7 Exciting Things to Do in Scottsdale in March

March is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and fun months to visit Scottsdale, Arizona. Besides relaxing at the pool, there are tons of exciting outdoor activities that will allow you to enjoy Arizona’s sunny spring weather. 

Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, you’ll never be bored when visiting Scottsdale in March. From baseball games to art festivals, there’s truly something fun that everyone will love. Here are seven of the best things to do in Scottsdale that are waiting for you this spring!

Relax at the McCormick Stillman Railroad Park

Visiting the park is the perfect way to appreciate Scottsdale’s warm, temperate weather. Scottsdale has over 40 parks to explore, but perhaps the best of them all is the McCormick Stillman Railroad Park. 

There are plenty of fun things to do and see at the McCormick Stillman Railroad Park. This 30-acre park offers unique activities that the whole family will love, including the Paradise and Pacific Railroad, the Scottsdale Railroad Museum, and the Model Railroad Building. 

This is the perfect activity for families with young kids—they’ll love the vintage carousel, one-of-a-kind playgrounds, and treats from Hartley’s General Store. Admission to the park and museums are free! Check out this list of free things to do in Scottsdale if you’re looking for more free activities like this one!

Adventure in the McDowell Sonoran Desert Preserve

March is the ideal time to get outside and explore the gorgeous Arizona desert in full bloom—and there’s no better place to explore than the McDowell Sonoran Desert Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona. 

Here are some outdoor adventures you can enjoy during the month of March:

Hiking 

Scottsdale and Phoenix are great locations for hiking. Popular hiking trails that offer a spectacular view of the desert include Pinnacle Peak, Camelback Mountain, and McDowell Mountain.

Horseback Riding 

Take your family on a western adventure with a horseback riding tour in the scenic Arizona mountains! Both beginner and experienced riders will enjoy this fun activity that gives you the chance to admire the gorgeous view at a relaxed pace. 

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Want to share an unforgettable experience with your family and friends during your time in Scottsdale, AZ? There’s not a better way to enjoy a breathtaking, panoramic desert view than on a hot air balloon ride. Travel hundreds of feet into the beautiful Arizona sky for a spectacular day that you’ll never forget! 

Peruse the Scottsdale Art District 

March is the perfect time to explore the outdoor fine arts events in Downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ. 

Every Thursday night, over 100 art galleries in Downtown Scottsdale open their doors for art lovers to explore the city’s unique galleries, fine art displays, and local collections. This free event is known as the Scottsdale ArtWalk, and it’s a fun event for locals and visitors alike to attend. 

On select Thursdays during the year, the Scottsdale Gallery Association sponsors ArtWalk events in the Marshall Way Arts District, including live music, entertainment, and food & beverages samples for those exploring the galleries to enjoy. 

If you’re still looking for more art events, Downtown Phoenix hosts First Friday, a free art event that features nearly 80 galleries and studios in the city for free, on the first Friday of every month.

Visit Local Arizona Museums 

Taking a tour of Scottsdale’s many local museums and historical landmarks or visiting the performing arts center is one of the best things to do with your family when trading in the hot sun for a cool, air-conditioned activity. 

Heard Museum 

The Heard Museum is one of the most famous museums in the Phoenix area, known for its expansive collection of American Indian art and the dedication to the presentation, interpretation, and advancement of American Indian art and culture. 

The Heard Museum is located in Downtown Phoenix, and tickets cost $17 per adult.

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) is dedicated to contemporary art, fine art, architecture, and design exhibitions. 

Tickets are $10 per adult and only $7 for students. 

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is a Smithsonian affiliate museum and has frequently been ranked the #1 museum in Scottsdale. Their mission is to educate, inspire, and engage their guests with the unique story of the Western region of the United States. 

Tickets cost $20 per adult.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West

Taliesin West is a UNESCO World Heritage site and National Historic Landmark in Scottsdale, AZ. It’s currently home to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture and is available to tour during your visit to Scottsdale. 

Tickets range from $35 to $75 per adult. Children and students can receive discounts on tours. 

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts hosts live concerts and shows by the best artists on Broadway, in classical music and dance, and more. To see what music and art events are happening next at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, view their website’s upcoming events list.

Watch a Spring Training Game

Major League Baseball spring training is arguably the most popular March activity in Scottsdale, AZ. In 2018, 1,774,978 fans attended 231 spring training games in Arizona—and 60% of fans were visiting from out of state. 

Here are a few stadiums where you and your family can see a Cactus League game while visiting Scottsdale in March:

Scottsdale Stadium

Scottsdale Stadium is the spring training home of the San Francisco Giants. This stadium is located in Old Town Scottsdale and recently experienced some significant renovations and upgrades.

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick

Salt River Fields is the only MLB facility that is built on Native American land. The facility is the training home of Arizona’s own, the Arizona Diamondbacks, as well as the Colorado Rockies.

Walk Around Scottsdale’s Outdoor Shopping Centers

Scottsdale is Arizona’s premier shopping destination—and there’s no better time to take advantage of Scottsdale’s fabulous outdoor shopping centers than March!

Old Town Scottsdale

If you’re looking for a unique, cultural shopping experience right in the heart of Scottsdale, Old Town Scottsdale is the perfect place for you! Old Town offers tons of award-winning restaurants, unique, historic bars like the Rusty Spur Saloon, as well as local shops for Arizona souvenirs, authentic western furniture, and décor.

Kierland Commons

Kierland Commons is a sophisticated and unique outdoor shopping center in Central Scottsdale. They feature local Arizona restaurants with outdoor dining, like Postino Wine Cafe and Zinc Bistro, and various luxury shopping options like Michael Kors, Tesla, and Crate & Barrel.

Scottsdale Quarter

Just across the street from Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter is another trendy, outdoor shopping center that’s great to walk around and shop ‘till you drop. They also host tons of fun events at The Quad, a recreational area at the shopping mall’s center. 

During your time at Scottsdale Quarter, get a table at one of the shopping center’s restaurants, including upscale dining experiences like Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, casual eateries like Zinburger and True Food Kitchen, and ice cream shops like Creamistry. Or, go shopping at Scottsdale Quarter’s large retails chains like Apple and H&M or luxury stores like Restoration Hardware. 

Attend a Food & Drink Event

March is an excellent time to explore the food and drink events in Scottsdale, Arizona, or the neighboring city of Phoenix. Here are a few to look into: 

• Agave on the Rocks—This adults-only annual festival features gourmet food, Latin-inspired music, and margaritas at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. 
• Nomadic Mead Making & Tasting—See how mead is made at Thunderbird Lounge for only $35 per person—you’ll even be able to create your own bottle of mead that you’ll get to take with you. 
• Farm to Table Plant-Based Cooking Class—Learn about authentic farm-to-table, plant-based cooking at The Farm at South Mountain in Phoenix.
  

If you’re traveling to Scottsdale during spring break with kids, don’t miss out ultimate guide for even more fun things to do!

Relax in a Spacious, Luxury Vacation Rental During Your Trip to Scottsdale

Unwind in a luxury vacation home after a busy spring day of exploring Scottsdale, Arizona.

Our vacation rentals are designed with you in mind. Each home is comfortable, spacious, and includes tons of stylish features and top-notch amenities to make your trip to Scottsdale fun and memorable. 

Contact us today to stay in one of our luxury Scottsdale vacation rentals this March. We’re never more than a phone call away!