Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 14 mi. w. in Tucson Mountain Park at 2021 N. Kinney Rd., is an interpretative center showcasing the diversity of the Sonoran Desert region, recognized as the lushest desert on earth. The museum offers a zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, natural history museum and aquarium showcasing the regions' animals, plants, geology, climate and native cultures in a natural environment.

The 21-acre facility features 2 miles of walking paths and houses some 230 animal species, including coatis, javelina, road runners and Mexican gray wolves. The popular hummingbird aviary features several species of the tiny birds; visitors can see breeding and nesting activity January through May and get close enough to photograph the birds. Sixteen gardens display 1,200 types of plants and 56,000 specimens. The Earth Sciences Center, a simulated walk-through limestone cave, features a collection of regional gems and minerals. Live animal presentations include Live and (sort of) on the Loose (venomous reptiles), Raptor Free Flight (seasonal) showcasing native birds of prey, and Fur, Feathers and Fangs (mammals and birds). A stingray touch pool invites visitors to interact with cow nose stingrays from the Gulf of California.

Guided tours are available.