Things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona (AZ): The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

October 8, 2021 Agatha Simes

Scottsdale has more spas per capita than any other city in the U.S.—so whether you’re looking for the latest medi-spa technology or a new-agey, bohemian vibe, there’s sure to be something for you. It's a good thing, too—after spending all day touring the beautiful desert, you'll be grateful for some pampering.
Restaurants in Scottsdale

1. Private Grand Canyon Day Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale

Scottsdale, AZ, USA DukOUT Adventures
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

The name says it all, “The Grand Canyon”, one of the World’s most magnificent natural wonders. This full day tour includes transportation from Phoenix/Scottsdale to the Grand Canyon where you will see the most incredible views of the Canyon, learn about its immense history, and enjoy lunch (included) looking out over one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. The profound history, culture, and local artistry will give you a sense of stepping back in time. The tour also detours through the Sedona Red Rock region to offer great views of the iconic rock formations as well as a short detour down historic Route 66 into Williams for a short stop at in this historic town.

Inclusions: National Park fees, Bottled water, Lunch, Snacks, Professional guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By jjrush

Tyler made our day fun- a great, moderate, scenic hike with a quintessential western lunch. We stopped at lovely wineries with great wine. But best of all was Tyler..... he was the best date we ever paid for!!! ????

2. Scottsdale Segway Tour - Evening

4140 N Miller Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA Scottsdale Segway Tours
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Experience our longest ride through Scottsdale on your own personal Segway transporter, taking in the the beautiful scenery and several art installations, while learning about the historical background of Old Town and the culture which still remains. After a brief training session in a controlled parking lot, our guide will whisk you through Downtown Scottsdale, including Old Town, the Arts District, and the Waterfront. With more than 30 points of interests on this 7-mile route, you will walk away from the tour with several suggestions (and our exclusive Passport to Savings!) for local food, activities, and places to visit to help occupy the rest of your trip.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Use of Segway

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By 406megw

Shane was the absolute best tour guide. We had a ton of fun and saw parts of Scottsdale we may have missed on our own.

3. Scottsdale Hiking Tour

31402 N 136th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85262, USA Off-Road Jeep Adventures
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

TripAdvisor's 2019-2020 #1 ranked outdoor activity. Experience the Sonoran desert on the scenic trails of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Your professional tour guide will teach you about Sonoran desert flora, fauna and Native American history throughout the Granite Mountain hike. Covid-19 precautions: The entire activity will occur outdoors. All non-cohabitating hikers must stand at least 6 feet away from other non-cohabitating hikers and the Tour Guides. Difficulty: Moderate, rocky and loose terrain. Every hiker must have a moderate physical fitness level and no medical conditions or physical limitations that would preclude them from safely completing a moderate hike.

Inclusions: Tour Guide, Bottled water

Exclusions: Closed-toed hiking shoes, Contactless gratuity through the Venmo app

Reviewed By 217brianap

My partner and I joined Stephen and another couple on a 2-hr Desert Jeep tour and it was truly the highlight of our trip. I recommend this tour for anyone not familiar with the desert (like me). I'm sure he saved me a trip to the emergency room as I initially wanted to touch everything haha. Stephen was such a joy to ride with. He made us feel confident and safe on the tour as he is a retired pilot. He is knowledgeable about the area and you could tell he has a real passion and respect for Arizona. If you are second guessing it, go right along and book it. And ask for Stephen.

4. Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour

Village At Pinnacle Peak, 8711 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA Off-Road Jeep Adventures
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5.0 based on 122 reviews

Our rigorous Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour is a low-speed, bumpy sightseeing tour of the scenic Sonoran desert via the Tonto National Forest. Your professional tour guide, who is a certified off-road driver and the only driver throughout your Jeep tour, will teach you about the Sonoran desert flora and fauna on the most scenic trails in the Scottsdale area. Your daytime tour will trek through spectacular Jeep trails leading to the Verde River, where guests can catch a glimpse of our roaming wild horse population. Vehicles used: Jeep YJ (7 seats). Off-Road Jeep Adventures is a special recreation permit-holder through the U.S. Department of Agriculture: Cave Creek Ranger District and the U.S. Department of the Interior: Bureau of Land Management.

Inclusions: Bottled water

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Reviewed By 217brianap

My partner and I joined Stephen and another couple on a 2-hr Desert Jeep tour and it was truly the highlight of our trip. I recommend this tour for anyone not familiar with the desert (like me). I'm sure he saved me a trip to the emergency room as I initially wanted to touch everything haha. Stephen was such a joy to ride with. He made us feel confident and safe on the tour as he is a retired pilot. He is knowledgeable about the area and you could tell he has a real passion and respect for Arizona. If you are second guessing it, go right along and book it. And ask for Stephen.

5. 1.5 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tour

Scottsdale Segway Tours, 4140 N Miller Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA Scottsdale Segway Tours
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4.9 based on 93 reviews

Enjoy the beautiful scenery and learn about some of the history, art, and culture of our gorgeous city. Our guide will teach you how to ride a Segway in a large, controlled area and then you'll glide through the Old Town and Downtown area. You'll get a great introduction to more than 20 points of interests and walk away from the tour with several suggestions for local places to eat, visit, and shop throughout Scottsdale.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Use of Segway, Use of Helmet (required)

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By 406megw

Shane was the absolute best tour guide. We had a ton of fun and saw parts of Scottsdale we may have missed on our own.

6. Scottsdale Segway Tour - 2hr

4140 N Miller Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA Scottsdale Segway Tours
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4.9 based on 8 reviews

Experience our longest ride through Scottsdale on your own personal Segway transporter, taking in the the beautiful scenery and several art installations, while learning about the historical background of Old Town and the culture which still remains. After a brief training session in a controlled parking lot, our guide will whisk you through Downtown Scottsdale, including Old Town, the Arts District, and the Waterfront. With more than 30 points of interests on this 7-mile route, you will walk away from the tour with several suggestions (and our exclusive Passport to Savings!) for local food, activities, and places to visit to help occupy the rest of your trip.

Inclusions: Use of Segway, Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By 406megw

Shane was the absolute best tour guide. We had a ton of fun and saw parts of Scottsdale we may have missed on our own.

7. Private Half-Day Apache Trail Tour with Pickup

My Arizona Guide
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4.7 based on 3 reviews

Tour The Superstition Mountains and the historic Apache Trail. Great scenery, unique history, fantastic geology and a great way to learn about the plants and animals of The Sonoran Desert.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By Kevin K

This was a great tour. David is extremely knowledgeable about the area's history, the animals, the plants, and the sky. He shared a lot of great information. Well paced tour. It was a clear night, with an unfortunate full moon, but David made the best of it and showed us many constellations and features. Great snacks too! Will do this or another MyArizonaGuide tour next time we are in the area. Thank you David!

8. Small-Group or Private Deluxe Phoenix and Scottsdale Day Trip

Phoenix, AZ, USA DETOURS of Arizona
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4.4 based on 117 reviews

This tour of Phoenix and Scottsdale showcases the highlights of Arizona’s largest cities in the Sonoran Desert. During this small-group tour, you’ll get a sense of what these gems of the desert have to offer. Phoenix currently holds the title of fastest-growing city in the United States and boasts a tremendous diversity of culture, scenery and history. Meanwhile, Scottsdale, though a smaller neighboring city of Phoenix, showcases a vibrant downtown district full of local businesses and cultural centers.

Inclusions: 5.5-hour tour, Bottled water, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Local guide, All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food

Reviewed By jp8140

My husband and I enjoyed everything about this trip! Our tour guide,Jason, gave much information about history and nature along the way.

9. Private Phoenix and Scottsdale Half-Day City Tour

DETOURS of Arizona

Explore the famous architecture, modern art, and desert views that make the cities of Phoenix and Scottsdale such a magical sight. This half-day tour showcases the city's tremendous diversity of culture, scenery, and history, set against the backdrop of the Sonoran Desert. Your pickup begins your excursion to explore the historic Arizona State Capitol building, Old Town Scottsdale, the incredible architecture of the "Jewel of the Desert" at the Arizona Biltmore, and one of the beautiful mountain parks in the Valley.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Pickup and drop-off , Professional, local guide, All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food, Third Party Vendors & Attractions unless specified above

Reviewed By jp8140

My husband and I enjoyed everything about this trip! Our tour guide,Jason, gave much information about history and nature along the way.

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