Location: Tucson
Top Things to do in Tucson
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10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Tucson That You Shouldn't Miss
Although Tucson's fantastic weather, national parks and forests and desert provide the perfect environment for tons of outdoor recreational activities, this city of half a million people also has its share of history and culture. With a history that goes back much further than many of its southwestern neighbors, Tucson boasts turn-of-the-century architecture, historic neighborhoods, museums and the Mission San Xavier del Bac, a still-functioning 18th-century mission considered one of the most beautiful in the U.S. Mexican and Native American influences are pervasive, and the city has a distinctly Western flavor. There's also a college-town atmosphere, thanks to the University of Arizona, which has its own share of museums and a science center. Whether golfing at a world-class golf resort, horseback riding, hiking in the wilderness, discovering desert flora and fauna at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum or exploring pre-Columbian and other art at the Tucson Art Museum, you'll have a mind-boggling array of things to do.
Restaurants in Tucson
1. Sweetwater Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By richandtrudi - Colorado Springs, United States
This was a great place to hike with our dog. In March, it was not too hot. The are is very well signed with some great views of Saguaros. Make sure to keep your dog on a leash - lots of painful things to poke their noses in.
2. Sonora Desert National Monument
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada
We drove at the Sonora Desert National Monument off highway 8 Maricopa. Everybody told us to go there. It id do beautiful. I like the highway 8 Maricopa. I liked the mountains the most! A must see! You won't regret of that. Wow!
3. Tucson Mountain Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 391 reviews
A 20,000-acre desert natural preserve that accommodates many outdoor activities.
Reviewed By Cheriontheroad
A beautiful area west of Tucson with lots of hikes that range from easy to challenging. Truly a desert experience with great views of Tucson.
4. Cienega Creek Natural Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By 2-Lane-Traveler - Savage, United States
A great rail-fan (rail enthusiastic) location, especially the railroad and E Marsh Station road bridges over Cienega Creek. The location is northeast of Vail, AZ on E Marsh Station road. If you want to leave your car and hike, you need to get a permit, which can be done online.
5. Sweetwater Wetlands Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada
I liked the Sweet water Wetlands Park. I was amazed how they take care. They bring students to this park and children learn about the Sweet water Wetlands Park At times they have to burn some parts for the best of Tucson. I saw a lot of water They showed our water cycle. They also showed the cycle of the monarch Butterfly. We could walk everywhere and we learned a lot. P.S. They have There is fire protection. Wow! A must sLearning theee!
6. Tucson Wildlife Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Visit the only 24/7, 365 days a year wildlife rescue Center in Southern Arizona. Learn how we help injured, ill, and orphaned wildlife. Visits to the center and educational programs are offered by prior arrangement. Other days may be arranged for groups by request. Call and schedule your visit first as there are no drop-ins. Tucson Wildlife Center has experienced volunteers in wildlife rehabilitation for Sonoran Desert animals. Permanent residents include Wilbur the bobcat, who was found orphaned and injured on a construction site. The injuries he sustained require lifelong medication making him unable to be released. Bubba & Otto are our Great Horned Owls who were unable to be released due to the injuries they had received. Joshua and Juniper are our resident Gambel's Quail who were unable to be released due to imprinting following people attempting to keep them as pets... and many other amazing stories of animals now helping us educate people.
Reviewed By Yessica_W - Tucson, United States
Angels volunteer here! Compassionate people who give their heart and soul to rehabilitate and treat injured wildlife. They do everything with the best interest for wildlife as their number 1 priority. The goal is always to release the animals back into the wild. Sometimes that isn’t possible sadly enough and they take good care of the animals that now become residents of Tucson Wildlife Center. Earlier this year I found an injured pack rat and was a bit embarrassed to call them. Pack rats are very hated because they can cause expensive damage, but I couldn’t let the animal suffer. They never looked funny at me for bringing in a rat. They kept me informed about the progress it was making and about 10 days later I could pick it up because it was nursed back to health. Now they also give tours which are really interesting. You can never really guess what all is going on behind the scenes. I highly recommend taking a tour. And if you take one, please don’t come empty handed, they (and the animals) can use all the support in the world!
7. Chuck Ford Lakeside Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada
This is the Chuck Ford Lakeside Park. This is the place for fishing and little boats as well. There are many birds in the water. We both liked the Chuck Ford Lakeside Park The birds continued to follow us. There was a basketball as well.
8. Wild Outdoor World
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By X9609QTdavidr - Oro Valley, United States
My wife and I absolutely loved our personalized tour. The birds were amazing. I highly recommend a visit.
9. HOPE Animal Shelter
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
10. Las Cienegas National Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
