Meet Up’24: Cool Things to Check Out in Scottsdale, AZ
Meet Up’24: Cool Things to Check Out in Scottsdale, AZ
In our search for cool things to do in Scottsdale, we’re fast realizing we need more time in The Grand Canyon State. In our idea grab from Top 10 Things to Do in Scottsdale and 25 Best Things to Do in Scottsdale. we’re pulling a few of our favorites and updating this page now through October 10:
7. Slide Rock State Park
Arizona has 33 state parks and numerous hiking trails to visit; waterfalls, desert treks, and hardy wildlife await you! One Pal suggest you swing through Slide Rock State Park which promises great viewscapes and a swimming hole!
- Park Hours are 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., with park entry and swim area closing at 5 p.m.
- Park entry fee is $20 per vehicle (1-4 adults), $5 for additional adults
- Trip Tip #1: No walk-ins; admission is by vehicle only through the entry station. Reservations are not available. Park entry is first-come, first-served.
- Trip Tip #2: Pay fast with Visa or MasterCard. Cash users must have exact change.
6. Scottsdale ArtWalk
The Scottsdale ArtWalk brings together the finest art in Scottsdale including 28 galleries and two museums — Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. Hosted by the Scottsdale Gallery Association,
- This FREE Thursday gig runs from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., weekly.
- Trip Tip #1: check out the map of affiliated galleries and museums here.
- Trip Tip #2: Take the Embassy Suites shuttle over at 4, grab a bite to eat, walk the City of Scottsdale.
5. Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
Located just 1.5 miles from Embassy Suites, Western Spirit captures the distinct artwork and vibe of The Southwest. From Hopi pottery to bronze sculptures, watercolor landscapes, and Native American jewelry, this museum offers an exhibit for every artistic preference.
- Museum hours are: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. MTWTFS, 11a–5p Sunday.
- Allow approximately two hours to fully enjoy the museum prior to its closing time.
- Trip Tip #1: On exhibit starting October 8, People, Places, Predicaments: John Clymer’s West, features over 50 paintings by John Ford Clymer from the Eddie Basha Collection.
- Trip Tip #2: Order tickets here; pricing is Adult $28, Senior $25, Military $25, Student $12, Child 6-17 $12, Child 5 and under free
4. Frank Lloyd Wright Museum/Taleisin West
Built in 1937, Taleisin West pays homage to the architectural genius of Frank Lloyd Wright and his innovative ideas blending materials, landscape, and innovation.
3. The Grand Canyon & Side Stops
If time permits, you will want to take in the immensity of the Grand Canyon South Rim, closest to Scottsdale.
- The park is open 24/7/365; enter the park before 10am to avoid the traffic wait.
- $35 entrance fee admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers, up to a 15-person passenger van.
- Not up for a walk along the rim? Take the FREE Shuttle instead, get off and on as you like.
- Trip Tip #1: Make a stop at Montezuma Castle National Monument, just off the highway before the park, with its tribute to cliff dwellers of that area.
- Trip Tip #2: Grab lunch and the view in Sedona. Whoever is driving will need a break – the windy canyon road, while spectacular, can be a white-knuckling spectacular experience.
2. Desert Botanical Garden
This amazing viewscape is just 6 miles from the Embassy Suites Resort. Get your tickets online : adults $32.95
Youth (age 3-17 )$19.95. Indoors, the visitor center features three activities:
- 3370 N Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85256
- Majestic Mariposas Sept. 21 –Nov. 11, 2024 | 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m
- Cactus Clubhouse Oct. 3, 2024- May 11, 2025 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays
- LIGHT BLOOM Oct. 12, 2024 – Jan. 20, 2025 | 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.
- Trip Tip #1: Bring an umbrella for mobile shade-sourcing
- Trip Tip #2: If you need an activity for the 18th, check out Music in the Garden.
1. Butterfly Wonderland
We too are like butterflies, continuing to evolve into something beautiful after diagnosis. Butterfly Wonderland pays tribute to that metamorphosis. Just 6 miles from the resort (10 minutes by car), this attraction offers a $29.95 anytime flex ticket. A state-of-the-art facility houses a glass atrium providing a tropical rainforest habitat for thousands of free-flying butterflies from around the world.
- 9500 E. Via de Ventura Scottsdale, AZ 85256
- Open seven days a week, 9am-5pm
- No advance reservation required
- Trip Tip #1: Located on the 1st level of AZ Boardwalk, gamers will want to add the Cyber Quest Family Arcade for a 33% DISCOUNT when added to any ticket! Get a $30 game card for only $20.
- Trip Tip #2: Don’t miss the educational “Flight of the Butterflies” 3D movie
For a local detailed list of what’s available through Embassy Suites, visit the blog post Meet Up’24: Scottsdale Offerings here.
Join us for Meet Up’24 on October 18-20. Register. Reserve. Donate.
Travel can be a bit prickly. Thanks to your input, we’ve gathered up a few details to help you enjoy your time in Scottsdale. Spend more time relaxing and getting to know your Pals, and less time searching for whatever it is you need to be there. PLEASE NOTE: We have not vetted these suggestions; please be mindful when securing third-party services. A listing here does not necessarily mean a recommendation.
Ever wish you could share something special with all Pals, all at once? Want to update us on what you’ve been up to? Share a recent accomplishment or milestone? Brag about your garden or grandchildren? Tell a joke?