Sightseeing Golf Cart Tour of Scottsdale – 1.5 Hours

Exploring Scottsdale on a Golf Cart: An Honest Review

If you’re looking for a quick, fun way to get a feel for Scottsdale’s vibrant Old Town without spending hours on your feet, the Sightseeing Golf Cart Tour might be just what you need. As someone who’s seen their fair share of city tours, I’ll tell you straight—this experience offers a unique blend of ease, insights, and scenic views that can truly enhance your visit.

What really appeals to us is the relaxed pace. You’re cruising comfortably in a small group, which means fewer crowds and more personalized attention. Plus, the tour includes some great photo stops and insider tips from guides who know the area well. That said, one thing to consider is that while this isn’t a walking tour, some stops do require light walking, so it’s worth checking if that fits your mobility level.

This experience suits travelers who want an overview of Scottsdale’s key spots without the fuss of navigating on your own, especially if you prefer a leisurely pace. If you’re short on time but want to soak in the essence of Old Town, this tour could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Comfortable and Convenient: The golf cart makes exploring Scottsdale’s Old Town effortless.
• Personalized Experience: Small group size (max 7) means more interaction and a relaxed vibe.
• Rich Local Insights: Guides share fun facts, history, and recommendations for the city.
• Great Photo Opportunities: Multiple stops for pictures and to learn about iconic sites.
• Stunning Views: The rooftop visit provides panoramic city vistas, a highlight for many.
• Light Walking: Some stops involve short walks, so consider mobility needs.

The Details of the Scottsdale Golf Cart Tour

This 1.5-hour tour offers a practical way to see Scottsdale’s most notable sights with minimal hassle. For $59 per person, you get a mobile ticket that lets you hop on and off a golf cart—think of it as a mobile sightseeing vehicle tailored for comfort and ease.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do

The tour hits a variety of landmarks that tell the story of Scottsdale’s past and present. Here’s a closer look:

Spring Training Stadium: You’ll start near where the Giants hold their spring training games, a nod to the city’s baseball connection and a fun intro to the area. It’s a quick stop but gives you a taste of local sports culture.

Art and Iconic Sculptures: Then, you’ll stop for a photo opportunity and learn fun facts about a famous piece of art—ideal for snapping some memorable shots and hearing stories behind the artwork.

Historic Gems: The tour includes visits to a charming building in Old Town, an adobe structure showcasing Southwestern architecture, and the original site where Scottsdale was founded. These stops are perfect for history buffs or anyone curious about how Scottsdale grew.

Iconic Streets & Old Town: You’ll cruise along Main Street, with its signature Southwestern saloon-style buildings, giving you the classic cowboy town vibe. One highlight is the oldest cowboy bar, which doubles as a historic site—definitely a place to consider for a post-tour drink.

Unique Local Spots: From a former post office turned cocktail bar to a diner linked to “The Family Circus” cartoonist, the tour showcases quirky and historic places that add flavor to the city’s personality.

Shopping & Art: Passing through Scottsdale’s vibrant arts district, you’ll see street art, galleries, and restaurants, giving you a sense of the lively atmosphere.

Celebrity & Historic Resorts: You’ll drive by a resort once favored by Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra, where the famous Mai Tai cocktail was invented—this is a fun tidbit for cocktail lovers and pop culture fans.

The Scottsdale Mall & the Pedestrian Bridge: The second-largest mall in the US is right there for future exploring, but the real showstopper is the rooftop Canopy Hilton, where panoramic views of the city make for stunning photos.

The Canal & Smithsonian Museum: As you glide along the canal, you’ll enjoy scenic views and a peaceful vibe, plus the nearby Smithsonian-affiliated museum offers cultural insights.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

Guides are consistently praised for being knowledgeable and personable. We loved the way they share interesting facts, answer questions, and help capture photos—making the whole ride feel friendly and relaxed. One reviewer even shared, “Carter was very friendly, informative, and made the tour a success.”

The small-group format ensures you aren’t overwhelmed and can ask questions easily. Plus, bottled water is included, which is thoughtful, especially in the warmer months.

Considerations: What to Keep in Mind

While the ride itself is quite comfortable, some stops involve light walking—think short strolls to photo spots or landmarks. One reviewer pointed out that the tour involves a few landmarks requiring walking, which might be a consideration if you have mobility issues. The operator has updated their description to clarify this, but it’s worth double-checking before booking.

Guests under 16 can join, but children under 7 are not allowed on the golf cart, so plan accordingly if traveling with young kids. The group is capped at 7 travelers, making it intimate and less crowded.

The Value of the Tour

At $59, this tour offers a lot for the price. You’re not just paying for a scenic ride, but also for insights into Scottsdale’s history, fun facts, and recommendations from your guide. For first-time visitors or those looking for a quick overview, it’s a smart way to get oriented without feeling rushed. Many guests mention that it helps them plan their days better, knowing what spots to revisit.

What Our Guests Say

Feedback from travelers is overwhelmingly positive:

• “GREAT experience. Learned interesting fun facts (Mai Tai, PF Chang, sun-dial, the canal). Alec our guide was fantastic.”
• “Easy way to spend a morning, get an overview of Scottsdale, then come back to what looks interesting.”
• “Carter was knowledgeable and personable and made our tour fun and memorable.”

A few reviews highlighted the friendly guides and the ease of riding in a golf cart as key advantages. Several noted the panoramic views from the rooftop stop as a highlight, perfect for photos.

One review mentions that some walking is involved, so if you’re concerned about mobility, it’s best to check with the operator beforehand. The tour’s operators are responsive and willing to clarify details, which adds peace of mind.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for those who want a relaxed, informative introduction to Scottsdale’s Old Town. It’s particularly good if you prefer not to walk long distances, but don’t mind a few short stops. Families with older children, groups, or couples looking for a low-key activity will find it enjoyable.

If you’re a history or art lover, the stops and guide insights will add extra layers to the experience. However, if you’re looking for a full-day adventure or detailed exploration of every district, this might serve better as a quick overview rather than an exhaustive tour.

Final Thoughts

The Sightseeing Golf Cart Tour of Scottsdale combines comfort, local storytelling, and scenic views into a compact experience that’s both practical and fun. It’s a clever way to get your bearings and discover the city’s quirkiest and most iconic spots without the fatigue of walking or navigating alone.

The guided aspect makes it especially appealing—guides are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and help with photos. The rooftop stop for panoramic views is a real highlight, giving you a stunning perspective of the city below.

While it’s not a comprehensive, deep-dive into every district, it’s perfectly suited for first-timers or those with limited time who want a taste of Scottsdale’s charm. If you enjoy easygoing sightseeing with a touch of local flavor, this tour is likely to brighten your Scottsdale stay.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for people who don’t like walking? Yes, the tour is designed to be comfortable and mostly involves riding in the golf cart, with only short walks at some landmarks.

What’s included in the price? You get a guided tour in a small group, bottled water, and the ability to stop for photos and learn interesting facts.

Can children participate? Yes, children aged 7 and above can ride. Those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, but very young children might find the stops involving walking a bit challenging.

How long is the tour? It lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes—just enough to see the main sights without feeling rushed.

Are there any hidden costs? No, but note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your transportation to the starting point.

What’s the best time of day to go? While not explicitly stated, many reviews highlight summer heat, so morning or late afternoon might be more comfortable, especially during warmer months.

What if I need to cancel? You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, and you’ll receive a full refund.

In summary, this golf cart tour offers a cozy, informative way to see Scottsdale’s highlights, especially if you prefer a relaxed pace and engaging guides. It’s a great choice for first-time visitors eager to get a lay of the land or anyone wanting a lighter alternative to walking-heavy tours.