Tohono Chul

Tohono Chul Tohono Chul is a 49-acre desert oasis nestled on Tucson's Northwest side where nature, art, and culture beautifully intertwine.
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Tohono Chul is a 49-acre botanical garden and community oasis located in Tucson, Arizona, where reverence for the cultural and natural ecology of the Sonoran Desert region inspires responsible stewardship so that future generations may thrive. Often referred to as a "hidden gem," Tohono Chul features breathtaking gardens, serene trails, art galleries, local shopping, and diverse wildlife. Tohono Chul provides something for everyone, from children’s activities in partnership with the Children's Museum Oro Valley to regular concert events that highlight local talent. The award-winning Garden Bistro serves up delicious, locally inspired dishes, sourcing ingredients grown in their very own gardens. Deeply committed to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and cultural appreciation, Tohono Chul hosts educational classes, workshops, and community events that bring people together. Tohono Chul is a perfect destination for relaxation, learning, exploration, and community in the Sonoran Desert.

Sundays in the Garden is back! Join us October 4 from 1:30–3 PM in the Performance Garden for an afternoon of live music...
10/04/2026

Sundays in the Garden is back! Join us October 4 from 1:30–3 PM in the Performance Garden for an afternoon of live music with award-winning classical guitarists Facundo Martinez & Ana Maria Iordache.

Free with admission | Free for members & children under 2

Sundays in the Garden runs Sundays through November 29 in partnership with the Tucson Guitar Society.

Long before Tohono Chul became a 49-acre botanical garden, this was simply a corner of the Sonoran Desert, shaped by sea...
10/02/2026

Long before Tohono Chul became a 49-acre botanical garden, this was simply a corner of the Sonoran Desert, shaped by seasons, time, and the people who cared for it.

From the desert landscapes of the 1940s to the gardens and gathering spaces we know today, these photographs offer a glimpse at how this special place has grown and changed through the decades.

In the 1960s, Richard and Jean Wilson began piecing together the land that would become Tohono Chul. As Tucson grew around them, they chose to preserve this corner of the desert rather than see it disappear to development. In 1985, their vision officially became Tohono Chul.

What they saved, generations have nurtured.
And now, we’re looking toward the next chapter.

Sonoran Oasis, Tohono Chul’s new 15-year Master Plan, is rooted in that same spirit of stewardship.

Join us as we unveil Sonoran Oasis and explore the future of Tohono Chul on Thursday, October 22 in the Garden Pavilion.

5:00 PM | Doors open
5:45 PM | Program begins
6:30 PM | Reception
7:00 PM | Event concludes

Come hear from Tohono Chul leadership, discover the vision shaped by input from more than 800 community members, and learn what’s ahead for our gardens, pathways, programs, and community spaces. RSVP now at the link in bio. This event is free & open to the public!

Slightly cooler temps mean a whole lot is going on in the gardens this month! From live music to the opening of the bran...
10/01/2026

Slightly cooler temps mean a whole lot is going on in the gardens this month!

From live music to the opening of the brand-new Adaptive Arboretum, the Fall Plant Sale, and more, there are plenty of reasons to swing on by Tohono Chul this month. 🌵🍂

Arboretum on Tap kicks off this Saturday, October 3, from 12–3 PM in Tohono Chul’s brand-new Adaptive Arboretum. 🌳Spend ...
10/01/2026

Arboretum on Tap kicks off this Saturday, October 3, from 12–3 PM in Tohono Chul’s brand-new Adaptive Arboretum. 🌳

Spend your Saturday afternoon under the shade with a cold local b**r, wood-fired pizza from Family Joint Pizza food truck, music by DJ Carl Hanni, and more!

The Adaptive Arboretum is designed to explore how thoughtful tree choices can help create a cooler, healthier, and more resilient future, all while giving you a new place to kick back and enjoy the gardens.

🎟️ Free with admission | Free for members | Children under 2 free

Meet the iconic barrel cactus (Ferocactus wislizeni), a Sonoran Desert icon. 🌵Slightly curved spines? Check.Built-in wat...
09/30/2026

Meet the iconic barrel cactus (Ferocactus wislizeni), a Sonoran Desert icon. 🌵

Slightly curved spines? Check.
Built-in water storage tank? Absolutely.
Show-stopping flowers? Check.

Next time you spot one at Tohono Chul, take a closer look, but maybe not too close...

Jazz Under the Stars is back! 🌙✨ Kick off the first weekend of this fall series with live jazz, delicious food, and hand...
09/29/2026

Jazz Under the Stars is back! 🌙✨ Kick off the first weekend of this fall series with live jazz, delicious food, and handcrafted drinks at the Garden Bistro!

This Weekend's Artists:
Friday, Oct. 2: Gabriel Ayala
Saturday, Oct. 3: John Hughes

Join us from 5–8 PM at the Tohono Chul Garden Bistro.

Admission: $5 General Public | Free for Members

Do you ever feel like you’re being watched? 👀 We spotted this little bobcat keeping a very close eye on us from atop an ...
09/28/2026

Do you ever feel like you’re being watched? 👀

We spotted this little bobcat keeping a very close eye on us from atop an electrical box.

Bobcats are primarily solitary and crepuscular, so spotting one out later in the day is always exciting!

09/24/2026

We’re wild about the Texas rock rose and we think you’ll love it too ✨! It’s a show-stopping hibiscus relative with vibrant pink flowers and one of our Fall Plant sale spotlight species.

Tohono Chul members receive exclusive first access during Members’ Day on Friday, October 16, plus 10% off all plant purchases. The sale opens to the public on Saturday and continues Sunday morning, with no admission fee required to shop.

🌱Fall Plant Sale Schedule:
•  Friday, October 16 | Members’ Day | 8 AM–2 PM
•  Saturday, October 17 | Public Sale | 8 AM–2 PM
•  Sunday, October 18 | Public Sale | 9 AM–12 PM

Stay tuned for more spotlight species & plant recommendations from our garden team!

Celebrate the flavors, artistry, and traditions of the Southwest at Tohono Chul’s annual Chiles, Chocolate, & Day of the...
09/23/2026

Celebrate the flavors, artistry, and traditions of the Southwest at Tohono Chul’s annual Chiles, Chocolate, & Day of the Dead on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 9 AM–5 PM! 🌶️🍫

Explore the gardens as local chile and food vendors, chocolatiers, artisans, and entertainers come together for a lively Day of the Dead celebration.

Experience the rich traditions of Día de los Mu***os through personal ofrendas created by local artists and students, honoring loved ones and celebrating the cultural heritage of our borderlands community.

Enjoy chile and chocolate-inspired treats, handmade goods, live mariachi music, colorful folklórico dance performances, and so much more!

🎟️ Tickets:
- Adult | $25
- Member | $20
- Youth (ages 2–17) | $10
- Children under 2 | Free

Visit tohonochul.org/event/chiles-chocolate-day-of-the-dead for tickets & more information on participating artisans, chocolatiers, performers, and more!

Fall has officially arrived in Tucson!🍂🌵⁠The autumn equinox, which occurred today at 5:05PM (PDT, according to Griffith ...
09/23/2026

Fall has officially arrived in Tucson!🍂🌵
⁠
The autumn equinox, which occurred today at 5:05PM (PDT, according to Griffith Observatory), marks the moment when the sun’s direct rays hit the equator and day and night become nearly equal in length. From here, the Northern Hemisphere tilts slightly away from the sun, and our days get shorter. ⁠
⁠
Look for golden grasses and late-blooming wildflowers in the gardens and along the trails. Here in the Arizona Upland (a subdivision of the Sonoran Desert) we recognize five distinct seasons: spring, dry summer, monsoon summer, fall, and winter.⁠
⁠
Stop by and soak up the gentle shift of the season on a quiet stroll through the gardens!

Address

7366 N Paseo Del Norte
Tucson, AZ
85704

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 5pm
Sunday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

(520) 742-6455

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