Enjoy an Afternoon at Oro Valley’s Tohono Chul Garden

Far too often people overlook the desert. They see dry land, dirt, and scraggly bushes, not the beauty of a forest or a mountain setting. But Southern Arizona is home to its own rich ecology and heritage. Tohono Chul Park is devoted to sharing that wealth–the culture, art, and natural wonder of the Sonoran landscape.

National Geographic Traveler called Tohono Chul “One of the Top 22 Secret Gardens in the U.S. and Canada.” But it’s more than just a garden. It’s a museum, an art gallery, an event venue–sometimes a concert hall, a street market, and a cultural center. It also has a bistro, featuring local ingredients and chefs, showcasing Tucson’s forgotten native cuisine.

The 49-acre park is located on the migratory tracks of several species of local fauna. Guests can observe gila monsters, bobcats, 38 species of birds, and various seasonal visitors. There are 300 species of cacti and succulents, as well as 50 species of wildflowers. The garden has the largest private collection of Night-blooming Cereus. Every summer they calculate when the flowers are most likely to bloom so they can host “Bloom Night,” offering guests a rare chance to witness the Cereus in its full glory.

If you’re looking to visit, the park is located at 7366 Paseo Del Norte. The grounds are open from 8 am – 5 pm daily, and there’s a daily admission fee of $15 per adult. Children ages 5-12 years old are $6, and seniors (62+) are $13.

Don’t forget to check out Tohono Chul’s calendar of events to see what’s happening in the garden. They have everything from yoga to arts and crafts classes.