"A" Mountain

1000 S Sentinel Peak Rd, Sentinel Peak Park, Tucson, AZ 85745 520-791-4873

Description: WEST TUCSON. Officially called Sentinel Peak, this landmark is visible from all over town. The huge whitewashed "A" on the side of the mountain has been repainted every year since 1915 when ardent U of A fans initially showed their support. Drive to the top for an awesome view of the city and surrounding desert landscape. Tucson's annual Fourth of July fireworks display is launched from here as well.
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Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

2021 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743 520-883-2702

Description: WEST TUCSON. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is one of Tucson's star attractions, with good reason. Part zoo, part natural history museum, and part botanical garden, the facility is set on 21 acres and is home to numerous animals that roam freely within invisibly-fenced enclosures. After checking out the exhibits in the main visitor center, wander along two miles of paved pathways, where you can catch sight of endangered species such as the Mexican wolf, thick-billed parrot, ocelot, margay, jaguarundi, and the Gila topminnow; and not-so-endangered critters like leafcutter ants, black bears, river otters, bighorn sheep, coatis, beavers, coyote, javelinas, black-tailed prairie dogs, termites and roadrunners. And don't miss the captivating cactus garden or the Hummingbird Aviary!
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Atturbury Bird and Animal Sanctuary

8280 E Escalante Rd, Lower Lincoln Park, Tucson, AZ 85730 520-748-2725

Description: EAST TUCSON. A 55-acre sanctuary situated right in the city ­ it's not only a haven for wildlife, it's a peaceful retreat for people, too. A mile-long loop trail passes all manner of desert plant life ­ mesquite, desert hackberry, fishhook barrel cactus and catclaw acacia to name a few ­ which harbor a wide variety of birds and other critters like cottontails and gila monsters. If you're planning to stroll through around midday, pack a lunch. The Desert Hummingbird and Butterfly Garden is an especially entertaining spot for a picnic.
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Breakers

8555 Tangerine Rd, Marana, AZ 85653 520-682-2304

Description: MARANA. One of Tucson's two water parks, Breakers boasts Arizona's largest wave pool, plus five super slides, two tube slides and an entire section set aside especially for little kids. When it's time for a break, huge shade umbrellas and covered ramadas protect guests from the blazing desert sun, and the snack bars offer cold drinks, pizza and other kid-friendly food. No outside food or drink is permitted.
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Catalina State Park

11570 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85740 520 628-5798

Description: CATALINAS. About 20 miles north of downtown Tucson, this popular park offers gorgeous desert vistas and plenty of recreational activities that allow you to take in the scenic beauty of the area. Have a picnic at one of more than 100 picnic areas, hike one of numerous well-groomed trials, or participate in a geological dig. Camping, horseback riding and bird watching are also available.
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Mt. Lemmon Ski Resort

10300 E Ski Run Rd, Ski Valley, Tucson, AZ 85715 520-576-1321

Description: CATALINAS. Located about an hour from town, Mt. Lemmon's ski lift runs year round ­ you can use it to reach the top for skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer. And thanks to the mountain's altitude (about 9000 feet), the climate is substantially different than in Tucson. It's not uncommon for folks to spend the day skiing, and then drive back to their hotel in Tucson for an afternoon dip in the hotel's outdoor pool. During the summer, be sure to bring a jacket ­ a tank top and shorts may be comfortable in town, but it probably won't be enough on the mountain! Ski runs are usually open from mid-December to April.
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Reid Park Zoo

1100 S Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85716 520-791-4022

Description: EAST TUCSON. This well-planned, 17-acre zoo features all of your zoo favorites, including polar bears, jaguars, ostriches and much more. The Aviary exhibit, with its array of birds, is a popular destination, as is the South American exhibit. With more than 500 rare animals, the zoo is active in helping endangered species such as Siberian tigers and ruffed lemurs.
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Sabino Canyon

5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd, Coronado National Forest ­ Sabino Canyon Visitor's Center, Tucson, AZ 85750 520-749-8700

Description: EAST TUCSON. Situated on the northeast edge of town in the Catalina Mountains, Sabino Canyon is a popular year-round spot for walking and picnicking because it doesn't require a hike into the mountains. That's because a shuttle bus travels the 3.8 miles to the head of the canyon, making nine on/off stops along the way. Of course the Coronado National Forest is crisscrossed with many miles of trails that are great for hiking or horseback riding (and some are open to bicyclists as well), so if you have the urge to really get out in nature, this the perfect place to do it. Although not required, shuttle reservations are recommended during peak seasons ­ call 520-749-2327.
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Saguaro National Park

3693 S Old Spanish Trl, Rincon Mountain District Visitor Center, Tucson, AZ 85730 520-733-5153

Description: EAST TUCSON. Saguaro National Park is the only place in the world that protects the saguaro cactus, a symbol of Arizona that grows only in the Sonoran Desert. You can see the well-known plant as well as other types of desert life that have shown resilience in adapting to the harsh, sweltering environment. Enjoy the scenery from the air-conditioned comfort of your car or venture out for a breathtaking hike for an up-close look. The park is divided into East and West sections, each with a visitor center located about 15 miles from downtown Tucson. They both offer guided walking tours, informational exhibits, bookstore and restrooms. The Rincon Mountain center is east of town; the Tucson Mountain District Visitor's Center is west of town at 2700 N Kinney Rd, 520-733-5158.
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Santa Cruz River Park

29th St and Ajo Wy, Tucson, AZ 85701 520-877-6000

Description: DOWNTOWN. Winding along the Santa Cruz, this park is a fun place to forget the woes of the day. The park features a very popular disc golf course (the oldest in town, incidentally), as well as the Garden of Gethsemane, a peaceful little corner created as a repository for the works of sculptor Felix Lucero. On Thursdays the Santa Cruz Farmers' Market sets up here, offering the best local fruits, vegetables and herbs. Be sure to stroll along El Paseo de los Arboles ("The Pathway of the Trees") a special memorial walk with beautiful tiled walls.
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Tucson Botanical Gardens

2150 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712 520-326-9686

Description: NORTHEAST. Set in the heart of the city, the Tucson Botanical Gardens offers plenty of winding pathways taking visitors past floral exhibits, greenhouses, classrooms for instruction, and a superb exhibit on xeriscaping, a concept of planning yards and gardens using minimal water in the desert climate. Don't miss the iris garden, the herb garden, the unique tropical exhibit or the well-stocked gift shop.
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Tucson Mountain Park

2021 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743 520-883-4200

Description: WEST TUCSON. Within its boundaries, this 20,000 acre park has miles of hiking trails and numerous incredible desert vistas. If that sounds appealing, a hike up to Gates Pass will reward you with a charming stone gazebo from which to take in a stellar sunset view. Other outdoor activities within the park include horseback riding, picnic areas, camping and archery/rifle/pistol ranges. The park encompasses a wide variety of other attractions as well, such as the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Old Tucson Studios.
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