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Top picks in Scottsdale

Interesting spots

Made for those who find the standard tourist path exhausting and actively seek out the unconventional.

Based on 702 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Arizona Food Tours image 1
Arizona Food Tours image 2
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Tourist attraction

Walking tours reveal unique local restaurants with distinct vibes and interesting landmarks that tell rich stories. Atmosphere stays casual and family-friendly, blending food tasting with local history. Tours end with authentic Italian gelato, making it a relaxed, flavorful experience.

Unique landmarks stand out and invite reflection on the area's distinct atmosphere. Each establishment carries an interesting history that adds depth to the experience.

People are saying

"The food scene here is amazing, with hidden gems and passionate guides."

"The Food Tours here are so fun and informative!"

"The guides share interesting insights and history about the area."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for the food tours to ensure availability.

2

Tours accommodate dietary restrictions, including gluten-free and pescatarian options.

3

The food tour includes visits to three different restaurants with unique offerings.

02
Taste It Tours Scottsdale Food Tours image 1

Food tours offer diverse cuisine like pizza and macarons alongside local history of Downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale. Guides share detailed facts and stories about older places. Groups enjoy a happy atmosphere with live music and photo spots.

Tours mix great food with interesting history about Downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale. Guides share lots of detailed facts during the walk.

People are saying

"The food stops on this tour were tasty."

"The tour guides here make the experience so fun and lively."

"I learned so many interesting facts about the history here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for food tours, especially during weekends.

2

Taco Tuesday events offer a fun atmosphere with special deals on tacos.

3

Tours typically last around 2-3 hours, so plan accordingly.

03
DexaFit Scottsdale image 1
Wellness center

Facility offers advanced body composition scans and 3D movement analysis with quick, painless tests. Clean, organized space supports an educational health assessment. Clients serious about fitness get comprehensive reports that guide improvement.

The scans deliver super interesting results, especially the mobility test. The data is educational and engaging to review.

People are saying

"The staff explained everything thoroughly and made me feel comfortable."

"The staff here are so knowledgeable and friendly."

"The scan results were really interesting and informative."

Good to know

1

Parking spaces are clearly marked for easy access.

2

Scheduling appointments is straightforward and user-friendly.

3

The Dexa scan is quick and painless, providing detailed results.

04
Scottsdale Historical Museum image 1

Small museum in a renovated schoolhouse offers local history with artifacts and signs along a circular path. Quaint, welcoming atmosphere shows small-town charm. Free admission and a gift shop make it accessible and community-focused.

Modest size holds a rich history with interesting facts and thoughtful displays of antiques and local stories.

People are saying

"This charming little museum is full of local history."

"I found the local history here interesting and charming."

"It's a charming little gem, full of local history."

Good to know

1

The museum offers free admission, with donations accepted.

2

It takes about 45 minutes to explore the exhibits fully.

3

The museum is located in the Civic Center Mall.

05
Fiesta Bowl Museum image 1

Small museum offers Fiesta Bowl memorabilia with helmets and trophies in glass cases. Visitors learn unique facts like why volunteers wear yellow jackets. Location near shops and dining makes it easy to visit and enjoy local culture.

Interesting artifacts and information displays reveal facts like why Fiesta Bowl volunteers wear yellow jackets.

People are saying

"This museum is a great place for college football fans with Fiesta Bowl memorabilia."

"It's a fun, quick visit focused on college bowl game history."

"It's interesting that admission to the museum was free."

Good to know

1

Admission to the museum is free.

2

Parking is available at the Waterfront Parking Garage and South Bridge garage.

3

The museum features memorabilia from the Fiesta Bowl and college football history.

06
Butterfly Wonderland image 1
Tourist attraction

Enclosed garden boasts thousands of butterflies flying freely among tropical plants and a koi pond. Kids love the stingrays and shark exhibits, while the 3D butterfly film offers an interesting look at migration. Soft classical music adds to the peaceful atmosphere.

Reptiles and sea creatures like stingrays and a shark keep kids engaged. The 3D butterfly film offers an interesting look at migration and life cycles.

People are saying

"It's a magical, kid-friendly place where my children loved the butterflies and reptiles."

"The 3D movie about the monarch butterfly migration is really informative."

"It's interesting to see all the butterflies and learn about their life cycle."

Good to know

1

Expect a 5-15 minute wait to enter due to a required introductory film.

2

The outdoor area can get very hot and humid, so dress accordingly.

3

The butterfly release event happens every Tuesday at 3 p.m.

07
Bam Kazam image 1
Amusement center

Rooms blend physical activity with puzzles in a spy-themed setting, perfect for teens and adults. Each game offers a unique challenge level, keeping excitement high and minds sharp. Expect a lively mix of fun and occasional family tension during busy times.

Rooms feature a different twist each, making them interesting and fun. Games and puzzles come in three levels, offering a mix of challenge and thrill.

People are saying

"It's a unique escape-style experience unlike any I've tried before."

"This place is a fantastic and exciting spot for team building."

"It's an awesome experience that's so much fun for a group."

Good to know

1

Children under 12 must be supervised at all times.

2

Groups of 4-6 are ideal for the best experience.

3

Expect some games to be challenging and require teamwork.

08
Lip Lab Scottsdale image 1
Cosmetics store

Cosmetics store offers a creative atmosphere where friends craft custom lip products. Experience is hands-on and fun, perfect for groups. High-quality finishes and bold colors invite self-expression and experimentation.

Creative and hands-on experience stands out here. The concept focuses on crafting personalized lip products, making it a unique activity.

People are saying

"The staff here are so fun, friendly, and knowledgeable."

"Ashley made my daughter feel so special and involved her."

"Jordan made our color experience so interesting and fun."

Good to know

1

It's best to make a reservation in advance.

2

Parking is available in the south garage at Scottsdale Quarter.

3

The experience lasts about 30 minutes.

09
Wonderspaces Arizona image 1
Tourist attraction

Immersive art installations create a peaceful atmosphere with interactive light and sound. Creative cocktails at the full bar add to the laid-back vibe. Unique exhibits offer great photo opportunities and keep visitors engaged with virtual reality experiences.

Exhibits offer interactive and immersive experiences that stand out for their unique and thoughtful design. Artwork throughout provides great photo opportunities and keeps visitors engaged.

People are saying

"The art exhibits here are unique, cool, and super trippy."

"This place makes for an amazing, fun date night."

"The exhibits here are unique, creative, and really interesting."

Good to know

1

Tickets are $28 per adult as of February 2026.

2

Buy tickets online or scan a QR code upon arrival.

3

Visitors must sign a waiver before entering.

10
Escape the Room AZ image 1
Escape room center

Escape room center features immersive themes like Jurassic and submarine settings with challenging puzzles in rooms like Dig and Agency. Atmosphere stays engaging and authentic with detailed decor. Great for team building and family fun.

Puzzles in the Dig room and the Agency room offer a challenging and interesting experience. Clues are well-timed to keep the game engaging without giving too much away.

People are saying

"The escape rooms here are so much fun and challenging."

"The hosts here are super helpful and have great energy for Escape Rooms."

"Kai kept the game interesting with the right clues."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure availability.

2

The escape rooms are designed for groups of 2-8 participants.

3

Expect to spend about an hour in each escape room.

11
Cheba Hut "Toasted" Subs image 1

Sandwich shop shines with creative menu and a full bar for drinks. Cozy seating and a huge outdoor patio with misters keep the vibe chill. Bright light and playful wall jokes add to the lively yet relaxed atmosphere.

Menu offers more variety and creativity than most sandwich shops, making it a notably interesting spot for subs.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches here to be seriously delicious and fresh."

"The outdoor patio is huge and has games."

"It's an interesting mix of bar and sandwich shop."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

Expect long wait times for pick-up orders, especially during peak hours.

3

The menu lacks clear labeling for vegan options, which may cause confusion.

12
Western Spirit: Scottsdaleโ€™s Museum of the West image 1

Striking architecture blends with the desert, featuring bronze statues of western figures. Spacious, modern layout showcases rich history through art and interactive exhibits. Tour guides make the cultural displays engaging and instructive in a quiet, inspiring atmosphere.

Exhibits offer interesting slices of culture and history with both permanent and rotating displays. Tour guides add to the experience, making everything more instructive and engaging.

People are saying

"I found the museum's western art and artifacts fantastic."

"I found unique pieces of Western art and culture I wouldn't see anywhere else."

"I found the art exhibits and historical artifacts really interesting."

Good to know

1

Movies are shown at 11AM, 12PM, and 1PM, with visits at 11:20AM, 12:20PM, and 1:20PM.

2

The museum hosts frequent special exhibits throughout the year.

3

Free underground parking is available just off Main Street.

13
Carlsbad Tavern image 1
Southwestern restaurant (US)

Outdoor patio offers adobe fireplace and waterfall for a chill vibe. Bat cavern theme adds unique decor that invites discovery. Bar seating is lively with sports on TV, blending relaxed dining and Southwestern style.

Bat cavern theme decor creates a unique vibe. The bar features interesting seating options and meals come with a twist on typical dishes. Various intriguing details invite wandering and discovery.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really great."

"The bat theme and cave decor are really cool."

"The decor here is really interesting, with a quirky, vintage vibe."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 2-6pm with discounted drinks and food.

2

The late night menu starts at 10pm every night.

3

Reservations are recommended due to the tavern's popularity.

14
Eminent Wellness image 1
Medical spa

Massive facility offers largest hyperbaric chamber in the state alongside a performance gym with trainers and advanced wellness technologies. Atmosphere feels like a supportive healing community with a peaceful, uplifting vibe that nurtures recovery and wellness.

People are saying

"This spa's advanced tech truly aids in healing and recovery."

"The hyperbaric chamber was an incredible experience for healing."

"This place is interesting; the staff truly cares about helping you heal."

Good to know

1

Eminent Wellness offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cryotherapy, and red light therapy.

2

Reservations are recommended for popular treatments like hyperbarics and cryotherapy.

3

The facility uses advanced technologies like Pulsed Electromagnetic Activation for healing.

15
Arizona Boardwalk image 1
Amusement park

Circular layout with a Roman coliseum design creates a calm, welcoming space. Family fun includes foam machines and interactive firetrucks. Unique attractions like the UFO Experience and Butterfly Wonderland blend education with entertainment.

Multiple interesting exhibits and one-of-a-kind shops create a fun and engaging experience. Attractions like the UFO Experience, Aquarium, and Butterfly Wonderland offer a mix of educational and entertaining options.

People are saying

"The aquarium here is great for kids and adults."

"It's a fun place for a date with lots of cool activities."

"It's interesting how many fun attractions and shops there are to explore."

Good to know

1

Purchase tickets in advance for the aquarium and UFO exhibition to save money.

2

Restaurants often close earlier than attractions, limiting dining options in the evening.

3

Kids under 42 inches need a guardian to accompany them on rides.

16
Tucson Mall image 1
Shopping mall

Spacious mall shines with natural light and an upscale vibe. Unique shops like a fencing spot add interest. Family fun thrives in the kids play area and lively food court.

Many interesting shops stand out, including a fencing spot. The place offers a good scene for people watching.

People are saying

"The Mall food court has tasty options and a great variety."

"I found plenty of parking spaces available."

"I found the shops here to be really interesting."

Good to know

1

A vintage market occurs on the first weekend of the month.

2

The mall hosts a flea market on the second Sunday of the month.

3

Parking can be inconvenient with awkward spaces.

17
Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs image 1

Animatronic dinosaurs offer interactive learning in a calm, charming space. Kids enjoy hands-on digging and a themed arcade for playful fun. Aquarium and butterfly wonderland add engaging experiences that spark curiosity and delight.

Dinosaur facts provide interesting learning moments. The aquarium and butterfly wonderland add fun and engaging experiences for kids.

People are saying

"This Kid Friendly exhibit is short, lasting only about 10 minutes."

"The animatronic dinosaurs here are really cool."

"I found the dinosaur facts here really interesting."

Good to know

1

Admission costs around $100 for a family of four.

2

Tickets must be purchased in advance for entry.

3

The dinosaur exhibit takes about 20 minutes to complete.

18
Society Swan image 1
American restaurant

Space blends intimate booths and a packed bar with dim lighting for a chic, lively vibe. Unique artwork and herringbone wood floors add character. Perfect for stylish nights and cozy dates with a refined feel.

Interesting artwork and backlit soffit-level screens add unique touches. The benches stand out with a design rarely seen in Arizona, complemented by butcherโ€™s block tables and herringbone wood floors.

People are saying

"The service here is amazing and so attentive."

"The food here is comforting, deeply flavorful, and impossible not to enjoy."

"The decor's lighting and backlit screens are really interesting."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to secure a table.

2

The restaurant accommodates dietary needs upon request.

3

Parking at the mall is limited and can be challenging.

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Scottsdale, Arizona

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