United States
Arizona (AZ)
Tucson
Things to Do in Tucson
Tohono Chul
See all things to do

Tohono Chul

See all things to do
See all things to do
Tohono Chul
4.5
1,423 reviews
#16 of 348 things to do in Tucson
Parks
Read more
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Write a review
About
Cultivate your appreciation for the Sonoran Desert’s natural beauty and the impression it makes on everyone who explores our “Desert Corner”. Here, the seasons inspire wondrous events both in nature and culturally; Tohono Chul celebrates every opening, whether for an internationally known artist or an exquisite cactus flower. Wander the natural desert gardens—escape the noise of everyday. Engage in our sincere passion to evolve “The Desert Corner” as an integral crossroads of nature, art and culture.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Top ways to experience Tohono Chul and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
124 within 3 miles
Frost Gelato
1,474
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Gluten Free Options
Tohono Chul Garden Bistro
468
28 ft$$ - $$$ • American • Southwestern • Vegetarian Friendly
Wildflower
1,452
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Contemporary • Vegetarian Friendly
Tucson Tamale Company
173
0.3 mi$ • Quick Bites • Mexican • Southwestern
Sauce Pizza & Wine
318
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Italian • Pizza
Guadalajara Grill North
206
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Southwestern • Vegetarian Friendly
Truland Burger & Greens
141
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
Beyond Bread
238
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • American • Cafe
Saffron Indian Bistro
337
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Indian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Pei Wei Asian Diner
82
0.3 mi$ • Quick Bites • Chinese • Asian
See all
Attractions
61 within 6 miles
Casas Adobes Plaza
4
0.4 miShopping Malls
Pima Canyon
70
1.1 miCanyons
Spanish Trail Outfitters
43
0.9 miEquestrian Trails
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum
591
Art Galleries • Art Museums
Franklin Auto Museum
150
Speciality Museums
La Encantada
130
Shopping Malls
McBride's Framing Gallery
1
1.3 miArt Galleries
Rillito River Park
107
Parks
Tucson Arizona Temple
18
1.9 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
Funny Foot Farm and Tucson Petting Zoo
89
Zoos
See all
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,424 reviews
Excellent
1,006
Very good
322
Average
75
Poor
13
Terrible
8
traveltheworld012
Rochester, MN13,523 contributions
Nice gardens and a bistro, the trails are a confusing maze.
Mar 2022
We came here to see what flowers may be blooming on March 8, 2022. We wanted to first have a cup of mid-day coffee. Unfortunately, one had to go into the bistro to get it and there was a very long wait line to get a table. Fortunately, the young man at the host station offered to bring us coffee to a table in the waiting area. That was very nice. We enjoyed the outdoor patio with coffee, then explored the gift shop but everything was ridiculously high priced. Then on to the gardens. I wonder how many people actually "pay" to see the gardens. Yes there is a fee for entrance, but it is to the side and it does not look like paid entrance is enforced. My wife and I did pay, I think it was $15/person $13 for seniors. The gardens and flora are beautiful and many pieces of metal artworks abound as well. We received the Map & guide, but not very helpful in following the trails. We often didn't know what area we were in and there are a lot of dead end areas. I think we may have seen it all though despite the map. Nice enjoyable place to walk.
Written March 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paddy L
Chicago, IL155 contributions
Quaint and Charming "Desert Corner."
Nov 2022
What a beautiful botanical garden! We met friends here for a stroll around this little gem in Tucson. The name Tohono Chul means "desert corner," and it is such a charming nature preserve. The grounds are very well maintained and docents are all around to answer questions you may have. The art work and sculptures displayed among the natural surroundings make it very unique and quaint, much like an outdoor museum. They also have an outdoor seating area where events take place. Wine and music under the stars? Now that is something to come back for!
Written December 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
yalibrarian
San Antonio, TX331 contributions
Peaceful and charming
Jan 2020
It may not have the best views or largest variety of plants in Tucson, but it may be one of the most peaceful. With benches, seating areas, and statues strategically placed among the well-kept plants (with signage), it is perfect for those seeking relaxation, reading, or meditation. It takes about an hour to get through, but again, with all the sitting areas, take your time. I did take off one star because the trails could be better marked. I got confused at one point, and I'm fairly sure I missed one of the trails. Tohono Chul is easy to get to (west side of town), with free, ample, and close parking. Be sure to plan accordingly: the indoor/outdoor bistro is locally sourced, has a varied menu, and great food! I'd go back just for the bistro. There are also several lovely gift shops with unique gifts, books, and plants.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michelle A
A lot of our guests come to the gardens to reconnect with nature and find it to be a nice quiet place among the hustle and bustle of Tucson. Thank you for supporting Tohono Chul and we hope to see you again soon.
Written January 31, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LaurieB980
Portland, OR588 contributions
Great walking paths; plan to get lost!
Apr 2021
We enjoyed parts of this visit to Tohono Chul, but found the maps we were given to be totally unhelpful in finding our way around the park, and we ended up lost a few times because the map didn't seem to match where we were. The posted signs were also not very helpful, and we found ourselves unable to find our way around the park ANYwhere at times in trying to get to where we were hoping to be, and we often stumbled onto desired areas by chance. For example, there were no signs for the hummingbird or the butterfly gardens, so we were never quite sure we had found them even though the map seemed to indicate their locations.
However, on the pro side, we thought the walking paths were REALLY nice with loads of beautiful flowering cactus plants of various varieties abounding. The plants, trees, and bushes usually had signs to give us information. There was interesting art work and sculptures along the paths including birds made from metal or iron including some placed up in the trees. Very cool!
I would say the ONLY drawback were the poorly marked paths in some areas, and the awful maps which I would encourage the staff to update! This is well worth doing if you don't mind getting a bit lost and not finding some of the areas that you'd have liked to have seen.
Written July 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TravelingGuyColorado
Celina, TX138 contributions
Great food and terrific scenery!
Mar 2020 • Family
We visited this location with family and extended family and ate at the restaurant. Had the chicken and waffles and the prickly pear lemonade and it was terrific! It is pricey as we were in a party of five and it cost $130 after tip. But you get what you pay for and the food was great!
We also ventured out to the grounds to see hummingbirds, beautiful flowers and lots of cactus. Bonus was that we did not have to pay as it was a free day to explore the grounds. Great experience!!!
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michelle A
We are glad to hear how much you enjoyed dining at the Garden Bistro and exploring the gardens. Thank you for visiting Tohono Chul and we look forward to seeing you again soon.
Written March 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Renee H
4 contributions
Beautiful Park
Feb 2022 • Couples
Had an opportunity to take a tour with a docent who was very knowledgeable and it would not have been as interesting without that. The grounds have excellent examples of cacti, agave, and aloes. They have a crested saguaro which is very rare. Nice items at great ft shops. Had a small gallery showing beautiful watercolor paintings by local artist and a collection of Native American baskets. Bistro had a wait so best to check in when you first arrive.
Written February 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Malissa H
54 contributions
A lovely afternoon stroll with lunch
Mar 2023 • Couples
We had a lovely time walking around the gardens. They are well tended, and there are many photo ops. We put our name down at the bistro first, which was a good decision as the wait for a table was almost an hour. This gave us just enough time to walk the garden. Lunch at the bistro was delicious! A prickly pear margarita is highly recommended! Your garden entrance fee is good for all day, so you can re-enter if necessary.
Written March 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Search4Yeti
Omaha, NE14 contributions
Beautiful surroundings
Oct 2020 • Family
Temps were 100deg for the day so we wanted an outdoor adventure that allowed us to get a feel for the desert, plants, little pockets of beauty, in a contained area. Tohono Chul fit our needs perfectly without long hikes in the sun. Gardens, art, and food all in one quaint place. The museum gift shop had some great finds and the greenhouse had various sizes of cacti that we are taking home. Thank you to the kind docents who were so helpful and knowledgeable.
Written October 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John A
Pullman, WA23 contributions
Garden, gallery, bistro -- all very nice.
Mar 2022
The lovely desert gardens are the highlight of Tohono Chul. They show a variety of desert plants with labels on some of the plants. I talked to a couple of the volunteers during my tour of the gardens and found them to be knowledgeable and very helpful. The small art gallery had some really interesting pieces. The bistro had great food, but it's worth a warning that it required a wait while I was there on a Wednesday morning.
Written March 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BlueCrabby
Reno, NV182 contributions
Favorite Tucson Garden
Jan 2020 • Couples
Just exactly what the title says. This is our favorite public garden in Tucson. What started as a private home has expanded to a beautifully cared for multi acreage example of desert landscape where both flora and fauna abound. Many pieces of art, some of them for sale, can be found among the plantings. Lots of shaded patios and gentle paths make for a perfect place to spend a winter day. Nice tours, beautiful gift shop and a cactus greenhouse where you can purchase one to take home.
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michelle A
Thank you for such a lovely review. We are honored to be called your Favorite Tucson Garden. Thank you for supporting Tohono Chul and we hope to see you again soon.
Written January 31, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 1,419
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing

Tohono Chul (Tucson) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Tohono Chul
Tohono Chul is open:
  • Sun - Thu 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Fri - Sat 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Tohono Chul tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Tohono Chul tours on Tripadvisor