Free Things To Do In Scottsdale On Your Next Trip | Traveling On A Budget

Dec 17, 2024

Last Updated on: Jul 3, 2025

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Scottsdale has always been popular as an upscale tourist destination. However, if you have an explorer in you and you have a stringent budget to follow, there is no dearth of free things to do in Scottsdale.

Almost 300 days of sunshine every year and a vast desert landscape have made Scottsdale ideal for all types of outdoor pursuits. You can swim in the clear lake waters, hike or bike along the trails to explore the city, and visit the museums without spending a fortune. 

So, no wonder the “Scottsdale Tourism Study – Visitor Statistics” published by the Tourism and Events Department of the City of Scottsdale has promising figures to flaunt. 

“Scottsdale hosted an estimated 4.8 million domestic overnight visitors, 1.5 million international overnight visitors, and 4.9 million domestic day trip visitors in 2023. The annual number of international visitors increased by 380,000, and the number of domestic day trip visitors increased by 100,000 over 2022.“

Nevertheless, we all love platforms like Free Fun Guides, and those really give us kick-ass ideas while planning travels on a shoestring. Here, in this Tour and Travel guide, I have tried to curate similar ideas backed by approvals from local experts. 

Free Things To Do In Scottsdale | Traveling Scottsdale On A Budget 

Free Things To Do In Scottsdale Traveling Scottsdale On A Budget

On average, a trip to Scottsdale will cost you around $250-300. A large portion of this expenditure will go into your passage money and hotel or resort charges. 

So, the free things to do in Scottsdale will really help you control your budget without compromising on your travel experience. Let’s check out the options.

1. Visit The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

Address: 7374 E 2nd St, Scottsdale

Phone Number: +1 480-874-4666

Free Entry: 12-9 PM on Every Thursday

As the name suggests, this museum is a hub of contemporary sculpture and art. As you explore the museum, you will get to see the best public art, like:

  • Hopi Deity by C. Doug Weigel
  • Mustang Wall by Ken Williams
  • One with the Eagle by Pat Mathiesen
  • Ambient Landscape by Janet Taylor
  • Tree of Life, Papago Park City Boundary Project by Jodi Pinto, etc.

Furthermore, the museum has the Scottsdale Center For The Performing Arts. It celebrates the best of musical events, discussions, and other performances. Keep checking with the museum authority to know about the events during your visit to Scottsdale. 

2. Explore The Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market

Address: 3806 N Brown Ave, Scottsdale

Phone Number:  +1 623-848-1234

The Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market is a seasonal marketplace in Arizona. In 2024-20525, the market will remain open between October 5th and April 26th. The market timing is 8 AM to 1 PM. 

In its 14th year, the marketplace is the biggest hub of local farmers, growers and farming products. From more than 100 growers in the market, you can collect pesticide-free products. 

Apples and ciders are the most in-demand specialties in the market. Further, you can collect essentials like pork, beef and fish from this market. 

3. Be Familiar With Desert Life At McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Be Familiar With Desert Life At McDowell Sonoran Preserve

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is home to desert vegetation and many multi-use trails. These trails are not motorized, and you can explore them on foot or horseback. The trails present in this preserve are:

  • Gateway Loop Trail
  • Bajada Nature Trail
  • Tom’s Thumb Trail

Furthermore, this desert preserve is the largest in the area, and it offers free entry every day. You will find at least 1000 types of plants and animals here. Various types of animals here include amphibians, mammals, birds, and reptiles. 

Rattlesnakes are found in abundance across all trails. So, wear appropriate footwear and carry a hiking stick. 

4. Make The Most Of The Scottsdale Fashion Square

Do you want to explore the best shopping area of Scottsdale and the entire Southwest? Scottsdale Fashion Square will be the most premium destination to explore your shopping spree. 

In every corner of the Scottsdale Fashion Square, you will find brands like Burberry, Gucci, Boss Hugo Boss, etc., offering their best collections.

Furthermore, it is a prominent zone to relish the best dining and entertainment scenario in the city. 

Taking a stroll through the Scottsdale Fashion Square is an experience in itself, and it’s absolutely free of cost. 

5. Hike Through The Tom’s Thumb Trailhead

Hike Through The Tom’s Thumb Trailhead

Difficulty Level: Challenging

Tom’s Thumb Elevation:  3,670 Feet

Trail Distance: 4.6 Miles

The Tom’s Thumb Trailhead is at 128 St near the Ranch Gate end. The final destination of this trail is the Tom’s Thumb, a dramatic rock formation with a terrain of loose gravel. The climbs here are very steep, making the hike more difficult. 

Furthermore, throughout the hike, you will come across the following iconic vistas and landmarks.

  • Windgate Overlook
  • Gardener’s Wall
  • Sven Slab
  • Mesquite Canyon
  • Windmill Trail

However, the biggest highlight of this hike is the Marcus Landslide Trail. By exploring this trail, you will get to know about the “2nd largest landslide in Arizona.” 

Throughout the trail, you will find amenities like restrooms and horse-trailer parking. However, there is no drinking water facility throughout the route. So, carry water and hydrating agents to sail through this hot desert weather. 

6. Hike Through The Brown’s Ranch Trailhead

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Elevation Gain: Around 100 Feet

Trail Loop Distance: 3.1 Miles

The Brown’s Ranch Trailhead initiates a beautiful hiking trail in Scottsdale. It is located at 30301 N. Alma School Parkway. This trail remains open for hiking from sunrise to sunset. Further, you can park your car here for free. 

As the trail winds through the Ranch area, you will get to explore the most beautiful desert landscape. The hiking path looks all the more beautiful during the springtime. Desert wildflowers are in their full glory in this season. 

7. Visit The Eldorado Park 

Address: 2311 N Miller Road, Scottsdale

Phone Number: +1 480-312-2483

The Eldorado Park offers many outdoor pursuits if you are looking for the best things to do in Scottsdale. You can go fishing and swimming here. Further, this 60-acre park has outdoor and indoor basketball grounds.

You can also pump it up at the soccer field, basketball court, or the sand volleyball court here. 

In addition, the ongoing Indian Bend Wash Master Plan will make the experiences at the park even better by meeting user needs and catering to the residents. 

This master plan will improve the amenities. Also, it will upgrade the aging infrastructure of the park for enhanced safety and experience.

That’s it! Now, you know the things to do in Scottsdale for free. Pack your bags for a trip to this desert getaway in Arizona. 

Scottsdale, being a warmer state in the USA, is a popular winter holiday destination. The city enjoys a warmer climate during the months of December, January, and February. 

With an average temperature of 3-21 degrees Celsius here, these months are the best time to explore the things to do in Scottsdale. 

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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BY  Sibashree Sep 17, 2025

Flight disruptions can be stressful, especially when your travel plans involve multiple connections. If you’re traveling within, to, or from Europe, you may be entitled to Cancelled Flight Compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.  This regulation ensures that passengers receive financial protection when flights are cancelled, delayed, or overbooked, including scenarios involving connecting flights. Understanding your rights can help you claim compensation effectively and reduce travel-related stress. Understanding EU Regulation 261/2004 For Flight Cancellation Compensation Issued on 11th February 2004 and implemented on 17th February 2025, EU Regulation 261/2004 has clear directives about the flight cancellation compensation rights.  Furthermore, this regulation is applicable to the following airline services.  Flights departing from an EU airport, regardless of the airline. Flights arriving at an EU airport operated by an EU-based airline. 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BY  Sibashree Aug 6, 2025

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READ MORE Rental Costa Rica

Why Renting A Car Is The Smartest Way To Travel In Costa Rica

BY  Sibashree Nov 13, 2025

When you are ready to book a trip to Costa Rica, you should travel at your own pace.  Thus, the travellers hope for genuine independence. Moreover, people want bang for their buck and peace on the road. Renting a car gives people the liberty to travel at their own pace. People can halt or start whenever they want to while renting a car. People get to explore whatever they want at their own pace. The public transport system in Costa Rica remains comparatively cheaper than those in other countries. Thus, the transportation systems remain highly crowded. People generally get stuck in other people’s schedules. Thus, car rental services in Costa Rica ensure people's freedom.  You'll find that renting a car is smarter than anything else. In the sections below, we will share why rent a car costa rica is so appealing and full of practical advice, and also help make sure you have the best trip possible. Why Should People Try Car Rental In Costa Rica? There are multiple reasons for people to try Car Rental Costa Rica. Some of the reasons are as follows. 1. Freedom & Flexibility: Travel on Your Terms The biggest advantage of renting a car is the ability to explore at your own pace. As noted by one travel blog: “by renting a car. You won’t be restricted to anyone’s schedule but your own.” The public transport options in Costa Rica remain limited. Thus, travellers find it difficult to travel in the offbeat areas. However, the car rental in Costa Rica allows people to enjoy flexibility. Travelers can linger a little longer in certain spots. They can stand and fly their drones and shoot photos. Furthermore, the travellers can take as many loo breaks as they want. No one should forget about the joy of driving on the wonderful roads of Costa Rica. 2. Better Value Vs. Taxis, Shuttles & Domestic Flights Although it is true that renting a car brings costs (vehicle rental, fuel, insurance, etc.), many travellers find that if they compare these with the expense of private shuttles or inner‑country flights, the car actually comes out ahead in value. One source has it that: "Car rental prices are comparable to private shuttles and domestic flights." Zoom in on stocks and securities, for they are the financial arm of the economy. There are many things to consider: finances, planning, and timing. Nevertheless, if you are willing and able to take these factors into account and take the plunge when a good investment chance arises in the rising market cycle. However, this does have one rather expensive potential drawback. When modernization comes to any area, what falls in price first? Land. In fact, if both of them are the same price today, the contractor is trying to raise the land value in your eyes in order to make his request more acceptable by comparison. Just say no. To sum up, there are moments when experts are quite explicit about the precise things to look out for in stock picking. Yet sometimes it can make an enormous difference, as it scored 11% higher than over-hyped Afterpay per share at home or on share price gains made over a few months abroad. When you rent a map for Wi-Fi, vehicle service assistance will be provided. Get yourself maps and information from the office where you pick up the car. 3. Comfort, Safety & Peace Of Mind When you pick a reputable rental company and a well‑maintained vehicle, you’re gaining comfort and safety advantages that public transport can’t always match. As one rental‑car blog put it: “Renting a car gives you the flexibility to go wherever you want, whenever you want… You are not tied to shuttle times or bus schedules!” Some specific benefits: You choose the class of car that suits you: compact for city + light terrain, SUV for rougher roads or more luggage. You avoid the crowding or schedule limitations of shuttles and buses. In the current travel climate, you reduce exposure to other travellers (important for health considerations). Many rental companies provide GPS, assistance, and well‑serviced vehicles - making driving smoother. 4. Access To The Off-Beaten Path & Hidden Gems One of Costa Rica’s greatest appeals is its diverse landscapes, from volcanoes and rainforests to remote beaches and hidden waterfalls. Being able to drive yourself lets you tap into that in a deeper way. You can take alternative routes that buses don’t service. Travellers can stay at a unique lodging far from the main hubs. You can stop for detours, local eateries, or viewpoints not on the main tourist map. Thus, renting a car provides the travellers with an immersive experience to explore places that are not really cliché. 5. Practical Tips To Make It Smooth (& Avoid Surprises) Because roads, insurance laws, and rental practices in Costa Rica can differ from home, here are important tips to ensure your car‑rental experience is smart and stress‑free: A) Choose The Right Vehicle Depending on your itinerary, you may or may not need a 4×4/SUV. If you’re sticking to main paved routes, a compact may suffice; if you plan remote or mountain routes, consider something more robust. Also, check luggage space, passenger count, road conditions, and whether an automatic vs manual transmission is suitable for you. B) Understand Insurance & Additional Fees Car rental in Costa Rica often includes mandatory liability insurance (third‑party). Many travelers have found that what looks like a cheap quote at first hides required fees. For example: “Liability coverage of remains mandatory in Costa Rica. Travellers should expect to pay atleast $20‑30 a day for it. It’s the law.” Make sure you ask about: Basic liability insurance (mandatory) Collision/damage waiver for the rental vehicle Any hidden fees: deposit, drop‑off at a different location, cleaning fees, fuel policy Your credit card coverage: Some major cards cover rental insurance. But not always in Costa Rica. C) Book Early & Check Seasonality Because Costa Rica is a popular destination and the supply of rental vehicles in remote areas can be limited, booking early gives you choice and often better rates. Also, during peak season (December–April) rates can be higher, so plan accordingly. D) Fuel, Mileage, And Hidden Costs Fuel prices vary, and some remote gas stations may be sparse. Also, check if your rental has unlimited mileage, extra cost for crossing provincial boundaries, drop‑off fees for different locations, etc. Always clarify fuel policy: is full‑to‑full or pre‑pay? 6. Why The Smart Choice Is To Rent A Car Putting it all together, here’s why renting a car in Costa Rica tends to be the smartest travel choice for many: Control & Customisation: You shape your trip rather than fitting into fixed transport schedules. Value for Money: Especially for groups, the cost can be comparable to or better than alternative transport when you factor in freedom and access. Richer Experience: You can access hidden locations, scenic detours, and tailor your pace to your style. Comfort & Safety: With your own vehicle, you manage your comfort, depart when you want, and enjoy greater autonomy. Fewer Surprises: Provided you plan ahead, you’re in the driver’s seat—both literally and figuratively—reducing last‑minute scramble or dependency on external shuttles. If you’re going to explore Costa Rica beyond the main airport–hotel–beach triangle, having a rental car may be the difference between a good trip and a truly memorable one. Things To Remember Before Opting For A Car Rental Costa Rica Travelling by car provides the travellers with a much immersive experience. Moreover, this allows people to enjoy every moment and allows them to move at their own pace. However, people should remember these things before going for a car rental Costa Rica. The person should have a valid original driver’s license, an original passport, and a credit card. Moreover, the credit card should have a minimum amount of money to pay the security deposits and the rental costs. Read Also: Best Beaches In Costa Rica For Family Vacation Paradise Found: Exploring Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica’s Tropical Gem! Cheapest Places To Travel Around The World In 2025: Traveling On A Shoestring