Jump on a Scottsdale Segway Tour for a fun tour showing off the city in new light
- Keller Keller
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 hours ago
A Scottsdale Segway tour is the best way to see the town's historic
Old Town, learn about local landmarks and soak up desert scenery.
The city's charms are internationally known. So is the fun of hopping on a Segway. Put the two together and you've got a winning combination. It's leisurely, educational and good exercise. What's not to love?
We rolled on our Segway into the heart of Scottsdale recently, enjoying familiar sights but with a new slant. Shops, eateries and galleries we've driven by came alive in new light.
We glided along sunlit boulevards, palm-lined streets, artful shops, appealing restaurants, all under that beautiful blue Arizona sky.
No crowds, no windshields in the way. And with only eight of us early in the day, we had the city to ourselves. A Segway tour enriches a visit whether it's a familiar city or one you're just meeting. We heard tidbits about Scottsdale's rich history and culture. Who knew, for instance, that 11 million people visit Scottsdale annually, or that the city has a quarter-million people and 15,000 millionaires?
Old Town Scottsdale comes alive and you don't need to be an athlete
I had four Segway trips under my belt, so felt moderately confident but a bit uneasy as we "saddled up" for a two-hour tour. Our guide was patient and funny. He put me behind him, boosting my confidence. The brief training session was important for us all. I'm no athlete, but I had a bit of experience. Some of the others were first-timers, who quickly learned the basics of balance, pressure on the front or backs of the feet, and turning.
Our well trained guide was one of the company's pros. He was patient, knowledgeable, proud of his town and had a sense of humor.
After a brief training session we were off on our Scottsdale Segway Tour. Everyone felt confident since we'd learned the few simple ways to maneuver, centering our feet, leaning back and forward, depending on the guide's instruction. Turns are announced well in advance and we moved through Scottsdale as if the city had invited us along for the ride.
Old Town Scottsdale: History With a Sense of Humor
Old Town Scottsdale is not a museum frozen in time. Yes, it has the reputation of a western or cowboy town, and it does have a "Wild West" feel. It's also a contemporary, modern city proud of its restaurants, galleries, hotels and history.
Our Scottsdale Segway Tour spanned the city's history -- from early day cattle drives and pioneers to the newer galleries, sculpture and murals which draw the attention of modern day travelers as well as history buffs.
The city's contrasts are striking, and the Segway allows you to absorb it all without rushing or dragging your feet.
Our guide pointed out details we'd missed. We heard about city founders, the town's original schoolhouse and first church, the development of the citrus culture. It never felt like a lecture, and was delivered with charm and lightness.
Desert Beauty, New Development Up Close
One of the appeals of a Segway tour is the closeness to landscape -- new buildings are a stone's throw away.
The birds sing above your heads. The cacti bloom before your eyes.
We glided to the edge of Scottsdale's booming and fairly new Waterfront where we paused for photos and watched the water reflections of the buildings and palm trees.
Palm trees sway. Joggers wave. Cyclists slowed down to watch us. We felt relaxed and in tune with the moment.
Why Scottsdale Segway Tours Work Well
Some cities are meant to be walked. Others are best driven. Scottsdale's wide boulevards and attractive, well spaced buildings make it perfect for a Segway.
We covered more ground than on a walk, but we're closer to the action than in a car. We felt a connection to the city plan and its outdoors, had several photo stops and met new interesting people.
For travelers short on time, a Segway is perfect. It offers insights to enhance a brief stay but is also fun for locals.
Who can enjoy a Scottsdale Segway Tour? Repeat travelers looking for something new. Families, even several generations. Couples looking for fun restaurants or outing options for another day. Single folks and solo travelers who want to feel connected to a new place and make new friends. Grandparents who want to give parents a break and teach the kids something while having fun time with them.
The Unexpected Joy of Slowing Down While Moving Fast
Here’s the paradox of a Scottsdale Segway Tour: Even though you’re moving faster than walking, you slow down mentally and "smell the flowers."
The balancing requires enough focus without draining energy. It's great fun and you'll want to put your phone aside.
A Must-Do Experience in the Sonoran Desert
Travel is about stories. The ones you collect, the ones you tell, and the ones you didn’t expect to find. A Scottsdale Segway Tour delivers all three.
It’s playful yet informative, relaxed yet dynamic, contemporary yet rooted in history.
And most importantly, it captures the true spirit of Scottsdale which is sunny, welcoming, and proud of itself.
We're Segue devotees and this was one of our best. Give it a try and let Scottsdale roll out beneath you.
We do these Segway tours wherever they are offered and always have a great time. Looks scary but a good guide takes the worries off.