Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum. One of the most popular attractions for first-time visitors to the Southwest because you can see desert plants (like this ocotillo bloom) and animals in a park-like setting. Although the museum is mostly outdoors, some of the wildlife exhibits are housed in special, natural looking enclosures. The museum has a gift shop and food service available. Located approximately ten miles West of downtown Tucson.

Old Tucson Studios. Enjoy a glimpse of Tucson as it was in the mid-1800s. Located just ten miles West of downtown, this studio was the site of several western movies and television shows. If your timing is right, you may get to see a gunfight reenactment.

Sahuaro National Monument East. An extraordinary park at the East edge of Tucson where you can walk or drive through and see a wide variety of native plants including giant sahuaros. Be sure to bring your camera, especially if some of the colorful cacti are in bloom. The visitors center offers a well stocked gift shop.

Kitt Peak. Located approximately 75 miles West of Tucson, Kitt Peak is one of the major observatories in the United States with over 20 different types and sizes of telescopes. Begin at the visitor center where you can see special astronomical exhibits, hear an overview of the facilities, and sign up for one of the telescope tours. Although no food service available, the gift shop has a wide variety of both astronomy and Native American art.

Tubac Presidio State Historical Park and Artisans. A small, quaint village and the first historical park in Arizona. Artisan shops can be found with paintings of the Southwest, Mexican pottery, Native American jewelry, and copper metalwork among others. Several restaurants available. Located 20 miles South of Tucson.

Katchner Caverns State Park. Enjoy a tour of this amazing, living ecosystem where guides take you deep into large, well-lighted caverns. Due to the popularity of this recent discovery, tours are limited and advance reservations required. Located approximately 55 miles East of Tucson. The visitor center has several excellent exhibits and a gift shop.

San Xavier Del Bac. This mission, known as the White Dove of the Desert, is a treasure of Spanish colonial art. It was founded by Fr Kino around 1700 and the church later constructed by Fr Espinosa. This is still an active parish for the local Tohono O'odham Indians.

The Amerind Foundation. Amerind is a private, nonprofit anthropological and archaeological museum dedicated to the preservation of Native American cultures and histories. The museum, located about 45 miles East of Tucson among the huge boulders of Texas Canyon, has a gift shop and picnic grounds suitable for a relaxing bring-along lunch.

Tumacacori National Historical Park. One of the first military forts in the United States was occupied by the Spanish Conquistadors at Tumacacori. The structures, which date from the 1600s, are well preserved and contain exhibits about the early Native Americans, missionaries, and soldiers. Gift shop available. Located approximately 30 miles South of Tucson.

Titan Missile Museum. Visit this inactive Air Force nuclear weapon launch facility about 15 miles South of Tucson. Guided tours include a visit to the underground silo, crew quarters, and command center. Exhibits and gift shop available.