Old Town Scottsdale: A Walkable Guide

Old Town Scottsdale packs a surprising amount into about one walkable square mile: cowboy history, serious art, Arizona wine, great food and a lively evening scene. Park once, put on comfortable shoes, and you can spend a full day here without getting back in the car. Here is how our team would plan it.

Morning: markets and Western history

On Saturdays from October through June, start at the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market for local produce, salsas, breads, honey and handmade gifts. Arrive early for the best selection.

• Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West. The city's only Smithsonian Affiliate museum, with Western art, cowboy gear, Hopi pottery and stories of the people who shaped the region. Give yourself at least an hour.
• Brown Avenue's historic block. Between First and Second Streets you will find the Old Adobe Mission, built in 1933, Cavalliere's Blacksmith Shop, which dates to 1910, and the Parada del Sol Rodeo Museum.

Midday: art, parks and a famous sundae

Walk over to Scottsdale Civic Center, a green, shaded park full of public art, including Robert Indiana's LOVE sculpture. The Little Red Schoolhouse here holds the Scottsdale Historical Society Museum. At the south end, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) has rotating exhibits and a James Turrell skyspace that is worth the visit on its own.

• Lunch with nostalgia. The Sugar Bowl on Scottsdale Road has been serving burgers, double-decker sandwiches and sundaes since 1958. Save room for a Tin Roof Sundae.
• Shop Fifth Avenue. Boutiques, souvenir shops and Native American jewelry stores line the street. Look for the Bob Parks Horse Fountain in the roundabout at Fifth Avenue and Marshall Way.
• Taste Arizona wine. Several tasting rooms make up the Old Town wine trail, including LDV Winery, Aridus Wine Company, Carlson Creek Vineyards and Salvatore Vineyards. Experience Scottsdale publishes a free map.

Evening: ArtWalk, saloons and shows

Every Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m., galleries along Main Street and Marshall Way open their doors for Scottsdale ArtWalk. It is free, it has run for more than 45 years, and it is one of the nicest ways to spend an evening here. Many galleries host receptions and live music.

• The Rusty Spur Saloon. Scottsdale's oldest cowboy saloon sits in a historic former bank and has live music seven days a week. Boots optional, two-stepping encouraged.
• A night at the theater. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, next to SMoCA, hosts theater, dance and concerts year-round. Check the calendar before your trip.
• Dinner nearby. Old Town has dozens of restaurants within a few blocks. See our guide to iconic restaurants and patios for ideas.

Tips for a smoother Old Town day

• Time it with the season. Fall through spring is perfect for walking. In summer, do museums midday and stroll after sunset. Our weather by month guide shows what to expect.
• Book ahead for big weeks. During spring training and major events, restaurants fill up fast. See our peak season guide for dates.
• Use a rideshare at night. Old Town is a busy nightlife area on weekends, and getting dropped off is easier than finding parking.

Sources checked November 4, 2026: Experience Scottsdale (Old Town favorites and the Scottsdale ArtWalk listing). Hours and events change, so confirm with each venue before you go.