The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a world-renowned zoo, natural history museum, and botanical garden, all in one place. You will see interpretive displays of living animals and plants native to the Sonoran Desert region—an area encompassing parts of Arizona and California in the United States, and the Mexican states of Sonora and Baja California.
Within the Museum grounds, you will see more than 300 animal species and 1,200 kinds of plants on display—alive in their natural desert settings.
The Desert Museum is a private, non-profit institution. Everyone is welcome, but members have special privileges. To become a member, inquire at the ticket window, or phone 520-883-2702. |
| Hours: |
The Museum is open every day:
- October through February: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- March through September: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Each summer—June through September—the Museum remains open every Saturday evening until 10:00 p.m. (9:00 p.m. in September). |
| Facilities: |
Drinking fountains, shade ramadas, and restrooms are scattered throughout the grounds. There are also four restaurants, cafes, and snack bars on the grounds, as well as two gift shops. There is also a gallery which hosts a variety of temporary art exhibits. |
| Directions: |
A beautiful 14-mile drive west from downtown Tucson, over Gates Pass to Kinney Road. Get directions from MapQuest.
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| Coordinates: |
Map Coordinates (NAD83): 32 14.643N; 111 10.102W. |
| Weather: |
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| Regulations: |
- Picnicking is not permitted on Museum grounds. Picnic and camping facilities are available nearby, in Tucson Mountain Park and Saguaro National Park West.
- Special parking is available in the Museum parking lot for vehicles with permits for the disabled and for motor homes.
- Parking is not permitted along Kinney Road, except in designated areas.
- This is not a place for pets. Only trained service animals assisting visitors are permitted on the grounds. And, of course, do not leave your pets unattended in an automobile for any amount of time, particularly in warm weather. Even a short time in a vehicle without air conditioning during the hot summer temperatures can kill an animal.
- Smoking is only allowed in designated areas.
- Do not feed or harm the animals.
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| Precautions: |
- The Desert Museum is primarily an outdoor experience, so wear a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
- Be sure your vehicle is locked and all valuables kept out of sight.
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