14 Best Things To Do In Paradise Valley, AZ

things to do in paradise valley arizona
John
John 
Updated
| 6 min read

Paradise Valley, Arizona, is an oasis of elegance in the heart of the desert. Its exhibition of artistic masterpieces, breathtaking natural views, opportunities for unadulterated relaxation, and refreshing available brews, all make this haven an unforgettable one. This recognizable location, iconic for its award-winning golf courses, offers attractions that inherently satisfy the heart of the wanderer and the thrill-seeker alike. Make sure to keep Paradise Valley in mind when booking your next destination vacation. Read below to find out about the best things to do in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

1. Cosanti Originals

Workshop Cosanti Originals Phoenix AZ  141124
Source: Photo by Flickr user bobistraveling used under CC BY 2.0

Italian-American architect Paolo Soleri has left his mark on society, in the form of his gallery and studio, Cosanti Originals. Now, the location is open to the public for viewing and appreciation. The venue is also known for its bronze and ceramic, custom-created wind bells, a wildly popular product in the immediate area. Cosanti Originals also offers a diverse array of pots, planters, and bowls, and if you’re looking to take home an authentic piece of history, take home a signed piece of original Soleri artwork! Visit Cosanti Originals to marvel at genuine masterful artwork, as well as to take home the best of a number of novelty items!

Cosanti Originals

Address: 6433 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

Website: Cosanti Originals

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2. Scottsdale Marketplace

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

For a Paradise Valley retail experience you won’t want to forget, make sure you frequent the Scottsdale Marketplace! The widest range of home items, antiques, and gifts of all kinds are at your fingertips in this venue set to satisfy the retail cravings of even the strictest shopper. Recognized by locals as carrying the top brands around, the Scottsdale Marketplace is your go-to location for all things jewelry, boutique items, and more. With shops like Acanthus Antiques, Heidi’s Corner, Simply Lynn, and Artique Asian Imports, the Scottsdale Marketplace is the place to be if you’re in the habit of maximizing on a promising retail opportunity!

Scottsdale Marketplace

Address: Lincoln Village Shopping Center, 6310 N Scottsdale Rd, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

Website: Scottsdale Marketplace

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3. Joya Spa at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Last chance: Joya Spa Happy Hour flash sale ends today! When you book your Classic Massage or Transformation Facial...

Posted by Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia on Tuesday, April 30, 2019

If you’re looking to find unprecedented relaxation, look no further than the Joya Spa at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa! This center for rejuvenation allows you to take life at your own unique pace. Both the Joya Fitness and Joya Terrace facilities are available to you, for the best in pool, sauna, and steam room amenities. With a special focus on rejuvenation and purification, it isn’t difficult to watch your worries drift away at the Joya Spa. With speciality treatments of healing stones, to the intentional expulsion of negative energies, to their professed goal of ultimate comfort, you’ll want to take advantage of the best that the Joya Spa at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa offers!

Joya Spa at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa

Address: Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, 4949 E Lincoln Dr, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

Website: Joya Spa at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa

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4. Mohave Trail

Return to nature with the Mohave Trail! With beautiful views of the surrounding Paradise Valley landscape, this certified venue allows you to experience nature exactly as it lies, undisturbed by the rest of the world. Pet-friendly and easily completable in a single outing, the Mohave Trail capitalizes on your desire for the outdoors, via a relatively easy hike; don’t forget to bring your camera, to capture the best of the panoramic sights that will await you! Catch seasonal wildflowers at their absolute best, and stay on the lookout for harmless chuckwalla lizards! Moderate hiking conditions, beautiful surrounds, and gorgeous weather should have you flocking to the Mohave Trail, one of the top ways to experience nature in Paradise Valley!

Mojave Trail

Address: 200 W Washington St, Paradise Valley, AZ 85018

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5. Jade Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Our Summer Wine Special is back! Enjoy 50% off select bottles of wine Sunday-Wednesday at elements and jade bar all summer long.

Posted by Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa on Sunday, June 12, 2022

When it’s time to spice up your day, head for the respite of the Paradise Valley’s Jade Bar! Located at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort, this location is well-known by locals for its unparalleled mixology, fearless dedication to quality, and infectiously dynamic ambience. Experience elegance at a new level at Jade Bar, featuring the best drinks menu in the area, and often frequented by locally sourced live music! Tantalizing cocktails, spirits prepared by hand, and a wide selection always prepared with the absolute top natural ingredients is all yours for the taking, when you decide to make the Jade Bar your next great endeavor in Paradise Valley!

Jade Bar

Address: 5700 E McDonald Dr, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

Website: Jade Bar

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6. Mummy Mountain

Paradisevalleypanorama
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mwinog2777 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Composed of Precambrian granite and just waiting to offer you the best view of Paradise Valley below, Mummy Mountain sports a complete recreational experience. 320 acres (130 hectares) of virtually untouched wilderness are yours for the exploring, and with a wide variety of ways to ascend to the mountain’s peak, you’ll never climb this mountain the same way twice! Funded by local celebrities including Marshall Trimble and Clive Cussler, Mummy Mountain is the only section of the Phoenix Mountains not found within the traditional confines of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. Boasting a peak elevation of 2,260 feet (689 meters), this location is typified by a view from the top you won’t want to forego. Don’t miss Mummy Mountain in Paradise Valley; take a hiatus from the bustle of life to come enjoy a view of the world like you’ve never seen it!

Mummy Mountain

Address: Mummy Mountain, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

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7. Paradise Valley Country Club

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Paradise Valley Country Club on Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Take your tolerance for luxury to an entirely new echelon, with the Paradise Valley Country Club! With intimate indoor settings and stunning natural views of the outdoors, this elegant location features a list of amenities that are simply too attractive to pass up. Spend a day on a parkland-style golf course under clear blue skies, or take advantage of the venue’s fitness facility! Make it a day to remember on their ten, well-surfaced tennis courts, or take to their 6-lane pool for a day of fun and enjoyment! With four dining venues ready to make your next meal the best of the day, as well as the capacity for parties of all types, the family friendly Paradise Valley Country Club truly represents thrill a step above the rest.

Paradise Valley Country Club

Address: 7101 N Tatum Blvd, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

Website: Paradise Valley Country Club

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8. O.H.S.O. Brewery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Take a refreshing break from a busy day in Paradise Valley, at the O.H.S.O. Brewery! The Outrageous Homebrewer’s Social Outpost (O.H.S.O.) is part nano-brewery, part restaurant, part dynamic social magnet. Check out this popular hangout for visitors and locals alike, and make sure that you indulge in some of the best cocktails around. When happy hour hits, the O.H.S.O. Brewery is the place to be. Their diversified menu is set to satisfy even the most stringent taste buds, and with affordable prices, your ticket to a satisfactory brunch, lunch, dinner, or drink is only an easy decision away. With gluten free and vegan options also available in order to satisfy each and every customer who walks through their doors, the O.H.S.O. Brewery aims to deliver a good time, every time. Come for the atmosphere, and stay for the great prices and their high-quality product!

O.H.S.O. Brewery

Address: 4900 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018

Website: O.H.S.O. Brewery

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9. El Chorro Lodge

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The all-around experience awaits you at El Chorro Lodge. Whether it’s bocce courts you’re seeking, a patio with frequent, local live music, or just an ambience characterized by delicious dishes and a good time had by all, El Chorro Lodge has it all. This location also hosts a wide variety of special events during every season, so that you can celebrate any and every occasion at one of Paradise Valley’s premium venues! From Mother’s Day amenities to personalized wedding packages individually tailored to meet your specifications, El Chorro Lodge is set to redefine your expectations. Their bar is top-notch, their happy hour is wildly satisfactory, and their restaurant leaves a smile on every face. Keep a good time going at El Chorro Lodge, because whether it’s a private event or a last-minute decision, they plan on turning your good night into a great one.

El Chorro Lodge

Address: 5550 E Lincoln Dr, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

Website: El Chorro Lodge

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10. Cholla Trailhead

Camelback Mountain AZ Cholla Trail 2
Source: Photo by Flickr user Andy Blackledge used under CC BY 2.0

Get a taste of the breathtaking nature in the surrounding valley, courtesy of the Cholla Trailhead. Spectacular views of the surrounding wildlife are now only a hike away, the Cholla Trailhead doesn’t require extensive effort before you are rewarded with a panoramic picture of Paradise Valley itself. Less than three miles (4.8 km) in total length and characterized by wildflowers and untouched nature, this trailhead plays host to a litany of hikers, runners, and birdwatchers. Whatever your reason for frequenting the Cholla Trailhead, don’t forget to bring a camera! We promise, these aren’t sights you’ll want to forget!

Cholla Trailhead

Address: 6131 E Cholla Ln, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

Website: Cholla Trailhead

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11. Barry Goldwater Memorial

Barry Goldwater Memorial
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Marine 69-71 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Barry Goldwater Memorial is a breathtaking park in Paradise Valley that is home to a remarkable statue of Barry Goldwater - a late US senator and a local of Paradise Valley. The iconic sculpture is a masterpiece of a true-blood Arizona artist named Joe Beeler. The statue might be the main attraction on-site, but the beauty of the desert landscape of the area is not one to overlook. It is filled with cacti plants and trees, and it boasts a majestic mountainous backdrop.

Barry Goldwater Memorial

Address: 6401 N Tatum Blvd, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, United States

Website: Barry Goldwater Memorial

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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12. Franciscan Renewal Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

OLA YA Young Adult Ministry Kick-Off BBQ and Swim - ages 18 to 39 Friday, September 10 from 6 to 8 pm At the Franciscan...

Posted by Franciscan Renewal Center on Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Franciscan Renewal Center is a charming and peaceful retreat center that offers spiritual healing services to its guests. Private and educational retreats are held in this center. Both Catholics and non-Catholics are welcome. The center offers workshops and programs that help in spiritual healing. Participants may spend a whole day or book a room for an overnight stay. Besides accommodations, Franciscan Renewal Center houses a church, a spa, on-site dining, a healing garden, and a desert walk.

Franciscan Renewal Center

Address: 5802 E Lincoln Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85253, United States

Website: Franciscan Renewal Center

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7:30am - 7:30pm; Sun: 7am - 8:30pm

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13. Phoenix Bat Cave

Arizona is home to an abundance of wildlife species, and it has a large population of bats. Because of this, the city of Phoenix established a viewing point for tourists, where they can admire these fascinating creatures. Canyon bats and Mexican free-tailed bats fly freely at Maricopa County Flood Control Tunnel in the summer, using it as their roost. By June, a full colony of bats gathers on-site, making the month the most ideal time for bat-watching. If you wish to see these creatures, be sure to come by before sunset as they are visible during this time, and the nature views are magical.

Phoenix Bat Cave

Address: 3698-3694 E Colter St, Phoenix, AZ 85018, United States

Website: Phoenix Bat Cave

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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Nearby options

14. Desert Botanical Garden

Desert Botanical Garden
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Simeon87 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Nestled in Papago Park, Desert Botanical Garden is a breathtaking botanical garden covering 140 acres (57 hectares) of land. Tourists love going to this dreamy place as it looks like the setting of a magical fairytale. It is home to 50000 gorgeous plants and diverse wildlife. More so, Desert Botanical Garden has hilltop trails that give picturesque views of its landscape. Also, it has rotating exhibits. The most recent is Wind, Water, Earth by Natasha Lisitsa and Daniel Schultz of Waterlily Pond Studio. Concerts are also occasionally held in the garden. In addition to these, it boasts dreamy on-site dining with a view.

Desert Botanical Garden

Address: 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States

Website: Desert Botanical Garden

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

Price: From 10 USD

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15. Wonderspaces Arizona

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Today is the last day to take advantage of our $5 off seasonal promotion. Come experience Rainbow Rooms by Pierre le...

Posted by Wonderspaces Arizona on Thursday, November 19, 2020

Arizona is not only home to gorgeous natural parks, but it is also a state with a vibrant art scene. One testament to this is Wonderspaces Arizona. Located in the vibrant and bustling Scottsdale Fashion District, this center for arts features breathtaking and sometimes mind-boggling and heart-warming art installations that are masterpieces by different artists, local and foreign. It bills itself as a home to extraordinary art. These rotating art installations can be as big as a whole room and as small as a chair. Some pieces that Wonderspaces Arizona has featured include Ayahuaska Kosmik Journey by Atlas V, Shigeto; Hovering by Conor Grebel & 79ancestors; Rainbow Room by Pierre le Rieche.

Wonderspaces Arizona

Address: Scottsdale Fashion Square, 7014 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Website: Wonderspaces Arizona

Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 12pm - 10pm; Sat: 10am - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 7pm

Price: From 15 USD

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Attractions at your fingertips

When you book one of the top attractions in Paradise Valley, you can expect steady elegance. With such a lavish city decorating one of Arizona’s best regions, the Paradise is in the name! Come for the relaxation, and stay for the diversity of attractions at your fingertips. Lodges and trailheads, mountains and bars, country clubs and spas alike, all want to welcome you to the best getaway you’re sure to have to date. Make Paradise Valley the next solution for your worries, and witness to the real difference that Paradise makes!

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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John Gallagher is a digital marketing consultant and writer from San Diego, California. When he isn't thoroughly enjoying the writing process or pretending he thoroughly enjoys the revision...Read more

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