Of all the botanical gardens in Arizona, one, in particular, is criminally underrated. Tohono Chul is a Sonoran Desert oasis situated on 49 sprawling acres, featuring nearly a dozen themed gardens, art galleries, and even an outdoor bistro with Southwestern-inspired fare and unparalleled views of the Santa Catalina Mountains.
Ranked among the world's 10 best botanical gardens by Travel + Leisure, Tohono Chul is a 49-acre oasis in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.
You'll find it on Paseo del Norte in Tucson.
Visitors can enjoy 11 separate gardens, each one with its own distinct theme.
From towering Saguaro cacti to plants that attract beautiful hummingbirds, you'll see a little bit of everything as you meander through the rugged landscape.
Several different nature trails ranging in length from less than 0.25-mile to half a mile afford even more opportunities to get up close and personal with the native vegetation.
If you have little ones, the Bank of America Children's Garden is a must-visit.
It features an array of interactive elements that encourage children to become curious about and explore the natural world around them.
Much more than just a botanical garden, Tohono Chul boasts an art gallery showcasing local talent and southwestern heritage as a whole.
You'll also see artwork interwoven throughout the gardens; the collection includes everything from basketry to textiles to sculptures.
Before heading out, make sure to stop by the Tohono Chul Garden Bistro for a bite to eat.
The Southwestern-inspired menu puts heavy emphasis on local, in-season ingredients, and each plate is designed to look just as beautiful as the gardens.
Admission costs $15 for adults, $13 for military, students, and seniors, and $6 for children ages 5-12.
Members, as well as children under five, get in free.
Address: 7366 North Paseo Del Norte, Tucson, AZ 85704.
Garden hours are 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. The shops and galleries are open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily, and bistro hours are 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Wednesday-Sunday.
Visit the Tohono Chul website or Facebook page to learn more.
Have you ever been to Tohono Chul? If so, what were some of the highlights of your visit? Let us know in the comments section, then check out our previous article for another underrated botanical garden in Arizona.
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