Tucson’s “quiet, desert town” reputation often leads people to believe that there is not much to do here. Believe it or not, Tucson has many attractions that make it a popular vacation destination. Some of Tucson’s own citizens have not visited some of the places that make Tucson great. Here are some places for Tucsonans and visitors alike to check out.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum strives to educate people about living in harmony with nature and the Sonoran Desert. The museum features exhibits with live animals in natural settings, land, and plants of the region. The museum’s website calls it a sort of world-renowned zoo, natural history museum, and botanical garden all in one. More than 300 animal species and more than 1,200 plant types can be seen on the 21 acres of the museum.
www.desertmuseum.org.

Pima Air & Space Museum
Pima Air & Space Museum is one of the largest air and space museums in the world, and it contains the largest non-government funded aviation museum. Guests can enjoy the more than 300 air and spacecraft while walking through the museum. Admission to the museum is $15.50 for adults, with discounts for children and seniors.
www.pimaair.org.

Mission San Xavier del Bac
This breathtaking Mission features a museum, gift shop, candle-lighting area, and church. Guests can attend a mass at the beautiful church, or visit the museum that explains the history and artifacts of the Mission. The candles can be purchased for $3 and can be lit in the church as a personal prayer to God. Whether you are religious or not, the Mission is a must-see site for Tucson visitors.
www.sanxaviermission.org.

Fox Tucson Theatre
Located in downtown Tucson, Fox Tucson Theatre is a Southern Arizona gem. The theatre, originally Tower Theatre, was built in 1929 and then later renovated to become Fox. The theatre has been hosting musical guests, plays, and other attractive events ever since. The majestic, old-glamor feel of the interior is worth seeing on a trip to Tucson.
www.foxtucsontheatre.org.

Tucson Botanical Gardens
The Tucson Botanical Gardens hopes to educate visitors about responsible use of plants and water in a desert environment. With an array of beautiful plants and activities for the whole family, the Gardens are a must-see. Guests can also enjoy the Butterfly Magic, now through April 30, which features a variety of exotic butterflies for guests to view.
www.tucsonbotanical.org.