3 Best Places To See in Scottsdale, AZ

“OdySea Aquarium takes guests on an entertaining and educational oceanic adventure like no other. The aquarium holds more than 2,000,000 US gallons of water and spans more than 200,000 square feet. There are more than 6,000 animals and 370 distinct species in 65 exhibits. The aquarium features a 3D video, SeaTREK underwater coral diving, and a Live Sea Carousel that brings guests through the open ocean, Sea Turtle, Sea Lion/Seal, and Shark exhibits. The world's only Russian Sturgeon touch exhibit, 2 Stingray touch exhibits, and a tide touch pool are also available. A submerged escalator allows guests to descend deep into the sea, surrounded by thousands of marine animals. OdySea Aquarium offers instructional, immersive, and enjoyable opportunities to visitors. Even the restrooms have viewing windows into the shark habitat. OdySea Aquarium has free parking.”

“Butterfly Wonderland offers a truly unique cloud forest experience, along with thousands of friendly butterflies, birds, reptiles, fish, and more. Butterfly Wonderland offers a range of attractions, such as aquariums and themed stores. Visitors will begin the journey through a butterfly's life as they wander through the highly entertaining, academic, and informative exhibits. The garden provides the ideal tropical rainforest habitat for thousands of butterflies from around the world to fly freely. They are showing the latest 3-D technology films where visitors' senses will be subjected to nature-related subjects. Butterfly Wonderland offers an educational experience describing what a butterfly is and its life cycle story, migration, feeding, reproduction, and the immense diversity that occurs in nature. The retail shop will offer an opportunity for visitors to select from a variety of butterflies and nature-related merchandise.”

“The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art was opened in 1999 and has established itself as a pioneer in the arts by offering cutting-edge exhibits and educational programs. The museum works closely with emerging and established artists worldwide and community members to support new commissions and encourage discussion about contemporary art. SMoCA is dedicated to offering exhibitions of contemporary and modern art, architecture, and design. The museum engages with emerging and established artists from around the world and from its local community to support new commissions and encourage dialogue about the art of its time. One exhibit has three ping-pong tables open for play by visitors. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art brings people together to inspire the belief that art can spark imagination, challenge perceptions, and inspire change.”