Arts and Culture

On the first day, begin in Chandler by having breakfast at the historic San Marcos Golf and Conference Resort which hosted Hollywood stars in the 1930s and 1940s. After breakfast, one can stroll across the street to visit either the Chandler Museum or Arizona Railroad Museum. Drive a short distance south to the Zelma Basha Salmeri Galley of Western American and Native American Art. Next, travel to the Superstition Mountains for a visit to the Goldfield Ghost Town and take the opportunity for a beautiful shot of the Sonoran Desert while having lunch at one of the Old West saloons on site. 

Then, head west to Downtown Mesa to visit the whimsical bronze statues lining Main Street and spend time viewing the contemporary art pieces that fill the newly opened Mesa Arts Center. Around the corner, choices include the Mesa Southwest Museum and the Arizona Museum for Youth. The Sirrine House and Mormon Temple both trace Mesa's roots.

Lastly, head to Tempe. First stop should be the ASU Art Museum at Nelson Fine Arts Center to take a look at both the art inside and the beautiful design of the museum outside. Next door is the ASU Ceramics Research Center offering insight into this growing art form. Up Mill Avenue, take in the sights in Papago Park including the Desert Botanical Garden, Hall of Flame and Arizona Historical Society. From Mill Avenue walk along Tempe Town Lake to experience the Tempe Center for the Arts. Watch a Childsplay theater production, dine at the TCA Lounge or see an exhibition at the Gallery. For dinner, head back towards Arizona State University. There are nearly 200 dining options within a two mile radius of campus, with 65 to choose from in the Mill Avenue District alone. Cap off the evening at a performance at the Frank Lloyd Wright designed ASU's Gammage.

Learn more about arts and culture attractions in Chandler, Mesa, Tempe and Apache Junction.