While the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase will occupy the majority of your time, taking a day off to explore the surrounding area can make your trip truly memorable. This guide highlights top-tier museums, breathtaking national parks, and iconic Arizona destinations that are well worth visiting during your stay.
Museums in Tucson
Tucson boasts a rich cultural heritage, offering world-class museums focusing on art, natural history, and regional culture.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a remarkable fusion of a zoo, natural history museum, and botanical garden. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe native wildlife, including coyotes, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes, in their natural habitat. It is an absolute must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
| Location | 2021 N. Kinney Rd., Tucson AZ 85743 |
| Hours | March-September: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm October-February: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm |
| Contact | (520) 883-2702 |
| Estimated Fee | General Admission: $21.95 | Senior: $19.95 | Youth (3-12): $9.95 (Prices are subject to change. Check official site for current rates.) |
| Website | Official Website |
Tucson Museum of Art
Located in the historic Presidio District of downtown Tucson, the Tucson Museum of Art features an impressive collection of historic, contemporary, and Latin American art. Please note that they operate on a restricted schedule and are typically open from Thursday to Sunday.
| Location | 140 North Main Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701 |
| Hours | Thu-Sun: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Contact | (520) 624-2333 |
| Estimated Fee | Adults: $12 | Seniors: $10 | Students/Youth: $7 (Prices are subject to change.) |
| Website | Official Website |
Arizona State Museum
Situated on the University of Arizona campus, the Arizona State Museum is the oldest and largest anthropological research museum in the Southwest. It provides profound insights into the region’s indigenous cultures.
| Location | The University of Arizona, 1013 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85721 |
| Hours | Mon-Sat: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Contact | (520) 621-6302 |
| Estimated Fee | Adults: $8 | Seniors: $6 (Prices are subject to change.) |
| Website | Official Website |
Arizona History Museum
Conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from the Arizona State Museum, the Arizona History Museum focuses on the state’s pioneer history, featuring exhibits on mining, transportation, and territorial life.
| Location | 949 E 2nd St, Tucson, AZ 85719 |
| Hours | Mon-Sat: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Contact | (520) 628-5774 |
| Estimated Fee | Adults: $10 | Seniors/Students: $8 | Youth: $5 (Prices are subject to change.) |
| Website | Official Website |
National and State Parks
Experience the authentic atmosphere of the American West. The natural landscapes surrounding Tucson are awe-inspiring and provide a perfect respite from the bustling show venues.
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park protects some of the most magnificent forests of the giant saguaro cactus. The park is divided into the Rincon Mountain District (East) and the Tucson Mountain District (West). We highly recommend the East district, as it features a scenic loop drive perfect for viewing the majestic cacti from your vehicle.
| Location | East: 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85730 West: 2700 N. Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ 85743 |
| Hours | Generally 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Visitor Centers) |
| Contact | (520) 733-5153 |
| Estimated Fee | Vehicle Pass: $25 | Individual Pass: $15 (Valid for 7 days. Subject to change.) |
| Website | Official Website |
Catalina State Park
Located about 30 minutes north of downtown, Catalina State Park sits at the base of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains. January and February are ideal months for hiking the trails. Always remember to carry sufficient water and apply sunscreen.
| Location | 11570 N. Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85737 |
| Hours | 5:00 am – 10:00 pm |
| Contact | (520) 628-5798 |
| Estimated Fee | Per vehicle (1-4 Adults): $7 | Individual/bicycle: $3 |
| Website | Official Website |
Sabino Canyon
Sabino Canyon is a prominent natural oasis located in the Coronado National Forest. You can hike the trails or take the popular open-air Sabino Canyon Crawler shuttle bus for a guided tour of the spectacular scenery.
| Location | 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Rd. Tucson, AZ 85750 |
| Hours | Crawler operating hours generally 9:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Contact | (520) 792-2953 |
| Estimated Fee | Crawler fares vary. Parking/Day pass generally $8. |
| Website | Official Website |
Exploring Other Parts of Arizona
If you have rented a car and have extra days in your itinerary, Arizona offers some of the most famous landmarks in the world. Consider extending your trip to visit these iconic destinations.
Tubac
Established in 1752 as a Spanish Presidio, Tubac has transformed into Southern Arizona’s premier destination for culture, history, and art. The village is filled with galleries, unique souvenir shops, and excellent dining.
| Location | Tubac Presidio State Historic Park: 1 Burruel St, Tubac, AZ 85646 |
| Distance from Tucson | 45 miles (Approx. 45-minute drive South) |
| Website | Tubac Chamber of Commerce |
Bisbee
For gemstone professionals, Bisbee is a legendary name. Famous for the highly prized Bisbee Turquoise, this former mining camp is now a vibrant artist’s community. The Copper Queen Mine tour provides a fascinating look into the region’s rich mining history.
| Location | Bisbee Visitor Center: 478 Dart Road. Bisbee, AZ 85603 |
| Distance from Tucson | 95 miles (Approx. 1 hour and 40-minute drive Southeast) |
| Website | Discover Bisbee |
Tombstone
Step back into the Wild West in Tombstone. This historic city has preserved its 1880s architecture and atmosphere. Visitors can walk the wooden boardwalks, visit historic saloons, and watch the famous gunfight reenactment at the O.K. Corral.
| Location | Tombstone Chamber of Commerce: 109 S 4th Street, Tombstone AZ 85638 |
| Distance from Tucson | 72 miles (Approx. 1 hour and 15-minute drive Southeast) |
| Website | Tombstone Chamber of Commerce |
Sedona
If you need to recharge your energy after the showcase, Sedona is globally renowned as a spiritual center surrounded by stunning Red Rock formations. It also serves as an extraordinary backdrop for photographing newly acquired minerals and gemstones.
| Location | Sedona Visitor Information Center: 331 Forest Road. Sedona, AZ 86336 |
| Distance from Tucson | 229 miles (Approx. 3.5-hour drive North) |
| Website | Sedona Visitor Center |
Grand Canyon National Park
The ultimate symbol of Arizona’s natural beauty. The South Rim is the most accessible area for visitors. Please be aware that during the Gem Show dates (January to February), the higher elevations near the canyon may experience snow. Always check road and weather conditions before departing.
| Location | Grand Canyon Visitor Center: S Entrance Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023 |
| Distance from Tucson | 342 miles (Approx. 5.5-hour drive North) |
| Estimated Fee | Vehicle Permit: $35 (Valid for 7 days) |
| Website | Grand Canyon National Park |
Antelope Canyon
Located on Navajo land, Antelope Canyon offers an astonishing display of water-carved sandstone slot canyons. Because access is restricted to guided tours only, we highly recommend booking your reservation at least 1 to 2 months in advance of your trip.
| Location | Tours depart near Page, AZ (e.g., 22 South Lake Powell Boulevard. Page, AZ 86040) |
| Distance from Tucson | 387 miles (Approx. 6-hour drive North) |
| Website | Antelope Canyon Tours |