We used our passport to visit two of our favorite treasures in Tucson (the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Tohono Chul Botanical Gardens) as well as one new to us (the Arizona State Museum).
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
We’ve been several times to this unique museum and never tire of it. The mission of the museum (in their words) is “to inspire people to live in harmony with the natural world by fostering love, appreciation, and understanding of the Sonoran Desert.” They do it well.
Click on any photo for a larger image
Every aspect of this 98-acre mostly outdoor museum is thoughtfully planned and meticulously cared for. The landscape is a natural desert garden, and two miles of paths wind through beautiful exhibits on the flora and fauna of the desert. Highlights include the Raptor Free Flight, where falcons, hawks, owls, and ravens fly free in the open desert, so close that I could feel their feathers brush my hat as they flew overhead. It’s thrilling. The hummingbird aviary is another of our favorites—it’s delightful to observe the aerial antics of these tiny, colorful birds.
Visiting the museum is an all-day affair. You can take a picnic, but even better is to have lunch at the Ocotillo Café, where you can kick back and relax in a lovely setting while sipping a neon-pink prickly pear margarita, or at the very least, a prickly pear iced tea or lemonade.
Tohono Chul
This little gem is another of our Tucson favorites. It’s an enchanting botanical garden, nature preserve, and cultural center nestled in the heart of Tucson—the name comes from the native Tohono O’odham language and means “desert corner.” It’s definitely a special corner of Tucson—enter the gates, and you feel far removed from the city.
Metal horse sculpture at Tohono Chul
Docent-led tours are a great way to learn more about Sonoran plant and birdlife and are offered daily. But make sure to also spend time just strolling the meandering paths through gardens lush with native plants, discovering hidden alcoves, fountains, mosaics, and sculptures along the way.
Arizona State Museum
Located on the University of Arizona campus, this excellent museum is the oldest and largest anthropology museum in the Southwest. We went specifically to see a special showing of work by Edward Curtis, the famed photographer who documented Native American life beginning in the late 1800’s and continuing for several decades. There was a fascinating accompanying exhibit of contemporary Native American artists responding to the work of Curtis, ranging from those who appreciate his work to those who believe he fostered romantic stereotypes.
The museum has far more to offer than we could absorb in a couple of hours. Next time, we’ll make sure we start our visit with one of the free hour-long guided docent tours. While we enjoy exploring on our own, it’s helpful to have someone familiar with a museum whittle down the offerings to a manageable size. That way, we don’t overwhelm ourselves trying to read every little sign, and can then go back and explore at our leisure.
Your beautiful photos truly capture the essence of the desert southwest. I especially love your hummer photos. The Desert Sonoran Museum is a favorite and always worth a visit.
Glad you enjoyed the photos, Ingrid. We’re always delighted to revisit the Desert Museum, and as you know, it’s especially easy when we’re staying right next door at Gilbert Ray.
Great wildlife shots, Laurel – four-legged and two-legged!
Thanks, Carol! :-)
I have been to the Arizona Sonora Museum twice, and it was a joy to revisit it with you in your stunning photos–particularly the Hummingbird on her nest. Where else can one see such a dear picture–very rarely if ever. Thanks for the memories!!
Barbara, I’m so happy you enjoyed the hummingbird photos. I’m always amazed at how tiny the nests are — with eggs the size of jellybeans!
Tohono Chul has been on my list for the past two years but I’ve not made it yet…clearly that needs to be remedied!
Lisa, Tohono Chul has become one of our favorites — it’s relatively small, but exquisite, and there are always new exhibits to explore.
Your hummingbird pictures take my breath away they are simply stunning. We don’t usually do cities. I am allergic but we may well make an exception for Tucson after reading this especially to see an Edward Curtis exhibit. Having the Native American artists’ response would make it only better. I think Curtis photographed what he saw, lucky for us all. It may be we who have romanticized these people. Great post!
Sherry, I think you and David would enjoy Tucson and all that it has to offer. I agree with you about Curtis’ photography — without his gorgeous photographs, there would be no historical images of the Native peoples of North America.
Nice report on some of Tucson’s best attractions. We too finally discovered the Tucson Passport after previously visiting here often. Wish we had known about it sooner too. And thanks for posting such a nice picture of us in our new home.
Thanks, Jo. I think we’ll buy the Passport anytime we visit southern Arizona — there’s so much more that we would like to do, and we always enjoy revisiting our favorites. We had such a fun evening with you guys.
Oh, what beautiful places you visited in Tucson. I
can’t wait to go next month. The birds are stunning,
especially Anna’s Hummingbird and what is that sweet grey and green bird at the top of your blog.
There certainly is lots to see down there in the Southwest…
Hugs, Peggy
Peggy, the grey and green bird is a female hummingbird. She built the most beautiful nest decorated with leaves. I hope you can get to Tohono Chul — plan to have lunch in the garden. It’s lovely. xoxo
The Passport is definitely a great deal especially for first time visitors. Two attractions and it pays for itself. We really enjoyed the Desert Museum. It is set up so nicely but the place is huge! All the hummingbirds are so cute. Glad you included one of the crested saguaro:) That Prickly Pear Margarita looks so good!! We have never been to the Botanical Gardens or the State Museum but they look interesting!
Pam, you’re right, the Passport pays for itself quickly. Admission to the Desert Museum is almost $20, so it paid for itself just with that. I included the saguaro pic just for you. :-) Wish the light had been better!
We love the Desert Museum but have not been to the other two. The grounds of Tohono Chul look wonderful so that will go on the list for next time. When we were last at U of A, the State Museum was not open. Looks like it is definitely worth a visit.
LuAnn, you’ll love Tohono Chul! It’s such a serene and lovely garden. The State Museum is definitely worth a visit — we’ll spend more time there next time we’re in Tucson.
Treasures indeed. Of the three you visited we only made it to the Sonora Desert Museum, and it is one of the best in the southwest. Perhaps when we get back in the area we will visit the other two.
Love those hummer photos, they are adorable and you captured them perfectly.
ML, so glad you liked the hummer photos — they are so much fun to photograph, and sit still longer than one would imagine. Lots of hummingbirds at Tohono Chul, too. :-)
The Desert Museum is a favorite for my kids and I. I can’t wait to get back and share it with Bill. Will have to add the other two as new choices for both of us! It looks like you’re all having a wonderful time!
Jodee, traveling with friends is so much fun! :-)
Your photos are an inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences- you continue to be guides in our travels. We can’t wait to check out this side of Tucson:)
Bettina, so glad you’re enjoying the photos — we definitely need to meet up for some birding adventures!
Your suggestions are great but the photos are FANTASTIC!
Thanks, Susan! We have fun trying to capture the essence of our travels in photos.