This article originally appeared in the Experience Scottsdale 2017 Visitors Guide. 

I moved to Scottsdale almost 25 years ago, but taking local tours has shown me parts of downtown I never knew existed. These are a great way to see why Scottsdale is such a favorite destination—and a great place to live.

Art & Cultural Trolley Tour

The Downtown Scottsdale Art and Cultural Trolley Tour is the city’s best-kept secret. Ultimate Art and Cultural Tours presents this free exploration of downtown under the witty guidance of Ace Bailey. As a former art coordinator and curator, Ace offers a unique perspective on Scottsdale. She also works part-time as a concierge at Hotel Valley Ho, so she has all the inside scoop on the city—where to shop, dine and explore.

These massive Soleri Bells added to the interest of this public art complex created by Paolo Soleri. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

The two-hour trolley tour closely follows the route of the regular Scottsdale trolley, but with Ace pointing out gems along the way. This makes it easy to go back to the places you fancy. The tour is in big demand and only offered once a month on the second Saturday, so book in advance. For my tour, we all met at Hotel Valley Ho (the starting location varies) to board the air-conditioned trolley.

During the tour, we discovered fun city tidbits. Designers used to set up runways down the middle of Fifth Avenue for fashion shows. Scottsdale Artists’ School is open for visitors to see international art students at work. The gorgeous Soleri Bridge casts a shadow every day at solar noon, creating a stripe guiding guests across the canal. Ace offered suggestions on places to shop and eat, but I won’t give away all of her secrets. Visit online at ultimatearttours.com to reserve your spot on the tour.

Downtown Scottsdale. Photo courtesy Experience Scottsdale

Chocolate Tour of Scottsdale

If you visit between October and May, book a walking tour with the Chocolate Tour of Scottsdale. This 2.5 hours is a sweet way to explore the town, combining fun local lore with chocolate. My favorite is Chocolade van Brugge’s Belgian chocolates. Or maybe the cupcakes at Sprinkles. Or those chocolate-cake truffles at Classic Cakes and Confections.

Taste It Tours

If you’re looking to blend in some foodie love on your visit – one of my favorite ways to explore any destination – Taste It Tours offers two excursions in downtown Scottsdale. The three-hour tours take place every weekend, rain or shine. The Sunday-morning Taste of Scottsdale makes five stops as you wander downtown, getting a bit of the city’s colorful history. The international bites range from old-school Mexican at Los Olivos in Old Town to English classics at Cornish Pasty in the Arts District. The Saturday afternoon Trolley Food Tour also features five stops, including one of my favorites, ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho. Both include a sweet taste or two along the way. This is one of my favorite ways to spend a half-day in Scottsdale.