Old stagecoaches, American Indian petroglyphs, desert concerts under the sunset – Phoenix is filled with cultural experiences new, old and ancient. Book a Phoenix hotel and unearth its riches with this guide to the top 10 cultural things to do in Phoenix.Spend a day marvelling at Indian art, pottery and jewelery at the Heard. See how Apaches once lived in a wickie-up, a tepee-like structure made of branches, twigs and hide.
2301 N. Central Ave. 85004
Wander among the labyrinth of galleries filled with a collection that includes Spanish colonial furnishings, religious art and the works of artists as various Frida Kahlo and Auguste Rodin. Imagine a fantastic voyage at the Thorne Miniature Collection, with tiny rooms only one foot wide.
1625 N. Central Ave. 85004
Get a glimpse of Wild West Phoenix when exploring the late 19th- and early 20th- century structures at Historic Heritage Square, Phoenix’s original settlement site. Then head to the Teeter House for afternoon tea or stay a little later for live jazz and cocktails.
115 Sixth St. 85004
No seals or polar bears at this warm weather zoo. See baboons frolic about in the impressive African savannah exhibit or watch giant Galapagos tortoises bask in the sun.
455 N. Galvin Parkway 85008
Put those cowboy boots on and mosey on down the dusty streets of this Wild West theme town to see trick-roping, gunfights and stagecoach rides. Saturday night enjoy hayrides, live music and a sun-down cookout.
5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler 85226
The Deer Valley Rock Art Center preserves Indian petroglyphs, some dating back 5,000 years. See the ancient rock drawings close-up, a top 10 culture thing to do in Phoenix.
3711 W. Deer Valley Road. Glendale 85308
Architecture buffs marvel at Frank Lloyd Wright’s windowless, open-walled desert camp. A behind-the-scenes tour includes morning tea with Wright associates and ample time to explore and snap photos.
12621 Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale 85259
Southwest artefacts like old jail cells, a walk-through gold mine and a model of an Indian village are some of the highlights of a visit here. Kids are mesmerized by the animatronic dinosaurs prowling the indoor cliffs and rushing waterfalls.
53 N. MacDonald St., Mesa 85201
Come sit among the cacti and wildflowers and listen to everything from blues to country at Music in Garden, held at the Desert Botanical Garden. With concerts starting at dusk, the sunset dipping behind the red mountains serves as a dramatic backdrop.
1201 N. Galvin Parkway 85008
Time-travel back to the 1800s through the exhibits and memorabilia at this celebration of Wild West culture. See the real Wild West in period photographs, ogle the gold nuggets and imagine riding an original Wells Fargo stagecoach.
100 W. Washington St. 85003
