A Guide to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Showcasing and celebrating the unique environment of the Sonoran Desert in Arizona and Mexico, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum serves as one of Southern Arizona’s premier attractions, bringing thousands of visitors year-round to engage with its world-renowned zoo, botanical garden, aquarium, natural history museum, art gallery and so much more.

PicturedThe Desert Museum near Marana, Arizona
CreditSteven Meckler, Desert Museum
When is the park open?
How do I get to the museum from Marana?
How much does it cost?
What is the best time of the day to visit?
Where to stay
What to bring
Safety guidelines

Park Overview

The 98-acre Desert Museum was founded in 1952 and is located to the west of the Tucson Mountains, approximately 30-35 minutes from most parts of Marana. Experience the creatures and animals of the Sonoran Desert through live animal theatre programs, Raptor-Free Flights, Vulture Culture, Cat Canyons, Reptile Halls, and more!

When is the park open?

Regular Hours:
October - May: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Summer Hours:
June – September: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Sunday Through Friday)

Saturday Hours:

April: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM

May: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

June 8 – August 24: 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM (Cool Summer Nights, Saturdays only)

September: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

October - March: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

CreditSteven Meckler

How do I get to the museum from Marana?

Experience the scenic route through Saguaro National Park West

  • From Marana, take North Sanders Rd
  • Turn left onto W. Avra Valley Rd
  • Turn right onto N. Sandario Rd.
  • Travel on N. Sandario Rd. for 9.2 miles
  • Turn left onto W. Mile Wide Rd. for 2 miles
  • Continue onto N. Kinney Rd for 1.3 miles
  • The location will be on the right: 2021 N. Kinney Rd

How much does it cost to get into the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum?


General Admission

Adults & ages 13+ - $29.95

Youth (ages 3-12) - $19.95

Children 2 & under – free

Annual Memberships

Student Membership: $49.00

Individual Memberships: $79.00

Dual Membership: $125.00

Family Membership: $169.00

What is the best time of the day to visit the Desert Museum?

It typically takes at least two hours to see all that the museum has to offer. Arriving before mid-afternoon will let you make the most of your experience. Arriving early in the day during the summer months will make for a cooler visit to the museum when temperatures tend to be hotter by afternoon time.

CreditSteven Meckler

What makes the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum so special?

Proving itself to be more than just an attraction, the museum's conservations and research programs are providing important information to help conserve the Sonoran Desert Region.

It is also ranked as one of the top 10 museums in the country and the #1 Tucson attraction according to TripAdvisor.com.

Where can you stay near the Desert Museum?

Make Marana, Arizona your start for exploring the Sonoran Desert and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Marana offers a range of accommodations from family-friendly hotels to luxurious resort lodging and camping options. Learn more on our Where To Stay page.

Photo Gallery: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

What should I bring with me to the Desert Museum?

Sunscreen, plenty of water, hat and sunglasses, and comfy shoes are a must when visiting the museum. Remember, 85% of the museum is outdoors and it is primarily a walking experience. On average, there are 286 sunny days per year in Southern Arizona, make sure to stay hydrated, reapply sunscreen and have proper attire to protect from the sun.

Check out our guide on what to pack for your trip.

CreditSteven Meckler

What safety guidelines should I follow?

Remember, it’s their home, too. Don’t yell, tap on glass, or disrupt the animals. Stick to the designated paths and do not enter staff only areas. Avoid picking flowers or plants. Notify staff member if you observe any wildlife that could be in an area that poses a risk to others. Enjoy the food for yourself and don’t feed any of the animals you come in contact with.

PicturedA family enjoys the sting rays at the Desert Museum near Marana, Arizona
CreditDesert Museum/Steven Meckler

Don’t forget to tag Discover Marana in all your photos so we can share it for all to see

This itinerary/blog post showcases local businesses in our community. We feature partners that serve food and drink, offer recreational opportunities, places to stay, and shopping. We value accuracy, fairness and balance in our advertising and marketing. We would love to showcase your business to our visitors. These advertising and marketing opportunities (social media, articles, website, and ads) are open to all businesses within Marana and the designated two-mile “Pima County Tourism Partner Zone” around the town limits that meet this criteria. If you want to be featured on our website or in social media, please contact us at MaranaInfo@Maranaaz.gov.

Brandon Mejia

Author

Brandon Mejia

Tourism & Marketing Specialist

Brandon is a product of the Marana Unified School District and proud Arizona Alumni. His multi-faceted background includes radio and television news, social media distribution, public affairs and communications. He loves spending time outdoors playing in his slow-pitch softball leagues, golfing at Quarry Pines, and being an avid cross-fitter at his local gym, CrossFit Onward.
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