Location: Tucson
Top Things to do in Tucson
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Top 7 Gardens in Tucson, Arizona (AZ)
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. B & B Cactus Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By jodiwaddell - Flowood, United States
My husband and I went on vacation to celebrate our anniversary. I discovered a fascination with cactus plants. This prompted me to check out B&B Cactus farm. The selection is amazing and the prices were great. The staff were very informative and extremely friendly. They were able to answer all of my questions about the different types and the proper care of the cacti we purchased. They also packaged the cacti to where they would not be damaged on the long trip back home ( we live in Mississippi). Loved the experience and we will definitely stop there again when we make another trip out.
2. Tucson Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 993 reviews
Named one of the Top 10 Gardens in to visit in North America in 2017 by the Canada Garden Tourism Council and One of the Best Secret Garden in America by Reader's Digest, Tucson Botanical Gardens is an oasis in the heart of Tucson. Featuring seventeen specialty gardens, including the Barrio Garden, Zen Garden and Cactus & Succulent Garden landscaped with unusual rocks from the Harrison Yocum collection. Tropical Butterflies from around the world are featured in the Cox Butterfly & Orchid Pavilion which is open October 1st - May 31st. Experience seasonal art exhibits, The Gardens Gift Shop, year-round tours, delicious lunch at Cafe Botanica, and an outdoor garden railway. The Gardens is closed 5 days a year; Thanksgiving, Dec. 24 & 25, Jan. 1, and July 4.
Reviewed By CarolynJ472 - Anchorage, United States
Due to the pandemic, you have to reserve a time slot for your visit. It is easy to do online, as well as to purchase and download your ticket in the interests of a contactless experience. Enter the garden and be greeted by two horse sculptures wearing masks! The ceramic butterfly memorial comes next. There is a beautiful story about the memorial. I had no idea there are so many cactus varieties. I finally saw the origin of tequila: agave. The children's garden will fascinate even adults. The colorful metal sculptures of Mexican ladies are photogenic! Despite the heat, we had a very enjoyable stroll through the garden.
3. Garden of Gethsemane
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 26 reviews
sculptures depicting biblical scenes in city park along west bank of Santa Cruz River
Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada
What a beautiful Garden of Gethsemane. All the apostles were there. They were eating. Felix Lucero made it and many tourists came here. Jesus was at the tomb later to save us forever. All the statues were made in white. This is amidst trees. It is truly beautiful!
4. Yume Japanese Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 30 reviews
Yume Japanese Gardens is the living expression of an ancient Japanese heritage. Covering three-quarters of an acre in central Tucson, Arizona, it comprises six traditional visions of landscape. In each, nature is balanced by the human hand to render the spare elegance and subtle spirit of an authentic Japanese garden. Yume maintains a museum with permanent and temporary exhibits of beautiful Japanese art and handicrafts, a gift shop with objects imported from Japan and absorbing books about its people and folkways, and an art gallery in which photography, paintings, ceramics, and sculpture alternate to acquaint you with rich layers of Japanese spirit and custom. Throughout the year, we present classes and workshops in Japanese calligraphy, flower arranging, and other popular arts. We also hold tea ceremonies, traditional seasonal festivals, and performances of treasured Japanese music, song, plays, and dance.
5. Mission Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 9 reviews
Mission Garden is a living agricultural museum of Sonoran Desert-adapted heritage fruit-trees, traditional local heirloom crops and edible native plants. We are a non-profit, volunteer-based educational organization. Our primary mission is to preserve, transmit and revive the region’s rich agricultural heritage by growing garden plots representative of more than 4000 years of continuous cultivation in the Tucson Basin.
6. Tucson Demonstration Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
