Things to Do in Arizona
Wondering what all Arizona has to offer? Extend your stay, enjoy the sunshine and desert, and try a few of the following! The conference rate is available 3 days pre-conference and 3 days post-conference, so don’t worry and relax. Book early, rooms will sell out.
Taliesin West: A Frank Lloyd Wright House
Taliesin West is a national historic landmark outside Scottsdale, AZ. Built by Frank Lloyd Wright and his apprentices, it served as Wright’s winter home and is now the headquarters of Taliesin, The Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture. Inspired by the southwestern landscape, this elegant structure resides within the desert foothills of the McDowell Mountains. Come visit one of the most personal creations of the famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, a place he called “the top of the world.”
Taliesin West offers a variety of tours ranging from $19 to $70, from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm.
Heard Museum
The Heard Museum is an American Indian Art & History Museum in Phoenix, AZ. The Museum is recognized for its impressive exhibits documenting the American Indian Fine Art Movement from ancient times up to the present, and partners with American Indian artists and tribal communities to convey an authentic perspective of Native cultures. With over 40,000 pieces on display, favorites include Hopi katsina dolls, Navajo textiles, and Zuni jewelry. Explore the Museum’s collections on your own or take advantage of a free guided tour.
Admission is $18, and the Museum is open from 9:30 am until 5:00 pm.
Goldfield Ghost Town
Located on the Apache Trail, Goldfield Ghost Town is built atop the historic Mammoth Gold Mine. The town features Old West gun fights, gold panning, zipline, as well as tours of the gold mine, railroad, and Apache Trail. Eat at the Saloon, shop along Main Street, and check out vintage artifacts in the museums!
Access to Goldfield Ghost Town itself is free, and attractions are under $12 each. The town is open 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.
Butterfly Wonderland
America's largest butterfly pavilion resides in Scottsdale, AZ. Watch a variety of insects and animals in action at the indoor Rainforest, Butterfly Emergence Gallery, and Honey Bee Extravaganza.
Butterfly Wonderland admission is $20, and it’s open 9:00 am until 5:00 pm.
Montezuma Castle
Visit Montezuma Castle National Monument and observe some of the best preserved Native American cliff dwellings in the country. Carved into the side of limestone cliffs is a 20-room pueblo ruin attesting to the ingenuity of the Sinaguan people who resided in the desert 1,000 years ago. Set aside an hour to explore the museum and roam the trails!
The National Park entrance fee is $10, and visitors are welcome 9:30 am until 5:00 pm.
Arizona Desert Events
Arizona Desert Events offers fun and exciting off-road Jeep tours through the Sonoran desert! A Western Cowboy, Cowgirl or Native American guide meets you at the Westin Kierland in traditional garb for a roundtrip drive or nature walk. These upbeat guides bring the tour to life with their extensive knowledge about Arizona history, native people, and desert plant life.
Prices and times vary depending on the tour.
Scottsdale Food Tour - A Taste of Old Town Scottsdale
You will be taken on a three hour adventure through Old Town Scottsdale. Enjoy distinctive food and wine from some of Scottsdale's exceptional restaurants and shops. Choose from Dinner Tours of restaurants in the area, or Sip ‘n’ Sample Tours of wineries and craft breweries.
Tours are three hours and range from $62 to $74.
LDV Wine Gallery
The Wine Gallery of the award-winning LDV Winery is located in downtown Scottsdale. Treat yourself to hand-crafted wines by the glass or bottle at the tasting counter or on one of the sunny patios onsite.
The Wine Gallery is open 12:00 pm until 7:00 pm.
Red Rock Western Jeep Tours
Red Rock Western Jeep Tours is Arizona’s “Original Cowboy Tour Company.” Choose from a wide selection of scenic Jeep tours, horseback rides, and helicopter rides through the “Red Rock Country” of Sedona, hosted by a hospitable team of tour guides.
Tours range from $45 to $239.
Pink Jeep Tours
Travel in a pink Jeep Wrangler to catch breathtaking views of Sedona! Each tour explores different trails, canyons, gulches, or ruins while learning about the history, animals, plant life, and other interesting facts about the area.
Tours are two to three hours, and cost $65 to $100.
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Scottsdale, AZ
