Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum redefines the concept of a museum, focusing on the preservation of the Sonoran Desert. Spanning two miles of walking paths, this unique space is home to 230 animal species and 1,200 types of plants, blending elements of a zoo, botanical garden, natural history museum, aquarium, and art gallery. Highlights include the Stingray Touch, Hummingbird Aviary, Warden Aquarium, and Earth Sciences Center, where visitors can explore a replica limestone cave. Plan for at least two hours to fully experience this immersive destination.

• Web:

  www.desertmuseum.org

• E-mail:

  info@desertmuseum.org

• Address:

  2021 North Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ

• Phone:

  +1 520 883 2702

• More info:

  It takes two hours or more to visit the museum.

ASARCO Mineral Discovery Center

Discover the fascinating world of copper at the ASARCO Mineral Discovery Center. The center features interactive exhibits, a Discovery Theater, a garden, and a gift shop showcasing jewelry by local artisans. You can take guided tours of the Mission Mine to see copper mining in action. Wrap up your visit by browsing the Company Store for unique, educational gifts.

• Web:

  www.asarco.com/discovery-center

• Address:

  1421 West Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita, AZ

• Phone:

  +1 520 625 8233

Biosphere 2

Take a tour of this "miniature earth" that researchers at the University of Arizona use to explore the future of the planet. Experience the world's ecosystems, from the salty ocean to the humid rainforest, replicated under Biosphere 2's roof. Guided tours are organized all year long.

• Web:

  www.biosphere2.org

• Address:

  32540 South Biosphere Road, Oracle, AZ

• Phone:

  +1 520 838 6200

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–4pm

Catalina State Park

For stunning desert scenery just outside Tucson, Catalina State Park is a must-visit. The park is home to nearly 5,000 saguaros and a variety of desert plants, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventures like hiking and biking. With 11 trails to choose from, each providing spectacular views, it’s the perfect escape for nature lovers.

• Web:

  www.azstateparks.com/catalina

• Address:

  11570 North Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ

• Phone:

  +1 520 628 5798

• Opening hours:

  Daily 5am–10pm

Children's Museum Tucson

New fun and educational exhibits are opening up all the time at the Children's Museum Tucson, devoted to promoting joy for the entire family. Exhibits and special events engage children in learning about the environment, biology, history and more.

• Web:

  www.childrensmuseumtucson.org

• Address:

  200 South 6th Avenue, Tucson, AZ

• Phone:

  +1 520 792 9985

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sun 9am–5pm, Thu until 7pm, Mon closed

Colossal Cave Mountain Park

While Colossal Cave is this park's centerpiece, it is certainly not its only attraction. It is also home to museums, various species of animals, public trails, a butterfly garden, as well as camping and picnic areas. Some special events are organized during the year, like birding or walking tours.

• Web:

  colossalcave.com

• Address:

  16721 East Old Spanish Trail, Vail, AZ

• Phone:

  +1 520 647 7275

• Opening hours:

  Park hours: daily 8am–4pm; cave hours: Mon–Thu 9am–3pm, Fri–Sun 9am–4pm