Location: Tucson
Top Things to do in Tucson
10 Museums in Tucson That You Shouldn't Miss
Although Tucson's fantastic weather, national parks and forests and desert provide the perfect environment for tons of outdoor recreational activities, this city of half a million people also has its share of history and culture. With a history that goes back much further than many of its southwestern neighbors, Tucson boasts turn-of-the-century architecture, historic neighborhoods, museums and the Mission San Xavier del Bac, a still-functioning 18th-century mission considered one of the most beautiful in the U.S. Mexican and Native American influences are pervasive, and the city has a distinctly Western flavor. There's also a college-town atmosphere, thanks to the University of Arizona, which has its own share of museums and a science center. Whether golfing at a world-class golf resort, horseback riding, hiking in the wilderness, discovering desert flora and fauna at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum or exploring pre-Columbian and other art at the Tucson Art Museum, you'll have a mind-boggling array of things to do.
Restaurants in Tucson
1. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8,558 reviews
The renowned Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is everything you could want in a Sonoran Desert adventure! Mostly outdoors and comprised of an AZA-accredited zoo, extensive botanical garden, two art galleries, and a natural history museum, the Desert Museum sits on 98 acres of pristine desert landscape. The Museum showcases the diverse flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert region, featuring wildlife such as coyotes, javelinas, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep in their natural settings. Bird lovers delight in visiting the Museum's two aviaries, one dedicated to hummingbirds! Kids love the interactive Packrat Playhouse and Stingray Touch exhibits, learning to appreciate our unique environment from a young age. The Museum's gift shops offer an incredible bounty of books, jewelry, crafts, and more. This family-friendly establishment offers something for everyone!
Reviewed By Eiregirl
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is one of the few "must-see" things that we consistently recommend to *everyone* who visits the area. Young kids, teens, enthusiastic adults, tired/jaded adults, older folks who aren't as spry as they used to be - it's really a place for everyone. The Museum is accessible, welcoming, and it always receives rave reviews across the board from our visitors. Key highlights - --The "Museum" is really a combination of things. It does have indoor exhibits and the hands-on demonstrations that you'll find in other national museums, but that's just a fraction of what it offers. The Desert Museum is also a zoo with over 230 native animals - and it's one of the top-ranked public gardens in the U.S - and there is an aquarium - and a cool raptor area where trainers fly native birds of prey - and outdoor trails, etc. --The Museum setting is gorgeous. It's a short drive west of Tucson over Gate's Pass, and it sits smack in the middle of the Sonoran Desert. Every inch of the place takes advantage of this unique setting, and it's the best place in town to learn more about the surrounding flora & fauna. --The Desert Museum has a team of top-notch scientists on their staff. In addition to their work with public visitors, many of them are also actively engaged in their field's specialty research and/or education. There is always someone out on the museum pathway with an interesting animal, native plant display, or other engaging story/tidbit of new information. (My kids' top memory - a 'scorpion wall' search around dusk.) You know what you see/hear in the Museum is coming from people who know their stuff. Be sure to carve out at least half a day to visit the Desert Museum while you're in the area. It's well worth your time.
2. Philabaum Glass Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
This is a gallery of contemporary art glass from artists across the country; the only all-glass gallery in Southern Arizona. One can shop for gifts, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind pieces of art for your special niche. Free parking on the street and in the rear. Lunch restaurants close by. Fall,Winter,Spring hours: 10-5. Summer hours: 11-4.
Reviewed By rdsm77 - Tucson, United States
Was planning on going to other museums and galleries downtown and only found out about this place when looking at Google maps. So glad I visited. They have lovely glass items on display and some are ridiculously intricate. Too bad they no longer have glassblowing demonstrations as that would make the visit perfect. Plenty of parking in the back. Very helpful staff. Everything is pretty pricey, but the tiki mugs are adorable and affordable.
3. Desert Artisans
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
4. Franklin Auto Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 142 reviews
For more than 40 years, the home of the late collector Tom Hubbard has been the center of Franklin Automobile history. Featuring more than 20 antique and classic Franklin automobiles, as well as a collection of prehistoric artifacts collected by archaeologist Alice Carpenter, the museum is located in a quiet subdivision in the center of Tucson. Open from mid-October to mid-May, Wednesday through Saturday; 10A to 4P. We open for the Fall-Winter-Spring 2019-2020 season on Wednesday 16 October 2019 at 10AM. Large groups are requested to call ahead. We are closed during the summer months.
Reviewed By N8231LHpablop
We had a private tour there, and Anthony was the greatest tour guide, got there.... it's a Tucson must, he also fixes old watches, a gem of man!
5. 390th Memorial Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
The 390th Memorial Museum honors and memorializes those veterans who provided ground support and flew the B-17 in the 390th Bombardment Group of the Eighth Air Force in WWII. The Museum serves as a window on the air war over Europe by the 390th and related Bomb Groups in that conflict, educating the public on the 390th Bomb Group's service and sacrifice in the cause of freedom.
Reviewed By juliebfromindy - Indianapolis, United States
This museum was spectacular!!! 390th has a beautiful B-17, fully restored and this plane is captivating! We were able to talk with one of 9 remaining pilots and what a privilege that was!! He is there only on Thursdays. They have restrooms and a gift shop. The building is handicapped accessible as well as bathrooms. They have a wonderful display of nose art and the meanings behind them. I loved the area where you got to hear stories/ recounts of their time by the actual person. This should not be missed!!!
6. Gadsden-Pacific Division Toy Train Operating Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
THE MUSEUM IS CURRENTLY CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. Please check our Website GPDtrains.org. Open House SUNDAYS, September thru May. Indoor Toy operating Train Layouts located in our 6,000 SF building , "G" Scale to "Z". Children's Wooden Train Table layout, the ever-favorite Kid operated "Thomas the Tank Engine" layout. Outdoor Displays include our Rio Grande Caboose and 7.5" Ride-on-Train (weather & Staffing permitting) Browse the Gift / Hobby Shop with Train themed merchandise and new & used model trains and accessories. All volunteer operated, Not For Profit organization. Admission. Donations are Appreciated. Check Our new Website, Facebook & Twitter for Updates & info.
Reviewed By 251wesleyc - Tucson, United States
Most kids my age had a Lionel toy train set growing up -- This place will bring back all of those fond memories! The Museum is run by dedicated, enthusiastic volunteers, so it's only open afternoons on the 2nd & 4th Sundays each month (check their website to verify the hours of operation). Admission is free. There is a nice giftshop and there were some food trucks on the side of the street. The trains, of course, are the main attraction and they cover almost every inch of a large warehouse and an outside garden. There's a small train ride which circles the grounds and a full-size Caboose which you can tour. If you have kids/grandkids or want to relive your own childhood, this is the place!
7. Etherton Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By 683michelley - Tucson, United States
Tucked away next to Downtown Kitchen, right by the Post Office, is this old, two story building that houses an eclectic collection of revolving artists and exhibits. The building itself is a work of art, and the rooms hold photos by a vast array of photographers from 19th century to modern day, encompassing every subject you can imagine. If you have ever taken a picture, of anything or anyone, you will find something here to give you pause, make you think, inspire you to dream. Mixed media exhibits by local artists, paintings, and sculptures that represent the region, every room is a feast. Excellent afternoon, and, get this, Free admission!!
8. Arizona State Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
The oldest anthropological museum in the region, the Arizona State Museum has been collecting and interpreting the cultures of the Southwest since 1893.
Reviewed By 251wesleyc - Tucson, United States
Located on the University of Arizona Campus near the Main Gate. A large section of the Museum (Paths of Life) traces the history of 10 indigenous peoples who lived in Arizona and Sonora, Mexico including the Tohono O'odham and Pascua Yaqui tribes which are still present in Pima County. The highlight of the Museum for me was the outstanding collections of Native American pottery & baskets. ASM has over 20,000 baskets and over 20,000 pottery items. Only a small fraction are on display -- the rest are in climate controlled vaults. Non-flash photography is allowed. There is no snack bar/cafe, but there is a very nice gift shop where you can buy authentic Native American art & crafts. Definitely worth a visit!
9. International Wildlife Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 317 reviews
The International Wildlife Museum is dedicated to increasing knowledge of and appreciation for the diverse wildlife of the world, as well as explaining the role of wildlife management in conservation. Founded in 1988, the museum has over 400 kinds of insects, mammals and birds from all over the globe. Some of the collections are more than 100 years old and all the species found at the museum were donated by various government agencies, wildlife rehabilitation centers, captive breeding programs, zoos and individuals. The museum features a collection of animals from all over the world, along with dioramas re-creating the natural environment in which these animals live. Your visit is an excellent opportunity to see animals up close and gain a better understanding of their size and adaptive characteristics. The museum has many touchable specimens on display. All exhibits are indoors and the facility is wheelchair accessible and air-conditioned.
Reviewed By BobKathy - New Orleans, United States
You couldn't ask for a better museum to learn about animals, birds and insects from around the world. The museum has 400 donated specimens that teach you about their color, diet and habitat. People of all ages will enjoy seeing them and learning about them. The dioramas make everything come to life.
10. DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 573 reviews
On the National Register of Historic Places, this legendary landmark of Southwestern art and architecture was designed and built by acclaimed Arizona artist Ted DeGrazia. The 10-acre foothills site includes the adobe gallery with permanent and rotating exhibits, mission with interior murals, gift shop, cactus courtyard, the artist’s home, and his grave. Open daily 10-4, closed on these days: New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Plenty of parking and handicap accessible. Admission Fees – $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for ages 12-18, under 12 are free. An annual individual membership is $25.00, with two buddy passes or an annual family membership is $55.00, with four buddy passes.
Reviewed By Kkoleary - Scottsdale, United States
This museum was well laid out. Each room represented a different theme for the artist. I had never heard of DeGrazia so really appreciated all the interesting details of his life along with seeing and hearing his views of his work. You really need to explore the compound to fully appreciate this museum. There is a nice courtyard where you can wander amount the cacti with a fountain. To the left of the museum is a church, little space for visiting artists, and his original house tucked in the back. If you plan to watch the video (recommended) this should take 1.5 to 2 hours.
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