Places to Visit in Tucson

Tohono Chul Tucson is a combo botanical garden, tea-house, wildlife refuge, art gallery, lunch café (with indoor/outdoor seating), and bookstore, all set in Sonoran Desert surroundings. Plus it's a wonderful place to "chill."

Formed as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Seasonal art exhibitions and conservation projects make it a hub for nature and culture.

• Its 49 acres highlights Sonoran Desert native plants, specialty gardens, and walking trails.
• Well-marked pathways and accessible facilities make it friendly for guests with mobility needs.
• Gardens include a hummingbird habitat, a riparian streamside area, a geography wall, and interpretive signage on xeriscaping. See the Handy Map>

There's plenty of parking on-site.

HOURS:

• Winter: 8am–5pm | Summer (June–Sept): 7am–2pm (avoid midday heat).
• Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Independence Day.

ADMISSION PRICES:

• Admission (2025):

1. Children: ages through 4 years enter Free. Ages 5-12 - $6. Over 12/adults - $15.
2. Discounts available, including Senior & Military.

LOCATION/DIRECTIONS:

• Location: 7366 N Paseo del Norte. North side of town, near Ina & Oracle Roads.
• Directions: From I-10 Exit 248, head east on Ina Rd, keep left.

1. Pass Oracle Rd traffic light, look for U-Turn (Oracle access, too) and take the Turnaround.
2. Continue west on Ina, right lane, pass Oracle Rd
3. Turn right on second roadway: Paseo del Norte.

• More info: (520) 742-6455

This drive to an Observatory in Tucson Arizona is well-worth it!

From I-19 take Exit-99 & head west on Ajo Road (AZ-Hwy.86). From there it's 39-miles, less than one-hour away. Kitt Peak National Observatory is a favorite for science enthusiasts.

Along the way to Kitt Peak National Observatory you'll cross into Native American Lands. The Observatory's location is within the Schuk Toak District on the Tohono O'odham Nation. Kitt Peak is named Iolkam Du’ag in the O'odham language .

You'll drive up to the top, at a 6,877ft/2,096m high elevation of the Quinlan Mountains. With sprawling desert and mountain vistas along the way up the steep road.  A trip that's both scenic and educational.

- Situated atop the Quinlan Mountains at 6,880 ft (2,097 m), you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas of desert and peaks.
- Reservations recommended for sky programs.
- Accessibility: Most areas are wheelchair accessible, but mountaintop telescope access is limited.

Once there, the Visitor Center is your best first stop to view displays featuring the universe, experienced through Observatories.

• You can Sign Up for Tours - in advance is best.
• Three versions take 4-1/2 hours. Another, the most popular, goes overnight.

KPNO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy. Managed by NOIRLab for the National Science Foundation.

Reid Park Zoo is our fun local zoo. How many times we've been here, bringing our kids & grandkids.

This AZA-accredited zoo is popular with locals and visitors alike. Lots of animals to see! From Anteaters to Zebras. Funny ones, odd ones, scary ones, yucky tiny ones, but all are interesting! Plus:

• Educational exhibits wonderful for all
• Interactive play areas especially fun for kids.

LOCATION & DIRECTIONS:

It's adjacent to Tucson's major city park. Address: 3400 Zoo Court.

On the North side of 22nd Street, between Country Club & Alvernon Way. Turn into S.Randolph Way, turn left onto Zoo Court for parking.

HOURS & ADMISSION:

• October to May: 9am-4pm
• Summer hours - June to September: 8am–2pm
• General Admission: $12 ages 15-61. Through age 1: Free
• Discounts for Tucson residents, seniors, military, and children

More info: (520) 791-3204

You might enjoy the cultural beauty & rich history of San Xavier Mission.

This stunning Spanish colonial mission, with deep local and indigenous significance. Plus a testament to those historical builders & designers.

A local spiritual and community pillar since 1797. Founded by Father Eusebio Kino in 1692. He ministered to the people of the Tohono O'odham Nation. The current church was built between 1783–1797, and refurbishments up through today.

The outdoor entryway is stunning. Go inside & you'll marvel at the incredible interior craftsmanship. Like religious icons, intricate stone carvings and colorful frescoes. Its altar is magnificent.

That's the Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium.  It's on the University of Arizona (UofA) campus, part of the College of Science.

In 1972 the university received a generous philanthropic grant from the estate of Grace H. Flandrau. She was an author and a regular Tucson visitor. The UofA wanted to use that funding for the public's benefit in learning the value of science.

They built it as part of the Astronomy Department. It's also situated near Optical Sciences, Lunar & Planetary Lab, and Flandrau Observatory.

Why Visit?

• Seeing the shows in the Eos Foundation Planetarium theater.  Like...

1. Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity
2. A Search for the Edge of the Solar System
3. Desert Moon
4. Climate Change in Our Backyard
5. From Earth to the Universe - and more!