Restaurant Recommendations and Things to Do in Scottsdale, Arizona?

My favourite restaurant in Scottsdale is Los Olivos (recommended by a local we asked on the street, and it did not disappoint. Have eaten there 4 times!). https://losolivosrestaurants.com/

Sights and activities I've enjoyed in and around Scottsdale:

-wandering around Old Town and browsing in the shops
-visiting the Frank Lloyd Wright House, Taliesin West, on the outskirts of Scottsdale
-visiting the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix
-visiting the Hole in Rock at Papago Park, near the botanical gardens
-visiting the Heard Museum in Phoenix
-taking a day trip to Sedona (although the following year, I went to Sedona for a few days, because a day trip didn't do it justice)
-visiting Arcosanti, an alternative, experimental community not far from Scottsdale

thank you so much!! I am going to check out the restaurant now and added the others to "things to do" list. Others have recommended the botanical garden. And, of course, I won't miss Frank's house!!

You're welcome.

The botanical garden is really worthwhile.

Terri W.
I too recommend the Botanical Garden. Check their website for concerts, etc. They have a very nice area for theater performances, plus a restaurant on site. Every time I visit my friend there, I go to the garden. Have been to Taliesen West, but am not a Frank Lloyd Wright fan, so found it somewhat boring. There is the Mesa Arts Center that has plays, etc. and a really nice Arts Store with contributing artists on site some days to discuss and demonstrate their works. Interesting to peruse some lovely pottery, paintings, jewelry, etc.

Enjoy your visit!

Also, nearer Sedona than Scottsdale, there's the Verde Canyon Railroad. Also, nearer Sedona, there's the Montezuma Well Heritage site (old, Indigenous cliff dwellings), and Montezuma Castle, and Tuzigoot National Monument. https://www.sedona.net/cliff-dwellings

We also did a day trip to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, but we did this driving from Sedona. It would be more of a trek from Scottsdale.

For something off beat, visit Hall of Flame, a fire truck museum. https://hallofflame.org/

Also MIM, Music Instrument Museum, is worth a visit. https://mim.org/

Zoo Lights will give you something to do in the evening. https://www.phoenixzoo.org/events/zoolights/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAyKurBhD5ARIsALamXaF4WL9CawM0cCbBUKelGrOm3tcoYW6ZgwkVOVG_HTSruMuurjHVz14aAhqgEALw_wcB

I second the choices recommended above, Heard Museum and Desert Botanical Garden.
I have no restaurant recommendations since we seldom eat out.
I hope you’re renting a car because public transportation is almost non-existent.

PS Drink lots of water and always carry water wherever you go. Buy or bring sunscreen.

Thank you to everyone who responded. I am definitely renting a car!

Restaurant(s) -- https://sophiaskitchen.com/ and its 'sister' https://stoneandvine.com/
( Might be able to find discounted gift cards at the local Costco)

Sights- https://btarboretum.org/ We found it worth the drive

And, of course, I won't miss Frank's house!!

Please comment when you complete your visit, if the $50 admission is worth it

I enjoy architecture and art deco, so I really enjoyed my self-guided tour around the Arizona Biltmore. We had lunch out by the pool, but that may not be a pleasant option in December!

We enjoy Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden…an annual event in December. The entire garden isn’t included because it’s only after dark, but the luminaries are just magical, and one can find music, food and drinks along the paths.

I will check out the Botanical Garden's site for events/happenings.

The Musical Instrument Museum is really good. I don’t have a musical bone in my body, but I really enjoyed it.

Sedona is absolutely gorgeous and outshines anything in Scottsdale IMHO.

Terri W,
I concur with BB on Montezuma's Castle, Montezuma Well cliff dwellings and Tuzigoot Natl. Monument. All are very interesting and worth the drive. We visited them in the late 80's and I still remember them well. And when you are out and about, if you come across some Native Americans selling frybread, be sure to try it (with beans or with honey or cinnamon sugar). Yum!