Best Museums in Phoenix

"A cultural staple of the Greater Phoenix area, the Phoenix Art Museum boasts a collection dedicated to the variety of mediums, themes, styles, and dimensions that represent contemporary Phoenix. Photography, fashion, painting, balloons — you’d be more surprised by what you don’t find here than by what you do!. Kids will love the Make It!"

"The museum of choice for science lovers, both adults and children, visiting Phoenix. This museum and its more than 350 exhibits, collections, and experiences will make you exercise your mind like never before!. The interactive screens, together with the exhibited projects and available education programs, make this scientific experience an unforgettable learning experience."

"Experience a hurricane, lie on a bed of nails, walk through a human stomach, and so much more. Visiting the Arizona Science Center is one of the best things to do in Phoenix with kids because it uses a hands-on approach to science and learning. Staff members present live science demonstrations throughout the day, so be sure to check the daily schedule upon arrival."

"The Arizona Science Center, which is located right in Downtown Phoenix, offers hands-on exhibits, a CREATE Makerspace, and a planetarium. It’s a great place to go to get away from the heat."

"Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park is an ancient archeological site situated in downtown Phoenix near the Sky Harbor International Airport. Left by the Hohokam culture, the site is the largest preserved archeological site in the city and is a National Historic Landmark and Phoenix Point of Pride. Located on the 1,500-year-old archeological site is the Pueblo Grande Museum, which features a variety of galleries which showcase items and artifacts from the prehistoric Hohokam archeological village site."

"The Hall of Flame Fire Museum is both a historical look at the profession and a tribute to firefighters who have been killed in the line of duty, or noted for their heroism. An afternoon here is fun for the whole family. On display at the museum are exhibits dating back to 1725, including old fire engines and some very curious types of fire extinguishers."

"More than 100 fully restored pieces of fire apparatus dating from 1725-2004 originating in America, England, France, Austria, Germany and Japan. The National Firefighting Hall of Heroes honors firefighters who have died in the line of duty or been decorated for heroism. Another gallery explores the history of wildland firefighting in the U.S. 10 a.m."

"This is the last of the museums that we are going to visit in the city of Phoenix. It is not the typical museum that you find in any city so, in my opinion, it is one of the best museums you can visit. The pieces, collections, and history of both the Arizona fire department and other regions of the world, is an unforgettable experience."

"Even if you're not staying in Mesa, this museum is worth a trip, especially if your kids are into dinosaurs (and aren't they all?). In addition to the multilevel Dinosaur Mountain, there are loads of life-sized casts of the giant beasts plus a touchable apatosaurus thighbone. Other exhibits highlight the Southwest's pre-conquest past, and that of the Americas more broadly, from a prehistoric Hohokam village to an entire hall on ancient Mesoamerican cultures."

"Located in the neighboring city of Mesa, this kid-friendly museum explores the Arizona’s natural and cultural history with plenty of hands-on, interactive, sound-and-light, try-this-on exhibits. Pan for “gold,” visit a territorial jail, dig for dinosaur bones, and inspect the impressive collection of prehistoric fossils."

"The Shemer Art Center & Museum used to be a private residence overlooking Camelback Mountain, but now the four-acre property with beautiful gardens and different galleries is open to the public. The art center offers many different workshops and classes to try things like pottery, printmaking, fused glass, photography, and more. The outdoor sculpture garden offers beautiful views of the surrounding area with some incredible pieces of art that are available to purchase or just enjoy."

"Formerly a private residence, this art center and museum sits on four well-manicured acres overlooking Camelback Mountain and is one of the few places to see large-scale sculpture outdoors. The displays change throughout the year as some are sold and others make way for newer works. The museum's permanent collection has over 100 artworks by contemporary Arizona artists."

"British artists Vicky Isley and Paul Smith have collaborated with science institutions over the past decade to create video installations that explore how large scale environmental changes have altered disease transmission. The exhibition, “Restless Balance: boredomresearch” is also the U.S. premiere of the video, “In Search of Chemozoa,” along with three earlier works that include animated robots navigating Venice’s polluted canals, flight patterns of mosquitos carrying malaria and intertidal snails adjusting to changed coastal conditions. Exhibition runs through April 24."

"Another one of the favorite museums for art lovers visiting Phoenix!. If you decide to give this museum a chance and visit it, you will find a collection of more than 12,000 objects, articles, and works of mostly contemporary art from different regions of the world such as Europe, Asia, and America. You can also enjoy their events, temporary exhibits, and educational programs offered thanks to being part of Arizona State University."

"Arizona State University, recently named by US News & World Report as the number one innovative university in America, serves its title well through its always-free, always-exciting Art Museum. A great stop for families, students, and community groups, the Museum offers hands-on learning experiences through family programming and community events. The arts are just a short trip away at the ASU Art Museum."

"South Mountain Park is totally free to visit and offers amazing views of the city and surrounding landscapes. This is a large city park that spans over 16,000 acres in size and features desert mountain terrain. Come here to hike or bike early in the morning to beat the summer heat."

"You can start your Phoenix Vacation by exploring the South Mountain Park with its variety of flora and fauna. It is also the home of the chuckwalla specie, a rare form of lizard. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Phoenix at the lookout point at 1,000 above the desert floor."

"Vista Del Camino Park, also home to a dog park, sits on 71 acres and has plenty of place to roam. In addition to lakes for boating and fishing, visitors play on playgrounds and courts, try horseshoes, cool off on the spray pad, and visit the community center. One of the top features is the disc golf course, which offers mostly flat and lightly wooded terrain."

"It’s no secret that Scottsdale has one of the best park systems in the United States. Vista Del Camino Park is proof of that. There’s a lake, boxed and stream-like, that cuts through the heart of Vista Del Camino’s 71-acre grounds."

"At the water area, a spraying palm tree is a highlight, as are spray loops. There is shaded seating nearby, plus disc golf, a dog park, lakes and playgrounds. Details: Sunrise-10:30 p.m."

"The American Indian Veterans Memorial Organization honors American Indian veterans and has established Steele Indian School Park as a location to pay tribute these great American Indian heroes, making it the premiere special event park in central Phoenix. It features acres of green grass, mature shade trees and a historic setting. The performance/stage area of the outdoor amphitheater is 60 feet in diameter and is large enough for a full symphony orchestra."

"The historic Steele Indian School Park is one of those smack-dab-in-middle-of-the-city parks that provide a perfect urban view for your sunny picnic. There’s the chime of the light rail, skyline of midtown office buildings, and plenty of mature trees and grass. The 75-acre park offers attractions like Entry Garden and the Circle of Life, while nearby restaurants include George & Dragon, Clever Koi, and Pane Bianco."

"The north side of the 75-acre park has a playground, two half-court basketball courts and sand volleyball courts. Based on more than 500 Google reviews, Steele Indian School Park is a great place to go and relax. It's also full of history, with the "Circle of Life" columns telling the story of the Phoenix Indian School and the buildings that still stand there today."

"I first heard about Santisi Brothers when our neighbor told us it was not just the Best Sports Bar around but the food was not typical bar food."

"The MercBar brand began in New York City, and although the original has now shut, this Phoenix outpost has been going strong since 1996. Here classic dark wood paneling and sensual lighting creates an atmosphere where the well-heeled gather over fancy drinks. Throw on your posh frocks and opt from a selection of classic cocktails; try an old fashioned with a mezcal twist to mix it up."

"If you’re looking for vegetarian Breakfast And Brunch delivery, consider checking out Hyderabad Rasoi in Mountain Vista, Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade Scottsdale in Desert Ridge, D’Lite Healthy On The Go in West Phoenix, Salad and Go in Maryvale, and Crazy Jim’s 15th Avenue in Encanto."

"The annual Homestyle Turkey n’ Dressing Meal ($12.99) is comprised of turkey with dressing and gravy, a sampling of sugar cured ham, sweet potato casserole, cranberry relish, one country side, buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins, a refillable beverage and slice of pumpkin pie."