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SightseeingLocal GemFamily Favorite

Southern Arizona

64 East Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85701 · Tucson, AZ

Why you should go…

The Southern Arizona Attractions Alliance is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit formed by founding members including Old Tucson, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and Visit Tucson to cooperatively market southern Arizona's educational, recreational, and entertainment attractions. Its main product is the Tucson Attractions Passport, a buy-one-get-one discount booklet delivered digitally and usable across member attractions. The alliance is based in Tucson and has operated for nearly three decades.

  • #tourism alliance
  • #attractions pass
  • #discounts
  • #family
  • #desert

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 Southern Arizona, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • 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.

    0.2 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.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Reid Park Zoo

    Under $25

    A 24-acre city zoo in central Tucson with more than 500 animals from elephants to jaguars.

    3.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family Favorite

    Tucson Botanical Gardens

    Under $25

    Wander themed gardens and desert plant collections across five acres in central Tucson.

    4.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • 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.

    4.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Nightlife

  • 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