurant transports you to the gracious setting and hospitality of an Italian farmhouse, serving a bounty of fresh local ingredients, handmade pasta, wild caught fish and more than 250 Italian wines.
Bars & Night Clubs
Blue Martini Lounge
42 superior martinis guaranteed to excite your taste buds and elevate your spirit. Listen or dance to the best in live entertainment while enjoying our tapas food menu, the perfect complements to our fine wine and spirits selection. At City North.
Saddle Ranch Chop House
Come for a great meal and stay long after your plates had been cleared. Enjoy the large outdoor patio with stone campfire pits where guests can roast their own s’mores or enjoy a glass of wine next to a warm fire.
Shopping Malls
Desert Ridge Marketplace
The ultimate shopping experience in a distinctive outdoor setting. 110 acres. 1.2 million square feet of retail space, 110 retailers and restaurants. Some of the stores include Target, Greatland, Barnes & Noble, Kohl’s, PET SMART, and Old Navy complemented by an extensive selection of other specialty stores and restaurants.
Adventures
Bike Rentals
Mustang Sally's Bike Rentals
Contact Info
4207 North Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ
(480) 941-3065
Horseback Riding
Hummer & ATV Tours
Skydiving
Scenic Tours
Goldfield Ghost Town
Walk down Main Street, explore the many shops and historic buildings. Tour the historic Mammoth Gold Mine and visit the Goldfield Museum. Pan for gold then take a ride on Arizona's only narrow gauge train.
You'll also get to witness an old west gun fight performed by the famous Goldfield Gunfighters! Spend a fun filled day, rich in wild west history!
Helicopter & Plane Rides
Golf Courses
Arizona is a premiere travel destination for golfing with over 200 courses in the Phoenix area alone.
Amusement Parks
Crackerjax
Arizona’s largest family fun & sports park with over 27 acres of excitement including 300 yard shaded driving range, go-cart track, bumper boat lagoon, 2 miniature golf courses, 18-hole professional putting course, batting cages, 3 volleyball courts, arcade, and restaurant.
Octane Raceway
Octane Raceway in Scottsdale Arizona offers the best highspeed kart racing and virtual reality gaming. Visit the Brickyard Bar & Grill Restaurant for the best food and happy hour drinks in between your go kart races.
Zoos, Museums & Gardens
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Located about 1 hour from Phoenix, the Mission of Boyce Thompson Arboretum is to instill in people an appreciation of plants through the fostering of educational, recreational, research, and conservation opportunities associated with arid-land plants.
Pueblo Grande Museum
The site features three galleries, a theatre with an award winning introductory video and an outdoor interpretive trail. The trail contains the prehistoric ruins of the platform mound and ball court of the Hohokam culture, replicated housing, canal systems and interpretive agricultural garden.
Lakes
Saguaro Lake
Saguaro Lake is located within the Tonto National Forest just 20 minutes from Mesa. At an elevation of 1529 feet, 10 miles in length, and 22 miles of shoreline this small lake offers stunning scenery. Located at the lake is a marina with boat rentals and restaurant. Water skiing and jet-skiing are very popular in the summer months.
Lake Pleasant
Largest lake in the immediate Phoenix area with a full pool of close to 10,000 surface acres. Endless coves and bays provide the ideal setting for everyone's favorite water activities. Fishing, water skiing, sailing, jet skiing, and more are very popular in the summer months. There is the largest full service marina with full bar/restaurant waterfront.
Casinos
Casino Arizona
Two locations in Scottsdale operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Salt River has 950 Slots, 50 Blackjack, Fast Action Keno, Dining, Entertainment, and more. Talking Stick location has 800+ Slots, 50+ table games, Fast Action Keno, Sports Bar, Dining and more.
Turf Paradise Horse Racing
Since 1956, Turf Paradise is the 3rd largest sports attraction in the State & holds court to one of the longest seasons of Thoroughbred racing in the country. Turf Paradise offers a place for everyone from fine dining, VIP, Directors’ & Turf Club to our Grandstand & Park Pavilion filled with concessions.