10 Best Activities & Things To Do In Paradise Valley

Tucked in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Paradise Valley is doing its own thing, quietly and confidently. Known for its peaceful rhythm, scenic terrain, and refined offerings, this town doesn’t rely on flash. Instead, it invites you into a daily rhythm where the everyday feels elevated.

For locals, this means sunrise hikes, serene afternoons at art spaces, and long, unhurried dinners under desert skies. For visitors, it means discovering a side of Arizona that’s less about spectacle and more about soul.

If you’re exploring what to do in Paradise Valley, AZ, think desert elegance with a side of heart.

The following list reflects exactly that, a refined take on Paradise Valley activities that locals and in-the-know visitors truly appreciate.

Top 10 Paradise Valley Activities

Living in Paradise Valley means accessing a lifestyle that values space, design, and wellness.

People don’t simply move here. They chose this town for its balance of privacy, beauty, and proximity to Scottsdale and Phoenix. But while those neighboring cities buzz with activity, Paradise Valley hums at a calmer, more intentional frequency.

Here’s how people spend their time here, and why Paradise Valley, Arizona, has things to do that often center around connection with nature, personal wellness, and timeless design.

1. Hike Camelback Mountain

Let’s start with a classic. Camelback Mountain is a local icon. Both Echo Canyon Trail and Cholla Trail are intense, with steep climbs and sweeping views that make every drop of sweat worth it.

Most locals tackle the mountain early in the morning, then recover with fresh juice or brunch nearby.

Even if you’ve hiked it a dozen times, the changing light and seasons make each visit a different experience. And for those just moving to town, this is often the first “this is why I live here” moment.

You can also settle near the trailhead within the Desert Mountain and Cavasson communities to stay close to the magic.

2. Visit Cosanti Originals

If you haven’t stepped into Cosanti Originals, prepare to be transported. Architect Paolo Soleri created this experimental site, a fusion of art, philosophy, and design. The art gallery is part sculpture garden, part working studio.

Hand-poured bronze and ceramic wind bells hang throughout the space, casting soothing chimes across Soleri’s unique earth-formed architecture. It’s a meditative space, one that quietly honors creativity and craftsmanship.

Visiting Cosanti is one of those Paradise Valley activities that reminds you: this town attracts minds that think differently.

3. Spa Day At Sanctuary Camelback Mountain

Where Sanctuary leans quiet and restorative, Joya Spa goes bold. Think arched doorways, Moroccan tiles, and a rooftop pool that doesn’t apologize for the view.

Inside Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, Joya is about full-throttle pampering, full-blown steam rituals, gemstone treatments, and a vibe that’s more Marrakech than Sonoran.

The locals? They come here to intentionally disconnect. The rooftop lounge is a favorite for mid-week resets, usually with fresh juice or a crisp cocktail. It’s the place you go when you need to feel dialed in.

4. Golf At Paradise Valley Country Club

Sitting quietly at the foot of Mummy Mountain, Paradise Valley Country Club has been a local staple since 1953. It is one of those rare spots where the golf does the talking. There is no pretense, no promos, just tradition, views, and a course shaped by time.

The vibe is private and polished. The course is walkable, scenic, and unfussy. It’s honestly perfect and the ideal spot for those who prefer calm over crowds. Membership is invite-only, which is precisely how longtime players like it.

5. Enjoy Some Great Food At El Chorro Lodge

There’s fine dining, and then there’s El Chorro. This place has history baked into the adobe. Set on what was once a school for girls in the 1930s, the restaurant leans into old-school Arizona charm with flickering fireplaces, green lawns, and a view of Camelback that’s hard to beat.

The food holds its own with signature sticky buns, seasonal dishes, and classic cocktails all in rotation. Locals show up for Sunday brunch and milestone dinners. And sunset on the patio? That’s when it becomes clear: El Chorro is a must when discussing Paradise Valley activities.

6. Barry Goldwater Memorial

Arizona’s political roots run deep, and the Barry Goldwater Memorial offers a grounded nod to one of its most defining voices.

Located in a minimalist desert garden, the statue and engraved quotes speak volumes, but they do so quietly.

There are no crowds and no fanfare. This is just a spot to slow down and appreciate where the region’s identity was shaped. It is a solid detour for those who like their history served without spectacle.

7. Short Course At Mountain Shadows

If you have only 90 minutes and want to make them count, the Short Course at Mountain Shadows is where locals go to play serious golf without the full-day commitment.

This par-3 course brings elevation shifts, killer views, and greens that demand precision. It’s playful, but far from casual.

And when the last putt drops, Rusty’s (the course-side bar) has just what you need: craft cocktails, patio seating, and a front-row seat to Camelback Mountain.

8. Explore The Franciscan Renewal Center

Known by locals as “The Casa,” the Franciscan Renewal Center is less about religion and more about reflection.

Think labyrinth walks, silent gardens, and workshops focusing on meaning over messaging. Whether you’re into yoga retreats or want 20 quiet minutes in the shade, this place gives you room to think.

And in Paradise Valley, that’s currency.

9. Stroll The Desert Botanical Garden

While technically located just outside Paradise Valley in Papago Park, the Desert Botanical Garden is a go-to destination for locals. Home to over 50,000 plant displays, this outdoor museum is a feast for the senses, especially in spring when wildflowers peak.

Locals often wander the trails early in the day before it gets hot, then swing by the on-site restaurant for brunch or coffee. It’s also a favorite spot for seasonal events like the luminaria evenings and art installations.

This experience consistently ranks high on lists of Paradise Valley, Arizona, things to do, especially among visitors looking to unplug.

10. Udinotti Museum Of Figurative Art

You won’t stumble into the Udinotti Museum by accident, and that’s the point. It’s appointment-only, unadvertised, and unapologetically specific.

Founded by sculptor and poet Agnese Udinotti, this private gallery focuses on one theme: the human form. Expect ancient relics, abstract bodies, and visual narratives that don’t need captions.

There’s no gift shop, QR codes, or guided tours. Just raw, expressive work that asks you to think (or maybe unthink) what you know about figurative art. If that sounds too niche, it probably is. But for those who get it? It’s unforgettable.

Conclusion

People always ask what to do in Paradise Valley, AZ, like it’s a checklist. But this isn’t that kind of place. This is where your time expands, experience outweighs itinerary, and silence says more than signage.

Paradise Valley activities don’t come pre-packaged. Instead, they’re discovered, chosen, or intentionally stumbled upon. A hike, a sculpture garden, a spa with no soundtrack, just peace. This town leaves room for real life, not just filtered highlights.

Thanks for visiting LUXE BLOG, where we don’t just report on luxury living; we live it. There is no fluff, no filler, just solid insight for people who appreciate the nuance. If you want to know more about Paradise Valley, read our post The History of Paradise Valley.