Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: A Living Desert Experience
Explore the wonders of the Sonoran Desert! A fusion of zoo, botanical garden, and museum showcasing the region's unique natural history.
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, located west of Tucson, is a unique fusion of zoo, botanical garden, aquarium, natural history museum, and art gallery, all dedicated to the Sonoran Desert region. With mostly outdoor exhibits, it offers an immersive experience showcasing the diverse flora and fauna of the desert.
A brief summary to Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- 2021 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, Arizona, 85743, US
- +1520-883-2702
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit during the cooler months (October-May) for the most comfortable experience, as summer temperatures can be extreme.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen, as most of the museum is outdoors.
- Bring water to stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
- Allow at least 2-3 hours for your visit to fully experience all the exhibits.
- Check the museum's daily schedule for live animal programs and Raptor Free Flight demonstrations.
Getting There
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Driving
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is located at 2021 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743, about 16 miles west of downtown Tucson. From downtown, take W Congress St/AZ-10 towards I-19, then merge onto I-10 W. Take exit 248 for Kinney Rd, and follow Kinney Rd north to the museum. Free parking is available on site. Electric vehicle charging stations are also available. Note that cell phone service can be limited, so plan accordingly if using rideshare for your return. Expect a 30-minute drive from Tucson. Parking is free.
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Public Transport
While there is no direct public transportation to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, the closest option involves a combination of bus and taxi. From downtown Tucson, take the Line 3 bus to Pima Community College West Campus. From there, take a taxi to the museum. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes, and the taxi ride takes about 20 minutes. The total cost is estimated between $28-$35. Bus fare: $1.75 [estimate based on local Tucson bus fares]. Taxi fare from Pima College West Campus: $25-$30 [estimate based on typical taxi rates in Tucson].
Discover more about Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mam-A-Gah Picnic Area
1.7 km
Hike to tranquility at Mam-A-Gah Picnic Area in Saguaro National Park: desert views, peaceful picnicking, and a touch of CCC history.
Brown Mountain Trail Picnic Area and Trailhead
2.6 km
Explore the Sonoran Desert on Brown Mountain Trail: panoramic views, diverse cacti, and a rewarding hike in Tucson Mountain Park.
Iron Door Mine
4.4 km
Explore the haunted Iron Door Mine near Tucson, where legends of lost gold and the Old West come alive.
Signal Hill Picnic Area
6.5 km
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Signal Hill
6.6 km
Explore ancient Hohokam rock art and panoramic desert views at Signal Hill in Saguaro National Park West, a window into Arizona's past.
Feliz Paseos Trails Park Trailhead
9.9 km
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Sarasota Trailhead
10.4 km
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Hidden Canyon Trail
10.9 km
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Richard E. Genser Starr Pass Trailhead
12.1 km
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Old Pueblo Archaeology Center
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Orange Slice
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Cocoraque Butte Archaeological District
16.4 km
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The SlaughterHouse
16.8 km
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Sentinel Peak
16.9 km
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Tucson's Largest Tree
17.5 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
King Canyon Trailhead
0.5 km
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Red Hills Visitor Center
3.1 km
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Tucson Mountain District
3.1 km
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Gates Pass Trail
4.0 km
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Old Tucson
4.5 km
Experience the essence of the Wild West at Old Tucson, a thrilling theme park filled with live shows, historic charm, and interactive adventures.
Desert Discovery Nature Trail
4.7 km
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Bajada Loop Drive
4.7 km
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Valley View Overlook Trail
4.8 km
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Signal Hl Trl
6.5 km
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Gates Pass Scenic Lookout
6.7 km
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Tucson mountain park
7.3 km
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International Wildlife Museum
9.5 km
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Bowen Stone House
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Christopher Columbus Park
13.2 km
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Sweetwater Wetlands Park
14.4 km
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Essential places to dine
Ironwood Terraces Restaurant
0.1 km
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Signature Grill with Patio Dining
11.4 km
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Salud
11.4 km
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In-N-Out Burger
14.3 km
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Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
14.8 km
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Agustin Kitchen
17.3 km
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Café à La C'Art
18.2 km
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El Charro Café Downtown
18.3 km
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JoJo's Restaurant
18.3 km
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El Mezquite Grill & Taqueria
18.5 km
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Coronet Restaurant
18.5 km
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Perche' No
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BATA
18.6 km
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Persian Room Fine Dining
18.6 km
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Nook
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Ironwood Gift Shop
0.1 km
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Gifts Shop
4.5 km
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Buffalo Trading Post
8.6 km
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Cat Mountain Station
8.6 km
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Mercado San Agustin
17.3 km
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MAST
17.3 km
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Petroglyphs - A Tucson Emporium
17.3 km
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Why I Love Where I Live
17.5 km
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MESA Shop
17.5 km
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Norcross - Madagascar (US) LLC
18.1 km
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Rain Crow
18.2 km
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AntiqueModern Tucson
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La Tiendita
18.3 km
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Art House Centro
18.3 km
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Grant-Stone Shopping Center
18.3 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Station Pub & Grill
13.6 km
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Li'l Abner's Steakhouse
14.1 km
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Casa Marana Beer · Wine · Spirits • Pizza
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Monsoons Tap & Grill
15.0 km
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Dragoon Brewing Company
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The Edge - A Tucson Bar
17.0 km
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Lazy V
17.1 km
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The Jackrabbit Lounge
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Brother John's Beer Bourbon & BBQ
18.4 km
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Brodies Dark Horse Tavern
18.4 km
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Tommy’s Saloon
18.4 km
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Bar Crisol/Exo
18.5 km
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Nightjar
18.5 km
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Cobra Arcade Bar Tucson
18.7 km
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Tough Luck Club
18.7 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
TD's Showclubs
17.4 km
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Curves Cabaret
17.9 km
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Whiskey Roads
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Lust DWTN
18.7 km
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Zen Nightclub
18.8 km
Dive into Tucson's nightlife at Zen Nightclub - a vibrant venue offering electrifying music, dance, and a lively atmosphere for all party enthusiasts.
The Century Room
19.0 km
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IBT's Bar + Food
19.1 km
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Royal Hookah Lounge
19.1 km
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Club 4th
19.6 km
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Bojangles Night Club
21.2 km
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The Shelter Bar
24.8 km
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Hush Social Club
24.8 km
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TD's Showclubs East
28.2 km
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Love Cabaret
28.2 km
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The Maverick King of Clubs
29.8 km
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