Need a serene desert escape with scenic views? Head to Fountain Hills! Just east of Scottsdale, this scenic Arizona town is known for its massive fountain, outdoor recreation, public art, and relaxed resort feel. Whether you're hiking desert trails, teeing off on mountain-view fairways, or browsing local galleries, Fountain Hills offers a perfect mix of nature and culture.
Fountain Hills, AZ Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Hike McDowell Mountain Regional Park – Enjoy miles of desert trails, mountain views, and spring wildflowers just minutes away.
- For History Buffs: Visit the River of Time Museum – Learn about the Lower Verde Valley’s Native American roots, early settlers, and water history.
- For Shoppers: Explore the Avenue of the Fountains – Stroll through art galleries, boutiques, and local cafés with views of the town’s iconic fountain.
- For Couples: Watch the famous fountain shoot sky-high at sunset – Enjoy a romantic stroll by one of the tallest fountains in the world, set in a scenic park.
- For Families: Visit Fountain Park and playground – Feed the ducks, rent paddleboats, or picnic while the fountain erupts every hour.
Best Time to Visit Fountain Hills, AZ
The best time to visit Fountain Hills is from October to April, when temperatures are mild and ideal for hiking, festivals, and enjoying the outdoors. Spring brings blooming cacti and arts events, while winter offers clear skies and desert sunshine.
How to Get to Fountain Hills, AZ
- If you are traveling by car: Fountain Hills is located off AZ-87, about 35 minutes northeast of downtown Phoenix and 25 minutes from Scottsdale.
- By Plane: Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), then rent a car or take a rideshare northeast to Fountain Hills.
- By Shuttle or Ride Service: Local transport services and airport shuttles connect Fountain Hills with greater Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Where to Stay in Fountain Hills, AZ
- ADERO Scottsdale, Autograph Collection – Luxury wellness resort with mountain views, hiking access, spa, and stargazing deck.
- Comfort Inn Fountain Hills – Affordable and convenient option near golf, dining, and McDowell Mountain Park.
- Lakeside Airbnbs and Vacation Rentals – Great for families or couples seeking views of the lake and fountain.
Best Things to Do in Fountain Hills, AZ
1. McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Rating: ★★★★★
McDowell Mountain Regional Park is a public park spanning more than 21,000 acres throughout the northern Fountain Hills region, offering opportunities for a variety of seasonal outdoor recreational activities. The park is located along the western edge of the McDowell Mountains, with elevations throughout reaching a maximum of 3,000 feet above sea level.
More than 50 miles of multi-use trails are available for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, including three loop tracks of varying difficulty levels available for use by competitive-level mountain bikers. 76 campsites provide tent and RV hookups, offering picnic tables, fire rings, and public restroom and shower facilities. Wildlife sightings of deer, coyotes, and javelina are common throughout the park.
16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr, MMRP, AZ 85268 , Phone: 480-471-0173, website
2. The Fountain
The Fountain is a 560-foot geyser-style fountain in Fountain Hills’ downtown center, originally constructed in 1970 by Robert McCulloch. The structure is one of the world’s largest man-made fountains, reaching water heights three times higher than Yellowstone Park’s famed Old Faithful geyser. 7,000 gallons of water pump through the fountain per minute as it spouts from a concrete water lily sculpture, with water plumes visible from as far away as the Superstition Mountains region. It serves as a major community landmark and public gathering space, spouting at 15-minute intervals on the hour daily from morning through evening. On special event days, the fountain’s height and viewing schedule are adjusted for broader operation.
12925 N. Saguaro Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, Phone: 480-836-9919
3. Fountain Hills Lake Overlook Trail
Fountain Hills Lake Overlook Trail is an urban multi-use trail that spans 1.5 miles throughout the heart of the Fountain Hills community. The family-friendly hike begins at a public parking lot and trailhead near Fountain Lake and Panorama Boulevard, traversing uphill through a condominium development area that offers beautiful lake views. As the trail ascends, 360-degree views of the area’s surrounding vistas become visible, including the Superstition and Mazatzal Mountains, the Four Peaks, and Mount Ord. After the halfway point, the trail continues through residential areas and loops back to the intersection of Palisades and Saguaro Boulevards, which provide access to Fountain Lake’s southern end.
Downtown Fountain Hills at the Fountain Park, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, Phone: 480-816-5100
4. Dixie Mine Trail
Dixie Mine Trail traverses the grounds of the former Dixie Mine, which was originally established in 1877 for the purposes of mining quartz. The mine continued to operate throughout much of the 20th century until its sale to McDowell Mountain Regional Park in 1977. Today, its remains can be explored via a 5.5-mile round-trip within the park that stems off the Sonoran Trail, gaining 591 feet in elevation before reaching its destination. Above the mine, petroglyphs from the Archaic, Hokoham, and Historical periods are visible, along with stone carvings believed to date between 1918 and 1925. Visitors should note that a nominal fee is charged to access the trailhead. The trail is dog-friendly and is recommended for intermediate-level hikers.
Dixie Mine Trail, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
5. The Spa at ADERO
Offering a peaceful and spiritually uplifting Sonoran Desert oasis, The Spa at ADERO will sooth your soul and rejuvenate your mind and body. This is no ordinary spa, and you will find a range of wonderful treatments which are unique to this establishment. Signature treatments have been developed using desert minerals, local herbs and Native American traditional healing ingredients. Spa treatments include massage therapy, (including cranial sacral therapy and lymphatic drainage), facials, body treatments and a variety of mindful soul “adventures” including yoga, meditation, crystal healing, reflexology and much more. You will also have the use of the whirlpool, steam room and outdoor pool.
The Spa at ADERO, 13225 North Eagle Ridge Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85268, 480-333-1900
6. Fountain Hills Great Fair of Arts and Crafts
Fountain Hills Great Fair of Arts and Crafts is an annual fine arts festival that is held for three days in February in downtown Fountain Hills. The festival has been presented for more than three decades and attracts over 500 artists and crafters from around the United States and the world, exhibiting in a wide variety of mediums. In addition to artwork for sale, many vendors engage in the tradition of offering custom holiday ornaments available for sale, crafted to their unique styles and artistic voices. More than 200,000 annual visitors attend the festival, which also offers live music performances, food trucks, a beer garden, and public seating and dining areas. The festival is held rain or shine and offers free admission, with ample free parking available.
Downtown Fountain Hills, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, Phone: 480-837-1654
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
7. The River of Time Museum
The River of Time Museum is an archaeological and anthropological museum that showcases the civic and social history of the Fountain Hills region, from its indigenous roots through the present day. The museum was opened in 2003 by the Fountain Hills Historical Society and strives to educate visitors about the various peoples of the Lower Verde River Valley, with a specific focus on the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and the Verde community. Exhibits include the Building a Fountain, Building a Community exhibit, which focuses on the development and construction of the town’s iconic fountain, and the Three Communities, Three Sources and Ancient Lower Verde Civilizations exhibits, which highlight the region’s indigenous groups. Other exhibits showcase topics such as the area’s mining history and the development of the Phoenix metropolitan area Salt River Project. Group tours are offered for small groups of 10 or more, and special events are held periodically, including dinner discussions and Thursday Theater performances.
12901 N La Montana Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, Phone: 480-837-2612
8. Fort McDowell Casino
Fort McDowell Casino is a state-of-the-art gaming, dining, and entertainment complex, offering an award-winning 1,200-seat bingo hall and more than 900 slot and video machines, along with blackjack tables and a poker room showcasing daily tournaments. Five restaurants are also offered on site, including the throwback Silver Platter diner, sushi and noodle joint Noodles Sushiya, and the resort’s famed all-you-can-eat Red Rock Buffet. Overnight accommodations are offered at the four-diamond Wekopa Resort, and RV hookups are available at the Eagleview RV Resort. Live entertainment is also showcased on weekends at the Lucky 7 Saloon, showcasing the talents of regional bands such as Mogollon, Furious George, and The Hamptons.
10424 N Fort McDowell Rd, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264, Phone: 800-843-3678
9. Fountain Hills Artists' Gallery
Fountain Hills Artists' Gallery is an artist-owned cooperative gallery that showcases the works of more than 40 artists from throughout the Fountain Hills region working in a variety of mixed media. The gallery is operated daily by artists, allowing visitors to meet the creators of works on display with every visit. Mediums on display include acrylics, ceramics, fiber art, glass, jewelry, photography, oil paintings, and sculptures. Specialty works are also displayed periodically, including gourd art, kaleidoscopes, encaustics, and silk scarves. All items are available for sale as a direct purchase between artists and customers, with no gallery commissions taken. Monthly workshops are offered for amateur artists of all skill levels, with all supplies included for participants.
16858 E. Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, Phone: 480-836-9919
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