Explore Old Town Scottsdale on a self-guided audio walk that traces its shift from frontier farming to Southwestern art hub. Expect galleries, public sculpture, and historic sites across a mostly flat 2–2.5 hour route.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You stand at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, pavement warm underfoot, palms sketched against a clear blue sky. Glass storefronts flash pottery and paintings; a bronze figure watches Main Street like an old ranch hand. The audio tour’s voice begins, and the district opens like a map of arrivals and arrivals—trading posts turned galleries, ranching roots beneath a modern art scene.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–2.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires continuous walking on flat city streets for up to 2.5 hours.
Wildlife
History
Old Town grew from a late-1800s farming and trading settlement; Native American trading posts evolved into today’s galleries, while public art installations like Nevelson’s 1973 piece marked Scottsdale’s cultural shift.
Conservation
Scottsdale sits in the Sonoran Desert—be mindful of water use, stay on paved paths, and support local businesses to encourage sustainable cultural tourism.
Reserve your spot on the Old Town Scottsdale's Art District: A Self-Guided Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Download before you go
Install the VoiceMap app and redeem your eight-character code at home to ensure offline access to audio and maps.
Beat the heat
Start early in summer—temperatures spike by late morning; schedule indoor gallery stops or a shaded lunch break.
Carry water and wear good shoes
Sidewalks are easy but continuous walking over 2+ hours makes hydration and supportive footwear important.
Check gallery hours and photo policies
Not all galleries open daily; some restrict photography—ask staff and plan visits accordingly.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive shoes make the two-hour urban route comfortable on pavement and curbs.
Smartphone with VoiceMap app & headphones
Required to redeem the tour code, hear commentary, and follow turn-by-turn directions.
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial in Scottsdale’s heat, especially from late spring through early fall.
summer
Sun hat and sunscreen
Protects against strong Arizona sun during outdoor stretches of the walk.
summer