Scottsdale may be known for its luxury resorts, high-end galleries, and world-class golf courses—but you don’t need to spend big to enjoy everything this desert city has to offer. From cultural experiences to scenic hikes to public art strolls, there are plenty of ways to soak in the culture, charm, and vibrant spirit of Scottsdale without opening your wallet. Whether you’re a local looking to mix things up or a visitor on a budget, these top free things to do prove that some of the city’s best experiences come without a price tag.

 

Penske Racing Museum. Courtesy Penske Racing Museum
Explore cars, trophies, and memorabilia at the Penske Racing Museum. Courtesy Penske Racing Museum

 

The Penske Racing Museum 

Those who follow racing will know that Team Penske is one of the most successful dynasties in all of sports. This museum, which is free to visit, showcases a collection of cars, trophies, and racing memorabilia from its more than 50 years of racing experience and over 600 major race wins highlighted by 20 Indianapolis 500-mile race victories. View the 2015 Ford Fusion driven to victory at the Daytona 500 by Joey Logano and the 1979 Penske PC 6 driven by Rick Mears to win his first of four Indy 500s, among others.

7191 E. Chauncey Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85054

 

There are often live artist demonstrations, like this one at The Marshall Gallery, during the weekly Scottsdale ArtWalk in Downtown Scottsdale's Arts District. Photo by Analisa Shah for Experience Scottsdale
There are often live artist demonstrations, like this one at The Marshall Gallery, during the weekly Scottsdale ArtWalk in Downtown Scottsdale’s Arts District. Photo by Analisa Shah for Experience Scottsdale

 

Scottsdale ArtWalk

The Scottsdale ArtWalk takes place just about every Thursday night from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Arts District in Downtown Scottsdale, as it has been doing for 50 years (it is the nation’s longest-running ArtWalk!). Almost 30 art galleries, as well as two museums, participate. During this free event, you can wander the spaces, meet with featured artists, enjoy refreshments, and more. There are also Special Gold Palette ArtWalks which take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. several times a year and feature themed evenings with performances and activities.

Gallery Row on Main Street from Scottsdale Road to Goldwater Boulevard and north on Marshall Way, across Indian School Road to the Horse Fountain on 5th Avenue. 

 

Hiking Pinnacle Peak
There are stunning views from Pinnacle Peak’s trail. Courtesy Experience Scottsdale

 

Pinnacle Peak Trail

Get some fresh air while enjoying this popular 4.1-mile out-and-back trail in North Scottsdale. The moderately difficult hike is known for its elevation gain—about 1,300 feet—and stunning, panoramic views of the Sonoran Desert. Sorry but no dogs are allowed on this trail, so you’ll have to leave Fido at home.

26802 N 102nd Way Scottsdale, AZ 85262

 

The train ride at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. Courtesy McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park/Experience Scottsdale

 

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

This 30-acre park in the heart of Scottsdale not only offers a large expanse of grass space and trees, ramadas, and unique playgrounds but railroad artifacts such as the Roald Amundsen Pullman Car. Take a ride on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad, the 1950-vintage Allan Herschell carousel, and view the model railroads that are displayed in the 10,000-square-foot building. While it’s free to visit the park, there is a nominal fee for train and carousel rides.

7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250

 

The Doors by Donald Lipski is an interactive art piece in Downtown Scottsdale. Photo by Scott McGinty for Experience Scottsdale
The Doors by Donald Lipski is an interactive art piece in Downtown Scottsdale. Photo by Scott McGinty for Experience Scottsdale

 

Public Art

Scottsdale is home to numerous public artworks, from permanent to temporary, ranging from sculptures to interactive art. From The Doors by Donald Lipski in Downtown Scottsdale (you can step inside!), to the Soleri Bridge and Plaza by Paolo Soleri, there are so many unique works to view. For a list of all works and their locations in Scottsdale, visit https://scottsdalepublicart.org.

 

USS Arizona Memorial Gardens at Salt River

This five-acre site at near Salt River Fields at Talking Stick honors the U.S. forces aboard the USS Arizona during the attack that took place at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The Memorial Gardens are built around the boat house relic, which was pulled from the sunken remains of the USS Arizona and is now enclosed in an onsite glass display (the boat house is viewable at all times, even when the relic room is closed). There is also a self-guided walking path. The Gardens are open daily; the relic room is open Tues.-Sat.

7455 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85258

 

Culture Pass

Do you have a library card? If so, you can check out the Act One Culture Pass, which provides admission for up to two people at participating cultural institutions. The institutions include locations around the state, from Phoenix Art Museum to the Heard Museum to Desert Botanical Garden and, if you’re up for a road trip, even places such as Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff.

 

Parks, bike lanes, golf, and more can be found at Scottsdale's Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt. Courtesy Experience Scottsdale
Parks, bike lanes, golf, and more can be found at Scottsdale’s Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt. Courtesy Experience Scottsdale

 

Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt

This oasis of parks, lakes, paths, playgrounds, ball fields, and golf courses sits on 11 miles in the heart of Scottsdale. It runs from Shea Boulevard all the way to Tempe. A pathway winds throughout, linking all areas of this doubles-as-a-floodplain innovative design. Find a map here.

 

The Gateway Trailhead in Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Photo by Scott McGinty for Experience Scottsdale
The Gateway Trailhead in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Photo by Scott McGinty for Experience Scottsdale

 

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

There are more than 30,000 (almost 48 square miles!) of this permanently protected, sustainable desert habitat. Explore almost 180 miles of hiking trails, which begin from a selection of trailheads. Hike (guided or self-guided), ride a bicycle, rock climb, run, or go horseback riding—the choice is yours. The trails are open sunrise to sunset. Find more information here.

 

The splash pad at Scottsdale Quarter
The splash pad at Scottsdale Quarter is a perfect way to cool off on a hot day. Photo by Mark Skalny Photography for Experience Scottsdale

 

Splash Pad at Scottsdale Quarter

Shop, dine … and splash? Yes, at Scottsdale Quarter there’s a splash pad where getting wet is encouraged. While it’s a perfect place to take your kids for an afternoon of fun, adults are also welcome to run through and cool off. This pop-jet fountain is located in The Quad.

15279 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

 

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