Quick Summary: Arizona is one of the American Southwest's most scenic states, known for its stunning red rock butte formations and expansive desert landscape. Visitors can explore the state's scenic terrain as part of several designated All-American Road drives, including the lovely Red Rock Byway and preserved portions of iconic American Route 66. In lively metropolis Phoenix, many museums offer free admission daily or as part of special events such as the monthly First Friday Art Walks gallery crawl series. Sedona is home to gorgeous attractions like the Church of the Holy Cross, said to be the site of a New Age energy vortex, while Tempe offers delightful free-admission museums and attractions connected to the Arizona State University campus.


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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. The Arizona Capitol Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
The Arizona Capitol Museum | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Arizona
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2. The Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Attractions
The Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Arizona
© Llstock/stock.adobe.com

3. Arizona State University Art Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Arizona State University Art Museum | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Arizona
© humannet/stock.adobe.com

4. Buddy Stubbs Historical Motorcycle Museum

Category: Attractions
Buddy Stubbs Historical Motorcycle Museum | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Arizona
© reddees/stock.adobe.com

5. Camelback Mountain

Category: Activities
Camelback Mountain | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Arizona
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6. The Chapel of the Holy Cross

The Chapel of the Holy Cross | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Arizona
© Frédéric Prochasson/stock.adobe.com

7. Coronado Trail National Scenic Byway

Category: Activities
Coronado Trail National Scenic Byway | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Arizona
© Richard Wright and Danita Delimont/stock.adobe.com

8. First Friday Art Walks

Category: Activities
First Friday Art Walks | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Arizona
© themorningglory/stock.adobe.com

9. Historic Orpheum Theatre Tours

Category: Entertainment
Historic Orpheum Theatre Tours | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Arizona
© Marko/stock.adobe.com

10. Historic Route 66 All-American Road

Category: Attractions
Historic Route 66 All-American Road | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Arizona
© Brad Pict/stock.adobe.com

11. Flagstaff's Lava Tubes

Flagstaff's Lava Tubes | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Arizona
© Mark/stock.adobe.com

12. Navajo Nation Zoo

Category: Kids & Family
Navajo Nation Zoo | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Arizona
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13. Old Trails Museum

Category: Activities
Old Trails Museum | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Arizona
© Reid Dalland/stock.adobe.com

14. Phoenix Art Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Phoenix Art Museum | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Arizona
© JackF/stock.adobe.com

15. The Phoenix Police Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
The Phoenix Police Museum | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Arizona
© The Phoenix Police Museum

16. Red Rock Scenic Byway

Red Rock Scenic Byway | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Arizona
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17. Second Friday Night Out

Second Friday Night Out | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Arizona
© Autthaseth/stock.adobe.com

18. The Arabian Public Library

Category: Kids & Family
The Arabian Public Library | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Arizona
© Yeko Photo Studio/stock.adobe.com

19. The Gallery at Phoenix City Hall

Category: Museums & Culture
The Gallery at Phoenix City Hall | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Arizona
© Monkey Business/stock.adobe.com

20. Wells Fargo Museum - Free Admission

Category: Museums & Culture
Wells Fargo Museum - Free Admission | Free & Affordable Things to Do in Arizona
© Wells Fargo Museum

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