Tucson Botanical Gardens Tours

Tucson Botanical Gardens which includes a park
Tucson Botanical Gardens featuring animals and flowers
Tucson Botanical Gardens which includes a garden and outdoor art
Tucson Botanical Gardens featuring a garden
Tucson Botanical Gardens featuring a garden and signage


Wander through cactus, herb and wildflower gardens and learn about desert plants in this flower-filled sanctuary in the city.

Escape the city buzz with a stroll in a botanical oasis of native plant species as well as shrubs commonly planted in Tucson in the first half of the 20th century. Tucson Botanical Gardens is a 5.5-acre (2.2-hectare) horticultural haven with 17 specialty gardens.

Learn about native desert flora in the Cactus and Succulent Gardens that also feature plants from Mexico and South America. Enjoy quiet, reflective moments in the colorful Iris Garden. Stop by the Historical Gardens to see olive, myrtle and dwarf citrus, shrubs that were frequently planted in Tucson between the 1930s and the 1950s. Go to the Sensory Patios where there are vegetable gardens, fountains and a Zen Garden. Take the kids to the Children’s Discovery Garden where they can learn about the life cycle of a plant.

Included with the price of admission are themed guided tours that are held at various times of the year. They cover such topics as the history of the gardens and garden practices that will attract birds to your backyard. For an up-to-date list of guided tours, visit the Tucson Botanical Gardens’ website.

If you are in the gardens between October and April immerse yourself in the tropical environment of the annual Butterfly Magic exhibit inside the greenhouse. Observe hundreds of butterflies from 11 countries flying freely among the exotic blooms in the enclosure. Some may even land on you. Pick up a magnifying glass at the entrance to help you see the insects more closely when they rest on plants. The exhibition charges an extra fee.

Located 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the downtown area, the gardens are served by several local buses. Those who drive can use the free on-site car parking.

Tucson Botanical Gardens are open daily except Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Plan a trip to see Tucson Botanical Gardens

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 Las Palmas Hotel Tucson
Las Palmas Airport Inn
El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort

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Best Lodging Options Near Tucson Botanical Gardens

Lodge on the Desert

Lodge on the Desert

4 out of 5
306 North Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ
Lodge on the Desert
Hilton Vacation Club Varsity Club Tucson

Hilton Vacation Club Varsity Club Tucson

3 out of 5
3855 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ
Hilton Vacation Club Varsity Club Tucson
Sonoran Velo Summary:

Sonoran Velo Summary:

2 out of 5
Tucson
Sonoran Velo Summary:
Sheraton Tucson Hotel and Suites

Sheraton Tucson Hotel and Suites

3.5 out of 5
5151 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ
Sheraton Tucson Hotel and Suites
BRIGHT ARIZONA SUNROOM, near UofA /Banner /Midtown

BRIGHT ARIZONA SUNROOM, near UofA /Banner /Midtown

Tucson
BRIGHT ARIZONA SUNROOM, near UofA /Banner /Midtown
3 Bedroom Casita in Central Tucson

3 Bedroom Casita in Central Tucson

Tucson
3 Bedroom Casita in Central Tucson
Private Southwestern Style Casita with Lush & Fully fenced Lush Yard**

Private Southwestern Style Casita with Lush & Fully fenced Lush Yard**

Tucson
Private Southwestern Style Casita with Lush & Fully fenced Lush Yard**
Historic Adobe Casita - Private Fully Fenced Yard

Historic Adobe Casita - Private Fully Fenced Yard

Tucson
Historic Adobe Casita - Private Fully Fenced Yard
One Little Casita on 1st Street with Private Backyard - 3 miles to U of A

One Little Casita on 1st Street with Private Backyard - 3 miles to U of A

Tucson
One Little Casita on 1st Street with Private Backyard - 3 miles to U of A
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Tucson Botanical Gardens

At Tucson Botanical Gardens, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including sports and running. Nearby attractions include the historic Tombstone with its tour bundles, luxurious golf resorts, and the vibrant Tucson Festival. Don't miss exploring the scenic Turquoise Trail, which adds to the unique experience of the area. The gardens themselves offer a serene escape amidst these exciting options.

Food and drinks

Experience the vibrant flavors of Tucson at the Cafe Botanica within the Tucson Botanical Gardens, offering fresh, locally sourced dishes. For a taste of authentic Sonoran cuisine, try El Charro Café, renowned for its rich history and delicious recipes, located just a short drive away in Central Tucson.

Shopping

Discover Zocalo, a charming store just 2 miles from Tucson Botanical Gardens. For a broader shopping experience, visit FoodInRoot Farmers' Markets, located 3 miles away, or Tucson Mall, a vibrant shopping center 5 miles away, featuring family-friendly entertainment and dining options.

Recreation

At Arizona Stadium, immerse yourself in the thrilling sports atmosphere just 3 miles from Tucson Botanical Gardens. Experience luxury at Ventana Canyon Golf and Racquet Club, located 6 miles away, or enjoy the outdoor vibes at Starr Pass Golf Club, 8 miles from the gardens.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Tucson International Raceway, located 9 miles from Tucson Botanical Gardens. For climbing enthusiasts, Rocks and Ropes offers an exhilarating outdoor climbing experience, just 4 miles away. Hike the scenic Finger Rock Trail, located 6 miles away, and immerse yourself in nature's beauty.

Nightlife

Enjoy a show at the Rialto Theatre, just 4 miles away, where culture and romance blend. For a thrilling night, visit Casino del Sol, 13 miles away, offering vibrant city vibes. Don't miss the Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium, 3 miles away, perfect for family fun and entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Tucson Botanical Gardens

Visiting Tucson Botanical Gardens provides a wonderful blend of culture and outdoor experiences. Explore popular attractions such as the barrio garden and the Sonoran Desert, along with notable landmarks in Tucson. Don't miss out on local art at the Tucson Museum and the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Whether you're interested in nature, family activities, or cultural sites, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

  • University of Arizona: Just 3 miles from Tucson Botanical Gardens, this vibrant campus offers a mix of modern architecture and lush landscaping. Explore its art and science museums, join a campus tour, or soak in the energetic atmosphere of student life.
  • Tucson Convention Center: Located 4 miles away, this venue is perfect for events and exhibitions. Experience the business vibes while attending conferences or enjoying local performances, making it a hub of activity in the heart of Tucson.
  • Saguaro National Park: About 11 miles from the gardens, this stunning park is home to iconic saguaro cacti and breathtaking desert landscapes. Enjoy hiking, photography, and wildlife watching for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Best time to go to Tucson Botanical Gardens

Visitor numbers around Tucson Botanical Gardens is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Tucson Botanical Gardens is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January51.4°F (10.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
February54.3°F (12.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March61.5°F (16.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April68.9°F (20.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
May75.9°F (24.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June86.2°F (30.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
July87.1°F (30.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
August86.2°F (30.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
September81.7°F (27.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
October71.6°F (22.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
November60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
December51.6°F (10.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Tucson Botanical Gardens

To save money on your trip to Tucson Botanical Gardens, consider visiting during the cheaper months of June to July and December. Take advantage of nearby free attractions like Park Place Mall and Sabino Canyon. Use Expedia to find eco-friendly hotel options by filtering for "Eco-certified" properties, and book packages that combine flights and activities for added savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and cash back for future stays. Explore public transport options to minimize travel expenses while enjoying the sights!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Tucson Botanical Gardens are June to July and December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to April, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you a range of sustainable and eco-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at the Tucson Botanical Gardens with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.