Scottsdale offers more than just luxury resorts and golf courses. Its compact downtown area is perfect for exploring on foot, with rich stories, unique eateries, and colorful art at every turn. What’s especially appealing about Scottsdale for walking tours is the ability to combine cultural discovery with culinary delights, making it a practical way to experience the city’s character without needing a car. Whether you’re keen on learning about its roots from a knowledgeable guide or savoring signature dishes in locally owned restaurants, Scottsdale’s walking tours deliver authentic experiences that cater to different interests and budgets.
For visitors eager to explore with a sense of community and culinary flair, these two top-rated walking tours stand out. Each offers a different approach—one a lively group experience and the other a private, tailored outing. Below, you’ll find detailed insights to help you choose the perfect tour for your Scottsdale adventure.
1. Old Town Scottsdale Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
At number one, this Old Town Scottsdale Walking Food Tour offers a lively, small-group experience that lasts about 3 hours and 30 minutes. For $105 per person, you’ll visit a selection of locally owned restaurants, sampling signature dishes while soaking in the sights and stories of Scottsdale’s transformation from citrus groves to a hub of luxury resorts and fine dining. This tour is perfect for those who want a well-rounded introduction to Scottsdale’s culinary scene, architecture, and cultural landmarks.
The tour kicks off at the Scottsdale meeting location, where your guide will explain Scottsdale’s early days. You’ll visit Los Olivos Mexican Patio, the oldest Mexican restaurant in town, operated by a founding family—a true taste of local tradition. Other stops include the Scottsdale Rodeo Museum, offering insights into Western exploration and settlement, and the Old Adobe Mission, the town’s oldest Catholic church. The walk continues through Scottsdale’s arts district, with galleries, statues, and shops creating a vibrant backdrop. End your day with a visit to the Sugar Bowl Malt Shop, where you can indulge in a classic malt.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on the stories behind each location and dish, plus the friendly, knowledgeable guide—”Chris was a phenomenal guide,” according to a recent review. The value is excellent for the price, considering the variety of culinary and cultural experiences packed into the 3.5 hours. It’s ideal for food lovers, history buffs, or anyone wanting to explore Scottsdale’s downtown with a relaxed, social vibe.
Bottom line: This tour combines history, culture, and cuisine in a way that feels natural and engaging. It’s a great choice if you prefer a guided experience that covers multiple landmarks with plenty of tastings along the way.
2. Private Walking Food Tour in Old Town Scottsdale
Next on our list is the Private Walking Food Tour, priced at $370 per person for approximately 3.5 hours. While this is a significant investment, it offers an exclusive, tailored experience that’s perfect for travelers seeking privacy or celebrating a special occasion. This tour covers much of the same core stops as the group tour, including Scottsdale’s historic sites, iconic restaurants like Los Olivos, and the arts district, but with a more personalized touch.
Your guide will customize the route based on your interests, making it suitable for small groups or individuals who want to spend more time at specific spots. The itinerary includes stops at famous local eateries and cultural landmarks, ensuring you experience the flavor of Scottsdale while enjoying a more intimate, flexible pace. As the guide shares stories about the city’s growth from citrus farm to luxury destination, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Scottsdale’s unique character.
While there are no reviews available yet, the advantages of this private tour are clear: flexibility, exclusivity, and a more personalized experience. It is best suited for travelers who prioritize privacy, have particular dietary preferences, or want a more in-depth exploration of Scottsdale’s food scene.
Bottom line: If you want a customized, museum-quality experience with the option to focus on specific interests or themes, this private tour offers that. However, for most visitors, the group tour provides excellent value and a lively atmosphere.
How to Choose Between These Scottsdale Walking Tours
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, preferred experience style, and how much guidance you want. The Old Town Scottsdale Walking Food Tour is an excellent all-in-one choice for travelers who enjoy social outings, lots of tastings, and engaging storytelling. It’s a great fit if you’re on a modest budget and want to meet fellow travelers.
The Private Walking Food Tour suits those seeking exclusivity or celebrating a special occasion. It’s perfect if you want to customize your experience or prefer a quieter, more relaxed pace.
In either case, booking early is advisable—especially during peak travel seasons—since Scottsdale’s appeal is growing, and tours can fill up quickly. Also, factor in your fitness level and interest in walking; both tours are designed for easy walking, but the private option allows more flexibility in pace and stops.
In summary, both tours provide excellent ways to explore Scottsdale’s culinary and cultural fabric. If you’re after a lively group experience filled with stories and tastings, the Old Town Scottsdale Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours should be at the top of your list. For those who want a more private, tailored adventure, the Private Walking Food Tour offers personalized attention and flexibility. Whichever you choose, you’ll leave with a better sense of Scottsdale’s character—and a satisfied palate.