Area Attractions

Located north of Tucson on Oracle Road/Highway 77 at mile marker 96.5. The center is an environmental research, teaching, and learning facility. Inside the 7,200,000 cubic foot glass and space frame structure, Biosphere 2 contains a tropical rain forest, savanna, marsh, desert, a million gallon salt water ocean complete with a coral reef, and a human habitat which now houses interactive exhibits. The 3/4 mile tour includes the Biosphere Theater, Demonstration Labs, Human Habitat, Climate and Earth Exhibit, Ocean Viewing Gallery, restaurants, and gift shop. A Technical Tour is available at additional charge by reservation only. A limited number of wheelchairs and strollers are available for rent. CALL for tour times. Admission fee with AAA, college student, military, and senior discounts available.

Located at 11570 N. Oracle Road/Highway 77 at mile marker 81, the park is at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Hiking trails are accessible from the park including the Romero Canyon Trail, which leads to a beautiful area with clear pools shaded by sycamore and oak trees. Guided bird walks, wildflower walks, and nature hikes are available weekly through winter and spring months. Horseback riding trails, camping, picnic tables, and grills are also available. Admission fee (members free).

Located 22 miles south of Tucson. I-10 east to the Vail/Wentworth exit 279, then seven miles north. Considered to be the world’s largest dry cavern, its complex lighted passageways, chambers, and myriad crystal formations were once a shelter for prehistoric people. Take a guided cave tour. Picnic areas, campsites, and Western trail rides are also available. Admission fee.

Located at 6000 E. Valencia in Tucson. I-10 to exit 267. Davis-Monthan is home to AMARC, a 2,600 acre open-air warehouse for aircraft, missiles, components, and support equipment. Aviation enthusiasts will view, by bus tour only, the more than 5,000 aircraft currently stored here. The Pima Air and Space Museum conducts tours. Reservations suggested. Admission fee.

Located one mile north of Sunrise Drive at 6300 N. Swan Road in Tucson. The unique adobe building was designed and built by the late Tucson artist, Ted De Grazia, widely known for his popular pictures of angels and Indian children. The gallery houses many of his original paintings, bronzes, and ceramics. Next to the gallery is the Mission in the Sun, an open-air chapel De Grazia built and decorated with frescoes. The gallery includes a shop where reproductions, books and prints are sold. No admission fee.