Phoenix

An orientation theater introduces the 14,000-work collection, which includes a rare reproduction of Gilbert Stuart's 1796 portrait, George Washington. — Michelin Guide

This rugged and serene swath of desert sits on the southwestern border of Scottsdale and Phoenix, and is home to some 50,000 cacti, succulents, agaves, shrubs, and trees. — Travel + Leisure

Wright and apprentices constructed a desert camp here using organic architecture to integrate the buildings with their natural surroundings. — Fodor's

Billing itself as the only museum in the world dedicated to the display of global musical instruments, Phoenix's Musical Instrument Museum, or MIM, opened in 2010. — Afar Magazine

This concrete monolith... has 350 hands-on exhibits, a five-story theater and cutting-edge planetarium. — Michelin Guide

The square is home to around a dozen buildings... now converted into shops and restaurants, as well as a museum occupying Rosson House. — Michelin Guide

With nearly 50,000 square feet of breathing room, the Children's Museum of Phoenix is a great place for the kids to get involved in the exhibits. — Afar Magazine

The 1895 Victorian home of a surgeon who became mayor of Phoenix has parquet floors, painstakingly replicated wallpaper patterns, a pressed-tin ceiling, transoms containing ruby glass. — Where

Features regularly changing exhibits of Western art, Old West artifacts and historic Native American objects, on loan from some of the world’s foremost collectors and institutions. — Where

A mock strip of the 19C West in the heart of swank Scottsdale, Old Town has wooden sidewalks, cigar-store Indians, rustic storefronts, and Mexican and Western art. — Michelin Guide

Formerly Bank One Ballpark, this baseball field is home to the Arizona Diamondbacks and handles rain or shine with its retractable roof. — Concierge

Has permanent collections of contemporary, Southwestern, North and Latin American art, hosts regular temporary shows, and houses international artists-in-residence. — Lonely Planet

It's here at Cosanti that Soleri's famous bells are cast, and most weekday mornings you can see the foundry in action. — Frommer's

With more than 90 fully restored fire engines dating back to 1725, this museum lures anyone who runs to their window at the sound of a siren. — Michelin Guide

Boyce Luther Gulley constructed the castle during the 1930s and early 1940s using stones from the property. The resulting 18-room fantasy has 13 fireplaces, parapets, and many other unusual touches. — Frommer's

This red-hued beauty is an attractively rugged cliff perfect for hard-core hikers. — Travel + Leisure

Great place to bring out-of-towners for a piece of history and panoramic Valley views. — Gayot