The Top 5 City Tours In Scottsdale

The 5 Best City Tours in Scottsdale

Scottsdale isn’t just about golf courses and luxury resorts; it’s a city bursting with character, art, and history. With its lively Old Town, scenic parks, and unique neighborhoods, Scottsdale offers a variety of ways to explore beyond just a walk or drive. Whether you’re after a fun activity that keeps you moving, a deep dive into local culture, or something interactive and playful, the city has a tour that fits. This guide highlights the best city tours in Scottsdale, helping you find the perfect way to see the sights while enjoying some local flavor.

From a thrilling 2-hour Segway ride through iconic neighborhoods to a comprehensive city tour on a comfortable van, these options showcase Scottsdale’s diverse charms. For something a little different, try a scavenger hunt to test your puzzle-solving skills or a guided Jeep tour that reveals hidden stories and landmarks. Whatever your travel style, you’ll find a memorable experience waiting.

Quick Overview

Our list features five top Scottsdale city tours: a fun and scenic Segway tour, an in-depth city tour by van, a lively scavenger hunt by app, another interactive scavenger hunt, and a comprehensive guided Jeep tour. Each offers a different way to experience Scottsdale, so consider your interests, activity level, and how much time you have.

1. 2 Hour Segway Tour – Sunsets, Segways & City Lights

Starting with the most playful option on our list, the 2-hour Segway tour is a lively way to explore Scottsdale’s neighborhoods. This tour covers three major districts—Old Town, the arts district, and the waterfront—on a 7-mile (11 km) route. What sets this tour apart is its sunset departure, which means you’ll get to enjoy the city’s glow as the daylight fades, making it perfect for photographers or anyone who appreciates stunning twilight views.

The tour begins with a quick private practice session, so no experience is necessary—even absolute beginners can join. You’ll see landmarks like the Old Adobe Mission and the Rusty Spur Saloon, blending Scottsdale’s historic sites with vibrant street art and sculptures. Guides share local stories, and you’ll receive a curated list of food and activity suggestions afterward. The tour has a perfect 5-star rating from 89 reviews, with visitors praising the guides’ patience and the fun, relaxed atmosphere.

Bottom Line: This tour offers a fun, low-impact way to see Scottsdale’s highlights and is ideal for visitors who want an active, memorable experience at sunset. It’s great for first-timers and families alike.

2. Scottsdale City Tour

For those seeking a detailed overview of Scottsdale’s culture and history, the Scottsdale City Tour by van ticks all the boxes. Covering over 50 miles, it takes you through major landmarks and hidden sites alike, including Old Town, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and Papago Park. This tour is a bit longer at about three hours, making it suitable for travelers who want a comprehensive introduction.

One of the unique features is a stop at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve for a short nature walk, where your guide explains the desert flora and fauna. Pass by landmarks like the Frank Lloyd Wright Spire and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, gaining insights into both Scottsdale’s natural environment and its diverse cultural history. The guide’s enthusiasm is evident, and reviews reflect high satisfaction, especially noting the guide’s knowledge and friendliness.

This tour balances sightseeing with storytelling, making it ideal for history buffs and curious travelers. The value is excellent considering the length and depth of sites covered.

Bottom Line: If you prefer a relaxed, informative overview that includes both natural and cultural highlights, this van tour offers a broad and engaging perspective of Scottsdale.

3. Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Scottsdale by 3Quest Challenge

Looking for a playful way to explore Scottsdale? The 3Quest Challenge offers an interactive scavenger hunt via app, where you’ll find objects and complete challenges based on riddles. This activity is perfect for groups or families who enjoy puzzles, riddles, and a little friendly competition. The game is divided into three quests, and the goal is to finish all three within two hours, with a remote host available to help if needed.

The challenge involves finding specific items and completing challenges like taking photos or answering questions, all while exploring Scottsdale’s streets. It’s a flexible, engaging way to discover lesser-known spots and hidden stories. Since reviews are currently unavailable, it’s worth noting that this tour is budget-friendly at just $10 per person, making it an accessible option for a fun afternoon.

Bottom Line: This scavenger hunt offers a lively, self-guided experience perfect for teams or families wanting an active, puzzle-solving adventure — especially if you enjoy tech-based activities.

4. Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Scottsdale by Wacky Walks

Another app-based scavenger hunt, Wacky Walks turns exploring into a game where you compete to become the “King or Queen” of Scottsdale. It involves finding items around the city and completing challenges, with fun photo opportunities along the way. This tour is designed for groups looking for a playful, competitive activity that makes sightseeing feel like a game.

For $10 per person, you get about two hours of entertainment, and the app guides you through the city, making it accessible and easy to follow. This activity is especially suited for young travelers or groups of friends who want to add some humor and challenge to their day. The focus on challenges and photos helps you create lasting memories while exploring Scottsdale’s streets from a different perspective.

Bottom Line: If you’re after a light-hearted, interactive experience with friends or family, this scavenger hunt delivers fun and a bit of friendly competition.

5. Scottsdale: Guided City Tour by Jeep

Rounding out our list, the guided Jeep tour offers an adventurous way to see Scottsdale’s key sights. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour covers Old Town, Taliesin West, and the Soleri Bridge, with stops to learn about the city’s development. What makes this experience stand out is the off-road capability of the Jeep, giving you a more dynamic view of Scottsdale’s surroundings.

This three-hour tour is ideal for travelers who want a mix of sightseeing and storytelling. The guide shares insights about Scottsdale’s public artworks and its reputation as “The World’s Finest Golf Destination,” along with stories about WWII sites like the former prisoner of war camp. The tour is well-rated, with an emphasis on comfort and education.

Practical for those who want a bit of adventure without strenuous activity, this tour combines scenic views with interesting historical snippets. It’s perfect for families, history enthusiasts, or those seeking a more outdoorsy experience.

Bottom Line: If your idea of the perfect city tour involves a comfortable vehicle, engaging stories, and scenic stops, this Jeep tour is a prime choice.

How to Choose the Right Scottsdale City Tour

When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. For a quick, fun introduction with lots of photo opportunities, the Segway tour is perfect. If you want a detailed, relaxed overview with natural and cultural insights, the van city tour fits well.

For groups or families who love puzzles, the scavenger hunts and Wacky Walks are excellent options, offering interactive fun at a low cost. Those seeking adventure and local stories combined with scenic views should consider the Jeep tour.

Booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to secure your preferred time. Think about how active you want to be—the Segway and scavenger hunts require minimal physical effort, while the Jeep tour offers a relaxing ride with plenty of storytelling.

Final Thoughts

Scottsdale’s diversity shines through in its city tours. If you’re after a fun, active experience, the Segway tour is a top pick. For a comprehensive look at the city’s history and sights, the van tour offers depth and comfort. Those with a competitive spirit or love puzzles will appreciate the scavenger hunts. Finally, for a scenic, story-rich adventure, the Jeep tour combines off-road fun with cultural insights.

No matter your travel style, booking early and choosing the right tour can turn your Scottsdale visit into a memorable adventure. Whether you prefer exploring on a Segway, learning from a guide, or solving riddles, the city offers something uniquely suited to your interests. Happy exploring!