What To Do & Where To Go In Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town Scottsdale spans just 4.5 square miles in central Scottsdale. It’s where midcentury gridlines meet modern design, and Western grit collides with art, dining, and boutique retail.

This pedestrian-friendly pocket keeps its 1950s roots intact while layering in galleries and high-end amenities that keep it buzzing all year. Here’s what to do in Old Town Scottsdale and where to get a genuine feel for the area.

What Makes Old Town Different From The Rest Of Scottsdale

Old Town is Scottsdale’s original downtown and the epicenter of the area’s history. It became the city’s official core when Scottsdale was incorporated in 1951. While much of the city has since expanded into resort-style neighborhoods and large master-planned developments, Old Town holds onto its historic grid and early architecture.

Most restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and shops in Old Town are packed into a tight 30-block radius. You can walk between nearly all of them in under 10 minutes. That density sets it apart from Scottsdale’s larger, spread-out communities, where destinations are miles apart.

Where To Go For Art, Style, & Local Culture

Old Town packs Arizona’s densest mix of galleries, murals, and museums into a grid of adobe storefronts, midcentury builds, and modern desert design.

The Cattlemen Sculpture Series | Scottsdale Civic Center Mall

Set among grassy lawns and public walkways, the Cattlemen open-air installation features 25 life-size bronze sculptures by artist John Hampton.

Spanning three city blocks, the figures depict cattle drives and cowboy life in motion. No ropes, no platforms, just bronze in your path. There’s no admission or gates, and it’s accessible all day, every day.

Windows To The West Murals | Along Main St. And Scottsdale Rd.

Ranging from 20 to 40 feet tall, the Windows to the West Murals cover full facades and reflect the area’s layered history. Expect themes like Western settlement and desert wildlife.

They also include geometric elements pulled from regional Indigenous traditions, such as Navajo textiles and Hopi pottery symbols. You don’t need tickets or a map. Just look up as you walk.

Soleri Bridge And Plaza | Scottsdale Waterfront, Near Stetson Dr.

This steel pedestrian bridge, designed by Paolo Soleri, spans the Arizona Canal and doubles as a functional art piece. Two 64-foot pylons align with solar noon during the solstice.

The surrounding plaza often hosts events and art markets, with interpretive signs explaining the environmental logic behind the design. It’s always open, fully accessible, and especially striking at night when lit from within.

The Marshall Gallery | 7106 E. Main St.

Inside the Marshall Gallery, you’ll find rotating exhibitions that mix regional Western art with modern and abstract works. The space features a broad range of media, from oil paintings and bronze sculptures to glasswork and large-format mixed media.

It’s been a fixture on Main Street for decades, with a reputation for balancing tradition with experimentation.

Smaller studios and expansive showrooms are both under the same roof, making it a go-to for both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers. Open most days from late morning to early evening; admission is free.

Where To Find World-Class Shopping & Design

More than 300 shops fill a 15-block stretch of Old Town, from historic bootmakers to modern design boutiques, most within easy reach along Main, Marshall, and Scottsdale Road.

Main Street Corridor

Stretching six blocks through the heart of Old Town, Main Street holds the largest cluster of one-of-a-kind boutiques and specialty shops.

These businesses operate out of preserved midcentury and territorial-style buildings, giving the street its old-school Western look. Most stores open by 10 a.m. and close between 6 and 9 p.m., with hours often extended during the October–April tourist season.

Marshall Way Shopping District

Between Indian School and 5th Avenue, the Marshall Way Shopping District is where you’ll find Old Town’s more polished storefronts. Think modern furniture showrooms, minimalist fashion labels, and home goods that wouldn’t look out of place in an Arcadia remodel.

The sidewalks are wide, entries are shaded, and most shops run full AC, which is a practical perk when it’s 105 degrees out. Hours are consistent across the district, typically 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saba’s Western Wear | 3965 N. Brown Ave.

A Scottsdale mainstay since 1927, Saba’s specializes in authentic Western apparel and accessories. They’re best known for custom-fitted cowboy boots. Fit sessions take 30 to 45 minutes, and made-to-order boots require 6 to 8 weeks.

Saba’s is open daily, usually from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with shorter hours on weekends. No reservations are needed, but custom fitting can get backed up during peak season (October through April).

Buffalo Collection | 7044 E. 5th Ave.

Buffalo Collection offers handcrafted buffalo leather furniture, including sofas, chairs, and ottomans, all made in the USA.

The showroom also features fine art and accessories that complement the Western aesthetic. Custom orders are available, and the store provides white-glove delivery nationwide. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where To Go For Unforgettable Food, Drink, & Nightlife

With more than 200 restaurants, bars, and entertainment spots in a few lively blocks, you’ve got a lot of options. Here are our top picks.

The Mission | 3815 N. Brown Ave.

Set inside a restored 1920s Catholic mission, the Mission, a Latin-style restaurant, still features the original stained glass and wood beam ceilings.

But it’s the food that draws the crowd. The duck carnitas come crisp at the edges, and the grilled octopus is reliably solid. It’s loud, usually full, and worth booking ahead. Entrées range from $28 to $48, with service available throughout lunch and dinner daily.

Century Grand | 3626 N. Indian School Rd.

Century Grand runs as a reservation-only speakeasy with multiple themed rooms, including a turn-of-the-century train car and apothecary-style cocktail lab. Each space has its own vibe and its own menu.

Drinks are built with in-house bitters and seasonal infusions. You’ll need a reservation to get in, and there's a dress code, so check the details before heading over. They’re open in the evenings, Wednesday through Sunday.

Handlebar J | 7116 E. Becker Ln.

Handlebar J has been serving up cold beer, live country music, and mechanical bull rides for over 40 years. The atmosphere stays relaxed and unfiltered. String lights hang over the patio, a checkered floor anchors the dance space, and a house band plays Thursday through Saturday. Cover runs $5 to $15, and the kitchen stays open late.

Stagebrush Theatre | 7020 E. 2nd St.

Dinner and a show? This spot does both. Stagebrush Theatre delivers melodramas and comedies in a traditional dinner-theater setting, complete with a three-course meal served before curtain.

Shows typically start at 7:30 p.m., with reservations required in advance. Tickets cover both food and entertainment and the productions lean classic while the crowd stays relaxed.

Final Thoughts

With layers of history, real architecture, and a core full of art, food, and local energy, Old Town Scottsdale is still one of the most authentic places to spend time in Greater Phoenix. Whether you're here for a few hours or settling permanently, there’s plenty to see without needing to go far.

For more things to do in Scottsdale, check out our posts: Must-See Attractions In Scottsdale and What Is Scottsdale Known For?