Drive northeast to experience the theater and gardens of the desert.
Carefree Desert Gardens
Located along the pedestrian-friendly and aptly named Easy Street, this oasis is situated on 4 acres and boasts a variety of rare and unusual desert plant specimens. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour year-round to discover such desert dwellers as sweet acacia, ocotillo, golden barrel cactus, crested saguaro and Mexican fence post.
Downtown Carefree
480-488-3686
visitcarefree.com
Carefree Sundial
Commissioned in 1959 for Carefree founder K.T. Palmer, this majestic structure continues to mark time today as one of the largest sundials in the U.S. Pointing to the North Star, the huge dial stands 35 feet above ground and uses the sun to indicate local time by the position the shadow casts upon the solar plaza. Grab a selfie and see for yourself! Downtown Carefree, adjacent to Carefree Desert Gardens and Amphitheater.
480-488-3686
visitcarefree.com
Cave Creek Museum
The nonprofit museum showcases an extensive collection of artifacts that depict the culture and legacy of Native Americans, miners, ranchers and pioneers in the Cave Creek/Carefree foothills area. Open October through May.
6140 E. Skyline Dr., Cave Creek
480-488-2764
cavecreekmuseum.org
Desert Foothills Theater
A program of the Foothills Community Foundation, the company has provided theater experiences in the northeast Valley since 1975. The 2021-22 season opens with High School Musical, Sept. 17-26, and continues with such favorites as War of the Worlds, The Music Man, Elf Jr., Fair Game, Les Misérables and Dear Edwina, with performance dates to be announced. Most productions are staged at The Holland Center.
34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale
480-488-1981
dftheater.org
