Top 10 things to do in Scottsdale Arizona: While attending Benevity Live! 2026

As a corporate social responsibility (CSR) professional, you might be in Scottsdale Arizona for Benevity Live! 2026. If you’re lucky enough to visit, you can get the most out of your trip by seeing all that Scottsdale has to offer. Below are ten experiences worth making the trip for.
 

Top 10 things to do in Scottsdale Arizona 

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1. Explore walkable Old Town

Old Town Scottsdale is the city's beating heart — and one of the most walkable districts in the Southwest. Galleries, boutiques, rooftop bars and some of the best Mexican food in Arizona are all within strolling distance of each other. Come for an afternoon and you'll find yourself lingering and lounging well after dark. Start at Scottsdale Road and head south; the rest takes care of itself.

2. Hike scenic Camelback Mountain

No visit to Scottsdale is complete without taking in the views atop Camelback Mountain. Sitting right in the middle of the metro area, it’s easy to find and impossible to ignore. The Echo Canyon and Cholla trails both reward the effort with sweeping 360-degree views over the Valley of the Sun. Go early — the sun gets serious fast, and trailhead parking lots fill up in the early morning hours on weekends. 

3. Discover the McDowell Sonoran Preserve

At over 36,000 acres, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is one of the largest urban preserves in the United States. Miles of hiking and biking trails wind through protected Sonoran Desert habitat — saguaros, wildlife and peaceful silence included. Grab a trail map at the Gateway Trailhead and give yourself at least a half day. This is Scottsdale showing off.

4. Hit the Thursday night ArtWalk

Every Thursday evening, the Scottsdale Arts District comes alive with gallery openings, artist receptions and free street-level art you can wander through at your own pace. More than 80 galleries participate in the weekly ArtWalk, making it one of the most celebrated free cultural events in the American Southwest. It runs year-round, so if your Benevity Live! schedule puts you in town on a Thursday, make time for this one.

5. Ride the Greenbelt

Pedal or stroll through the stunning Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt which stretches 15 to 20 miles through the heart of Scottsdale. This car-free urban escape boasts park-lined bike paths, neighbouring glistening lakes and rolling green golf courses. Connecting the city north to south, you can rent a bike at one of several local shops, pack water and cruise into the sunset. 

6. Catch a game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick

You don’t have to be a ball fan to appreciate the rare beauty of Salt River Fields. Consistently ranked among the best Spring Training facilities in Major League Baseball, there’s a particular desert magic at Salt River — the crack of the bat echoing off open sky, the sun sinking slow and golden behind the outfield. Even if you're no die-hard fan, don’t pass up the opportunity to experience one of America’s oldest pastimes in the uniquely unhurried, sun-soaked cactus country. Be sure to check the schedule ahead of your trip.

7. Float over red roads in a hot air balloon

There are few better ways to see the Sonoran Desert than from 2,000 feet up, drifting quietly over rose gold terrain at sunrise. Several outfitters in the Scottsdale area offer guided balloon rides, typically landing in time for a champagne breakfast. It's the kind of experience that sounds like a splurge and feels like a bargain once you're sky high.

8. Play a round (or four) on world-class green

Scottsdale has more golf courses than almost any city on the planet — from glamorous resort infrastructure to hidden local gems. Picture a fairway edged in saguaro, a dip-dyed pink and orange skyline, we’re certain you’ll fall in love with the red rock formations framing every backswing. Whether you're a beginner or someone who plans trips around tee times, you'll find a course here worth crossing off the list. The breath-taking desert beauty alone is worth the green fee.

9. Unwind at the spa of your choice 

If the kind folks in Scottsdale appear to exude serenity and calm, it might be because the city boasts more resort spas per capita than any other American city. And before you ask, yes, the quality matches the quantity. From stone massage and hydrotherapy to full-day wellness retreats, the options range from indulgent to grounding. If the conference schedule leaves you with an afternoon free, this is an easy call.

10. Join us at Benevity Live! 2026

If you're reading this, chances are you already know about Benevity Live! — the annual gathering of impact leaders, grantmakers and purpose-driven professionals from around the world. Needless to say, we'd be remiss not to put this event at the top of your Scottsdale bucket list. Sessions, workshops, world-renowned speakers, networking and a few surprises — all set against one of the most spectacular desert backdrops in North America. We'll see you there.
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Final thoughts on getting the most out of your Scottsdale trip

Whether you find yourself in a hot air balloon at sunrise, hitting the green or hiking some peaks,  there’s no wrong way to do Scottsdale. Though, it would be a shame as a CSR professional to find yourself in Arizona this June and not check out one of the biggest conferences in town. If you aren’t familiar with the conference, here are 10 reasons why Benevity Live! is a can’t-miss event. No matter what your bucket list consists of, we’re confident you’ll love sun-soaked Scottsdale.