If there are no fans of the Arizona culture pass, I am dead. Without a doubt, this is one of the most worthwhile library programs in existence. With just a library card, twice a month you can secure two passes of your choice from a list of (approximately) 19 places to visit for FREE in Arizona. The passes are first come first serve at your local library and each library has a limited number of passes available. Each pass is good for 7 days from the time of “checking out.” Pro tip: check online for when passes are “due” back.
We have a goal of hitting all of the Culture Pass locations in Arizona over the next year and will continue to update them here as we complete them. While I hate to say any of them are not worthwhile- who can complain about a free activity?- some are better than others. Take our helpful hints to make the most of your passes and hopefully this encourages you to get a library card!
Desert Botanical Gardens
Savings: $60
Even without the pass, the Desert Botanical Gardens are a favorite spot of mine to visit in Phoenix. It’s pretty incredible that this destination even makes the CP list. It tends to be the hottest pass at the library and gets picked quickly. You’ll want to take the $60 you saved and buy a new succulent for sure!
Heard Museum
Savings: $46
Native American history is significant in Arizona and this museum displays the good and the bad. From a very modern Art and Sole shoe display to indigenous story telling and the grim history of manifest destiny, the Heard Museum is a walk in time through the southwest USA. We were incredibly impressed and found this to be the most educational of all the Culture Passes. I would pay to return!
Arcosanti
Savings: $44
As far as culture passes go, this truly feels like the most immersive culture pass. Not only are you transported geographically to a desert hideaway down a two-mile dirt road, but suddenly the year is 1970 and you are in a hippie commune. This is one of the best places to get a souvenir on the CP list as the residents make iconic Arcosanti wind chimes. Important note: all visits require a tour that must be reserved ahead of time online. Tour times are limited so get the culture pass early and plan a a few days ahead.
Superstition Mountain Museum
Savings: $14
While the Superstition Mountain Museum may have a high ranking for such a low $ savings, it deserves this spot on the list due to two factors: the likelihood that we would go back and the true Arizona “culture” as the culture pass program suggests. There are some interesting old west movie set pieces to see but what makes this museum great is the people working here. Ask them a few questions and they will truly put the “Superstition” in the Superstition Mountain Museum
Phoenix Art Museum
Savings: $50
Barbie saved the trip for us on this one. To be fair, we aren’t totally into art museums, but it’s still pretty incredible that this is an option on the list considering some of the great visiting exhibits the Phoenix Art Museum gets. I was dying to see Barbie and we waited until this pass was available. This one tends to go fast, especially during the summer or when there is a special exhibit.
Arboretum at Flagstaff
Savings: $24
This pass is out of the way for most people living in the state of Arizona, which is what makes it great. The reprieve from the heat and the chance to see grass is worth the two-hour trip alone for a desert dweller like me. The Arboretum is not open during the winter, so plan accordingly!
Sedona Heritage Museum
Savings: $20
This museum is a sweet alternative to getting out of the craziness of downtown Sedona and its roundabouts. While it won’t take more than an hour to visit, there is a great photo op spot marked for visitors and an up close look at some of the original McDonald’s “blue arches.” The rest of the town’s geography will make total sense when you learn about the Schnebly family here.
River of Time Museum
Savings: $24
The drive here will likely take you longer than the time spent in the museum, but if you find yourself in Fountain Hills this is an interesting two-room exhibit. The nine-minute movie at the start of the self-guided tour is the best part and does explain the history of the Verde River. There is a cute little gift shop at the end, too.
Scottsdale Contemporary Museum of Art
Savings: $0 (pay what you want)
This place should close down. When we went in August 2024, there were about three weird things to look at for a total of 5 minutes of activity. They know it was embarrassing too because they offered a “pay what you will” for the foreseeable future due to renovations. Not even worth the effort of getting a culture pass!
Indiana Jane 