5 Things to Do in Scottsdale, Arizona (Updated 2026)
Scottsdale has this way of blending desert calm with a kind of chic, modern energy. You can be sipping craft coffee one minute, hiking among red rocks the next, and (if you know where to go) completely resetting your body in between. Whether you’re local or visiting, here are five things you absolutely don’t want to miss.
1. Experience a Robot Massage with Aescape
Scottsdale is known for world-class spas, and now Aescape is part of that experience. Inside the spa, you’ll find a solo, self-guided massage powered by technology. Guests are fully in control—adjusting the music, pressure, and pace to create a session that feels entirely personal. It’s a space to zone out, recharge, and enjoy a level of relaxation that’s hard to find anywhere else.
2. Hike Pinnacle Peak
If you want classic desert views without committing to an all-day trek, Pinnacle Peak is perfect. It’s about four miles round-trip with manageable switchbacks, plus sweeping views of the valley that get even better at sunrise. Bring water, good shoes, and maybe someone who doesn’t mind stopping every five minutes for “just one more photo.”
3. Stroll Old Town Scottsdale
This is Scottsdale’s heart; part arts district, part shopping destination, part nightlife hub. You’ll find everything from Native jewelry galleries to rooftop cocktail spots. It’s also surprisingly walkable for a desert city, which makes wandering around in the evening especially fun.
4. Desert Botanical Garden
Yes, it’s technically in Phoenix, but it’s less than 20 minutes away and worth the detour. The garden feels alive in every season, whether you’re spotting wild hummingbirds in spring or watching the cacti light up at night during special events. It’s a place that reminds you the desert isn’t empty at all, it’s thriving.
5. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
For a city known for golf and sunshine, Scottsdale also has a surprisingly strong arts scene. SMoCA is compact (you can do it in under an hour), but its rotating exhibitions always feel fresh. If you need a break from the heat or just want to see what desert creativity looks like, this is the spot.
Scottsdale is the kind of place where your body and mind both get a reset; whether you’re on a trail, in a gallery, or stretched out in an Aescape massage bed. The desert has its own rhythm, and once you catch it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t come sooner.
Let us know you enjoyed this read by booking a massage and using code BLOG for $10 off your first session (30 minutes and up!). Wanna share your thoughts? We’d love to hear from you. Give us a shout at @LetsAescape on social!
