Attractions Nearby Scottsdale, Day Trips and Excursions

(Scottsdale, Arizona - AZ, USA)

Despite the huge area enveloped by metropolitan Phoenix, of which Scottsdale is a part, it never takes long to escape the city and experience the beautiful landscapes of the Arizona wilderness, its untouched mountain peaks, deep canyons and various desert formations.

Accordingly, the main attractions nearby Scottsdale are of the natural variety, although fascinating archeological ruins and historic Western towns are also on offer.

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

Address: 1100 Ruins Drive, Coolidge, Arizona AZ, USA
Tel: +1 513 932 4421
Casa Grande means 'big house' and this is one of the largest and most mysterious prehistoric structures in North America, and also the country's first archaeological preserve. These significant ruins include unique earth-walled structures, irrigation canals and numerous other artifacts and attractions, all built around 1,500 years ago by the Hohokam people.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, children sixteen and under free

Apache Trail

Address: Arizona, USA
The Apache Trail is a nearby attraction not to be missed. Ideal for exploration by hire car, the trail gives visitors the chance to take in stunning Arizona landscapes and get a feel for the natural desert beauty that surrounds Scottsdale. Highlights include Fish Creek Canyon, the route that Theodore Roosevelt once labeled as 'the most awe-inspiring and most sublimely beautiful panorama nature ever created'.

Florence

Address: Florence, Arizona, USA
Tel: +1 520 868 4331
A short drive south of Scottsdale is the historic Western town of Florence, boasting a stately Victorian courthouse and over 150 other sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The local museum is home to various attractions, including a macabre collection of nooses that have been used in executions and exhibits from the 'Wild West' days.

Goldfield Ghost Town

Address: Apache Junction, Phoenix, Arizona AZ, USA
Tel: +1 480 983 0333
Specifically re-built for tourists, this is a replica of an original 1890s gold mining town and it located between the Goldfield Mountains and Superstition Mountains. The main street has period shops and saloons, and there are train rides and mine tours as well as mock gun fights. The Superstition Mountain Museum is well worth checking out.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and children, children under six free

Historic Sahuaro Ranch

Address: 9802 North 59th Avenue, Glendale, Arizona AZ, 85302, USA
Tel: +1 623 930 4200
The Historic Sahuaro Ranch offers a rare glimpse into the agricultural past of Scottsdale and its surrounding towns, when they were just simple farming communities. Tours of the restored farmhouse are offered, while the old fruit-packing shed is now a gallery.
Open hours: Wednesday to Friday - 10:00 to 14:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00, Sunday - noon to 16:00
Admission: charge, children under 12 free

Hoover Dam

Address: US93, Boulder City, Nevada NV, 89109, USA
Tel: 702 293 8321
Although the Hoover Dam is around 250 miles / 400 km from the Scottsdale area, many visitors make the excursion and wonder at this engineering feat. Built in the 1930s, the Hoover Dam was created by over 200 engineers and attractions include guided tours, a visitors' center and truly spectacular views.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, children under six free