Trip Planner:   USA  /  Arizona  /  Tucson  /  Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson

4.8
#1 of 270 in Shopping in Arizona
Must see · Natural History Museum · Art Gallery
Create an itinerary including Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
A combination zoo, botanic garden, and natural history museum, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum features over 3 km (2 mi) of walking paths crisscrossing nearly 9 hectares (21 acres) of desert landscapes. Home to more than 230 animal species and 1,200 varieties of plants, the museum focuses on the interpretation and presentation of the natural history and diverse plant and animal life of the Sonoran Desert. Often called "the lushest desert on earth," this region shelters a range of habitats benefiting from the desert's bi-seasonal rainfall. The museum gardens display the varied ecosystems of cacti, agaves, grasslands, and yucca, while the zoo area features wildlife ranging from coyotes, bears, and mountain lions to hummingbirds and rattlesnakes. Quickly create a custom-made itinerary for Tucson using our trip planner.
Create a full itinerary - for free!

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 5.0
8,724 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • There is so much to see at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Go early while it is still cool and there aren't so many people there. It was quiet and we could hear wild birds calling to one another.....  more
    There is so much to see at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Go early while it is still cool and there aren't so many people there. It was quiet and we could hear wild birds calling to one another.....  more »
  • To call this vast location a “museum” is a misnomer- it’s more like a 2 mile slice of desert interspersed with birds and animals in situ, simulated caves with rock formations, demonstrations by... 
    To call this vast location a “museum” is a misnomer- it’s more like a 2 mile slice of desert interspersed with birds and animals in situ, simulated caves with rock formations, demonstrations by...  more »
Google
  • What a great out door adventure, amusement, activity! This museum will definitely have you engaged for hours and hours. Definitely visit hours before closing unless you're just going to the gift shop. The animals, the design the knowledge available and gain will be forever treasured! I had a blast with my family. Honestly the apprehension made it the adventure very suspenseful and rewarding! I think tour guides should be available for this type of museum. It will definitely take the adventure from Great to Extraordinary!!!!
  • This is one of the nicest museums I have ever visited. Entry is expensive, but you can tell they really use that money to maintain the premises. The bathrooms were clean and even had sunblock dispensers. The staff was very friendly and helpful. One of the highlights was the raptor flight demonstration. I really enjoyed watching the birds and learning about how unique the Harris hawks are in the bird world. The variety of cactus and other desert plants was another highlight. I had no idea there was such a variety of life in the desert. If you're in the area, this museum is definitely worth a visit.

Plan your trip to Tucson

  • Get a personalized trip
    A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place. Everyone on the same page.