Things to Do in Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale packs galleries, museums, Old West history, and the Scottsdale Waterfront into a walkable few blocks. Here is the local rundown of what is actually worth your time.
The Scottsdale Waterfront and Old Town core
Start with a walk along the Arizona Canal at the Scottsdale Waterfront, then drift into the Old Town core along Main Street and Brown Avenue. You get shops, restaurants, public art, and people-watching in a compact, flat stretch that is easy to do on foot.
Thursday ArtWalk and the galleries
The Scottsdale ArtWalk runs Thursday evenings in the Marshall Way Arts District and along Gallery Row, with open galleries and a relaxed street scene. It is one of the best free cultural outings in the Valley, and the arts district is worth a wander any day.
Museums
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) covers modern and contemporary exhibits, while Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West digs into Old West history and artifacts. Both anchor the walkable core.
Old West landmarks and photo stops
The Sugar Bowl, the iconic 1958 ice cream parlor, and the Old Adobe Mission, one of the area's oldest churches, give Old Town its retro-desert character. Public art installations are scattered throughout, and a complimentary trolley helps you hop between districts.
Make a day of it
Old Town rewards going on foot: browse galleries, see a museum, walk the Waterfront, grab lunch, and stay for the ArtWalk or the Entertainment District at night, all without moving your car. Check current hours and event calendars before you go, since venues and seasonal events shift.
Common questions
- What are the top things to do in Old Town Scottsdale?
- Walk the Scottsdale Waterfront and Old Town core, catch the Thursday ArtWalk in the Marshall Way Arts District, visit SMoCA (contemporary art) and Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West, browse the galleries, and see Old West landmarks like the 1958 Sugar Bowl and the Old Adobe Mission.
- What is the Scottsdale ArtWalk?
- The Scottsdale ArtWalk is a free weekly event on Thursday evenings in the Marshall Way Arts District and along Gallery Row, with open galleries and a relaxed street scene. It is one of the best free cultural experiences in the area. Check current hours before you go.
- Is Old Town Scottsdale walkable?
- Yes. The galleries, museums, shops, restaurants, and the Scottsdale Waterfront all sit within a compact, flat footprint, and a complimentary trolley connects the districts.
- What museums are in Old Town Scottsdale?
- Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) for modern and contemporary exhibits, and Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West for Old West history and artifacts. Both are within the walkable core.
- What is there to do in Old Town at night?
- The Entertainment District near Scottsdale Road and Camelback is the nightlife hub, and the Old Town core has lounges, patios, and live music. See the Old Town Scottsdale bars and nightlife guide for specifics.
- Thinking about living in Old Town Scottsdale?
- If spending time here makes you want to stay, that is worth a conversation. Jon Hegreness, Associate Broker with Howe Realty, helps buyers find the right Old Town condo or nearby home. Call or text (623) 826-0888.
A real opinion on Old Town Scottsdale, not a sales pitch
If this guide has you thinking about living in Old Town Scottsdale, the next move is a short conversation about your timeline and what you are working toward. If Old Town Scottsdale is not the right fit, I will tell you that too.
Jon Hegreness
REALTOR / Associate Broker · Howe Realty
AZ License BR540940000
Full-time Phoenix North Valley REALTOR and Associate Broker with 24 years in Arizona residential real estate. A negotiator and problem solver who works the way you would want a friend in the business to work: direct, on your side, and steady through the parts that get complicated.