Tucson Newcomers Guide

TOP AREA ATTRACTIONS

SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK
Preserves more than 150 miles of hiking trails within the saguaro-filled Rincon Mountains. 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail, 733-5153

REID PARK ZOO

Housing more than 400 animals, including bears, elephants, anteaters, and giraffes. 1100 S. Randolph Way, 791-3204

ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM

An outdoor museum providing visitors with up-close experiences of plants and animals of the desert. 2021 N. Kinney Rd., 883-2702

TOHONO CHUL PARK

A 49-acre nature park with trails, gardens, exhibits, greenhouse, and tearoom. 7366 N. Paseo del Norte, 742-6455

PIMA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

Home to the Pima County Fair as well as other outdoor shows and concerts. 11300 S. Houghton Rd., 762-9100

MT. LEMMON SKI VALLEY

The closest ski slope to Tucson, with 21 trails and three ski lifts. 10300 E. Ski Run Rd., Mt. Lemmon, 576-1321

TUCSON MUSEUM OF ART AND HISTORIC BLOCK

Consisting of a notable permanent art collection as well as changing exhibits and restored homes in the El Presidio Historic District. 140 N. Main Ave., 624-2333

TUCSON RACEWAY PARK

The only asphalt short track in Arizona, hosting stock car races throughout the year. 12500 S. Houghton Rd., 762-8772

PIMA AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

A historical look at space and air travel with memorabilia, airplanes, and displays. 6000 E. Valencia Rd., 574-0462

ARIZONA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Devoted to showcasing Arizona's history with period rooms and pieces, photo exhibits, tours, and library archives. 949 E. 2nd St., 628-5774

CATALINA STATE PARK

Some of the best trails and views of the Santa Catalina Mountains, with an archaeological site of an ancient Hohokam village. AZ Hwy. 77/Oracle Rd., mile marker 81, 628-5798

PICACHO PEAK STATE PARK

Known for its brilliant spring wildflowers and various hiking, picnicking, and camping areas. Off I-10, exit 219, 466-3183

COLOSSAL CAVE MOUNTAIN PARK

On the National Register of Historic Places, showcases a crystal-filled cave, museums, tours, and trail rides. 16721 E. Old Spanish Trail, Vail, 647-7275

TUCSON CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

Features interactive exhibits, educational guided tours, and a gift shop—all geared toward teaching. 200 S. 6th Ave., 792-9985

FOX TUCSON THEATRE

A 1930s historic Art Deco theater hosting movies, concerts, and shows. 17 W. Congress St., 624-1515

INTERNATIONAL WILDLIFE MUSEUM

A natural-history museum providing hands-on exhibits and displays of more than 400 animals. 4800 W. Gates Pass Rd., 629-0100

THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA BIOSPHERE 2

An environmental learning center with an ocean, living coral reef, rain forest, savannah, marsh, and desert. AZ Hwy. 77/Oracle Rd., mile marker 96.5, Oracle, 838-6200

KITT PEAK NATIONAL OBSERVATORY

A space observation center with the world's largest on-site collection of telescopes. 56 miles west of Tucson, off Hwy. 86 on the Tohono O'odham Reservation, 318-8726

TUCSON BOTANICAL GARDENS

A desert oasis in midtown Tucson offering desert-living classes, tours, demonstrations, plant sales, and events. 2150 N. Alvernon Way, 326-9686

ROPER LAKE STATE PARK

A stocked lake and five miles of hiking trails allow for ample swimming, fishing, birding, and camping opportunities. About two hours northeast of Tucson in Safford, 928-428-6760

Copyright © 2009 Inside Tucson Business Book of Lists. Attractions ranked by total attendance in 2008. Reprinted with permission.

Editor's note: After reviewing this list of top 20 attractions, we noticed three great places not mentioned. For an exciting day outdoors, try Sabino Canyon, 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Rd., 749-8700. Or for a taste of local culture, visit Mission San Xavier del Bac, 1950 W. San Xavier Rd., 294-2624. And just south of Tucson off I-19 lies the artists' community of Tubac, 398-2704, www.tubacaz.com.

For more popular area attractions, see Tucson Guide’s “101 Things to Do.”

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