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All 245 Tucson Attractions »

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

2021 North Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ 85743
520 883 2702
Ranked #1 of 145 attractions in Tucson
5.0 of 5 stars 709 Reviews
Type: Natural History Museums, Zoos, Gardens, Nature/ Wildlife Areas, Specialty Museums, Museums
Activities: Viewing wildlife, Birdwatching, Viewing foliage
Owner description: This renowned combination zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden reflects the diverse flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert, featuring...... more » Owner description: This renowned combination zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden reflects the diverse flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert, featuring wildlife like coyotes, bears and mountain lions in their natural settings and aviaries, one for hummingbirds and the other for varied desert birds. « less
Useful Information: Activities for older children, Activities for young children
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709 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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    98
    24
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Date Rating
San Diego, California
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 27, 2012 NEW

There's a good reason this attraction is so highly rated: it's got something for all ages and interest levels. I've been a couple of times before but this time we decided to take advantage of the docent tours and presentations. It takes longer than if you self-guide, but it's worth it if you want to learn more and ask questions.... More

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Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 27, 2012 NEW

Although it is a bit of a drive, it is well worth the drive to see. It will give you all you need to know about the animals and vegetation in Arizona! Make sure you bring sunscreen, a hat and water! More

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See 5 more reviews by Katesmom13 for Tucson
Mexico City, Mexico
Top Contributor
143 reviews 143 reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
57 helpful votes 57 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2012 NEW

Before Arizona, desert meant the Sahara: a lot of sand! The desert museum shows you all the creatures and vegetation living in this desert. Very interesting at any age. A must-see when in Arizona. More

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See 4 more reviews by TravelingCat22 for Tucson
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 24, 2012 NEW

This is one of the best facilities we've visited. They have an assortment of desert animals native to the mountains and desert of the area. The park also has an assortment of birds flying free including a wonderful humming bird exhibit. The park is in the middle of a Saguaro forest near Tucson and is on the same road to... More

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Pine Grove, Pennsylvania
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 24, 2012 NEW

This place sits about 20 minutes west of Tucson in the middle of the desert, which I thought made the experience more interesting. There were lots of exhibits and different animals to see. There was also a lot of walking paths throughout the property that allowed us to enjoy the scenery. There were fantastic views and good photo spots throughout... More

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See 2 more reviews by roaddogg1983 for Tucson
Winnipeg, Canada
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 24, 2012 NEW

I have visited this Museum every time I visit southern Arizona. It is a must see. My advice is to come early (it opens at 8:30) to beat the crowd and the heat. Beautiful views and very knowledgable docents who are happy to answer your questions. The hummingbird exhibit is a must see! More

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vancouver
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 23, 2012 NEW

Take a day to visit here. This is more like an immersion into life in the desert than a museum. Great for kids and aldults alike. Don't miss the snake presentation. More

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See 6 more reviews by blanca10 for Tucson
Salem, Oregon
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2012 NEW

Very nice, but over rated in the information we got. We loved the hike, around the facility, and, yes, we did see the javalinas. The view was spectacular. Don't go on a hot day. The gift shop was lovely, cool, and restrooms were clean More

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See 6 more reviews by jeannecass for Tucson
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Top Contributor
148 reviews 148 reviews
Reviews in 37 cities Reviews in 37 cities
36 helpful votes 36 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2012 NEW

I am a museum junkie and make several dozen visits to various museums in the course of a year, but belong to only two. Thus, I think it says something that this has been one of those two for many years although I live more than half a continent away and have now made a return visit for the first... More

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See 5 more reviews by AnnArborMiBob for Tucson
Abington
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2012 NEW

I was recently in Tucson for a 2 day stay and the Desert Museum was one of my stops. I went after lunch and I felt it was enough time to see the exhibits. The staff at admissions was friendly and gave me an overview of the park. The map was easy to follow and there were plenty of signs... More

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