Location: Tucson
Top Things to do in Tucson
What to do and see in Tucson, Arizona (AZ): The Best Shopping
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. H. F. Coors
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By 919treys
H.F. Coors is one of those pleasant 'Tucson Surprises' that many of their own residents don't know about. This is a really interesting pottery and dinnerware factory that apparently is a top notch name, particularly in restaurants, colleges, etc. all over the U.S. I took a tour and saw their manufacturing process and their employees, all steadily working at a variety of stations, producing a lot of really unique lines of pottery and dinnerware that would eventually roll out the end of a very long kiln. VERY INTERESTING to just watch! They make a very DURABLE line of products, practically unbreakable. And are very proud to make '100% Made in America' products. They also have a lot of very unique, limited edition pieces and sets available in the gift shop - which is a tour in and of itself. Very nice. So if you are visiting Tucson, or even a resident that has never heard of H.F. Coors - look 'em up. You might want to check ahead for their tours and special events, but I'm sure their store is open every day. I had a great time, learned a lot, and hope to visit again when I am in town..
5. Jane Hamilton Fine Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Jane Hamilton Fine Art represents over 50 artists for over 28 years! Our gallery boasts a spectacular variety of southwest art from traditional to abstract, as well as stunning outdoor sculpture. Located in the Catalina Foothills of Tucson Arizona, the gallery is surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, fantastic shopping and delicious restaraunts. Make a day of it, come out and see some art! Jane hosts monthly events, so check the website to see what's happening next!
6. 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!!
7. Casas Adobes Plaza
8. Maynard Dixon Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Maynard Dixon is considered by many art collectors of the West to be their premier artist. His ability to capture the West and its inhabitants, in a nonjudgmental and honest way, has left an indelible legacy. The Maynard Dixon Museum, while not in New Mexico, is a little less than an hour flight from Albuquerque to Tucson Arizona. " The hundred dollar Southwest flight is well worth it," says Dr. Mark Sublette who is the Museum's founder and Maynard Dixon expert. Sublette goes on to say "The Museum has tried to capture the essence of Dixon, the artist as well as the individual, through not only his artwork but through his letters and poetry." Sublette's Maynard Dixon Museum, the only museum dedicated to the lifework of Maynard Dixon, has succeeded in that goal. Over a hundred pieces of artwork including paintings, drawings, and original Maynard Dixon ephemera can be seen at the Museum. The Maynard Dixon Museum, located within Medicine Man Gallery on Tanque Verde Road in Tucson, is a treasure trove for those who love Dixon. Dixon's original easel resides in the museum. Many artists have made the pilgrimage just to see his easel with its copious drips of blue paint. Dixon's easel, with its Pollock like surface, succinctly captures a fifty-year time frame of Dixon's innate color sensibilities. Numerous original vintage photos by Dixon's second wife Dorthea Lange can also be found in the Museum, along with a lovely vintage photograph of Dixon taken in 1944 by Ansel Adams. Ansel gave the photograph to the Dixon family, and it now resides permanently in the Museum. Edith Hamlin, a well-known artist in her own right and Dixon's last wife, is also represented in the Dixon Museum collection. For the bibliophiles, nearly one hundred original books, magazines, and sunset magazine covers are on display.
Reviewed By X9002AGannas
The Dixon portion of the museum was great. The big surprise was the number of other artists in many media and genra, Sculpture, pottery, paintings, wood carvings, tapestry, photos and jewelry. Almost everything is for sale. Staff are helpful and knowledgeable. Shout out to Katherine and to the young man, the graphic artist in the Dixon area. We will definitely be back!
9. 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.
10. Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery specializes in Antique Native American Art, Old Pawn Jewelry, Navajo Rugs, Baskets, Early 2oth Century Paintings, Taos founders. The gallery houses the Maynard Dixon Museum, a 23 year collection of drawings, illustrations, poetry, oils, and ephemera. Admission is free. The gallery also features nationally acclaimed contemporary southwestern artists and sculptors.
Reviewed By 238katb
SO helpful with a question about a squash blossom necklace that I own. Had a question about a stamp on back. Great guy. Thanks indeed !
