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    Tucson Botanical Gardens

    4.3 (316 reviews)
    Open 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

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    Rick G.

    Of the many, many beautiful botanical gardens ever visited across the country, albeit not the largest botanical garden, this one by far is one of the most unique, exceptionally organized and imaginatively diverse botanic showcases I have experienced to date! It is not your typical garden type settings in the country. It is a must visit whether a first-time visitor or have been there multiple times. There is always something new, intriguing and passionately awe inspiring. But the fact of its inherent distinctiveness makes it superb. Not only do you have an opportunity to explore the natural splendor of the Sonoran desert's flora and fauna in a natural state, but you have an opportunity to explore multiple displays of natural beauty as well as man-made artistry. It's been that way since it was inspired into conception in 1964. While visiting we not only had the opportunity to experience the basic and general displays and layout, but marvelous other exhibitions like the extraordinary Butterfly and Orchid Pavilion with an exceptional and rare exposition of marvelous butterflies, but marvelously beautiful Orchids. Frida's Garden is an exceptional showing of serenity and art. And for those more mechanically prone there's the G-Scale Train Diorama with multiple trains chooglin' their way throughout an elaborate multiple tracks high and low with real rivers, trellis bridges and an amazing array of handcrafted building representing real life structures. Oh, and I almost forgot one of my fave spots, the Zen Gallery. This layout of seating areas, raked sand, stone areas and meditation areas is relaxing and contemplative. This is a must visit. We were amazed with every step taken, breath inhaled and every sense charmed. Congrats to the staff, volunteers, donors, patrons and management for a superb job!

    Blue morphos butterfly
    Rachel C.

    Amazing place to visit- different plants and their blooms catch your eye in different seasons. The butterflies are always stunning.

    Belle V.

    I took my mother for an outdoor walk, and she thoroughly enjoyed the location. I appreciate that it is not overly expansive, as my mother is unable to undertake lengthy walks. The abundance of seating areas for rest is a significant advantage. The atmosphere here is very serene, and it is wonderful to observe the various types of plants. This is an ideal time to visit, given that it is the spring season. The staff members are friendly, and there is a cafeteria located within the garden, which we plan to visit on our next trip. While there were not many butterflies in the butterfly sanctuary, it was still pleasant to see what was inside. I wholeheartedly recommend this place.

    Moon cactus
    Lexi S.

    The Tucson Botanical Gardens have been a hit every time I have patronized. To me, the necessary highlights are the butterfly garden and their train collection. It would be very easy to spend a couple of hours here if you explored every nook and cranny, but sometimes you just want the highlight reel. In the summer, I would recommend getting there before 11 or after 2 due to the heat, but this place shines just as much during the winter. Wear layers so you don't drown in humidity with the butterflies and can adapt to the sun accordingly!

    Explanation of Frida's Garden exhibit
    Diana R.

    Such a serene, beautiful day at the garden. I've now been about four times and each visit I saw new and unexpected pieces of art, nature, and history. This recent time I loved the Frida Kahlo exhibit: an immersive art- and flower-filled experience, including pieces demonstrating how she lived and worked at her home in Mexico City. You can tell all the workers and volunteers here take great pride in their work, helping to show the garden off in its best light. I have such fond feelings for this place and hope to visit every time I return to Tucson!

    Nirali P.

    We went in a group of 7 people on a Monday. There are different sections of the botanical garden. There are majority cactus type plants throughout the gardens. We were able to finish walking through the park within about 1 hour. The butterfly enclosure is closed on Monday which was unfortunate. The train is turned on during certain hours so we were not able to see the train moving but the miniature buildings were detailed. There was a microscope facing a variety of flower plants which was interesting to look at. We would like to come back in the evening during the light show.

    Little nest
    Dawn C.

    I am fortunate to have access to a community pass to the Tucson botanical gardens. For people living in Tucson if you have a Pima county library card you can checkout a culture pass, to get free access to the Tucson botanical Gardens. The gardens were once a private residence and are now available for the public to view and include demonstration gardens classes, a café, a huge herb garden a butterfly house and revolving art displays at the moment there's extensive construction on Alvernon near Grant Road, so getting into the parking lot can be tricky. Also, the parking lot is set up as a one-way path and if people don't follow the rules you quickly find out that there's not enough room for two cars to pass. I've come dozens of times in the last year. November through May is a special time when the butterfly house is up and running. When it gets hot in Tucson, they close it since it can't be temperature controlled for the butterflies, and the house is very humid inside. At this time, there is a Frida Kahlo exhibit to see. Also, as it's nearly spring, the iris' will begin to bloom. Only two were in bloom today. I imagine in the weeks ahead the garden will explode with colorful irises. In the last year or so a wonderful miniature train display was created and it's so detailed and has trains on elevated tracks and multiple trains moving at the same time. It's a real treat to see. I love coming to the Tucson botanical gardens.

    Robert L.

    A must stop for tourists. Didn't know what to expect and not disappointed. A lot of information and history revealed during our self guided tour. A diamond in the rough is better said. Do not miss if in town for a couple of days. Took about two hours to truly enjoy this visit. Definitely worth recommending.

    Alex J.

    Beautiful botanical garden! - Plan to be walking mostly outside, not always as shaded. Also determine what time of year you will go. I believe the butterfly garden is not open during the summer, keep that in mind. - Butterfly garden inside greenhouse. - Different parts of the garden have different themes.

    Nancy F.

    Went to the annual Lights Up and it was amazing and with the timed access, not crowded and the weather was so nice. The lights are so beautiful and so many to see. I love the Lumineers. This is a must see during the holidays. Buy your tickets in advance.

    These light up with the music!  Bellagio of trees!
    Jane R.

    It is always a great pleasure to be here at TBG, and especially during the holidays!! Come to Lights Up! and make merry! More lights and colors, with Frida's Garden and the Railway Express resplendent in their holiday best! Run don't walk...

    Talisa M.

    Incredible! We went to enjoy the Butterfly Exhibit (closes at the end of May!) and that alone was spectacular, so add in the rest of the space and it's truly remarkable... a little oasis. Instantly as you enter the gardens, there's a distinct temperature difference because of all the greenery. Makes me think why we don't have more planted around our town. There are several sections that feature different types of gardens, galleries and art. They have educational activities and programs for several topics around gardening and local plant life. Things like a mini train station build into the natural environment with some really unique home art pieces, a kaleidoscope of flowers, herb gardens and flower gardens, a cafe, a gift shop and more. Truly recommend a stop in!

    Mandi G.

    If you're local, I highly recommend an annual membership to the Tucson Botanical Gardens. The gardens are a perfect size for a quick peaceful stroll or you can stay longer and enjoy the exhibits that change throughout the year. I think the butterfly room has limited hours/seasons but definitely a neat (and humid!) experience. With the membership, you can get extra passes to bring guests. Good deal if you can go multiple times with the pass. There is also a little kids area where they can stack wood and play!

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    Page 1 of 8

    Ask the Community - Tucson Botanical Gardens

    Is it better to top off and trim Palo Verde trees or to let them grow in height?

    Hello! We recommend reaching out to local plant nurseries or arborists.

    Can I bring coffee into the gardens?

    Their website doesn't say it's prohibited so you probably could. But...they have a lovely cafe right there in the gardens with coffee and other hot and cold beverages plus breakfast and lunch items. The garden views from the cafe are great.

    Are dogs welcomed?

    Not at this time

    Do they still have the Frida khalo house replica ? Is it permanently or they will take it off?

    No they no longer have it. It was not a permanent thing. They change themes every so often

    Does anyone know whether they offer reciprocal admission w/ membership to the DBG in Phoenix? I tried customer service and couldn't get a human.

    Dear Tabitha, Thank you for contacting Tucson Botanical gardens through Yelp! The Gardens does not… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Tucson Botanical Gardens

    The butterfly garden was pretty awesome and a butterfly even landed on me so now I guess we're best friends.

    Mentioned in 74 reviews

    Read more highlights

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