Pima ArizonaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Pima, Arizona.
1. Eastern Arizona Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Eastern Arizona Museum in Pima offers a detailed look at the town's heritage, featuring exhibits on Native American artifacts, pioneer life, and regional mining history. Visitors can explore both indoor and outdoor displays, including historical photos, memorabilia, and mining equipment. This museum serves as a community focal point for learning about the rich tapestry of eastern Arizona's past.
2. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
DESERT WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson is a renowned combination of zoo, botanical garden, natural history museum, and aquarium all dedicated to the Sonoran Desert. The museum's scenic walking paths lead guests past native animal habitats, lush desert flora, and engaging geology exhibits. It's a top-rated attraction for families and nature lovers, known for immersive experiences that bring the desert ecosystem to life.
3. Colossal Cave Mountain Park
CAVERN ADVENTURES AWAIT
Colossal Cave Mountain Park in Vail features an impressive limestone cave with guided tours that unveil centuries of natural history beneath the Arizona surface. Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and picnicking within the picturesque desert parkland surrounding the cave. The site also appeals to adventure-seekers with its stories of outlaws and hidden treasures.
4. Pima Air & Space Museum
AIRCRAFT SHOWCASE
The Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson is one of the world's largest aerospace museums, home to more than 350 historic aircraft spread over 80 acres. Guests can stroll among giant bombers, sleek jets, and even presidential planes while learning about aviation history. The museum appeals to aviation enthusiasts of all ages with interactive exhibits and guided tram tours.
5. Old Tucson
WILD WEST MOVIE SET
Old Tucson recreates the look and feel of an authentic Old West town, serving as both a living history museum and a renowned film set. Visitors step into the world of classic western movies, enjoy gunfight reenactments, and explore period buildings. The attraction blends history, entertainment, and nostalgia amid beautiful desert scenery.
6. Biosphere 2
EARTH SCIENCE LABORATORY
Biosphere 2, located near Oracle, is an enormous glass-enclosed facility dedicated to ecosystem research and environmental science. Visitors can tour the futuristic biome habitats, which replicate rainforests, deserts, and oceans under one roof. The attraction offers fascinating insights into sustainability and the delicate balance of Earth's environments.
7. Children's Museum Tucson
HANDS-ON LEARNING FUN
Children's Museum Tucson in downtown Tucson is a vibrant space designed to inspire curiosity and creativity in young visitors. The museum features interactive exhibits, imaginative play areas, and educational workshops for families. It's a beloved destination for kids and parents seeking a day of educational fun.
8. Titan Missile Museum
COLD WAR RELIC
The Titan Missile Museum in Green Valley preserves a fully intact Titan II missile complex and offers a unique glimpse into Cold War history. Guided tours take visitors deep underground to explore the missile silo, command center, and learn about America's nuclear deterrent. This National Historic Landmark is an unforgettable experience for history and military buffs.
9. Seven Falls Trail
SCENIC HIKING RETREAT
The Seven Falls Trail, located in Tucson's Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, delights hikers with a scenic route leading to a series of stunning waterfalls. The moderately challenging trail winds through dramatic desert landscapes and shaded canyons. The falls themselves provide a refreshing and picturesque reward, especially after seasonal rains.
10. De Anza Trail
HISTORIC PATHWAY
The De Anza Trail in Tubac follows one of the Southwest's most historic routes, tracing the path of Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza. Visitors can walk or cycle along the scenic trail, passing through riparian corridors, ranch land, and historic sites. Interpretive signs along the way tell the stories of Native American, Spanish, and early American inhabitants.
11. Ajo Community Golf Course
DESERT GOLF DESTINATION
The Ajo Community Golf Course offers a welcoming environment for golfers of all skill levels, set against the striking landscapes of the Sonoran Desert. Players enjoy well-maintained fairways, desert views, and peaceful surroundings. The course is a favorite among both locals and visitors seeking a relaxed round in a scenic setting.
12. Pima County Fairgrounds
FESTIVAL AND EVENTS HUB
The Pima County Fairgrounds is Tucson's premier venue for large-scale events, from the annual county fair to concerts, expos, and cultural celebrations. With spacious facilities and a lively atmosphere, it hosts a diverse lineup of entertainment throughout the year. The fairgrounds are a community gathering place synonymous with fun and excitement.
13. Musselman Honda Circuit
MOTORSPORT PLAYGROUND
Musselman Honda Circuit is Tucson's go-to destination for high-speed kart racing and motorsports events. The track is modeled after the famous Suzuka circuit in Japan and offers both rental karting and competitive races. It's an adrenaline-filled attraction perfect for thrill-seekers and racing fans.
14. Tucson Speedway
OVAL RACING EXCITEMENT
Tucson Speedway hosts regular stock car races on a fast-paced asphalt oval, drawing passionate fans and drivers from across the region. The venue features a family-friendly atmosphere, food vendors, and special racing events. Race nights at the speedway are a true slice of local motorsport culture.
15. Hugh Norris Trail
MOUNTAIN VIEWS HIKE
The Hugh Norris Trail in Tucson is a favorite for hikers seeking panoramic mountain and desert vistas within Saguaro National Park West. The trail ascends through dense saguaro forests to reach the summit, rewarding adventurers with sweeping views. It's especially popular during the cooler hours of morning and evening due to the intense midday heat.