Scottsdale is a city that offers more than just stunning desert scenery; it’s a place where history, art, and modern leisure blend seamlessly. Whether you want to glide effortlessly through Old Town on a Segway, learn about the city’s past on a guided van tour, or challenge yourself with a scavenger hunt, Scottsdale has a tour that fits your style. We particularly enjoy the Sunsets, Segways & City Lights tour for its lively combination of scenic views and beginner-friendly fun, and the Scottsdale City Tour for those interested in a deeper historical dive. For something a bit more playful, the Fun City Scavenger Hunt offers a quick, lively way to experience local spots while competing with friends.
If you’re short on time but want a private, tailored experience, the Phoenix Scottsdale Private 4 Hour City Highlights Tour is a solid choice. Meanwhile, the Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Scottsdale by 3Quest Challenge and Wacky Walks bring a sense of adventure and humor that’s perfect for families or groups of friends. Whatever your interests and energy level, Scottsdale’s variety of tours deliver a memorable way to see the city beyond the usual sightseeing.
1. 2 Hour Segway Tour – Sunsets, Segways & City Lights
At number 1 on our list, the 2 Hour Segway Tour – Sunsets, Segways & City Lights offers an energetic way to explore three Scottsdale neighborhoods. You’ll visit iconic landmarks like the Old Adobe Mission and the Rusty Spur Saloon, making stops at the Scottsdale Waterfront and Civic Center Mall. What sets this tour apart is its focus on scenic views at sunset, perfect for capturing that golden desert light. The tour begins with a private practice session, so even beginners can feel comfortable on the Segway.
Guests consistently praise the guide’s patience and local knowledge—one reviewer noted, “Luke was very knowledgeable and super fun,” which makes for a memorable experience. The seven-mile route covers Old Town, the arts district, and the waterfront, ensuring you see Scottsdale’s most photogenic spots without feeling rushed. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a fun, active tour with a relaxed evening vibe. The cost is $89 per person, and the reviews give it a perfect 5/5.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a lively, scenic introduction to Scottsdale that’s suitable for all levels, this sunset Segway tour is hard to beat.
2. Scottsdale City Tour
Number 2 on our list is the Scottsdale City Tour, which covers over 50 miles of history and culture in roughly three hours. Using a 14-passenger van, the tour provides a comfortable, rundown of Scottsdale’s landmarks and lesser-known stories, like the secret tunnel dug by German WWII soldiers. It’s perfect for travelers who want a mix of sightseeing and storytelling in a relatively short time.
Highlights include the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, where you’ll take a brief nature walk to learn about desert flora and fauna, and a stop at the Frank Lloyd Wright Spire. The tour also passes by important sites like Papago Park and Salt River Pima-Maricopa Native American community. The guide’s enthusiasm makes history engaging, and the fact that the tour is rated 5/5 from 16 reviews suggests it’s a dependable choice.
This tour is priced at $100 per person, offering good value considering the breadth of sights covered. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer a guided experience with storytelling and want to see a wide variety of Scottsdale’s highlights.
Bottom Line: For those interested in a well-rounded, informative tour that balances nature, history, and architecture, this van tour is a top pick.
3. Scottsdale: Guided City Tour
At number 3, the Scottsdale: Guided City Tour provides a relaxed, air-conditioned van experience that explores both Old Town and Scottsdale’s most celebrated sites. Led by an expert guide, this three-hour tour offers a taste of Scottsdale’s public artworks, including the famous Soleri Bridge, and the chance to learn why Scottsdale is renowned as “The World’s Finest Golf Destination.”
A special feature of this tour is the visit to Taliesin West, where you’ll discover how Frank Lloyd Wright used local desert stones and sand in his designs. The guide shares insights into Scottsdale’s evolution from a dusty cowboy town to a stylish desert city. With only one review rating it a perfect 5/5, it’s a newer but promising option for travelers seeking a comfortable, educational overview.
Tickets cost $135, reflecting the personalized storytelling and curated stops. This tour suits travelers interested in architecture, public art, and Scottsdale’s development.
Bottom Line: For a more leisurely, in-depth look at Scottsdale’s architecture and art, this guided van tour offers a personalized touch.
$135 per person
4. Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Scottsdale by 3Quest Challenge
Number 4 is the Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Scottsdale by 3Quest Challenge, a lively and interactive way to explore the city’s streets. Using a smartphone app, you’ll complete riddles and challenges across three separate quests—a perfect activity for pairs or groups looking for a quick, fun experience. It costs only $10 per person and lasts about two hours.
This scavenger hunt is designed to be flexible, allowing you to choose your own route and pace while tackling challenges that involve finding objects, taking photos, and solving puzzles. An optional remote host helps if you get stuck. It’s ideal for families, groups of friends, or anyone who enjoys a bit of friendly competition.
While it hasn’t been reviewed yet, the affordable price and interactive format make it a great option for those looking for a casual, fun way to see Scottsdale differently. You’ll get a taste of the city’s hidden corners and quirky spots without the usual tourist overload.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a flexible, technology-driven adventure, this scavenger hunt offers a budget-friendly and engaging way to discover Scottsdale.
$10.00 per person
5. Phoenix Scottsdale Private 4 Hour City Highlights Tour
Number 5 on our list is the Phoenix Scottsdale Private 4 Hour City Highlights Tour. This tailored experience offers an intimate look at both Phoenix and Scottsdale in a private vehicle. The itinerary includes stops at the Downtown Phoenix district, the Arizona Capitol Museum, and the Arizona Biltmore resort, plus a visit to Wrigley Mansion.
The private tour’s strength is its flexibility—your guide customizes the route based on your interests, and you can focus on landmarks like the Taliesin West or explore lesser-known gems. It’s priced at $850 per group (up to 5), making it a good value for families or small groups wanting a personalized, in-depth exploration.
Reviews are limited, but the itinerary hints at a comprehensive experience suited for travelers who prefer a private, customizable tour with a mix of architectural, cultural, and historic sights. Perfect for those who want full control over their sightseeing.
Bottom Line: For a bespoke, private experience exploring both Phoenix and Scottsdale, this tour offers maximum flexibility and comfort.
$850.00 per group (up to 5)
6. Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Scottsdale by Operation City Quest
At number 6, the Scavenger Hunt Adventure by Operation City Quest is another app-based contest that combines strategy and exploration. It costs $10 per person and lasts about two hours. Using an app, you’ll gather points by completing tasks and finding objects in any order, competing on a live leaderboard.
This experience is great for teams or families who want to explore at their own pace, with a remote host available for support via chat. The flexible format encourages problem-solving and creative thinking as you navigate Scottsdale’s streets, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy interactive activities over traditional tours.
Since there are no reviews, consider this a fun, casual option for those wanting a quick dose of adventure. It’s a budget-friendly way to see some local highlights with a competitive edge.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a strategic, self-guided challenge, this scavenger hunt delivers a fun, flexible experience.
$10.00 per person
7. Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Scottsdale by Wacky Walks
The final pick, Wacky Walks, invites you to walk around Scottsdale while completing challenges in a royal-themed scavenger hunt. For $10 per person, you’ll compete to find items and complete challenges, taking photos along the way to earn points. The game lasts approximately two hours, making it a quick, energetic activity.
Ideal for families or groups who want to combine walking, fun challenges, and friendly rivalry, Wacky Walks offers a lighthearted way to see the city’s streets and interact with its public spaces. There are no reviews yet, but the format is proven to entertain those who enjoy interactive, game-like experiences.
It’s best suited for active groups looking for an engaging, informal adventure—no need for prior experience, just a willingness to have fun.
Bottom Line: For a playful, social experience, this scavenger hunt adds a unique twist to exploring Scottsdale on foot.
$10.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Scottsdale Tour
Choosing the best tour depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you have. If you want active fun and are comfortable on a Segway, the Sunsets, Segways & City Lights tour is a standout. For those seeking a rundown with storytelling, the Scottsdale City Tour offers great value. If your priority is personalized attention, the Private 4-Hour Tour is perfect.
For a budget-friendly, playful experience, the Wacky Walks and 3Quest Challenge are excellent options. Those interested in architecture and art might prefer the guided van tour or the classic city highlights.
Remember, booking early is wise during peak seasons, especially for guided tours, to secure your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
Scottsdale offers a broad range of city exploring options, from the thrill of riding a Segway at sunset to engaging in scavenger hunts that turn the city into a game board. If you’re after a fun, active introduction, the Segway tour is a top recommendation. For those who enjoy learning about local history and architecture, the guided van tour and private highlights tour are excellent. And for travelers wanting a lighthearted, interactive experience, the scavenger hunts provide a playful way to discover Scottsdale.
No matter which you choose, these tours promise a richer, more engaging way to see this desert city. Consider your interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend, then book early to ensure a smooth, memorable Scottsdale adventure.