Old Town Scottsdale's Art District: A Self-Guided Tour

Scottsdale , United States

Old Town Scottsdale's Art District: A Self-Guided Tour

Active

2h - 2h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Old Town Scottsdale is one of America’s most concentrated art districts, also known as ”the West’s Most Western Town.”

On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll discover how a frontier farming community transformed into a sophisticated cultural destination while maintaining its distinctive Southwestern character.

You’ll walk through the historical center, where Native American trading posts evolved into luxury galleries. You’ll weave through Main Street’s gallery corridor and Marshall Way’s boutique district. As you walk, you’ll browse Native American pottery at galleries representing four generations of trading families, and see the city’s first public art installation, Louise Nevelson’s monumental 1973 “Windows to the West” sculpture.

By the end of this two-hour tour, you’ll have explored how Scottsdale became the Southwest’s premier art destination, while still managing to preserve the cowboy culture that earned it legendary status.

Available options

Old Town Scottsdale's Art District: A Self-Guided Tour

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Old Town Scottsdale is one of America’s most concentrated art districts, also known as ”the West’s Most Western Town.” It is a frontier farming community that transformed itself into a sophisticated cultural destination while maintaining its distinctive Southwestern character.

Stop 2 Pass by

Starting in front of the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, you’ll walk through the historical center, where Native American trading posts evolved into luxury galleries.

You’ll weave through Main Street’s gallery corridor and Marshall Way’s boutique district. I’ll show you Scottsdale’s Old Adobe Mission and the Little Red Schoolhouse, one of its first buildings in the original Mexican-American barrio.

Step inside Bischoff’s Gallery, housed in a 1952 bank building where the original vaults now protect valuable Navajo rug collections. And explore the site of Sarah Thomas’ 1897 general store – Scottsdale’s first female-owned business – now home to Bischoff’s Shades of the West trading post

Visit King Galleries, recognized as one of the world’s top five destinations for authentic Pueblo Indian pottery

Discover works by Andrew Wyeth, Andy Warhol, and Pablo Picasso at American Fine Art’s 12,000-square-foot showcase

Browse Sissoko Tribal Art Gallery’s extraordinary collection of African artifacts assembled by a former Malian gold trader

Experience Sugar Bowl’s ice cream parlor, immortalized in ”The Family Circus” comic strip

Old Town Scottsdale is one of America’s most concentrated art districts, also known as ”the West’s Most Western Town.” On this walking tour, you’ll discover how a frontier farming community transformed into a sophisticated cultural destination while maintaining its distinctive Southwestern character.

By the end of this two-hour tour, you’ll have explored how Scottsdale became the Southwest’s premier art destination, while still managing to preserve the cowboy culture that earned it legendary status.

By the time the tour ends at the Scottsdale Public Library and Civic Center Library, you’ll have traced the complete evolution of this desert town through its art and architecture.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Food and drink

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This tour starts in front of the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Scottsdale

Scottsdale, Arizona, is a vibrant desert city known for its luxury resorts, world-class golf courses, and vibrant arts scene. Nestled in the Sonoran Desert, it offers a unique blend of Southwestern culture, outdoor adventures, and high-end shopping and dining.

Top Attractions

Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town Scottsdale is the historic heart of the city, known for its vibrant arts scene, Southwestern architecture, and lively nightlife. It's a great place to experience the local culture, shopping, and dining.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, varies for shopping and dining

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

This park features a collection of historic railroad equipment, a miniature train, and a carousel. It's a fun and educational attraction for families and train enthusiasts.

Historical 1-2 hours Free admission, small fee for train rides and carousel

Scottsdale Museum of the West

This museum showcases the history and culture of the American West through exhibits, artifacts, and art. It's a great place to learn about the region's rich heritage.

Museum 1-2 hours $10 for adults, discounts for seniors and children

Desert Botanical Garden

This 140-acre garden features a diverse collection of desert plants from around the world. It's a beautiful and educational attraction, especially during the spring blooms.

Nature 2-3 hours $25 for adults, discounts for seniors and children

Taliesin West

This was the winter home and architectural school of Frank Lloyd Wright, one of America's most famous architects. The site features Wright's distinctive architecture and beautiful desert landscapes.

Historical 1-2 hours for a tour $28 for adults, discounts for seniors and children

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sonoran Hot Dog

A bacon-wrapped hot dog topped with beans, onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños. It's a popular street food in the Southwest.

Snack Contains pork and common allergens like mustard and onions.

Chimichanga

A deep-fried burrito filled with meat, beans, and cheese, often served with salsa and sour cream.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan with plant-based fillings.

Prickly Pear Margarita

A margarita made with prickly pear cactus juice, giving it a unique sweet and tart flavor.

Drink Contains alcohol and may contain allergens like citrus.

Popular Activities

Hiking Hot air balloon rides ATV tours Spa treatments Golfing Resort lounging Art galleries Museums

Best Time to Visit

November to April

The best time to visit Scottsdale is during the cooler months, from November to April. The weather is pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities and golfing. This is also the peak tourist season, with many events and festivals taking place.

10-25°C 50-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Scottsdale is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic safety precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious when using ATMs
• Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas

Getting there

By air

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport • 15 km from city center
Scottsdale Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

Scottsdale Station

By bus

Scottsdale Station, Tempe Station

Getting around

Public transport

The light rail is clean, efficient, and connects major destinations in Scottsdale and Phoenix. It's a great option for getting around without a car.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town Scottsdale Downtown Scottsdale North Scottsdale South Scottsdale

Day trips

Sedona

120 km from Scottsdale • Full day

Sedona is known for its stunning red rock formations, vibrant arts scene, and spiritual retreats. It's a popular destination for hiking, sightseeing, and relaxation.

Grand Canyon National Park

350 km from Scottsdale • Full day or overnight

One of the natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon offers breathtaking views, hiking, and ranger-led programs.

Tempe

15 km from Scottsdale • Half day

Tempe is a vibrant college town known for its lively nightlife, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions.

Festivals

Scottsdale Culinary Festival • April Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show • February Scottsdale International Film Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit during the cooler months (November-April) for the best weather and outdoor activities.
Rent a car for easy exploration of the city and surrounding desert.
Experience the Scottsdale ArtWalk on Thursday evenings for a free self-guided tour of local galleries.
Try local Southwestern cuisine, including dishes like chimichangas, Sonoran hot dogs, and prickly pear margaritas.
Book tours and activities in advance, especially during peak season.