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Mission San Xavier del Bac, Tucson, AZ

Photo: Keyany, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

SightseeingHistory BuffFree

Mission San Xavier del Bac

1950 W San Xavier Rd · Tucson, AZ

Why you should go…

Founded by Father Eusebio Francisco Kino in 1692, this mission stands on the Tohono O'odham Nation's San Xavier Reservation about 9 miles south of downtown Tucson. The current church was built between 1783 and 1797, and it is nicknamed the White Dove of the Desert. You can step inside the church, visit the museum and gift shop, and join a free docent-led tour on any day except Sunday. It is still an active parish church, and it has no air conditioning or heating.

  • #spanish mission
  • #historic church
  • #national historic landmark
  • #architecture

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Mission San Xavier del Bac, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Nightlife
    Date Night

    Desert Diamond Casino Tucson

    Free

    A Tohono O'odham Nation casino and hotel south of Tucson with a 24-hour gaming floor, restaurants and live entertainment.

    4.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Nightlife

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Southern Arizona

    Free

    A nonprofit alliance of Tucson-area attractions that jointly promotes tourism through a discount attractions passport.

    8.2 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Kitt Peak National Observatory

    $25–$50

    Tour working telescopes and join nighttime stargazing programs at the world's largest collection of optical telescopes.

    8.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Southern Arizona Heritage and Visitor Center

    Free

    Tucson's official downtown visitor center, offering maps, event info and travel advice for exploring Southern Arizona.

    8.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Pima Air & Space Museum

    Under $25

    Walk among about 400 historic aircraft spread across six indoor hangars and 80 acres of open desert display.

    8.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Benson

    Free

    A small Cochise County railroad town serving as the gateway to Kartchner Caverns, with a visitor center in a replica train depot.

    43 mi awayMore like this