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Tucson Botanical Gardens

2150 North Alvernon Way · Tucson, AZ

Why you should go…

Tucson Botanical Gardens is a five-acre garden in central Tucson featuring a butterfly garden, cactus and succulent collections, a sensory garden, and the historic Porter House. The gardens are open seven days a week year-round, closing only on July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year's Day. Seasonal exhibits and educational programs run throughout the year.

  • #garden
  • #nature
  • #family
  • #outdoor
  • #plants

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

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

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Tucson Botanical Gardens, ordered by straight-line distance.

  • 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.

    2.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Southern Arizona

    Free

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

    4.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • 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.

    4.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • 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.

    4.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • 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.

    7.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Nightlife

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Old Tucson

    $25–$50

    Historic Western movie studio turned theme park near Tucson with stunt shows and film-history tours.

    13 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions