Inside Out Aesthetics

Stroll through Historic Heritage Square for a visual feast that delves into the rich history of Phoenix's Victorian past. The Rosson House dates back to the late 1800s and is the Square's centerpiece and a sight to behold. The historic architecture remains intact, while the buildings have become museums, shops, and restaurants. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a peaceful place to unwind, Heritage Square has something for everyone. Remember to acknowledge the O'Odham and Piipaash peoples and their ancestors, whose traditional territory and homelands we now stand on.

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art truly captures the essence of contemporary art, architecture, and design. With ongoing programs and special events designed to help visitors explore the deeper meanings behind the exhibits, this museum is a fantastic place to learn, be enlightened, and enhance your viewing experience. And suppose you're interested in taking your knowledge to the next level. In that case, you'll be pleased to know that Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovation offers a wide range of programming, from matinee performances and museum programs to hands-on activities, residencies, and arts enrichment workshops.

Find your green-thumb inspiration in the garden's Berlin Agave Yucca Forest or the Desert Wildflower Loop Trail at the Desert Botanical Garden, a naturalist's dream where they showcase more than 145 acres of stunning desert blooms, flora, and fauna year-round. The site opened in 1939 and now boasts over 21,000 plants, including outdoor exhibits and displays, specialty greenhouses, and endangered and fragile species preservation. One-third of the plants are native to the area, while the remaining plants come from all over the world, including special collections from Australia and Baja California. Ecosystems represented include mesquite bosque, semidesert grassland, and upland chaparral scrub.