Arizona | Tucson

Recommended Attractions

Tucson Botanical Gardens: An urban oasis of five-plus acres with 16 specialty gardens that surround visitors with beauty and inspiration. Unique and fresh gift shop with local art and eco-friendly products. Tours and classes available. Open daily 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Admission: $7 adults.

Sabino Canyon Tours: Experience the beauty of one of the most unique Southwestern desert canyons on a Sabino Canyon tram ride. Sabino Canyon is a natural desert oasis located in Tucson's Coronado National Forest and is home to spectacular desert landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Old Town Artisans/La Cocina Restaurant: El Presidio Historic District is home to the little city block of Old Town Artisans. The 150-year-old adobe building has six distinctive shops and galleries featuring fine art and craft from hundreds of local and regional artists. The Spanish-style courtyard offers a relaxing place to enjoy lunch or beverages amidst regional plants and trees.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: A world-renowned zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden, all in one place! Exhibits re-create the natural landscape of the Sonoran Desert Region so realistically you find yourself eye-to-eye with mountain lions, prairie dogs, Gila monsters, and more. Within the Museum grounds, you will see more than 300 animal species and 1,200 kinds of plants. There are almost 2 miles of paths traversing 21 acres of beautiful desert. Open daily, year-round.

Recommended Events

Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase of Tucson (Jan 29-Feb 13, 2011): Also known as the Tucson Gem Show, the largest event of its kind in the world is eagerly anticipated by thousands of rock hounds, jewelers and others who buy, sell and exhibit.

La Fiesta de los Vaqueros (Tucson Rodeo) (Feb. 19-27, 2011): Dust, sweat, determination, and pride clash when some of the best rodeo athletes on the circuit strive to hold their own with some of the finest livestock in the biz at the infamous Tucson Rodeo.

Tucson International Mariachi Conference (April 26-30, 2011): Tucson's award-winning conference features performances by renowned mariachi musicians and baile folklorico dancers.