The nine best museums in Arizona are as diverse and surprising as the desert itself. Step into history at the Yuma Territorial Prison, descend into a real missile silo in Sahuarita, or gaze at masterpieces by Monet and Rivera in downtown Phoenix. Hunt for the mythical Lost Dutchman’s gold, marvel at dinosaur fossils in Mesa, or explore the best-preserved meteor impact site on Earth. Whether you’re drawn to art, adventure, science, or sheer oddity, Arizona’s museums promise stories as bold and colorful as the landscape around them.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson
With approximately 85% of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum located outdoors, visitors should come prepared for the desert climate. Wear comfortable walking shoes, a sunhat, and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. Pick up a map at the entrance or download one in advance to explore at your own pace using GPS. Along the trails, you’ll encounter remarkable exhibits such as Mountain Woodland, home to mountain lions, black bears, and Mexican gray wolves; Cat Canyon, where smaller desert cats roam; and the Birds of the Sonoran Desert aviary, where native species fly freely through a spacious enclosure.
After your visit, take a scenic drive through Saguaro National Park just minutes away, where you can stretch your legs again on a short nature trail surrounded by one of the world’s most majestic plants, the saguaro cactus. Be on the lookout for roadrunners, horned lizards, Gila monsters, and kangaroo rats, all of which are often spotted in the park. Don’t forget your camera to snap pictures of the breathtaking desert vistas.