10 Best Things To Do Alone In Scottsdale, Arizona

things to do alone in scottsdale
Nadine
Nadine 
Updated
| 4 min read

This desert city of Scottsdale in Arizona is a gorgeous place famous for wide golf courses and spa resorts. More than that, this is one of the places that holds a lot of hidden gems. From unique art museums, parks, up to fine dining, Scottsdale has you covered. Going to these fantastic places keeps solitude at satisfaction. Traveling alone? That’s not a problem! Have a dose of entertainment and wonder as your sense of curiosity gets heightened. Take a look at these fun and interesting places to go to! Read on to find some of the best things to do alone in Scottsdale, Arizona.

1. Try stand-up paddleboarding on Saguaro Lake (from USD 140.0)

Explore the peace and serenity of the gorgeous Saguaro Lake via stand-up paddle boarding! Breathe in the fresh air as you bask in the sights of the mountains and the flora and fauna at Scottsdale. In this activity, you will be equipped with a life jacket, dry bags, bottled water, and snacks, too. With this unique tour, you will be spending four hours of rejuvenation and sheer calmness as you appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds. It is great to do this alone for some irreplaceable time out from the usual busy life.

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Phoenix Stand-Up Paddleboarding Small-Group Half-Day Tour

Duration: 4 hours

2 reviews

2. Visit Butterfly Wonderland

Monarch butterfly
Source: Photo by user Tom Shockey used under CC BY 2.0

See beautiful and colorful butterflies swarming as you get to know the different species at Butterfly Wonderland. Get educated about the different kinds of butterflies as well as other animals living in their habitat at Rainforest Reptiles. After enjoying the presence of these wonderful creatures and observing how they thrive, you can relax at the Butterfly Café and sip on awesome beverages. Let these gentle butterflies land on your body and give back by showing care. You will definitely treasure this trip!

Butterfly Wonderland

Address: 9500 E Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256-2734

Website: Butterfly Wonderland

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 21.9 USD

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3. Check out the artwork at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

Sculpture outside Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dru Bloomfield used under CC BY 2.0

Feel at awe and bask into the grandeur of the breathtaking contemporary art showcased in this Scottsdale Museum! In here, you cannot appreciate the art by mere sight. Most of the installations require sound and movement, making this experience extraordinary and interactive. Make sure to take your time wandering around, exploring every inch of the place to make the most out of the experience. Immerse in art like never before as you step on the hallways and rooms displaying unique, minimalist, and at times mind-boggling masterpieces set for you to admire.

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

Address: 7374 E 2nd St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251-5604

Website: Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 5pm; Tue - Wed: 11am - 5pm; Thu - Sat 11am - 8pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 7 - 10 USD (suggested donation)

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4. Hike through McDowell Sonoran Preserve

McDowell Sonoran Preserve from Gateway Entrance
Source: Photo by Flickr user Dru Bloomfield used under CC BY 2.0

Get your adventurous spirit running and hike the trail of McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Spend the day sightseeing as you walk along this desert-type nature park, enjoying the sights all around. There is no need to worry since the trek is easy to conquer, suitable for all levels of hiking experience. It is a good idea to bring a camera along since it is easy to come across a scenic view great for picture-taking. The nature park is quiet and you’ll definitely feel like being in the wilderness. What an awesome way to spend alone time!

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Address: 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ

Website: McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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5. Enjoy a performance at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

Dancers leaping
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Gabriel Saldana used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Fill your night with art and music by watching a performance here at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts! Almost all kinds of performances are showcased – jazz, Broadway, rumba, blues, classics, and so much more! Make sure to check out the incoming shows and witness the talents of these unparalleled artists. So, grab your tickets and dress smart as you enjoy an uplifting night with noteworthy artistry.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

Address: 7380 E. Second St.Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Website: Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

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6. Explore Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden at Chaparral Park

Optuniainbloom
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user [Unknown] used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Take your exploration of landscapes to unique finds by visiting this xeriscape garden. This type of landscaping reduces the use of supplemental water–thus, it is low maintenance. What is unique about this place is the daintiness yet creative use of the small space so expect to spend at least a couple of hours just to admire the surroundings. Take the time to learn about these plants especially if you’re considering some landscaping. Merely taking a stroll in this area is a delightful way to pass time.

Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden

Address: 5401 N Hayden, Chapparal Park, Scottsdale, AZ

Website: Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden

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7. Hang out at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

Scottsdale-Stillman Railroad Park-Children's Western Town Playground-1978
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Marine 69-71 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Voted the best park in the country, having won the ELGLKnope Best Park & Open Space competition, Railroad Park covers an enormous space of 40 acres (more than 150,000 sq. meters) featuring everything about rails and locomotives! Get familiar with the charm and class of the heavily used vehicles of the past while having fun. Why not hop on one of the trains and ride around the park? The venue also features shops, museums, and food kiosks, so you have places to rest while exploring this massive place.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

Address: 7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250, USA

Website: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 9am - 7pm; Mon - Fri: 9am - 1pm

Price: Free

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8. Tour Scottsdale Historical Museum

Scottsdale Historical Museum
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bernard Gagnon used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Enter an old school that houses Scottsdale’s history at the Scottsdale Historical Museum. Get to know what this small and quaint place holds and acquire valuable information of the culture, customs, and traditions that Scottsdale and the American Southwest brings. Even taking a quick tour would suffice enough to make you appreciate the displays. The best news about it is that admission is free! However, the museum is closed on July and August.

Scottsdale Historical Museum

Address: 7333 E Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA

Website: Scottsdale Historical Museum

Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 4pm; Wed - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: Free

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9. Go kart racing at Octane Raceway

IndoorKartRacing
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Look Sharp! used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Get your adrenaline pumping by being into one of the best places for entertainment! Rev your engine and participate in a go kart race, enjoy company and the satisfying shattering sounds of the pins falling during bowling, and experience the exhilarating world of VR. Your time at Scottsdale will not be complete without a visit here. Food and beverages are available at the venue. Take advantage of the Happy Hour draft specials at the Brickyard Grill from 4 to 7pm – the perfect time to visit.

Octane Raceway

Address: 9119 E Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85250, United States

Website: Octane Raceway

Opening hours: Mon - Thur: 11am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 12pm; Sat: 10am - 12pm; Sun: 11am - 8pm

Price: 7 USD

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10. Dine at Dominic's Steak House

London broil
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user adactio@Flickr used under CC BY 2.0

Treat yourself to a generous serving of some tasty steak in the high-end restaurant called Dominick’s Steakhouse. Just take a peek at the classy look of the place – elegant, modern, and stylish. It is a great place to dine and have a glass of wine, keeping your tummy full and satisfied. Various choices of steak and other dishes to complement them, plus refreshing beverages are available for viewing online at their website. Finish off with a bang by ordering a yummy dessert!

Dominic's Steak House

Address: 15169 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85254, USA

Website: Dominic’s Steak House

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 4pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 10pm

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Go solo and experience more

Main Street (Scottsdale, Arizona)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Visitor7 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

What’s awesome about the experience is how immersive it gets. As you hop from one place to another, savor every second and feel the moment. Surely, you came across those activities that will get you pumped. Scottsdale has you covered in keeping you entertained even for a solo traveler. Besides, solitude for travel is possibly the best form of “me time”. Enjoy!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Nadine has a passion for film photography, entrepreneurship, and the performing arts. She loves meeting friendly people, trying exotic cuisines, and exploring new places authentically. Her life...Read more

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