Tucson Botanical Gardens
A compact themed garden in the city, with 16 areas showcasing cacti, succulents, a butterfly house and Indigenous crops. It is ideal for a relaxed half-day.
The Tucson Botanical Gardens cover about 5.5 acres and have an elegant layout. Features include a cactus and succulent garden, a wildflower garden, a herb garden, a native crops garden, a Japanese garden, and a tropical butterfly house, which is open from autumn through spring. Historic old houses on the grounds have been converted into a café and art exhibition spaces. Night light events are often held in winter, and the cacti are at their most beautiful when they bloom in spring. Admission is about US$18. The gardens are easier to tour than the Desert Museum and are ideal for visitors with limited time or those travelling with elderly relatives or children. Located in the central city, about a 10-minute drive from the university.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:30–16:30 (seasonal changes)
Nearby sights
- Reid Park Zoo
- Fourth Avenue
- Barrio Viejo
- Mission Garden
- Sentinel Peak (A Mountain)
- Pima Air & Space Museum & Boneyard Tour
- DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun
- Tohono Chul