Biosphere 2

Biosphere 2 – is an incredible architectural building, but not only, the main purpose was to create Earth systems for science research. Its mission is to serve as a center for research, outreach, teaching, and lifelong learning about Earth, its living systems, and its place in the universe. The building and territory is a 3.14-acre (1.27-hectare) structure originally built to be an artificial, materially closed ecological system, or vivarium. Even still, It remains the largest closed system ever created.

32540 South Biosphere Road, Mile marker 96.5, Oracle, AZ 85623

800 828 2462, 520 825 1289

You can buy tickets here

Mission San Xavier del Bac

Mission San Xavier del Bac – is a historic monument, that is an architectural masterpiece, was founded as a Catholic mission by Father Eusebio Kino in 1692. This is the oldest intact European structure in Arizona, the church’s interior is filled with marvelous original statuary and mural paintings. There are not so many authentic ancient religious institutions around the US and it is a place where visitors can “dive” into the history, religion or just enjoy the beauty of 18th century mission. They also have educational classes. There is no admission charge

Mission San Xavier del Bac

1950 W. San Xavier Road

Tucson, AZ 85746-7409

520 294 2624

info@sanxaviermission.org

Sonora Desert Museum

Arizona – Sonora Desert Museum – the 98 acre Desert Museum is a life time experience: zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, natural history museum, and aquarium.

• 21 interpreted acres with two miles of walking paths through various desert habitats
• 230 animal species
• 1,200 types of plants — 56,000 individual specimens
• One of the world’s most comprehensive regional mineral collections

And much more, it is interesting for all ages.

2021 N. Kinney Rd., Tucson AZ 85743 U.S.A.

520 883 2702

Admission rates are here

Kitt Peak National Observatory

Kitt Peak National Observatory – National Optical Astronomy Observatory

Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO), supports the most diverse collection of astronomical observatories on Earth for nighttime optical and infrared astronomy and daytime study of the Sun.

You can read about tours, admissions, gift shop, etc., here

Highway 86 to 386 for 12 miles, Sells, AZ85634

520 318 8726

Tucson Botanical Gardens

Tucson Botanical Gardens – Tucson Botanical Gardens is the BEST Secret Garden in America. It has one of the greatest plants collections, especially the ones that grow in the desert, and it shows an example how to use desert plants to save water and keep the environment beautiful, what is especially helpful now, the time of draught. Beside enormous plants collection, they have butterfly house, classes, tours, café and resting area.

Hours and admission – here

2150 North Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712

520 326 9686

B&B Cactus Farm

B & B Cactus Farm  – this is 2 acres of the widest collection of cacti, with many greenhouses and outside areas filled with cacti and succulents of all types for garden lovers and landscape designers.  They also have a great collection of pottery for sale. Including Saguaro cacti, tree-like enormous cactus specie.

11550 East Speedway Boulevard, Tucson, AZ85748

520 721 4687

Old Western Tucson

Old Western Tucson  – if you are a fan or fancier of western/cowboy movies then this is the place for you. Walking the main street will make you recognize many of the storefronts and buildings you have seen in many, many western movies. And even if you are not a huge fan of old western movies, this is still a really neat place to visit!

You can buy tickets here

201 South Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85735

520 883 0100

DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun

For art lovers: astonishing galleries and studios to enjoy and buy unique art fulfilled with history, juicy colors, desert landscapes for moderate local prices

DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun – a wonderful place to visit and enjoy the art with the possibility to buy. There are over 15,000 works of art here by the renowned painter, sculptor and ceramicist Ettore “Ted” DeGrazia; there is Permanent collection, Rotating collection and Little gallery.

6300 N. Swan Road, Tucson, AZ 85718

520 299 9191

Admission fees here

Philabaum Glass Gallery & Studio

Philabaum Glass Gallery & Studio – if you love glass in all its myriad forms or an art lover period this place is for you. Stunning glass art, most of it for sale at reasonable prices. And if you are lucky to catch glass masters, who usually works right there, you can witness the masterpiece creation.

711 South 6th Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701

520 8847 404

Etherton Gallery

Etherton Gallery – is an amazing Tucson treasure! Etherton Gallery specializes in vintage and contemporary fine art photography, paintings, prints, sculpture, and mixed-media works by local and regional artists.

135 South 6th Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701

520 624 7370

Madaras Gallery

Madaras Gallery – this is a privately owned art gallery, that differs in its own way from listed above. The art works are unique, fresh and simply beautiful. You can order/buy right away what is displayed in the gallery, art works presented in different sizes and it can be either canvas or high quality print

3001 E. Skyline, Tucson, AZ

520 615 3001

Arte de la Vida

Arte de la Vida – authentic amazing vintage of Mexican Folk Art.

37 N. Tucson Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716

520 398 6720

H.F. Coors Pottery

H.F. Coors – handmade/painted pottery. High restaurant quality dishes and they don’t sell in stores, only make restaurant ware and over the internet, so if you want some pieces, this is the place to g

1600 S Cherrybell Stra, Tucson, AZ 85713

520 903 1010

Fox Tucson Theatre

Fox Tucson Theater – theater was brought back to live in late 90s with the mission to bring back cultural theater experience into the community. Nowadays it offers high quality performing arts, cultural activities and films in order to inspire, excite, entertain, engage and educate guests from all over Southern Arizona. You can check events schedule here

17 W Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701

520 547 3040