1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix | @dbgphx | Desert Botanical Gardens is a stunning 140-acre botanical garden dedicated to the unique flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert. With over 50,000 species of desert plants, it’s one of the most beautiful research and conservation centers worldwide. Make sure to check their events calendar before you visit, its seasonal programming is spectacular.
4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix | @mimphx | The world’s largest museum dedicated to musical instruments, the Musical Instrument Museum showcases 15,000 instruments and associated objects from nearly 200 countries and every inhabited continent. It’s a veritable haven for the musically inclined, as well as an architecturally stunning building.
12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale | @wrighttaliesin | Deeply connected to the desert from which it was forged, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West possesses an almost prehistoric grandeur. Taliesin functioned as the iconic architect’s desert laboratory. Built and maintained almost entirely by Wright and his apprentices, Taliesin West is among the most personal of the architect’s creations. Taliesin is open 7 days a week with a variety of tours and programming, including seasonal specials and recurring events.
2301 N Central Ave | @heardmuseum | The Heard Museum is one of the world’s preeminent museums for the presentation, interpretation, and advancement of American Indian art. The museum includes 12 exhibition galleries, free guided tours, outdoor sculpture gardens, a renowned café, a contemporary art gallery, trading-post style shopping, and much more.
1125 N. 3rd Avenue, Phoenix | @jfgphx | The Japanese Friendship Garden, also known as RoHoEn, is a joint project of the City of Phoenix and Sister City Himeji, Japan. Featuring a stroll garden, tea garden, tea house, stone garden, and courtyard garden, it’s a beautiful, serene spot in the heart of Downtown.
3830 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale | Western spirit reigns at Scottsdale Museum of the West, a 43,000-square-foot museum featuring the art, culture, and history of 19 states in the American West, Western Canada, and Mexico.
7374 E 2nd St, Scottsdale | @_smoca | Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCa for short) is a must-visit for art lovers. Designed by award-winning architect Will Bruder, SMoCA is an ingenious reimagination of a former movie theater housing four galleries that showcase contemporary art, architecture, and design.
75 N 2nd Street, Phoenix | @phoenixsymphony | The Phoenix Symphony is Arizona’s only full-time, professional symphony orchestra and the state’s largest performing arts group. Concerts are held at Orpheum Theater which, in combination with the sensational talent, make for a lovely evening.
3720 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale | @scottsdaleartschool | Renowned world-wide in the artist community but unknown to most Phoenicians, Scottsdale Artists’ School offers 250+ art classes and workshops led by the nation’s leading artists, with many students traveling from all over the world to participate. They also have a vibrant youth academy and are involved in many outreach initiatives throughout the valley.
1825 N Central Ave, Phoenix | @phxtheatre | A storied thespian program, The Phoenix Theatre Company offers exceptional theatrical experiences. Producing nearly 500 performances across multiple stages each year and running thriving outreach programs, The Phoenix Theatre Company inspires tens of thousands yearly.
2501 E Telawa Trail, Phoenix | @wrigleymansion | A stunning Phoenix landmark commanding equally stunning views, Wrigley Mansion is a must-visit icon for the architecturally inclined. Originally built by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr, the mansion showcases curated elements of Spanish, California Monterey, and Mediterranean styles. Wrigley Mansions offers tours, dinner, live jazz Fridays, Sunday Brunch, and a bar menu.