Tips for Your Visit to Tucson

While you are in Tucson, make plans to experience the Sonoran Desert in addition to the shows. Soak up the atmosphere by learning about the history of gems and minerals, feasting your eyes on internationally renowned art, and walking among cactuses and nature. Here are a few of our favorite attractions. You will find many more recommendations at TucsonShowGuide.com.  

Above: There are so many things to see when you’re in Tucson, and plenty of nearby places to enjoy the outdoors. 

Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum

Bring your shopping experience full circle with a visit to the Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum in downtown Tucson. It features three major galleries: Mineral Evolution, Arizona Gallery, and Gem Gallery, with a treasury of jewelry, mining history, artwork, and fossils. 

Beads of Courage

Beads of Courage is a 501c3 non-profit that provides arts-in-medicine programs for children coping with serious illness, their families, and the clinicians who care for them. Stop by their headquarters in the Metal Arts Village to shop for lampwork glass pendants, art card kits, and other gifts. Every purchase supports the mission. 

Murals of Tucson

Take a break from the shows and experience another side of Tucson. Colorful murals all around the city provide insight into the region’s landscape and culture. Visit muralmap.tucsonaz.gov to plan your own mural tour. 

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

Walk amongst the saguaros and experience water in the desert at the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. There are paved trails if you need an easy ramble, or an open-air Sabino Canyon Crawler makes it easy to take in the atmosphere even if are tired of being on your feet. 

Tucson Botanical Gardens

The Tucson Botanical Gardens is an urban oasis with 17 different pocket gardens on a 5 ½-acre former homestead. The Cactus and Succulent Garden features cacti from deserts around the world. See species from the southwestern United States, Mexico, South America, and Africa. 

Tucson Show Guide

Find more tips for visiting Tucson and the Tucson gem, mineral, fossil, bead, (and more!) shows in your free digital download of the Tucson Show Guide.