Come Early & Stay Late!
Below is a list of recommended things to do and places to visit while in Tucson, as well as food recommendations. Additional information can be found at https://www.visittucson.org/visit/things-to-do.
Tucson Birding Hotspots - Various
Sweetwater Wetlands Park - 25 minutes from Conference Venue/Westin
No Entrance Fee
Sweetwater Wetlands is a constructed wetland located in Tucson between I-10 and the Santa Cruz River near Prince Road. Built in 1996, it is used to help treat secondary effluent and backwash from the reclaimed water treatment system at the now-closed Roger Road Wastewater Treatment Plant. Sweetwater serves as an environmental education facility and habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Paths, both paved and unpaved, visit all the ponds and give a view to the large detention basins to the south, which when containing water attract wading birds and shore birds.
Rarities seen at Sweetwater over the years include Groove-billed Ani, Least Grebe, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Baltimore Oriole, and many others. The area consists of several ponds surrounded by cattails, willows, and cottonwoods. Ducks visit the ponds while Red-winged, Yellow-headed, and Brewer’s blackbirds frequent the cattails. Thick stands of saltbush provide cover to Song Sparrows, Abert’s Towhees, wrens, and many other species.
Google Map directions to Sweetwater from Conference Venue/Westin.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park - 25 minutes from Conference Venue/Westin
No Entrance Fee
Sweetwater Wetlands is a constructed wetland located in Tucson between I-10 and the Santa Cruz River near Prince Road. Built in 1996, it is used to help treat secondary effluent and backwash from the reclaimed water treatment system at the now-closed Roger Road Wastewater Treatment Plant. Sweetwater serves as an environmental education facility and habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Paths, both paved and unpaved, visit all the ponds and give a view to the large detention basins to the south, which when containing water attract wading birds and shore birds.
Rarities seen at Sweetwater over the years include Groove-billed Ani, Least Grebe, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Baltimore Oriole, and many others. The area consists of several ponds surrounded by cattails, willows, and cottonwoods. Ducks visit the ponds while Red-winged, Yellow-headed, and Brewer’s blackbirds frequent the cattails. Thick stands of saltbush provide cover to Song Sparrows, Abert’s Towhees, wrens, and many other species.
Google Map directions to Sweetwater from Conference Venue/Westin.
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Sabino Canyon Recreation Area - 15 minutes from Conference Venue/Westin
Fee: $8/vehicle Amenities: Visitor Center (8am-2pm M-F; 8am-4pm weekends), vending machines, restrooms Located on the northeast corner of Sunrise Blvd and Sabino Canyon Road at Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. See soaring mountains, deep canyons, and the unique plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert. The wonders of the desert foothills and rocky gorges of the Santa Catalina Mountains are marvelous and accessible. Tram routes provide access to the visitor center, which offers plenty of wildlife and trailside interpretive information. If riding a tram does not stir your sense of adventure, there are miles of hiking trails that wander throughout the area and lead deeper into the Santa Catalina backcountry. Google Map link for Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. |
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Biosphere 2 - 37 minute drive from Conference Venue/Westin
Fees: $25.00/Adult; $23.00/Senior The world’s largest living research center focused on the future life of our planet. Dedicated to scientific research in regards to Earth and its different systems. Come tour one of the world's most unique facilities dedicated to the research and understanding of global scientific issues. The Biosphere 2 facility serves as a laboratory for controlled scientific studies, an arena for scientific discovery and discussion, and a far-reaching provider of public education. Its mission is to serve as a center for research, outreach, teaching and life-long learning about Earth, its living systems, and its place in the universe; to catalyze interdisciplinary thinking and understanding about Earth and its future; to be an adaptive tool for Earth education and outreach to industry, government, and the public; and to distill issues related to Earth. Google Map link with directions from Conference Venue/Westin. |
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Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area - 2 hours from Conference Venue/Westin
No Entrance Fee Amenities: Restrooms, bring snacks and water Located in southeastern Arizona, Whitewater Draw (WWD) is an AZGFD Commission owned property, Many people visit WWD each winter to experience the memorable sights and sounds of more than 20,000+ sandhill cranes. These birds spend the night standing in WWD’s shallow waters to evade predators, and then fly out each morning to feed and socialize in the surrounding area. They return to WWD around 11 am and in the evening around 6 pm. Great site for birding in general, and to see massive amounts of Sandhill Cranes. There are restrooms on site, but no other amenities, so bring water and snacks with you. On the drive to WWD you do pass through historic Tombstone, Arizona (about 35 minutes before you get to WWD) where there are restaurants and other facilities. Link to Google Map directions from the Conference Venue/Westin. |
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Tohono Chul Gardens, Bistro, Gallery - 11 minutes from Conference Venue/Westin
Fees: $15 for Non-member adults; $13/Seniors Excellent gardens, good eats, and cool art. The mission of the Tohono Chul is to enrich people’s lives by connecting them with the wonders of nature, art, and culture in the Sonoran Desert region and inspiring wise stewardship of the natural world. Google Map directions from Conference Venue/Westin to Gardens. |
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International Wildlife Museum - 30 minutes from Conference Venue/Westin
Admission: $10 for adults; $7 for seniors
Closed: M-W. Open: T-F 9am - 5pm, and weekends from 9am - 6pm
The International Wildlife Museum is dedicated to increasing knowledge and appreciation of the diverse wildlife of the world as well as explaining the role of wildlife management in conservation.
Founded in 1988, the museum highlights over 400 species of insects, mammals and birds from around the globe. Some of the collections are more than 100 years old and all the animals found at the museum were donated by various government agencies, wildlife rehabilitation centers, captive breeding programs, zoos and individuals.
If you like taxidermy, this is the place for you!
Google Maps link with directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Admission: $10 for adults; $7 for seniors
Closed: M-W. Open: T-F 9am - 5pm, and weekends from 9am - 6pm
The International Wildlife Museum is dedicated to increasing knowledge and appreciation of the diverse wildlife of the world as well as explaining the role of wildlife management in conservation.
Founded in 1988, the museum highlights over 400 species of insects, mammals and birds from around the globe. Some of the collections are more than 100 years old and all the animals found at the museum were donated by various government agencies, wildlife rehabilitation centers, captive breeding programs, zoos and individuals.
If you like taxidermy, this is the place for you!
Google Maps link with directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
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Pima Air and Space Museum - 28 minutes from Conference Venue/Westin
Entrance Fee: $16.50 for Adults/ $13.75 for Seniors
Google Map Link with directions from the Conference Venue/Westin. |
Mt. Lemmon - 1.25-1.45 hours from Conference Venue/Westin
With its summit at 9,157 feet above sea level, among the Santa Catalina Mountains. Mt. Lemmon is a beautiful location to hike, bike, and even rock-climb. Mt. Lemmon is the cool jewel of Southern Arizona, a sky island rising 7,000 feet from the Sonoran Desert below. Spectacular views! Due to the mild climate of Southern Arizona and proximity to Tucson, Mt. Lemmon is your perfect shoulder season destination.
https://www.tucsontopia.com/mount-lemmon
Also home to the Southwest’s largest dedicated public telescope for sky observation.
Google Map link with directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
With its summit at 9,157 feet above sea level, among the Santa Catalina Mountains. Mt. Lemmon is a beautiful location to hike, bike, and even rock-climb. Mt. Lemmon is the cool jewel of Southern Arizona, a sky island rising 7,000 feet from the Sonoran Desert below. Spectacular views! Due to the mild climate of Southern Arizona and proximity to Tucson, Mt. Lemmon is your perfect shoulder season destination.
https://www.tucsontopia.com/mount-lemmon
Also home to the Southwest’s largest dedicated public telescope for sky observation.
Google Map link with directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Tucson Mountains: Starr Pass Trail - 35 minutes from Conference Venue/Westin
Hours: Dusk - Dawn
If you are looking for a beautiful hike in the middle of the Tucson mountains, this is your top choice. It is about 4.8 miles from point A to point B. The trail is open from dusk to dawn. Great place for runners.
Google Map link with directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Hours: Dusk - Dawn
If you are looking for a beautiful hike in the middle of the Tucson mountains, this is your top choice. It is about 4.8 miles from point A to point B. The trail is open from dusk to dawn. Great place for runners.
Google Map link with directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Center for Creative Photography (U of A) - 25 minutes from Conference Venue/Westin
Fees: No known admission fee. Likely have to pay for parking in the area as it is on the University of Arizona campus.
Open: 10 am - 4:30 pm T-Sa
University of Arizona presents a world renowned academic art museum. There are over 8 million objects within their collection and over 110,00 works from 2,200 photographers, including some of the greats, from Ansel Adams to Man Ray. Open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 am - 4:30 pm. If you call ahead, they will bring out specific collections for viewing upon your request.
Google Maps link with directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Fees: No known admission fee. Likely have to pay for parking in the area as it is on the University of Arizona campus.
Open: 10 am - 4:30 pm T-Sa
University of Arizona presents a world renowned academic art museum. There are over 8 million objects within their collection and over 110,00 works from 2,200 photographers, including some of the greats, from Ansel Adams to Man Ray. Open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 am - 4:30 pm. If you call ahead, they will bring out specific collections for viewing upon your request.
Google Maps link with directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
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Kartchner Caverns State Park - 1.15 hours from Conference Venue/Westin
Fees: $7/Vehicle Hours: 8:30am - 4pm Amenities: tours, visitor center, café Kartchner Caverns State Park offers tours of the magnificent limestone cave. The cave is beautiful with its icicle-like structures called stalactites and tapered mounds called stalagmites. Bat hibernaculum, cool paleontology, neat stuff! Google Map with directions from the Conference Venue/Westin. |
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Colossal Cave Mountain Park - 52 minutes from Conference Venue/Westin
Fees: $18/Adult Amenities: Cave tours, museum, Western trail rides, wooded picnic areas Beautiful 2,400-acre desert park, on the National Register of Historic Places, showcasing crystal-filled Colossal Cave and historic La Posta Quemada Ranch. The Colossal Cave Mountain Park provides three different types of tours of the cave. Google Map with directions from Conference Venue/Westin. |
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Tucson Botanical Gardens - 15 minutes from Conference Venue/Westin
The Tucson Botanical Gardens is a 5.5 acre collection of 16 residentially scaled urban gardens in Tucson, Arizona. Paths connect these gardens, which include a Zen Garden, a Prehistoric Garden, a Barrio Garden, a Butterfly Garden, a Xeriscape Garden, and a Children’s Garden.
Google Maps directions link from Conference Venue/Westin.
The Tucson Botanical Gardens is a 5.5 acre collection of 16 residentially scaled urban gardens in Tucson, Arizona. Paths connect these gardens, which include a Zen Garden, a Prehistoric Garden, a Barrio Garden, a Butterfly Garden, a Xeriscape Garden, and a Children’s Garden.
Google Maps directions link from Conference Venue/Westin.
Reid Park Zoo - 22 minutes from Conference Venue/Westin
Open daily 8am-2pm
Fee: $10.50/Adults, $8.50/Seniors
Explore Tucson’s Wildlife Zoo that encompasses 24 acres. The Reid Park Zoo, founded in 1967, is a 24-acre city-owned and operated non-profit zoo located within Reid Park in Tucson, Arizona. The zoo features more than 500 animals. It was unofficially established in 1965 by Gene Reid, the parks and recreation director at the time.
Google Maps link with directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Open daily 8am-2pm
Fee: $10.50/Adults, $8.50/Seniors
Explore Tucson’s Wildlife Zoo that encompasses 24 acres. The Reid Park Zoo, founded in 1967, is a 24-acre city-owned and operated non-profit zoo located within Reid Park in Tucson, Arizona. The zoo features more than 500 animals. It was unofficially established in 1965 by Gene Reid, the parks and recreation director at the time.
Google Maps link with directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Food Recommendations
Contigo Latin Kitchen/$$-$$$: 1 minutes from the Conference Venue/Westin (walking distance)
Walk out the front door and look to the right, and voilà, you are there.
Google Map directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Wild Garlic Grill/$$: 6 minutes from the Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Blanco Tacos + Tequila/$$: 6 minutes from the Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Ra Sushi Bar Restaurant/$$: 6 minutes from Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse/$$$$: 6 minutes from Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map directions from Conference Venue/Westin.
El Charro Café Ventana/$$: 9 minutes from the Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map with directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Ginza Sushi & Izakaya/$$: 12 minutes from Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map directions from Conference Venue/Westin.
El Berraco/$$-$$$: 15 minutes from the Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map with directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Culinary Dropout/$$: 16 minutes from Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map directions from Conference Venue/Westin.
Bobo’s Restaurant/$/Breakfast Joint: 16 minutes from the Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Tucson Tamale Company/$: 18 minutes from the Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
El Guero Canelo/$/Famous for their Sonoran Hot Dogs: 19 minutes from Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Eegee’s - Sandwiches & Shakes/$: 21 minutes from the Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map link with directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Diablo Burger/$-$$: 22 minutes from the Conference Venue/Westin
Google Maps link with directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Frog & Firkin - English Pub/$$: 22 minutes from the Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map direction from the Conference Venue/Westin.
La Cochina/$$: 24 minutes from the Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map directions from Conference Venue/Westin.
The Coronet/$$-$$$: 25 minutes from the Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
The Grill at Hacienda Del Sol/$$$: 26 minutes from Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map directions from Conference Venue/Westin.
Walk out the front door and look to the right, and voilà, you are there.
Google Map directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Wild Garlic Grill/$$: 6 minutes from the Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Blanco Tacos + Tequila/$$: 6 minutes from the Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Ra Sushi Bar Restaurant/$$: 6 minutes from Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse/$$$$: 6 minutes from Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map directions from Conference Venue/Westin.
El Charro Café Ventana/$$: 9 minutes from the Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map with directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Ginza Sushi & Izakaya/$$: 12 minutes from Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map directions from Conference Venue/Westin.
El Berraco/$$-$$$: 15 minutes from the Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map with directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Culinary Dropout/$$: 16 minutes from Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map directions from Conference Venue/Westin.
Bobo’s Restaurant/$/Breakfast Joint: 16 minutes from the Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Tucson Tamale Company/$: 18 minutes from the Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
El Guero Canelo/$/Famous for their Sonoran Hot Dogs: 19 minutes from Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Eegee’s - Sandwiches & Shakes/$: 21 minutes from the Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map link with directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Diablo Burger/$-$$: 22 minutes from the Conference Venue/Westin
Google Maps link with directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
Frog & Firkin - English Pub/$$: 22 minutes from the Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map direction from the Conference Venue/Westin.
La Cochina/$$: 24 minutes from the Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map directions from Conference Venue/Westin.
The Coronet/$$-$$$: 25 minutes from the Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map directions from the Conference Venue/Westin.
The Grill at Hacienda Del Sol/$$$: 26 minutes from Conference Venue/Westin
Google Map directions from Conference Venue/Westin.