40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (2025)

The top stops along the way from Laguna Niguel to Tucson (with short detours) are San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum, and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Other popular stops include Desert Botanical Garden, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

1

La Jolla Cove

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (1)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (2)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (3)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (4)

Mentioned on

+241 other lists

Beach

Outdoor Activities

Parks

La Jolla Cove, located in the charming neighborhood of La Jolla, is a beloved destination for divers and beach enthusiasts. The area is home to the picturesque La Jolla Cove and the renowned La Jolla Underwater Park, which spans 6,000 acres of ocean floor and tidelands. This marine sanctuary is teeming with diverse sea life including seals, sea lions, Garibaldi fish, leopard sharks, and pelicans.

Really beautiful area . There’s a lot to do, including riding the bird scooters, walking along the trails, swimming in the water (with the sea lions, beware) the cave store which sometimes has an extremely long line. Parking is tricky and it took us a while to find a spot.

L — Google review

La Jolla Cove is beautiful and relaxing. It's a pleasant, relaxing walk, and we saw lots of seals. At the top of the hill, the town has several nice shops and restaurants.

Peggy R — Google review

Beautiful location. Weather’s always perfect and really enhances the experience. It’s a shame they closed the area where the sea lions were but still plenty to do. Relax and enjoy the sun and the views. The beach isn’t anything special but the water is always sparkling and warm. Plenty of shops and restaurants to take in. Beautiful, beautiful area

Adam N — Google review

Great place for dates, tourists, families & adventures. Love to walk through the town, along the scenic cliff & observe the ecological reserve… every single time! Many restaurants, shops & galleries. You will be tempted to capture the marine as it’s full of sea lions, sea turtles & birds. Catch a glimpse of migrating leopard sharks, dolphins & whales.

Tasteful E — Google review

Great park. Nice walk trail. Two restrooms at the start and the end of the trail. There are plenty of sea lions. You can get pretty close to them by walking down the stairs.Two good times to visit:Morning- water is low so you can go down and be close to the sealsLate afternoon- you can admire the nice sunset!

Kelly L — Google review

Beautiful natural spot, waves seals sea lions sea gulls pelican dolphins, sea chickens and the views. Oh my God. Nat Geo live! One of the most beautiful natural places I’ve been.

Awais S — Google review

One of the top attractions in SD for a reason! An amazing adventure that would take days to fully explore. Pack your patience because it seems it's always extremely crowded, lots of traffic, and tricky parking. But once you get past all that it's a stunning place.

Hannah P — Google review

La Jolla Cove is a truly stunning destination and one of California’s coastal gems. The natural beauty of the cove is unforgettable, with clear blue waters, rugged cliffs, and abundant marine life that make it feel like a slice of paradise. Watching the seals and sea lions lounging on the rocks is such a fun experience, and the surrounding trails offer breathtaking views from every angle.Snorkeling and swimming here are amazing, as the water is calm and filled with vibrant marine life. The nearby walkways and coastal paths are perfect for a leisurely stroll, giving you endless spots to take in the beauty of the area.But what makes La Jolla Cove truly magical is the sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky lights up with shades of pink, orange, and purple, reflecting off the water in the most beautiful way. The cliffs and palm trees frame the scene perfectly, creating a postcard-worthy view. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful end of the day.Whether you’re looking to relax, spot wildlife, or enjoy an unforgettable sunset, La Jolla Cove is a must-visit. I can’t wait to go back!

Mahjabeen R — Google review

A birder's paradise and a unique place to snorkel!So many nesting birds and chicks here when we visited in mid May.This place is beautiful even when overcast. Tons of flowers everywhere!Snorkeling here is cold, and most folks wear wetsuits. I'm used to Maine ocean temps, which are colder, so I just went in my regular bathing suit and was fine. The visibility isn't great, but it's a unique experience to swim amongst the swirling sea grass (which isn't slimy!) And swim with the sea lions. So glad we went!There is also a neat little cave, and several sea anenomeas amongst the rocks just after the cave. Lots of small colorful crabs too.Baby sea lions were nursing, and they were all noisy.I loved it so much here, I went back before I had to fly home.

Krissy B — Google review

Beautiful walking paths along the cliff, opportunity to see many kinds of wildlife. Parking can be difficult, much easier on a weekday.

Melissa F — Google review

Beautiful! Parking was fairly easy since we showed up before 9am. Get there early to get a spot! Amazing views of the seals, birds, the beaches, and the ocean! Weather was perfect! Highly recommend.

Blue T — Google review

A must go to, sight to see in San Diego! So nice and beautiful to see the Seals and sea Lions up and close in their natural habitat. There is a swimming area but it is a bit rocky and does get crowded with visitors. Don't get too close to the Seals!

Allison — Google review

Such a great place to go if you’re in the area to sightsee. When I went, the high was in the upper 70s, but the breeze always felt cool coming in so it wasn’t too bad. Just remember sunscreen! Obviously reef safe sunscreen. There’s lots of places to sit around and enjoy your day and some public restrooms sprinkled around the area. Just a few blocks inland are a bunch of shops and restaurants too. There a lot of hills to walk but you’ll see an area with a bunch of steps going up some hills and nearby. There is an elevator if the steps are too much for you.

Jennifer L — Google review

A beautiful cove with spectacular views and wildlife. Take the time to stop at the cliffs along the trail from the parking lot to the cove. There are also several vendors along the trail. The best part of La Jolla Cove is being able to view the seals and sea lions in its natural habitat. By the way, did I mention it’s free? The only fee is for the parking that’s located along the beach.

Michelle K — Google review

La jolla is a really nice place. It's beautiful, have plenty restaurants around. Also you can enjoy the ocean view and wildlife.

Ishia C — Google review

Completely beautiful at sunset. Can’t believe this amazing nature walk is so close to the town center. Countless seabirds and sea lions were hanging out and they were very fun to watch.

Andrew — Google review

Absolutely LOVED it! The close up and personal experience with the seals and sea lions was a great experience. I’d definitely come back here! The beach is absolutely beautiful with many stunning views.

Tiffany H — Google review

This was such a fun and relaxing place to visit with our 4 and 8 year old. A great place for curious kids to explore and see sea lions, pelicans and lots of other wildlife. It does have a smell, but the beach area didn’t have a strong smell the day we visited.

Mackenzie K — Google review

Great view of Southern California wildlife up close! Beautiful area, but very crowded in afternoon. Was lucky to find parking spot close to the cove with sea lions.Be prepared to wait in traffic. Nice area with shops for food and shopping. There are hotels and rental properties for those that want to stay in the area. There are swimming opportunities and cave exploration available. Life guards on duty, but water not as clear as other places I have been.Definitely worth the trip and can be a free fun activity for family and friends!

Renia E — Google review

So much beauty on the coast here! I wish I'd had more time to visit - kayaking and snorkleing would have been amazing to try out in the cove area. Saw so many different birds and seal pups, nice drive along the coast. Was a wonderful trip.

Theresa J — Google review

Beautiful Scenery and Beautiful Views. Love the atmosphere and seeing the wildlife is amazing. I highly recommend stopping here when you are in San Diego

Anthony R — Google review

It was a beautiful day at the beach for my family and I. We enjoyed visiting the cave and enjoying each other's company. A few blocks up from the cove there are a decent amount of restaurants, but be warned parking is not easy to find.

SJ — Google review

Lovely place to visit, and you get to see sea lions, but please don't get close. The number of tourists trying to pet or get up close selfies with the seals. Like they are wild animals and will rip you to shreds.

Laura M — Google review

La Jolla Shores coves was so beautiful. Watch your step going down and back up. Stairs are very narrow.

Ashley H — Google review

Wildlife here was beautiful, and even the pigeons were fun to watch. The horrible humans who kept bothering the baby sea lions were the only thing about the place that was unpleasant. The sign said to stay away from the babies because the parents will flee in fear and desert the babies, yet there were a group of morons just inches from the babies. You can see from the photo how close they were. 😒

Linda M — Google review

Beautiful, clear water with so much wildlife. It is a great area for kayaking and snorkeling. Go!

Victora G — Google review

4.8

(3709)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (8)

4.5

(13801)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (9)

San Diego, CA 92037, USA

2

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (10)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (11)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (12)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (13)

Mentioned on

+194 other lists

Nature preserve

Nature & Parks

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, located within the city limits of San Diego, is a breathtaking 2,000-acre coastal wilderness. It offers a diverse landscape with rare Torrey pine trees, chaparral plant communities, untouched beaches, and protected tidal zones. The reserve is perfect for hiking and wildlife enthusiasts who can explore oceanside trails while spotting occasional dolphins or bobcats.

One of my favorite spots to walk/hike and relax at the beach. I never try to find the free parking, just use the south lot and pay $15 during the week and $20 on weekend. Bathrooms and sinks with soap and water. Nice hike - can adjust length by adding loops. Love the beach trail. Clean beach, rarely over-crowded. Saw a group of dolphins, even!

Dedina W — Google review

Beautiful place to enjoy nature and a nice easy walk. There's several route trails to choose from. One has moderate steps but doable. If you paid to park $10 or $15 I think it was you can park at the bottom by public restrooms or drive up the hill. And park by visitor center for more trail information. There are guided tours weekly In the mornings call for details. Also a children's one on Fridays . There's a gift shop with very education materials, hats, pins, books and more.

E M — Google review

My favorite hike close to home. You will need to pay for parking (if you don’t have a state park pass) and can park at the bottom and walk up or there is a small parking lot up the hill. The path is easy to walk through but will get your heart pumping. Accessibility to the beach will depend on the tide.Stay away from the side of the cliffs if you’re walking on the beach. I’ve seen them fall and it can be scary.

Kikumi P — Google review

If I hadn't been enjoying San Diego so much already, Torrey Pines would have made it happen.I thoroughly feel in love with this nature reserve. The beauty of the beach, the unique flora and Fauna, the scents and sounds... It was all perfectly beautiful and I can't wait to go back.I think the only downside was the price of parking, but it was worth it to spend the day in such a stunning place.

Josee B — Google review

I was visiting from the East Coast and did this park on my last day of visiting. This park is absolutely gorgeous and perfect for anyone to visit on a time crunch. The parking fee was not too expensive and I was thankful I was able to drive to the top, which also helped with the time crunch. The trails were well maintained and the views were spectacular. I would love to come back here.

Jan T — Google review

The Torrey Pines trail hike in San Diego was an absolute delight. Nestled beside the scenic beach, the trail offered breathtaking views that took my breath away. The rugged cliffs, the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, and the vibrant coastal flora created a picturesque backdrop for the entire journey. The trail was well-maintained, making the hike enjoyable for both beginners and experienced hikers. The cool breeze from the ocean and the soothing sound of the waves provided a calming ambiance throughout the hike. I was particularly impressed by the diversity of the landscape, from sandy paths to rocky terrains, offering a varied hiking experience. The sighting of local wildlife, including birds and plants unique to the region, added an extra layer of charm to the adventure. Overall, the Torrey Pines trail hike was a memorable experience, perfect for nature enthusiasts and anyone looking to escape into the serenity of the coastal wilderness.

Sajjad R — Google review

A must see when you visit San Diego!It has trails, spectacular views, and a stretch of beach. There were quite a few trails to choose from, and you could easily do multiple trails.Tip: Pay the park entrance fee and drive to the top and then hit the beach before you leave.

Tessa W — Google review

Visiting San Diego for the week and headed up here hiking on a Monday. Heard different reports on parking but had no issue at 9 am parking up by the visitor center. Trails are very organized and great views of the ocean. Would certainly reccomend a day here.

Steve H — Google review

We visited Torrey Pines for the first time and it didn't disappoint! If you get there in the morning, there is plenty of parking available. Parking is $15 from Monday - Thursday and $20 from Friday - Sunday. You may park at the bottom or drive a bit further up the hill, depending on which trails you'll be exploring. We opted for the trails further up the hill and I recommend them 100%, especially the Beach trail, yucca point and razor point. There are plenty of bathrooms by the parking lot, as well as water stations to refill your bottles.

Eduardo G — Google review

Awe inspiring views. Moderate trails. Beautiful beach. The line/wait to get in to the park was significant (on a Saturday in Sept). There is South Beach parking ($$), North Beach parking ($) and free parking (0) areas. We absolutely loved our time at Torrey Pines. Definitely recommend.

K. B — Google review

Amazing state park and reserve! There is a $20 fee to enter the park by car which is well worth it. Alternatively you can find a free parking spot close to the park and just walk into it along the beautiful beach. I would recommend taking a free natural walk tour at 10am. Our volunteer guides, Steve and Leigh were amazing and super knowledgeable!! They knew a lot about the park, its inhabitants and plants. Loved the walk! Also amazing trails. Loved Guy Fleming overlook with whale and dolphin watching spot, and beach trail which leads to the beautiful beach!!

Volodymyr K — Google review

The Torrey Pines State National Park as the name suggests is a reserve dedicated to preserving the Torrey Pine tree. For us it was 20 minute drive from the AirBnB in Little Italy.The National Park hugs a stunning stretch of the San Diego coastline. The trail we had wanted to do was the Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop, which we found on AllTrails. However, what we hadn’t appreciated until we got there was that the trail was directly on the beach. Our timing wasn’t great as by the time we got there the tide was rising so we were unlikely to make it across the beach without getting soggy feet.Instead we opted to walk partially along the beach and then head up to the Guy Fleming Trail. We got to see the famous Torrey Pine, the rugged cliff sides and some spectacular views along the coastline.

Lucy W — Google review

This was our first visit to the state reserve, and it’s a fantastic park right on the shore. There’s plenty of parking and easy access to hiking trails with scenic ocean views. You can also explore the local area. We spent half a day here, but honestly, I could have stayed all day!

Alex B — Google review

It was a great place to hike. Beaches were beautiful as usual. I loved the sunset cliffs more than this. Parking was busy but we did find a spot. Restrooms were decent. Plenty of crowd on a Saturday. So, slightly tough to enjoy peacefully. Also, has a 20$ entry fee. Not as good as sunset cliffs but alright I guess!

Venkatesh P — Google review

It was a great time! Lots for the family to see.Good time to visit is the fall, was not too hot. Quaint but fun visitor center, overall an enjoyable experience.

Marc P — Google review

Haven't grown up in the ocean beach / point Loma area this is an amazing spot. Some very nice hikes at the tide pools on the ocean side and the Bayside. On a clear day you can see all the way to Mexico!

AMI I — Google review

My goodness is Torrey Pines beautiful! Coming from the East Coast where the beaches are flat, the rock formation that outlines the divide between sea and land here blew my mind...This should most definitely be on your to-do list if you visit the area, and make sure you walk everything from the North end to the south end and all areas in between to take it all in, you won't be disappointed.I saw reviews about long lines and big crowds, however I took an Uber to the North parking area and then took an Uber from the South end so I didn't have to deal with the long lines and trying to find parking. I also visited on a weekday and didn't find the crowd to be overwhelming.

Adam — Google review

Beautiful clean beaches. Plenty of space to set up for the day. No food or drink facilities so bring a picnic if you’re coming for the day. There are toilet facilities.

Christopher D — Google review

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is an absolute gem! From the moment I stepped foot on the trails, I was in awe of the breathtaking views and pristine natural beauty. The trails are well-maintained and offer a variety of difficulty levels, catering to both casual strollers and avid hikers alike. The towering Torrey pine trees and coastal vistas create a serene atmosphere that’s perfect for reconnecting with nature. The staff is friendly and informative, providing helpful insights about the flora and fauna. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this reserve is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking tranquility and adventure in equal measure.

Camila E — Google review

Not many places in the world you can go tandem paragliding… my lovely wife and I had an amazing experience at the glider port! Great place to catch the sunset!

Thad R — Google review

Beautiful. Enough trails to spend many hours meandering and enjoying the scenery. There were a lot of people but there are so many different trail paths you could easily find yourself back in solitude moving on to a different path.

Catalina T — Google review

Torrey Pines is an amazing place! The views are stunning, and you can see all sorts of animals like coyotes, rabbits, and lots of birds. The beach is beautiful, and lifeguards drive around in Jeeps. There's even a spot where paragliders and hang gliders practice. The park is home to the rare Torrey Pine tree and has been around since 1959. It’s also cool to know that Native Americans used this land for centuries. Definitely worth a visit for anyone who loves nature and adventure!

Roman C — Google review

This is a very pretty state park with hiking trails that lead up the beach. Great views. $15 to enter the park (on a week day) and park the car at the visitor center. Great place to stop on the way to San Diego or up to San Clemente

Cady — Google review

Great place to hike. Beach was beautiful , I loveeeeee all the different kinds of rocks.You can do paid parking or find a spot on the side streets. I was lucky enough to find an open side street spot when I arrived. Will be back.

Tykeshia — Google review

This review is for EB Scripps Overlook Via Park Road, Razor Point & Guy Fleming Loop which was a ~3.7 miles round trip that took ~2 hour to complete.This hike was a combination of a few smaller trails that gives the most diverse views of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Trail starts off at the beach side which was sandy with rocky pebbles. Furthermore, this route takes you to the Razor Point Overlook and then out to the paved road. The paved road will then take you to the EB Scripps Overlook and Guy Fleming Loop.Stunning views from beginning to end, minus the paved road section.Parking lot was $15 on Monday-Thursday or $20 on Friday-Sunday. There are free parking on N Torrey Pines Rd and Carmel Valley Rd but both fill up fast.Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/rx7aTh0ixkE

Ed — Google review

Gorgeous hike. Slightly elevated. Not too strenuous. Light to moderate for fit hikers. Not entirely wheelchair or stroller friendly. Some sandy, rocky areas, bit of climbing onto rocks for beautiful views. Succulent lined trails. Caution posted for snakes. Hike up to the top then take the trail down to the beach. Peregrine Falcon family were viewed nesting in the ridges overlooking the beach

Mary V — Google review

Good to park on street as well or drive to the park and it’s pay parking. Dogs are not allowed. 3.1 mile loop, hike walks to beach and covers good scenic view. Good crowd.

Priyanka B — Google review

4.8

(14689)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (17)

4.5

(3814)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (18)

12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA

(858) 755-2063

Need a place to stay?

When

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

When

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

When

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Rooms and guests

Rooms

1

Adults

2

Children

Rooms, guests

2

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (19)

3

Wilson Creek Winery

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (20)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (21)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (22)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (23)

Mentioned on

+51 other lists

Winery

Food & Drink

Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards is a sprawling complex that offers a delightful experience for wine enthusiasts. The winery is renowned for its almond sparkling wine and features a tasting room, restaurant with gluten-free options, and live music events. Visitors can savor the delectable Baja Clams, flavorful Creekside Burger on a gluten-free bun, Spaghetti Butternut Carbonara, and Cranberry Orange Crisp for dessert at the onsite Creekside Grille.

We did a tasting, did not stay there or try any food. Our experience was very nice, the servers were pleasant and knowledgeable, and we enjoyed all of the wines we tasted. The other customers were well behaved and respectful, which is not always the case where alcohol is served. We spent a wonderful afternoon there and hope to be back soon!

I J — Google review

This place is full of love and care for its visitors. Fantastic wine, food and service. I would not hesitate to recommend Wilson Creek. There is a very upbeat positive vibe across the property. We loved the helpful recommendations and especially lived the sparkling wines. Thank you for a memorable day!

Craig M — Google review

The winery is beautiful and the wine tasting was a delightful experience. The only problem we encountered was the service. Seem like a couple of the bartenders were in a mood. Was patiently waiting but was skipped over multiple times. Seemed like the bartenders would help people they knew first then anyone else at random. As my first time experiencing the winery I was expecting a more professional environment.

Jaime G — Google review

Huge space! it was a weekend we visited and was packed! Beautiful outdoor space. The shuttles around the parking lot was nice service and they were friendly. Shops and bar service was kind of slow (it was busy so understanding) and mostly go get your own style so if you plan to spend ALL day there without time limitation, it will be a nice slow fun day.

Hitomate P — Google review

Great vibes. Lots of spaces to hang out! Super kid friendly and great drink and food options.Also, Isaac was great! He was working food at the outdoor grill but gave me a thorough run down of the lay of the land here. Excellent attention to detail, give him a raise!

Dillon R — Google review

Came here yesterday for my birthday and it was lovely. The register was able to help me get my membership wines after missing out the last few shipments, and our wine server, Lea, was fantastic. Her level of customer service and friendly personality made the overall experience more enjoyable.

Kayla E — Google review

My main issue is on the membership rule that states to use full access to your benefits You and Spouse ONLY. This is unfortunate and outdated. If 2 individuals want to join a Reserve membership and pay to enjoy your establishment while you make a profit, why discriminate on non- spouses??I believe Bill Wilson and his management team should reassess this policy.I've been a Reserve member for a few years, and we loved going here. Service is awesome, and the staff are great. If you are new to the wine industry, they will help educate you on your tastings. The atmosphere is great, and the scenery is nice, great for pictures. Bill wilson and his family are awesome too.

Joe M — Google review

Okay, the service here was amazing for wine tastings, I can’t speak on the food or hotel but we had a blast. Fun, comfy, quiet seating areas all around and we met a lot of great people. Other than the sparkling wines, we weren’t particularly in love with any of the wines but they did have a couple of good reds. Loved this one, we would enjoy visiting again.

Di P — Google review

Great outdoor atmosphere. If you want to relax outside with a nice glass of wine this is a great place to visit. I wish they had a couple of varieties of Chardonnay however.

G R — Google review

First wine tasting trip and checked out Wilson Creek on 8/23/24. Very friendly and helpful staff. They kindly explained the process and showed us to one of the two large bars. Six tastings for 25 bucks on a Friday.Darrell (spelling?) Poured our samplings and was super cool. He was very knowledgeable about all the wines on the menu and ones that were not. Thank you Darrell! Lots of outdoor seating too!Spent about three hours and had a great experience!

Cliff R — Google review

We had the pleasure of hosting my daughter’s Bridal Shower at Wilson! Linsey, the event coordinator was AMAZING! We had a vineyard brunch and the food was delicious! Wilson was so flexible and provided outstanding customer service! We will choose Wilson over and over again!

C H — Google review

1st time at a winery, and it was everything & more. Such a beautiful location and tons of places for photo ops. The frozen drinks were amazing. They have a good amount of options for drinks, which I appreciate. Definitely recommend & I plan on coming back in the future

Michelle C — Google review

My family and I came for wine by the glass and were not disappointed. Their white Cabernet is delicious and refreshing. We purchased a bottle to enjoy at home. Their food is also really good and portions are generous! service was excellent and everyone had a great time. We’d come again to try the almond Prosecco!

Mayra C — Google review

It is one of the best wineries in Temucla Valley.I personally love port and dessert wines. They have both!Some must-haves are the Decadancia, Cream Sherry, and, of course, any of the sparkling wines.This winery offers plenty of seating, a restaurant, snacks, keepsakes, and much more. They even have a nice picnic area for families, pets welcome!The only thing they're missing, in my opinion, is the live bands they had prior to COVID.

Kahawana S — Google review

Visited Wilson Creek today to pick up our wine order. My family opted for a wine tasting. The servers were fun and attentive. BTW the servers pour heavy!!! We had a good time. There was a DJ and he played all of the Old school tunes. Definitely a great way to spend a weekend.

Sam C — Google review

Dear Wilson Creek Winery Management,I am writing to share a deeply disappointing experience I had during my visit to your winery on Saturday, 10/12. What should have been a joyful celebration of my girlfriend’s 30th birthday was ruined by the biased and unprofessional behavior of your employee, Carly, and the mishandling of the situation by your manager, Christina Berry.The first issue arose when I was registering for our tour. The employee assisting me was reviewing my reservation when Carly interrupted, suggesting she check for proof of payment. While I found this uncomfortable, I didn’t think much of it at the time. Unfortunately, things took a serious turn later when I purchased a cigar from the gift shop.After purchasing the cigar, Carly insisted I take a bag, stating, “people might think it’s stolen.” This comment was offensive and completely unnecessary. The cigars are locked behind a glass case, behind a counter with employees in between, and I had just purchased the cigar from Carly herself. This wasn’t about whether I should take a bag—it was about Carly’s biased assumption that, without a bag, people would assume I had stolen the cigar. It was demeaning and made me feel singled out based on unfair assumptions.When I brought this to the attention of your manager, Christina Berry, I expected her to address the seriousness of Carly’s comment. However, Christina completely sidestepped the issue. Rather than acknowledge how inappropriate and offensive Carly’s comment was, she focused on the fact that offering a bag is “standard protocol.” She never addressed the actual issue—that Carly made a ridiculous, biased comment when I declined the bag. When I pointed out that another customer who purchased a cigar didn’t receive this supposed protocol, Christina’s response was to offer me a free bottle of wine.Offering a free bottle of wine might be an appropriate gesture if there was a minor inconvenience, like a fly in the food or a delayed reservation. But it is completely inadequate and insulting in a situation where a customer has experienced discrimination. Christina’s response trivialized the seriousness of the issue and made it clear that she wasn’t interested in addressing the real problem—biased and unfair treatment.I was planning to return to Wilson Creek in the future and was even considering a membership. I had envisioned bringing my close friends and family to enjoy the winery. However, after experiencing this discriminatory treatment and seeing how management handled it, I will never return to your establishment. I will not recommend Wilson Creek to anyone, as it’s clear that this place tolerates racist behavior.I returned the bottle of wine because I’m not interested in compensation—I’m looking for accountability. I strongly suggest that your staff, especially management, undergo diversity and inclusion training so that all customers are treated with the respect and fairness they deserve. No one should feel singled out or scrutinized based on biased assumptions, especially on what should have been a special occasion.This experience left a lasting negative impression, and I hope you take this complaint seriously. I would appreciate a response explaining how you plan to address this issue and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Abdiqani A — Google review

Great place to visit. We took a winery tour led by 'Motor City' Mike, who was both a knowledgeable guide and a great singer! It was interesting to learn about the winery's history and wine production process. We tasted many different wines, all good. The restaurant food was good too, and our server was friendly. They even gave us a free dessert. The atmosphere on a Sunday was great!

Leonardo F — Google review

Very large, fancy, extensive venue. This is more of a party spot "to be seen" I suppose. It was packed, crowded, from the parking lot to every congregating area within. It had more of a nightclub vibe. The people were all dressed like they were attending a cool nightclub. Not my glass of wine.

S V — Google review

Wilson Creek Winery was the last stop of four tasting visits that day and it was our first time there. Given the reviews, it did not disappoint… except it really is SO popular that it was nearly impossible to get a place at the tasting bar and to get more consistent service from our tasting hosts (this is the ONLY reason I am docking one star). All of them were running around, and building good rapport with any of them was nearly impossible, yet, they were still very delightful when it was ‘your turn.’ I did notice that some people left without having completed their tasting, but I am sure they were on an ambitious group wine tour that had only 30 minutes or so to get their tastings in. I would recommend an hour or more here to fully enjoy the entire venue. They have tons of outdoor seating, a few tasting bars, and a merchandise space between all the tasting bars that have a lot of cool swag and hilarious/unique Knick knacks. We loved it.The wine tasting menu was also great and had various options. My friend and I actually ended up purchasing a second tasting so we could try more of their wines, that’s how yummy their selection was.At the end of the tasting, we really wanted to purchase about 85% of the wines we had tasted. Yes, it was the last winery, but we had eaten twice before, snacked, thrown out most of our tastings at other wineries, and had A LOT of water; in the event you were telling yourself we were too drunk to know the difference, lol. We were there for over an hour for our tasting and because there were so many other people at the tasting bar, there was no way for us to be able to drink that fast either, so it really was a tasting.We purchased a bottle of the following: Syrah, Peach Bellini Sparkling Wine, Almond Sparkling Wine, and Grenache. I can’t wait to open some at Thanksgiving. :) Despite being so popular (and possibly understaffed????), the hospitality was great.

Carol L — Google review

I recently celebrated my birthday at Wilson’s Creek, and I must say, the service was exceptional. I booked a private brunch for my guests, and from the initial email inquiry to the day of the event, the customer service was outstanding! Linsey, the events coordinator, was the best. She was very professional, thoughtful, and accommodating, going above and beyond to ensure my guests and I were comfortable. The entire Wilson’s Creek staff, from the greeter to the parking attendant, were incredibly helpful and always had a smile. Great customer service is hard to come by, and Wilson’s Creek was a breath of fresh air. I have raved about them to everyone I know. If I could give more than five stars, I would. I never leave reviews, but I felt compelled to do so for Wilson’s Creek. This is a fantastic place to host any event.

Camesha B — Google review

Beautiful location. Wines are wonderful. We are from DC and found this place by accident. Clearly the locals come here as everyone to the left and right of us knew someone from the area.Our server, Massie, was so great and knowledgeable. Find him and be ready to talk wine.Would definitely come back when visiting the area.

Joshua F — Google review

The wine tasting with Karli made our entire day an experience set-apart. She is so knowledgeable, I was impressed with her ability to treat every group of customers as if we were all preferred clients. Furthermore, Karly knew exactly what we should have, improving time after time. The wines are masterful. Thank you for a magnificent experience!

Stalin S — Google review

4.6

(2067)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (25)

4.5

(915)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (26)

35960 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA 92591, USA

(951) 699-9463

4

USS Midway Museum

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (27)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (28)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (29)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (30)

Mentioned on

+126 other lists

Maritime museum

Museums

Specialty Museums

The USS Midway Museum, located at 910 North Harbor Drive in San Diego, is a renowned historic naval ship museum that attracts over 1.4 million visitors annually. This decommissioned aircraft carrier offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of America's navy through its well-preserved exhibits and activities.

Highly recommend. Plan to spend a whole day here. So much to see. So much to tour and explore. Before I visited, I thought 34 dollars admission fee was a bit much. But after the tour, my mind changed. It's worth every penny. For both kids and adults, I definitely recommend it!

Kelly L — Google review

This museum is great! Was amazing speaking to the veteran volunteers, they are all so knowledgeable and have some amazing stories to tell.I would definitely recommend taking the time to go to the bridge and to the top of the ship, I waited for around 25 minutes but it was definitely worth it, with a guided tour.Amazing museum, would definitely recommend if you have a few spare hours in San Diego.

Sam C — Google review

This is my second time coming to the Midway Museum, here is why you should go and what you should know.1. How much time do you need to see everything? I feel like this is a museum you need to come to multiple times to take it all in. You could easily spend 4 hours here. We did the top deck and the level below it and that took us about 2 hours with kids.2. Where can I park? The parking lot next to the museum had plenty of parking and was 20 dollars for 6 hours. We arrived around 9:30 in the morning on a weekday. I would imagine that a weekend gets busy so if you plan to come to the museum I would come at least a half hour before it opens which is 10am.3. Is the museum accessible? Yes, some of the spaces are accessible for people in wheelchairs. Other spaces are not just due to the nature of the construction of the navel ship.4. Is it expensive? An adult ticket is over 30 dollars, veterans are 24, and I believe that children are the same. Active military is free. So if you are a family prepare to spend a little over 100 to get in. You can buy tickets online as well and skip the line.5. Is it worth it? Absolutely yes. It’s freaking awesome.6. Can you sit in aircraft? Yep. Snap a picture in a cockpit!There is so much I can say about this place, there is so much to explore and I would highly recommend checking it out once in your life, especially if you have no proximity to military service. It’s pretty cool to see this important component to our defense and history.Check out my photos to get a sense of the space.

Derek R — Google review

Amazing experience! The carrier is gigantic, and it can take hours to look through it all. The Jr. Pilot activity is very fun for kids and a great addition to the trip. The island tour is very interesting. The whole carrier has many spots for pictures. I highly recommend! 5/5 stars.

Charlise V — Google review

Incredible museum experience that offers a rare glimpse into the Cold War era especially, and USN carriers in general. Meticulously maintained and restored, dozens of spaces on the ship allow you to experience the sights and sounds of daily life onboard for the sailors and marines. Plan for around 4 hours and 10k steps. The various exhibit routes are well planned and accessible for all with elevators at various points.

Cris K — Google review

Visiting the USS Midway was incredible.It is hard to comprehend the size of this vessel until you see it. I was there for 4.5hr and did not get to see everything.The self giuded audio tour is very well done. Speaking with the veterans who volunteer on the vessel was very fascinating. Many worked on the Midway while it was a commissioned warship.If you have any interest in the history of World War 2 or Naval History, you will not be disappointed with the USS Midway.

Kurtis M — Google review

The Midway museum is amazing. If you've not been then I highly recommend you take the time to visit. It's a patriotic reminder of the sacrifices made by our brave men and women who fight for our freedom. Plus it is simply fascinating to walk through and experience such an astounding feat of engineering. From the top to the bottom the entire ship is awesome inspiring. On top of all of it you get to meet some of the many veterans who donate their time to tell you of its history and details. Take the time to visit and appreciate what it takes to maintain the freedoms you enjoy every day.

BS B — Google review

What an amazing floating military museum. I've been on a lot of military reservations and museums and this one is so well done. The fact that it is berthed in a fantastic location on the San Diego harbor helps tremendously with curiosity and awe of potential customers..The static display of planes on the flight deck and storage bay are amazing. Lots to do for adults and kids as for hands on experiences as well as simulators.There is a food galley for small meals and drinks and also appropriate souvenir shopsIf you like visiting and experiencing military sites and or museums, this is a must.

M N — Google review

A great experience for history and it's hands on. The volunteers were real pilots and ex crew members of the museum. Lots to see and do. Easy to spend hours here some of the areas might be hard to see for mobile impaired that have joint injuries. But I'm very glad I got to experience this a few photos to show a small bit of the available exhibits.

T 1 — Google review

Truly amazing an absolute fitting tribute to the Greatest Generation. I'm still in awe of the massive size of the Midway. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone who is a true history lover!!!! It was an absolute honor to walk around the hallow areas of where our great veterans were. It was great for me since my Grandpa was in the Navy in WW2. He worked on the flight deck guiding planes to land. I truly appreciate him even more after learning a bit more about what he had to do. This is an absolute must see for anyone

Michele G — Google review

A HISTORIC, SEASIDE ADVENTURE! I've always wanted to enter the USS Midway and I finally did! My Mom brought me and we had a blast. It was relaxing sobering and interesting. I'm really impressed with how pristine this ship is kept and the level of professionalism of the staff. Everyone from the attendants, speakers, volunteers, and gift shop crew were polite.I highly recommend taking the free audio tour! You'll receive this device that you scan next to each yellow loudspeaker icon across the ship and you get a narration of what's happening before you! It's very immersive and enjoyable.You can literally explore every inch of this ship. The kitchen, rooms, flight deck, hangar deck, island, lower decks, laundry room, EVERYTHING! Everything is mapped out and staff are happy to help.The Midway has a gift shop that sells Top Gun merch and a small cafe where you can buy snacks and drinks. We spotted outdoor seating areas with neat views of the San Diego bay where you can eat your food.Note: You can't see everything in a half day, you need at least a full day, maybe two. It's a great place to purchase a museum membership as they have lots of cool events and it's generally a truly relaxing experience.

Lorenzo W — Google review

Great attraction. So much to see. You could easily make a day of this! Self-guided tour, but also plenty of knowledgeable and friendly docent. Tour route is well-marked and interesting. Even if you're not a war buff, it's fascinating with lots of up close and hands on experiences along the way. There is a cafe and gift shop.

Nancy D — Google review

Great museum ship with excellent self guided tour. I have been to several ships and this is as good as any.Lots of aircraft on display and really gives you a good look at life on a carrier in the 80s-90s.Volunteers are knowledgeable and happy to tell loads of stories.Check it out if you are into this stuff. Will not disappoint.

Troy H — Google review

It is easy to understand why the USS Midway is the biggest attraction in San Diego. It is worth the trip. They have done an excellent job marrying exhibits and staged displays while still leaving the ship itself highlighted. It is well laid out to accommodate the traffic of so many visitors. I can't say enough about the volunteer staff. Everyone is friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about being a part of the Midway. These must be the best volunteers in the world. Don't skip any part, it is all worth seeing. Make sure you visit the great used book ship, hidden in the forward port corner of the hangar deck.

Mia K — Google review

If you’re in San Diego, this place is a must-visit. The museum is vast and can take up to three hours to fully explore. Additionally, you can tour the surrounding area and see other ships and yachts docked at the pier. It's remarkable that this ship, having served 80 years ago, remains in such excellent condition. I recommend visiting on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds.

Alex B — Google review

Great museum with a lot of information about the Naval warship and the battles that were thought. Great support from retired vet volunteers who are able to add their own unique insight. The fact that the ship is used gives it a much more authentic feel and allowed me to gain much more understanding of what went on and what servicemen are subjected to at sea. Would highly recommend spending at least a day there to fully immerse yourself in it.

Paul K — Google review

Excellent guides. A ship perfectly restored and left intact in every original detail. An organized and meticulously explained tour. The duration to visit the ship is about 3 hours, but doing an in-depth tour even 5. Possibility of lunch on site. Large public parking in front and in front.

Mattia R — Google review

The USS Midway Museum in San Diego offers a fascinating and immersive experience aboard an iconic aircraft carrier. With interactive exhibits, restored aircraft, and detailed guided tours, visitors can explore the ship’s rich history, from its role in World War II to its decommissioning. The knowledgeable volunteers, many of whom are veterans, provide insightful stories and a deeper understanding of life at sea. The museum's layout is easy to navigate, making it suitable for all ages. Overall, it’s a must-visit for history and naval enthusiasts alike.

Cody J — Google review

A must see for military history buffs! One of the best ship tours ever. You can spend anywhere from 2-4 hrs here and maybe even more. Starts at the below deck airplane hangar. Theres a free 15 minute movie on the battle of Midway. Then start your journey around the ship at your own pace. From flight deck to below deck hangar and below deck and island loop. Also gift shop and deli if you like that. Well worth the money. I would go over and over.

Bubz 1 — Google review

Visiting this place was absolutely amazing. It was really cool to be on an aircraft carrier I never expected these ships to be so big. On the ship you can follow guided tours or explore it yourself which are both great ways to check out this fantastic piece of naval history.

GSC — Google review

Visiting the USS Midway Museum in San Diego was an extraordinary experience! The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into naval history and provides an in-depth look at life aboard an aircraft carrier. The ship itself is a marvel, and the exhibits are both educational and engaging.One of the highlights of the visit was the flight deck, where you can see a wide array of historic aircraft. The interactive exhibits, such as the flight simulators and the Battle of Midway Theater, are particularly captivating and provide a sense of the challenges and excitement faced by naval aviators.The docent-led tours were exceptional. The volunteers, many of whom are veterans, shared personal stories and insights that brought the history of the Midway to life. Their passion and knowledge greatly enhanced the experience.The museum is well-organized, with clear signage and helpful staff. There are also plenty of places to rest and enjoy the stunning views of San Diego Bay. The audio tour, available in multiple languages, is a great addition for those who prefer to explore at their own pace.Overall, the USS Midway Museum is a must-visit attraction in San Diego. It offers a unique and memorable journey through naval history that is sure to captivate visitors of all ages. Highly recommended!

Sunny D — Google review

What an amazing museum. Hours worth of content to see and every time we come back we find something new to learn about on the ship. We easily spend 4-6 hours here and log between 15-20 thousand steps. So be prepared to walk and climb lots of stairs. I highly recommend bringing the kids. Be prepared to wait in a line to see the control tower because there is usually a wait for the tour.

Roderick B — Google review

Awesome museum you can spend hours in. I felt like I went quick and was still there for 3 hours. A ton of info and the vets working there are great. I’d definitely plan for more time if you want the full experience.

Travis C — Google review

It’s impossible to fully understand the scale of an aircraft carrier without visiting one. Now I understand why it takes a crew of thousands to run such a huge ship. Spent a few hours exploring, unfortunately by the time I got to the end of the line to go on the island tour I was exhausted and the line was very long, so I skipped it. Next time I’ll be sure to head for the island first. The short film about the Battle of Midway was an interesting intro to the history of naval aviation.

Ola R — Google review

4.8

(47270)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (34)

5.0

(25786)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (35)

910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

(619) 544-9600

5

Coronado Island

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (36)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (37)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (38)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (39)

Mentioned on

14 lists

Island

Nature & Parks

Coronado Island, located in San Diego's harbor, is a charming destination with a historic town and some of the region's best beaches. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities, dining, shopping, and stunning views of downtown San Diego. Taking the Coronado Ferry adds an extra level of charm to the experience. The iconic Victorian hotel on the island is a must-visit for its picturesque setting and breathtaking sunsets. Renting bikes to explore the beach community is a popular activity for visitors.

Hilton hotel is very beautiful 😍.Lot of events happen in hotel premises and near the beach area.The beach is beautiful.Kids love to play with the sand . Even adults like it .Houses are beautiful.Different experience traveling to this beautiful island.View from the car while crossing Bridge connecting to this island is marvelous.

???? — Google review

I recently hopped over to Coronado Island with my family and it was an absolutely fantastic trip. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the island's charming and laid-back atmosphere. There is so much to see and do on Coronado Island, and it's the perfect destination for a family vacation.One of the highlights of our trip was definitely the beautiful beaches. Coronado Island has some of the most beautiful and well-maintained beaches I've ever seen, and we spent hours swimming, building sandcastles and soaking up the sun. The water is crystal clear and the sand is soft and powdery, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind.Another standout feature of Coronado Island is the variety of activities and attractions available for families. We enjoyed exploring the charming downtown area, which is filled with cute shops and restaurants, and we also visited the famous Hotel del Coronado, which is a must-see for anyone visiting the island. There are also plenty of parks and playgrounds for kids to enjoy, as well as bike rentals and other outdoor activities.Overall, our trip to Coronado Island was an absolute delight. The island is a charming and laid-back destination with beautiful beaches, a variety of activities and attractions, and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. It's the perfect place for a family vacation and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and memorable trip.

Anna T — Google review

Absolutely beautiful!1. Beautiful views2. Beautiful boardwalk3. Beautiful houses4. Beautiful shore5. Beautiful restaurants6. Beautiful peopleEnough said.

Marella H — Google review

It's a beautiful place to stop. The parking is a pain. They have little shops, a small beach, and ferry ride. A must stop to enjoy your day.

Pa V — Google review

not sure why its called an island when its not an island, but it sure is a beautiful place. Stunning views of the city, fantastic beach, great gift shops, and perfect place for walking.

Bronson A — Google review

Nice place to visit during sunset. Parking could be a bit tough by the beach so parking on the neighborhood streets could be an option.Great to see nice looking homes through out the stretch

Rengesh K — Google review

Big, beautiful beaches. Lots of restaurants and shops. Was here just before Christmas so a lot of lights and decorations were up and there was an outdoor skating rink at the Hotel Coronado. What an amazing place that is. Hope to come back again soon.

K R — Google review

Beautiful islandHuge beachWe definitely will go back and spend more time on the island

Adam — Google review

Great town, beaches, boardwalk and bridge. Nice to go through the streets and beaches.

Doggo — Google review

Beautiful beaches, the Hotel Del, plenty of shops and restaurants along the water, fun atmosphere great for people watching, proposals, fireworks, you name it!

Lia P — Google review

Always a 10 star experience. Love the sunsets and local spots. Amazing place to experience, truly.

Brian J — Google review

Wonderful place to visit. This island is so clean. It’s like a walk back in time.

Robert M — Google review

Definitely worth a visit. If you’re staying in Central SD, take the ferry from the Broadway pier or convention center. Walk around the island toward Hotel del Coronado or take a bike. And definitely stay for sunset.

Claire J — Google review

A must visit spot! Beautiful view, black sand with gold specks. There were a lot of sea shells, and we found sand dollars

Jennifer S — Google review

Absolutely love this place! Has great restaurants to choose from, you can rent bikes, take a ride across the bay on the ferry or just enjoy some time on the beach.

T C — Google review

Great place to hang out and see the beach. A visit to the Del is always nice. Many good food choices in the town.

Stephen S — Google review

Coronado island is very beautiful in a very peaceful place. There is something for everyone and there's some really cute shops. I recommend a little visit there.Oh and the toll to get there is gone if that tells you how long it's been since I was last there.

Nicole — Google review

It’s great for a weekend treat. Nice views as well as great for beach walks and if you are into cycling there are many bike lanes. You can cycle and take a ferry back.

Natasha D — Google review

Absolutely magical year round, the holidays are just spectacular~ even with the huge waves. Photos do not do Coronado justice.

Ms. T — Google review

Very disappointed as swimming was prohibited due to the sewage. We had read that could be a possibility in many beaches, but hoped that it would not happen while we were there (July 2024). It is a beautiful place as many wealthy income islands are, but I won’t go again.

Zin M — Google review

Wonderful Christmas day trip. Ice skating by the beach amazing. Buffet for brunch was amazing and great Gluten-free options

Stella A — Google review

Rented bikes and took our time exploring the circumference of the island. Had a blast, highly recommended!

Elvis — Google review

4.8

(986)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (40)

4.5

(3066)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (41)

Coronado, CA 92118, USA

I'll never travel to Tucson without this trip planner again

Learn more

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (42)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (43)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (44)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (45)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (46)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (47)

I will never travel to Tucson without this app againAvailable on the App Store

6

San Diego Zoo

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (49)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (50)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (51)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (52)

Mentioned on

+154 other lists

$$$$expensive

Zoo

Zoos & Aquariums

The San Diego Zoo is a world-renowned 100-acre zoo that is home to over 12,000 rare and endangered animals from 600 different species. The lush jungle environment created by the zoo's 700,000 types of plants provides an immersive experience for visitors. One of its newest attractions is the Wildlife Explorers Basecamp, which offers interactive displays on insects, amphibians, and other wildlife along with play areas such as a giant treehouse and a splash zone.

We had the best time ever I Lucy day this is best zoo in America. I cannot describe how good and fun we had we even took the zip line from the polar to exit it was fun and good vibe experience it was free too. I totally recommend it. As for food I recommend getting food from home or eat before you come so while you’re full you can walk around. We saw the panda, elephant. Etc. you will have a good day. Make sure you bring your camera, phone camera will not be making a good justice for this beautiful animals. The only thing I was disappointed was the price of the henna??? 41$ for simple hand designed and the price of the pictures it was like 34 for just 2 pictures 😂and online like 1 for the same price I believe so. But other then that 100%Also the staff were friendly and were great help with the info around the zoo or with the animal expertise also they were funny as they had good humor. As long you treat them respect the zoo everything will be fine.**** also I will not be sharing with a the good photo I took as u what you to experience and have good time but I’ll show you some examples*****.Enjoy :)

Areum A — Google review

So worth it. The $74 ticket shocked us at first, but after going on the SkyFari, the bus tour, and visiting all of the animal enclosures, it was well worth it. It took us around 2 hours and a half to finish seeing everything. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful. The zoo is well maintained and packed with people!Loved it!

Karim N — Google review

I have very mixed feelings about zoos. On the one hand I HATE that wild animals need to be kept in enclosures. I believe that animals are not here for our purposes or enjoyment. On the other hand I believe that we are at the point where we need to protect certain species, and that if “people” (especially children) are able to see them and how wonderful they are animals will be safer and better treated. It’s hard for me to go to a zoo!That being said, this is an amazing, wonderful zoo! It is huge, and made do-able by renting a scooter for $60. If I hadn’t done this I couldn’t have made it. All of the enclosures seem to be roomy enough (I’m not an expert) and the animals seem well cared for. The koalas were active, unlike previous visits, and we only got to see the top of one panda’s head. The sheer number of different animals here is amazing, and the landscaping beautiful. I could sit and watch the elephants and giraffes for hours!Great gift shops and refreshments, although pricy as you would expect.

Richard R — Google review

Incredible zoo. I haven’t been to all the greatest zoos in the world, but I’ve been to enough to realize this place is amazing. The organization and navigation around the park is really helpful and makes the experience enjoyable. The app works great. I highly suggest planning your day with it. We got on the bus tour first thing, and it made all the difference to say we saw just about every animal already. There were several places for the kids to jump on statues or claim ropes, which helps as well. The skylark was also really fun. I recommend buying tickets in advance and October kids go free, which helps a lot.

Jacob B — Google review

This was by far the best trip. My partner has never been. My sister and her girlfriend took us and it was so much fun. This place is huge and lots of walking. They provided free tour bus and free gondola rides. It was a very busy weekend. When it comes to parking the parking lot was completely full. I think paying 60 dollars for valet is a complete rip off. But they did provide a free shuttle ride which was awesome. Definitely will be going back.

Michael M — Google review

The San Diego zoo is a must see for families with kids. There are so many animals, it’s hard to even fit them all in one day. The season pass is worth it for this reason alone especially if you live in the area.The staff is extremely helpful and very nice. I lost my wallet at some point and the staff was so helpful and professional, I was amazed at how quickly they were able to direct me to the lost and found to get assistance.The exhibits are extremely informative too, which is helpful because there are SO MANY animals, there are even ones that I’d never heard of. The signs are easy to follow as well, and it’s difficult to get lost.It’s also really cool how accessible the zoo is for the handicapped too. There are elevators and ramps everywhere, plus a bus tour for those who aren’t keen on walking or not able to due to health reasons.The splash pad is an awesome spot for kids under 10 to cool off and play. There are several places to sit and relax in the shade for adults while easily supervising their young ones.

Katie S — Google review

Great zoo. So many animals to see, great exhibits and good crowd flow. We went on a weekday but there were not really lines for exhibits, food, or bathrooms. There were people in red zoo shirts all over the place to help or offer directions. They were very helpful. Parking was also easy and close to the entrance.

Jennifer O — Google review

Nice zoo. Not many kids engaging activities. Kids get bored really easily . There is too much walking, which I like but not 8 and 5 years old.You have maps but guidelines to get to every area in an efficient way, not there. You have to figure it out on your own.The best time to come is early in the morning when most of the animals are active.

Sohail K — Google review

We were a little reluctant to come to the zoo because of the high price of the ticket, but I am so glad we did it. This was one of the best zoos I have ever been to. There are so many exhibits and so many educational opportunities. The workers and volunteers were incredibly nice and informative. We rode the Skyfari which was SO awesome. Getting an aerial view of the zoo was really cool. We had a chance to do the bus tour, but we decided to walk instead. You can really tell that the animals are well-cared for and have a lot of space. The aviaries were really awesome to experience, too. I think my favorite exhibits were the flamingos, the giraffes, and the sun bears. I also loved all the plants that were around the zoo and seeing the different types of plants that thrive on the west coast versus the east coast that I am used to. The gift shops were amazing and had just the kind of things I wanted to buy as souvenirs. Overall, I loved it here and would definitely return.

Mar P — Google review

This by far has been the best zoo we've visited in the United States so far. The zoo is incredibly large. We spent just over 8 hours there and still did not cover the entire place.The whole place really feels like you're walking through a forest and the habitats themselves instead of moving from one exhibit to another. There are skylift rides as well as double decker buses to travel around.Plenty of food, bathrooms and everything you can imagine. I would highly highly recommend visiting!

Joel J — Google review

Hands down the best zoo in the world. Love coming here. Been coming here my whole life actually. Came mid week to avoid bigger crowds which was nice. They have so many animals and currently have the Pandas which was nice to see. Love the Gorillas and all the animal exhibits. The bus ride around the park is a must as well as taking the sky tram over the park back and worth.

Michael S — Google review

My husband and I had lots of fun at San Diego Zoo! I love the lush vegetation and how the zoo strives to safe both endangered species and plants. The animals were beautiful and you can tell are well cared for and loved by staff. We like how you can purchase coke sippers/ souvenir cups and get free refills that day. A good way to safe $5 on tickets are to purchase the tickets at the Balboa park visiting center plaza. I would definitely come back to visit.

Bernadette M — Google review

My family and I are locals and have year-round passes, and this place NEVER gets old! After 12 years of living out here, we still manage to see something new, almost every time we visit. The improvements in the enclosures are amazing! Definitely more action from any of the animals that love to climb. Of course, it is super exciting to have the giant pandas back! This zoo goes above and beyond on so many levels! It's a great weekly walk with the kids if you're a local like me, or it's a wonderfully exciting experience if you're coming here on vacation!Weekends are, unfortunately, rather busy, so a weekday morning/ afternoon would be ideal for less foot traffic.

Katelyn T — Google review

My family and I booked a VIP tour for the zoo and safari and it was well worth the price. The zoo is massive and we would have never been able to see all the wonderful exhibits and animals without the tour. Not to mention all the personal encounters and behind the scenes areas we were able to see. That's all on top of how nice the zoo is, definitely one of if not the best in the country.

Alekos M — Google review

Absolutely enormous zoo, we spent 6 hours there and still didn’t see everything! The zoo was incredibly well maintained and clean with a huge variety of not only endangered animals but also plants, each zone is very diverse and an experience in itself. Be sure to wear lots of sunblock, comfy shoes and breathable cloths as several areas are pretty humid and offer little relief from the sun.

Justin B — Google review

I recently spent an amazing day at the San Diego Zoo, widely recognized as one of the largest and most renowned zoos in the world. From 11 AM to 6 PM, we explored the vast park and were thrilled by the diversity of animals, from playful pandas to majestic elephants. The exhibits were thoughtfully designed to replicate natural habitats, showcasing the zoo's dedication to conservation and education.As adults visiting without children, we appreciated the freedom to explore at our own pace and delve into the informative displays. The zoo's layout is well-organized, allowing us to see all the animals without feeling rushed.The convenience of plentiful food options and water fountains throughout the park was a welcome addition, ensuring we stayed energized and hydrated during our visit. The San Diego Zoo is a must-visit for anyone fascinated by wildlife, offering a memorable and inspiring day immersed in nature.

Peleg S — Google review

It’s a good zoo to visit. Bring the entire family because the environment is relaxing. Take the bus ride otherwise you won’t be able to see all the exhibits in one day. Lots of animals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and more to see. They also do live shows (refer to the phone app for the current day schedule).We saw a lion, tiger, cougar, elephant, rhino and more.We bought tickets online so it’s easier than buying at the gates.There are food services throughout the park serving drinks, sandwiches, and more so you won’t need to pack lunch. They do allow bringing in food and drinks.There are several smaller gift shops located throughout the park, but the main store at the exit has all the different variety of toys and gifts.There is an alcohol policy allowing only one drink per ID. Kind of a strange policy considering that the drinks come in 12 oz cans or draft and I could not buy one for my wife. She had to go wait her turn to buy her own drink.

Doua M — Google review

This zoo is massive & had a ton to see. If you can I'd try to arrive shortly before they open to see their neat opening ceremony. Be prepared for tons of walking, there are plenty of spots to sit and rest but it is a good idea to bring sunscreen, a hat & a water bottle.I love zoos that create themed areas, the San Diego zoo does a great job with that from the reptile walk to the Asian area. I was very happy with how tropical the whole place felt, it was packed with lots of cool trees, plants and flowers that also offered shade to escape the sun under.This zoo has quite a few animals other zoos do not have which is a huge plus! It was so cool being able to see the Polar bears. I also enjoyed the fact that you can get your hand stamped at the exit to come back later in the day if you want to eat in your car or go outside the zoo to eat. We went with this option to go grab lunch, cool down and come back. In total we spent about six to six and a half hours exploring this zoo.It was well worth the visit! Also want to note it is a good idea to get there early because even though the parking lot is huge this is a popular spot when tourists are in town so it will fill up quickly.

Luna B — Google review

We arrive around 9:30 and took the bus to her, which was fabulous. Our narrator was very knowledgeable and we enjoyed the experience. After that, we got on the sky link thing and went to the other side of the park. We had a beautiful day and monkeying around.

Brian W — Google review

This zoo is amazing you can spend 6+ hours at this zoo. They maintain the zoo and the animals. It was clean easy to walk or ride on the tour bus for free. We did the walking of the whole zoo first then before we left we took the bus tour for more information about the animals. This zoo is highly recommended to visit. The price is excellent for what they have to offer. They have many parking spaces but try to get there early for a great spot. Food is good a little pricey but I support zoos. They have a good selection of local brews and souvenir cups. If you’re into margaritas they have those as well. Prepare to spend a whole day from open to close at this zoo, it is well worth it. Also online tickets are good for 1 year to use so pre purchase.

Bradley N — Google review

I recently spent a day at the San Diego Zoo, and it was an amazing experience! This place really lives up to its reputation. The variety of animals and the thoughtfulness in the layout make it a must-visit, whether you're a local or just in town for a bit.One of my favorite parts was the **Polar Bear Plunge**. Watching these massive animals swim and play was both fun and mesmerizing. The observation windows give you a great view whether the bears are on land or in the water, making it easy to see their playful side. I also loved the **Skyfari Aerial Tram**—a ride that not only gave us a stunning view of the entire zoo but also served as a nice shortcut when our feet started to tire. Plus, the views of San Diego from up there are fantastic.If you're visiting with kids, don't miss the **Swamp Monkeys and Otters** in the Lost Forest. These little guys were super entertaining, especially watching them play together. The **Asian Passage** with its adorable Red Pandas and stunning Snow Leopards was another highlight—those snow leopards are seriously gorgeous.Pro tip: Arrive early! The animals are more active in the morning, and you can explore the zoo before it gets crowded. Also, if you’re looking for a break from the sun, the **Lost Forest Aviaries** offer a cool, shaded retreat with some interesting bird species to watch.Overall, had an awesome time at the San Diego Zoo. There’s so much to see and do, and whether you're an animal lover or just looking for a fun day out, you won’t be disappointed.

Sanil T — Google review

This zoo is great! Usually when I go to a zoo I feel a little bad for the animals because they don’t have a ton of space but this zoo gives the animals so much space! Definitely get yourself a map and get there early in the day as later it gets pretty busy but it was still not bad at all and we went on a Sunday. Oh, best part… it’s free for military every time you go! When I come back here I’m definitely going again!!

Alyssa R — Google review

Probably the best zoo I've been to. This is more of an "amusement zoo" than a regular zoo. One can spend a day and then some here. Great layout and the facilities are nice as well. Had a great time with the little one. Would definitely be back next time we're in San Diego. Would recommend to bring food from outside as it is permitted and the food options at the zoo don't taste that great.

Sowmit B — Google review

Our visit to the San Diego Zoo was an unforgettable experience! The first thing that caught our eyes was the luxurious vegetation throughout the zoo. The lush greenery and carefully curated landscapes made it feel like we were walking through a tropical paradise. The zoo is expansive, yet we never felt crowded, which added to the relaxed atmosphere.The enclosures are well-designed and meticulously maintained, providing a comfortable environment for both the animals and visitors. There were so many animals to see, from exotic species to familiar favorites, each more fascinating than the last. However, it was the enchanting panorama of the zoo itself that truly stood out. The combination of natural beauty and thoughtful design made our day feel like more than just a trip to see animals—it was a journey through a beautifully crafted world.One thing to note is that some trails can be a bit challenging for those with mobility issues. My daughter, who had a knee injury, found it a little hard to navigate a few spots. While we managed, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re visiting with anyone who has difficulty walking long distances.Overall, the San Diego Zoo offers an incredible experience, blending the wonders of nature with top-notch facilities. It’s a must-visit for anyone in the area, and I highly recommend it for all ages!

Normand S — Google review

The San Diego zoo is arguably one of the best zoos in the world. It's a must-see when visiting San Diego. A thorough visit takes a full day as it's a zoo of superlatives: between 3-4 million annual visitors marvel at the 12'000 animals and 700'000 unique plants. The 40 acre zoo is so large that a guided bus tour takes 30min. A gondola or a shuttle bus takes you across the park.The zoo was a pioneer in the concept of open-air, cage-less exhibits that recreate natural animal habitats. The zoo was founded over 100 years ago in 1918. You can explore the park by geographical zones (Asia, Africa, Australia, etc.) or by following different trails (monkey trail, tiger trail, hippo trail, etc.)The park is very child friendly and family oriented. The park is fully wheelchair / stroller accessible. There is a fun water play area for children (bring swim suits and your own towels). Face painting is available for an extra fee. 25 different restaurants, cafes, and snack bars offer food options for everyone. After 4.30pm, there are numerous musical and artistic performances.

Beat S — Google review

San Diego Zoo is a home to over 10000 animals. It is a must visit if you are an animal lover.Very clear instructions and map to follow. The whole zoo is wheelchair or stroller accessible. They also have parking for strollers. Face painting is available for an extra cost. It's fun to watch kids with painted faces.Their Bus Safari and Skyfari are the highlight of the zoo. It was a pretty hot day when I visited, but thanks to their safaris, I could short-list the section I wanted to visit.

Anudnya K — Google review

We went on Friday morning, got tickets ahead of time, so there’s no wait at the gate.Lots of animals to see, lots of walking. There’s bus tour and gondola, but we didn’t take them.You can grab a map at the entrance, and if you are lost, there’s a lot staff around to help.I think we saw almost all the animals except panda, as there’s 2 line ups. The staff told us we could scan the code to see if there’s tickets (free) or get on a stand by line up.Overall good experience.

Little D — Google review

Fantastic zoo. Hundreds of animals and plenty of activities to do including the free bus tour and the free gondola ride. Seeing the pandas was amazing. All of the animal enclosures are next to each other so you do not need to walk too much. The park is also very picturesque, clean and overall a nice place to be. Highly recommend.

Greg R — Google review

4.7

(58778)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (56)

4.5

(30097)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (57)

2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

(619) 231-1515

7

Balboa Park

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (58)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (59)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (60)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (61)

Mentioned on

+74 other lists

Park

Fun & Games

Balboa Park is a sprawling outdoor destination in San Diego that is home to the city's renowned zoo, 17 museums, gardens & more. The park also features numerous theaters and trails.

Plenty of parking available, even during busy times. This park is vast, and you could easily spend a couple of days exploring everything it has to offer. There’s so much to see and discover! While the museums have a admission fee, parking and entry to the park itself are free, making it a great value for a day (or more) out.

Mint M — Google review

Great place to walk around and waste the day!! With or without the dogs and family lots to see comic con museum was there last week, automotive museum, and the Japanese cherry blossom 🌸 garden which was extremely beautiful just like the movies when the pedals fall to the ground it resembles snow. Must check it out while in season.

Josh T — Google review

You need at least two days to visit all the museums. There is so much to see. Another reason is that the museums are not open all in the same days. For example, the Photography Museum is open only Th - Sun. I found the Museum of Art closed on a Tuesday. So, I suggest checking the schedule for the museums you would like to visit. Balboa Park has a very interesting history. The arquitectura is rich in details and in history. It's a very pleasant park to walk through the halls flunked by archs that simulate old California haciendas and churches. There is plenty of free parking throughout the park. Don't miss the Lilly Pond. Take a break by the water fountain next to the Natural Museum. Be serenade by occasional street musicians. Enjoy the view of a Plaza of an old Colonial Spanish town. If you intend to visit the park more than once throughout the year, the annual pass is worth buying.

Cig G — Google review

A very nice and relaxing place to walk and spend time at. There were countless dogs walking, people from various age groups just enjoying themselves at this big park. The architecture and histories were super amazing to learn about! Lots of activities to do here!

Jenny H — Google review

Lovely park with lots to do. The museums are a little pricey. We chose not to park at Balboa park. If you park at San Diego Zoo, it’s about a 10-15 minute walk. Museums, playgrounds, shops, theaters, nice scenery, gardens, nice architecture, water fountains, and more!

Mark I — Google review

New York has Central Park and San Diego has Balboa Park which is hands down much larger. But, stats include a few museums and the famed San Diego Zoo; which more than likely have additional fees.Either way... If you are in the area spend a day or two exploring the park and all it offers. It was very nice and peaceful.

Walter D — Google review

Such a beautiful place! I was impressed at the architecture and the fact it’s a state park makes it even more impressive. I was there at night and it was so peaceful and beautifully lit. Just walking around and taking it all in was a great evening.

Nancy Y — Google review

This park is gigantic full of eye catching buildings, museums, greatly designed gardens, and different activities. San Diego Zoo is located here. You can spend your whole day here having fun.Visiting the park is free. As expected; museums, zoo and other activities have visiting fees, though. If you don’t want to spend money, you can still enjoy walking around the park and listening to live music, street magic shows and etc.

Shiva D — Google review

What a great place. The place is big. You will need 6 to 8 hours to see everything. Restaurants are good. There are vendors for water and restrooms in conveniently placed locations. Have fun.

Texas R — Google review

San Diego staple! We live 1 mile from here and still visit a few times a month because it is so relaxing to walk around. Very peaceful, with live music often playing, beautiful architecture, and great energy.We brought friends visiting from London, and it was one of their favorites on their San Diego tour.The museums are fun to visit, there’s a bar in the sculpture garden, and it’s a great place to graze. Also, fun to have a picnic by the botanical gardens (which are under construction but nearly done).Definitely a must-visit spot, whether you’re alone, with a small group, or a big group. One thing you don’t want to miss out on when visiting San Diego!

Sydney G — Google review

This is truly a landmark and a must visit in San Diego.It is huge with so much to do, see, and savor - both for adults and kids.There is plenty of parking though it tends to get busy during the weekends. Lots of places to just stroll around and view - like the Botanical garden, or the organ pavilion, and the japanese garden. There are kids museums as well as museums for everyone to enjoy like the Museum of us. Art lovers will have a lot of look at and savor. There is plenty of spanish architecture everywhere. We went with kids and they had a great time.

Jubin E — Google review

Balboa Park is a gem in the heart of San Diego, offering something for everyone. The Rose Garden is a true highlight, with its vibrant array of blooms and serene atmosphere. Walking through the garden is a sensory delight, with stunning colors and captivating fragrances all around. It's a perfect spot to relax, take photos, or simply enjoy nature's beauty. Whether you're a local or visiting, the Rose Garden is a must-see and a wonderful reminder of the park's charm and elegance.

Christelle T — Google review

Balboa Park is amazing. So much little nooks and crannies of things to see and do. Great for day walks and museums. Also to simply enjoy the gardens. Many of the museums and the Japanese garden are paid attractions; however, one can simply stroll around and enjoy all the architectural beauty surrounded by all sorts of exotic plants. This place attracts all types of artists and is inspiring in many ways.

King B — Google review

It’s amazing and so much to see! Every museum has its own attraction! Plus there is always more going around the buildings! You can walk and dine all day and family/ dog friendly. Plus the Japanese friendship garden in spring is special!

Parnaz L — Google review

I've lived all over the US and this is my favorite spot. So much stuff to do. Takes several days to explore all the great museums and the zoo. Beautifully laid out grounds (done by Olmstead for a world fair) and beautiful gardens and architecture. Quaint Spanish village is a fun place with in the park too. In Jan thu March the rose gardens are cut back so if you want to see the roses pick a different time.

Kathy S — Google review

Absolutely majestic place! Beautiful in the day and night as well! Numerous museums located inside the park for the history lovers as well! They even have Theatres like the Old Globe!

Javier T — Google review

When visiting San Diego a must is going to Balboa Park. An incredibly beautiful place. Plan on spending several hours in order to see and take in this amazing place. The history, the beautiful architecture, the spectacular landscape and more.

Alex — Google review

My first time at Balboa Park and it was an AMAZING experience! We didn’t even get the chance to explore the whole park, but the Rose Garden was fabulous! And we found a nice little hiking trail that gave me a decent workout, lol! There was also a free concert at the pavilion. I will definitely be back!

ToShae G — Google review

It’s a beautiful park, well maintained. Plenty of parking available. There are lot of museums. Have witnessed a Piano concert during Halloween. I didn’t get chance to roam around as arrived late evening.

Bimal C — Google review

One of the most magical places in Southern California! Up there with Disneyland, Catalina Island, and Solvang, Balboa Park is an experience unlike any other. The museums are beautiful but the ambiance is something that words cannot describe and multiply that by 10 for December nights. This is my happy place.

Parker M — Google review

An excellent option for walking around surrounded by history and greenery. This place is one of the must-stops in this gorgeous town, with miles of walking parks, and plenty of parking options, on Sundays, you find painters in different people selling arts and crafts and even shows displayed on stage for free of charge, lots of restrooms all over the place, people singing and playing instruments and let's say you have multiple places to go where you can see a variety of flowers with multiple colors to give you smiles and make this visit so memorable in other words highly recommended.

Cintia M — Google review

What a beautiful park. So much to do. Very family friendly. The Architecture is breath taking. If you have never been before, be sure to take walking shoes, grab a map from the visitor center. Take a selfie stick. You can park anywhere in the south end of the park and look out for some benches to take the free tram to bring you up and save your feet a bit. When we went the bridge was Under construction for renovations.

Lidia M — Google review

Balboa Park in San Diego is a fantastic spot for nature, art, and history lovers! With spacious walking paths, stunning architecture, botanical gardens, and a variety of museums, it’s a true center of culture and tranquility. The diversity of museums and green spaces make it perfect for spending the entire day. The atmosphere and beauty of the park appeal to visitors of all ages!

Kafama ( — Google review

An amazing park! Must see! The world's largest outdoor organ with free concerts every Sunday, cactus garden, huge arboretum, cottages representing countries around the world, Lilly ponds, Free line dance classes, long shady Palisades, and so much more!

Dorothea L — Google review

Balboa Park is one of the most stunning and culturally rich places I’ve ever visited! Whether you’re into nature, art, or history, this park has something for everyone. The botanical gardens were lush and peaceful, perfect for a relaxing stroll. I loved exploring the diverse museums – especially the San Diego Museum of Art and the Air & Space Museum. There’s also plenty of open spaces to just sit and enjoy the beautiful San Diego weather. The Spanish-style architecture throughout the park is breathtaking. I recommend setting aside an entire day to explore because there is so much to see and do. Truly a gem in the heart of San Diego!

Andriy D — Google review

Beautiful park with plenty of museums to visit, water features and gorgeous buildings to enjoy. I especially like RH Fleet Science Center and the Japanese friendship garden. The lily pond and main fountain (outside science center) are both great. Spanish Village has nice shops and glass blowing demonstrations. There are typically musicians busking as you stroll the main promenade.

Kimberly F — Google review

Visited 19/06/2023A huge and beautiful park filled with different hidden gardens with blooming flowers, buildings with detailed architecture, and magnificent fountains. We had a sunny day to enjoy it and upon arriving the views were stunning. There were lots of little paths in many directions leading to new, exciting gardens. We even found an area where musicians were playing in a tranquil space.It is really worth a visit just to here, with multiple buildings to explore, gardens and fountains to enjoy. It's a really nice place to be away from the bustle of the city. It feels a lot bigger once you are in the Park, and there are museums to keep your occupied as well.Just a beautiful well-kept space.

Onward T — Google review

The pavilion of the World Design Capitol is available and shows the broad variety and variation of design. Design is not limited to the definition of arts it also covers the processes of changes in the environment, our cities and communities. The pavilion shows up with multiple speeches and presentations. Great to be there and listen to lively discussions and colorful conversations.

Michael S — Google review

Main tourist attraction of San Diego. One can spend the entire day visiting all the museums and places inside the park.We visited the ones with free entry. Timken Museum has some really good art collection.Would love to visit this again some day.

AJJ — Google review

4.8

(74120)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (65)

4.5

(13129)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (66)

San Diego, CA, USA

(619) 239-0512

8

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (67)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (68)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (69)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (70)

Mentioned on

+124 other lists

Wildlife and safari park

Zoos & Aquariums

San Diego Zoo Safari Park, located 30 miles northeast of San Diego, is an 1,800-acre wildlife sanctuary that houses over 300 species of African and Asian animals. It offers visitors the chance to witness rare African and Asian mega animals in a natural habitat setting.

It's an amazing full day's adventure. Parking is on a hill, so drive to the top and start your search for a spot there. It's more than a safari ride, there are many exhibits and themed areas.No matter what you do, be sure to take that safari tour. The guides are well versed and are quick to point out the sights. Wild antelope, giraffes, cheetahs 🐆, and more.There are gift shops, of course, and a few different food choices throughout. You can save money by bringing your own food, saving money for the gift shops!Enjoy your day, and be prepared to walk into a great adventure.

E&C C — Google review

Safari was very cool, but the website is incredibly confusing even though it’s been “revamped”. The tour guide on the safari was hilarious and knowledgeable. Seeing the giraffes and rhinos grazing alongside some other species of deer was very nice. The rest of the park seemed empty. Didn’t see cheetahs, lions, elephants or anything really besides some birds. Kind of expensive to not see much and would’ve loved to just pay for the safari only.

Tej N — Google review

I love this place so much! It's like Disneyland for me. Today, one of the Tigers were out & singing the songs of his people which I enjoyed. I got a really good recording! As usual, the African tram was great and the conductor was great. The kangaroos are adorable. I love it here and can't wait for the new construction to be done so I can go back to seeing the Elephants.

Yasmin L — Google review

We enjoyed the safari park so much!!! The park was very well designed and easy to navigate around. We booked a behind the scenes tour for the Australia section and it was so worth it! Some animals prefer to stay in their cozy nooks and we wouldn’t be able to see them otherwise. Thanks you so much to our guide Joseph and the care specialist Hunter we met, who are both so knowledgeable and passionate about the animals!

Sining Q — Google review

Exceptional Day at San Diego Zoo Safari Park!Our visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park was nothing short of extraordinary, starting from the striking front sign and impeccably maintained restrooms. The park boasts a delightful atmosphere with pristine cleanliness and a wide array of exceptional exhibits that genuinely immerse visitors in the wonders of wildlife.One of the standout features was the feeling of safety throughout the park, allowing us to explore with peace of mind. The affordability of the food was a pleasant surprise compared to other attractions, and the level of customer care rivaled that of Disney—volunteers were exceptionally knowledgeable and enthusiastic about sharing insights.We were particularly drawn to the gorillas, tigers, and elephants, eagerly anticipating their upcoming multimillion-dollar exhibit overhaul. This commitment to enhancing animal habitats promises even more enriching experiences in the future.Moreover, discovering the bat exhibits and exploring the serene bonsai garden added unique dimensions to our visit. These lesser-known attractions provided fascinating insights into lesser-known aspects of the natural world.For families, the opportunity to upgrade kids' tickets to a one-year membership for free is an outstanding value. It encourages return visits to delve deeper into the park's offerings.In conclusion, our time at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park was truly remarkable. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this park offers an unforgettable day surrounded by captivating wildlife and unparalleled park experiences. Highly recommended for nature enthusiasts of all ages!

Xavier R — Google review

A fun place if you like animals. We went on Halloween at 9 AM and the weather was wonderful! The crowd was less with only few schools coming for their Field trip.During our visit, we could see lion pacing in his area, tiger walking to drink water and lot of Giraffes. We had a good time.

Shobana K — Google review

So there are a huge amount of animals and things to do. It has an immersive wildlife experience with expansive habitats that allow visitors to observe animals in environments similar to their natural homes. The guided tours are awesome and there is a free tram which is 90% the paid 100$ per person tour. Definitely the best zoo I have visited!

Manansh G — Google review

My husband and I came for my birthday weekend. Mostly for the mimosa wildlife safari, but you have to pay regular admission to the park as well. The park is huge and you see tons of wildlife. Shout out to Dominique, who served us mimosas and pastries on our safari ride. She was friendly and outgoing. I would definitely visit again!

Ginger G — Google review

I’ve been coming to the Safari park since the 90s. Boy have they really expanded it. Now they have the tiger exhibit and all the habitats for all the different animals are much more complex and accommodating to the animals. For example, the tiger exhibit has a waterfall and an intertwining atmosphere with the spectators. One that you must traverse through a bamboo forest to get to. The atmosphere is that of total immersion.They also have a entire section devoted to Animals that could be found in Australia as well as animals native to California. I enjoyed the bonsai area and had a good time on the tram ride. They have a hot air balloon that you could ride and a cheetah run where you could see a cheetah run at full speed right in front of you.The Safari Tram shows you animals roaming about among their wide acreage open space park. Although the predators can’t be mixed in with the prey, it is still enjoyable to see the elephants, rhinos, giraffes, antelope, and other animals all mixed together. A truly spectacular park. One that offers something other zoos around the world do not offer, and that is a wide open space for many of the animals to roam.Bravo Safari Park! Your sister organization, the San Diego zoo in downtown San Diego, is certainly famous for many reasons. However, the Safari Park is worth visiting just as much in my opinion. For its acreage is unrivaled worldwide. Thank you Safari Park and San Diego Zoo for all the conservation efforts you do.

Mike N — Google review

This is a great zoo. It's really pretty to walk around and laid out in a neat loop so you don't miss anything. In addition to the animals, they have face painting, henna, caricature artists, rides and lots of gift shops - you really could do your Christmas shopping while you're there.The food options are also really good. There was standard zoo fare that I've noticed at every zoo ice ever been to, but they also had higher quality and quite a variety of options for food. They also have a good variety of adult beverages that seemed well thought out and seasonal, so I'm guessing they have different options at different times of the year.The zoo had a very welcoming, park like feeling. There are lots of spaces to b sit and just enjoy being outside. It's somewhere I could spend a lot of time if we lived closer to it.

Kirbi D — Google review

We have been visiting this park for years, and it never gets old. We have an annual pass to support this amazing park and unfortunately, we can only visit once a year since we are busy. It is not a zoo where animals are in small, caged areas. There is a Safari Tram that takes you around a large safari tour with a live guide who talks about animals, their conservation and efforts to protect endangered species, etc. The Park is huge and includes botanical garden & bonsai exhibits. We like walking around. The best time to visit is during the holidays and stay after dark to see the beautiful sunset and enjoy the “Wild Holiday” events/lights. We arrived early afternoon and it wasn’t too bad parking & entering the park. The animals including the tigers, gorillas, and platypuses were active.

Catherine H — Google review

It is an amazing, for me it is more beautiful than the zoo.Easy to walk all around it. About (4 hours)My advice start with Savana tour from gorilla entrance, you can use the train ride to do it, you don't need to purchase the expensive ones the train ride is included in the park ticket.After that you can walk around in a circle to see the rest of the animals.A balloon ride is a must it is very beautiful and kids will enjoy it.People who work there are great and very helpful.

Hiba R — Google review

I will update this review the next time I go back, but this place is wonderful. There's just three downsides: parking is paid, the wait times are long to do anything, and it's expensive. There are also concessions all over the park, making this much more like an amusement park rather than a wildlife refuge. All that being said, I was able to go for a short time and see many of the animals, and they seemed relaxed, which is good. I would recommend trying to go earlier in the day to see more animals during their waking hours.

Gideon T — Google review

Chocolate banana was exquisite, the animals were great and the bus tour for free is definitely worth it. Giraffes are very cool. Parking can sometimes be a bit full. Zipline is expensive (very). There were also zebras. 🦓 yep. Cheetahs and tigers ! Tigers might be the coolest animals there. Tigers can be hard to find sometimes, however. Many cool fauna as well. Tour guide for the bus tour was very knowledgeable and was very helpful.

Tyler H — Google review

Love this place, sometimes better than zoo. Lots of open and airy spaces to walk, especially for all the animals. Makes you feel like you are in another country the beautiful view of the open space in the middle for the animals. Get the pass; it's worth it, the one with parking. Otherwise, parking fee is $25 per vehicle. Lots of staff everywhere willing to help. Buy tickets in advance; wait is very long otherwise. Food is good too and lots of shady areas to relax.

Suheil R — Google review

San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an outstanding destination for families and animal enthusiasts alike. The park offers an incredible blend of education and adventure, making it a perfect day out. The exhibits are well-designed, allowing visitors to get up close to a wide variety of animals while learning about their habitats and conservation efforts. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, always ready to share interesting facts and answer questions. The Safari experiences are a highlight, providing a unique and immersive way to see animals in more natural settings. Overall, the park is not just a place to see animals but a place to learn and appreciate the importance of wildlife conservation. Highly recommended!

Derrell D — Google review

The very best of the best park among the US, and also San Diego Zoo is worth a visit too. There are so many kind of places to explore in the park and you need to visit it before 1 hour close time in case some areas are closed. Suggesting coming over in the morning and get a paper map, there is APP available to download and active events will be available for checking, but paper map is more helpful. Ask the front office before visit.

Diana W — Google review

It’s best to get there a couple minutes before it opens as the parking lots get filled up pretty fast.I have not been here in years and having to visit again was so different. It’s hot but there’s enough shade around when you walk. The tram is free but will end up waiting in line for a while off you do get there in the afternoon.Friendly staff by the way and so much to see.

Jenny — Google review

The first visit i made was in 2002! What a magnificent paradise I found on this week's visit September 25th. 2024. I was in Awe and gobsmacked as to how this place has grown! The landscape magnificent was unbelievable! The closeness to live wild animals was beyond measure. The Hot Air 🔥 Balloon was so much fun short but sweet. Take the tram for sight seeing and have lunch at one of many good restaurants there or bring your own. I love the all the shops and bought more than needed! Don't miss this hidden treasure a must see!!! ***** 🌟 rating.

Ramiro P — Google review

Second time coming here with family. Came on a hazy Sunday that was a bit cold but it didn’t dampen our experience here at the SD safari park. Lots of good options and gift shops right upon entrance. Plenty of staff if you have any questions. I got a latte at the coffee stand they have in the beginning, decent and quick service. The exhibits are great ranging from the nocturnal duck billed platypus, young kangaroos, lions, jungle bats, wild cats, tons of birds and a huge African animal enclosure. The team ride around said enclosure is always great with lots of tips about the species they have on display. First time we came and we did the big zip line experience. Totally worth it. The views of the park from up there are incredible.

Nick B — Google review

This is such a special and important place. In addition to the sheer beauty of all the plants and animals, the safari park is filled with kind and knowledgeable people. The employees and volunteers were super friendly and helpful, sharing scientific facts with me to enrich my visit. This sublime experience has made a deep impact on my psyche and I am so excited to go back with friends soon!

Wides P — Google review

Great visit! Plan to spend the full day, 6+ hours.Pros: lots of animals, great habitats, shade coverage, water bottle refill stations and docents everywhere to helpCons: the app is great but the real time directions lag so you're never really sure if you're on the right trail. Also hard to find a nutritional sit down meal. Lots of grab and go snacks but lacks restaurants open after 3pm.

Heather B — Google review

This venue is what we should be doing to preserve and continue species survival, not in the wild. The animals appear to be able to interact in a more "natural" environment. They are clearly well cared for and valued by the staff, from a layman's perspective. The grounds are well-maintained and the personnel both helpful and friendly. The experience, though, is quite pricey! I believe that cost prevents many from being able to enjoy this place. Example, for our family of 6 to just walk in the gate was $420 and to go on the extended (and wonderful!) tour inside the grounds was an additional $600.

Jan K — Google review

Great experience! Diverse animals, plants and visuals were thoughtfully presented and shared. Reminded me of being in Africa at the overlook lunch spot! There was a good energy that was shared from staff and attendees! People were enjoying themselves and parents and kids seemed relaxed. Gorillas were fascinating and their size was something I hadn't appreciated until this visit. Highly recommend.

Michael N — Google review

Highly recommend visiting the safari park! In the summer it is much hotter than the zoo, but you can find shade to cool off in. We followed a friends advice to get there as soon as the park opened go straight to the tram to get on the first one. It was worth it, because by the time we got back there was a huge line! We spent all day here and got to see the cheetah run!

Heather M — Google review

We had an absolutely amazing experience at the San Diego Safari Park! One of the highlights of our visit was meeting a platypus—such a rare and special moment! We also got up close to the giraffes, and it was so much fun watching them interact with our guide, who handled it so well even when they playfully tried to nibble. The park is beautifully maintained, and the staff were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. This was definitely a visit to remember! Highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique and exciting adventure.

Irina A — Google review

Steve & Doug - San Diego Zoo's original Odd Couple. These guys were absolutely amazing and really made the Deluxe Safari Adventure well worth it.Their deep knowledge coupled with their warm and inviting personalities brought the entire experience to the next level. Steve was so funny and charming, he was great with both the adults and kids alike.One thing to be aware of, you must buy tickets to the park in addition to the safari tickets. We didn't know that, so we actually bought a full day park pass without being able to attend the park (we go there for our 90 minute tour at 4:30 and park closed at 6). So, we viewed as a donation for all the wonderful work that the San Diego Zoo does.We took so, so many pictures, so I only included a choice few (and a couple of videos - nope won't upload - bummer!). It was wonderful, and honestly inspiring, to hear how much conservation work the San Diego zoo does, not only in revitalizing animal species, but botanical ones as well (that was a real surprise!).They said the 90 minutes would go quickly, and they weren't kidding, Before we knew it the tour was over and I was ready to go again.I would definitely spring for the deluxe tour where you can go right into the animals' sanctuary in the big safari truck, rather the the tram that takes a route separate from the animals and lacks the personal touch.I really can't wait to go again, this is something everyone should experience and was absolutely one of the greatest highlights of our trip.

Carson W — Google review

Great extension of the San Diego zoo. Great open spaces for most of the wildlife in the park.Nice amenities, stores, booths, food, and an absolutely wonderful restaurant, with great service, drinks, and food.The Tram was a nice ride and very informative about the wildlife that was passed by in the tram. A lot of the exhibits you will need to walk to, but it is all worth it

Michael H — Google review

4.7

(25966)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (74)

4.5

(4782)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (75)

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027, USA

(619) 231-1515

9

Las Americas Premium Outlets

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (76)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (77)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (78)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (79)

Mentioned on

+22 other lists

Outlet mall

Shopping

Factory Outlets

Las Americas Premium Outlets, located just south of downtown San Diego and north of Tijuana, offers a vast selection of over 150 stores featuring designer and name brand items at discounted prices ranging from 25% to 65% every day. The outdoor shopping plaza boasts nearly 100 renowned brands such as Kate Spade New York, H&M, Nike Factory, Tommy Hilfiger, Adidas, Banana Republic, and Calvin Klein.

I wanted to get as close as possible to the border and San Ysidro is the closest you will get so me and the kids visited Las Americas Premium Outlets and ate at Achiote Mexican restaurant. There are so many stores, food, and snack shacks to choose from. Definitely ended up getting tired from walking for a few hours. Time well spent. There are restrooms throughout the whole place. This place has a vibe. Every single store I visited I was welcomed in by employees and they were so helpful answering any questions. You can tell they probably go across every day to come work here. Their nice personality is just something different. So nice. It gets really busy so come right before they open to get a parking spot. I arrived at 1130am on a Sunday and got lucky to get a spot right away. All the stores are kept cleaned and organized. They are not run down. Everything looks new. The food at Achiote did not disappoint either. Cool to see the border, the Mexican flag and the famous TJ arch from close by.

Haydee H — Google review

A large, well-appointed outlet mall with multiple brand shops at outlet prices. Strategically located at the US Mexican border. One can spend the day enjoying the shopping experience and having a bite to eat.

Hani A — Google review

My first time to visit this outlet mall and I was floored by the inexpensive prices!!! Unbelievable! I intend to save money and splurge on shopping for clothes whenever I visit this mall.Highly recommended! Just watch out and read the signs because you might end up in Mexico.

Violet — Google review

We've been here plenty of times and we really like this Outlet. There's a lot of stores to choose from. Must visit for shopping!

Janicee S — Google review

This premium outlet is one of the best places to shop, offering a wide variety of stores and dining options for eating and relaxing. You can see the border wall between the USA and Mexico from here, making it a very diverse area where you'll hear different languages from all over. If you plan to cross the border, ensure you have all the necessary documents to enter Mexico and re-enter the United States. You can also see houses in the distance from the US side.

Nixon C — Google review

Very nice placeContains lots of brands with reasonable prices

Omar S — Google review

I didn’t get much time to thoroughly go through the entire mall complex, however if you ever find yourself down near the southern border and want to kill some time while you wait I recommend coming here, it’s an outdoor’s type mall which makes it nice, it’s very crowded so be prepared to shuffle around. From what I saw there was a great variety of different stores to visit. For those of you who enjoy visiting outlets and have a weird bucket list with wanting to visit all of them in California, well this one is a must!!

Audoro M — Google review

This is where u can buy branded items at cheap price.. located at the border of California and Mexico, it is a must go for shopping.

Zahar — Google review

I Love shopping here. So many different stores and Always good deals and some good food trucks for when you get hungry and some restaurants are available too. Weekends are pretty busy but it's still A Great time.

Melinda C — Google review

The prices are not that low but still recommended. A nice place to do some shopping.

Fet — Google review

Typical outlet mall. Watch out for the carnies selling junk in the in between. I was buying some sneaker cleaner and the guy raised the price $5 at checkout and then literally, verbally asked me for a tip. It stinks like sewage if Tijuana's waste treatment plant is going. You can see the "border wall" from the back parking lot. Neat!

MATMATIC77 — Google review

This outlet mall has lot of selections of name brands like express, Guess, Hugo Boss, Nike. You would not be disappointed by the sales here. When I need to buy shoes I always come here with so many selections. Their food truck in the parking lot is next level. If you are in the seafood. Try the seafood food truck. Highly recommended

Arvind M — Google review

Las America's outlet is by far one of my favorite shipping centers in San Diego County. Their outlets have it all, and most of the time, they have deals on top of their lower retail prices

Jesus ( — Google review

No much varieties even no much different sizes available .. difficult to find all brands !Some shops are not well organized

FAWAZ A — Google review

Nice outlet mall on the boarder of Mexico; good options for clothes shopping and decent food outlets.

Husam D — Google review

If you're looking for branded and luxury products, it's time to shop at the Premier Outlet near Mexico. It's a great place to roam and buy items from brands like Nike, Columbia, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, and more. There are also plenty of food options, from fast food to restaurants. I miss this place mostly if I invited the people they never tried yet. Next time I should capture again! Remember it is really not as cheaper sometime I prefer to buy with my redeems or cash back for my credit cards rather than here tbh.

Eleana M — Google review

Great place to shop, factory stores and lots of retail brands. Food court with indoor and outdoor dining. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to shop here as you may be doing a lot of walking. Nice amusement park next door which gets very busy on the weekends with long lines.

A K — Google review

My favorite mall for shopping in San Diego. Large amount of stores that include the common brands. Prices are great...yes it's an outlet mall and the merchandise is at least a year old. But, unlike the other malls in SD, it's really hard to leave here without buying something...usually from multiple stores.

Ronald D — Google review

We spent the day shopping at this outlet. I found plenty of bargains and had a real good lunch they had food trucks available. They also had Ross and Marshall's in the area. For an Australian tourist was also a buzz being on the Mexican border.

H F — Google review

You should definitely go there as you can find the outlets of many brands such as Nike, North Face, Columbia,etc. It is just by the Mexican border not very far away from the downtown of San Diego

Müşerref S — Google review

Great place. Huge discounts, a mandatory stop after crossing the border

Aline S — Google review

pIt is an excellent shopping center with famous brands as well as very nice stores where you can buy quality at a cheap price.

Cnntmkn — Google review

Decent number and range of stores. I’m sad there were no high end designer outlet stores, but maybe one day. Great deals on a lot of items and worth stopping at if you’re in town.

Nadine D — Google review

Huge selection of stores with quite a few having massive discounts! Lots of dining options too so no need to worry about going hungry. Plentiful restrooms scattered thought as well. Worth a visit for some great deals.

Ian W — Google review

4.6

(22559)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (81)

4.5

(996)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (82)

4211 Camino De La Plaza, San Diego, CA 92173, USA

(619) 934-8400

10

Av. Revolución

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (83)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (84)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (85)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (86)

Mentioned on

3 lists

Notable street

Sights & Landmarks

Points of Interest & Landmarks

Av. Revolución is a historic and vibrant street lined with palm trees, offering a wide array of attractions for visitors. From lively cantinas, galleries, cafes to souvenir shops, the avenue provides an eclectic mix of experiences. It's known for its bustling atmosphere and diverse offerings including restaurants, bars, stores, and entertainment venues. The area is popular for strolling and hanging out with family or friends.

Nice place for strolling!

J L — Google review

Lots of restaurants good food and dance clubs...

David G — Google review

So nice and friendly

Angel N — Google review

Clean, beautiful and very safe. Free rides for children. Family and pet friendly street with plenty of restaurants, bars, shopping centers, hotels and parking garages around! Endless fun for all ages.

Jorge A — Google review

Food is a lot cheaper for sure! Got a freshly baked large pepperoni and pizza at Giuseppis Italian Restaurant for $10 equivalent! It was really good! I wanted to try one of their pasta dishes but we weren’t really hungry and just wanted to order something.

Leilani T — Google review

Could use a revamp

Edaro F — Google review

This is were the sin begins, everything at your finger tips. Alcohol, drugs, gambling, women, men, kids... I'm just kidding no kids! Shame on you if kids put a smile on your face, zebra's dancing, food, please be respectful towards everyone... Don't want to end up missing.Watch out for thief's that enforce the law for personal gain ,they drive around in white and blue vehicle's... Oouch. Enjoy TIJUANA at your own risk.

Angel G — Google review

A fantastic variety of restaurants, bars, stores, and more. Many people having a great time! 👍

Paul A — Google review

Go south to Rosarito Beach. Much more fun there.

Philip W — Google review

A great place to walk and hang out. Plenty of shopping, restaurants, cafes, sports bars and plain bars to hang out at. Close to transit centers on Constitution (west) and Madero (east).

Joe D — Google review

I will not go back again.4 hours waiting to cross the border!Not worth it....

Jose C — Google review

The best culture experience.

Albert L — Google review

Its cool if you're looking for fun and night life. But pretty messy at times

Irvin R — Google review

Party place

Anthony W — Google review

Nice to go with family. You will find d everything you looking for and will have fun.

Roger M — Google review

Excellent walking and the new view of the city.

Juvencio R — Google review

4.6

(206)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (87)

3.5

(874)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (88)

Tijuana, B.C., Mexico

I'll never travel to Tucson without this trip planner again

Learn more

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (89)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (90)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (91)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (92)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (93)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (94)

I will never travel to Tucson without this app againAvailable on the App Store

11

Rosarito

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (96)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (97)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (98)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (99)

Mentioned on

+85 other lists

Outdoor Activities

Beaches

Rosarito, a resort town on Mexico's Baja California peninsula, is a popular nightlife destination for U.S. visitors due to its proximity to the border. The area boasts beaches with strong surf such as Rosarito in town, Medio Camino in the south, and Baja Malibu to the north. Offshore, the Rosarito Underwater Park features an artificial reef with the remains of Uribe 121, a former navy ship.

4.0

(488)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (102)

Baja California, Mexico

12

La Jolla Zip Zoom Ziplines

Tours

Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

This was a GREAT time, and GREAT weather to do it in October. 3 decent ziplines, 2 of which are greater than 2000’ long. Highly recommended! Our guide, Joe, was fun!

Graham P — Google review

I booked an appointment for December. They called me some time after I booked it, I didn’t answer and within 10 minutes, refunded me on a card that I lost. I immediately called them; they told me they would call me back to fix the issue. They never did. I called them 4 times, left several voicemails. I never heard back. I called the camp grounds. Again, never heard back. I emailed both the zip line email and the campground email. The zip line email bounced back. The campground never replied. If they don’t reply soon, unfortunately I’ll have to take them to court for my refund. It’s been two months and I’ve been patient. This is really disappointing as I try to be understanding and accommodating but I can’t be if they literally will not return my calls.

Rebecca R — Google review

This was a GREAT time, and GREAT weather to do it in October. 3 decent ziplines, 2 of which are greater than 2000’ long. Highly recommended! Our guide, Joe, was fun!

Graham P — Google review

Really great excursion. It's not that far from the city and the views are very scenic. The staff is very courteous and gives you other ideas of where to go in the area for different viewpoints. There are 3 ziplines total and you really fly on them with beautiful views of the mountains and river. Highly recommend and I will be going back the next time I'm in the area.

Brandon L — Google review

So fun! Joseph is exceptionally friendly and professional! Three long zips with the last one being the most beautiful- zipping through trees and over a stream!

Wendy M — Google review

Amazing experience! My family and I visited in November, and it was absolutely wonderful. The guides were incredibly kind, answered all our questions, and helped every step of the way, from putting on our straps and helmets to ensuring everything was secure and safe. I brought my own action camera, and they were happy to accommodate it. There were four of us total (three from my family), and we had two guides. We went on three different zip lines, and by the end, I was left wanting to try even more! The views are breathtaking. Is it pricey? A little, but it’s worth every penny. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Vinodini K — Google review

The staff were knowledgeable, professional, and took safety seriously. I have been zip lining a few times but this was one of the better experiences. I would recommend this to anyone that likes the outdoors or wants a thrill. Well worth it.

T M — Google review

Wife and I had a GREAT time at ZIPZOOM Ziplines on Sunday Aug 4! The guides (Quinn, Julie and Israel) were informative about all the safety features and we were both very relaxed knowing they had us taken care of. They were fun personalizties too; even though this is their job to zip along before and after us and they do it every day, you can tell THEY are having fun too!Each of the 3 ziplines provide a different experience of length, speed and scenery. On all 3 we went very fast (I'm 210lb guy so a little faster than my 110lb wife). It was a very hot day in the valley but on the hilltops and the towers where we zipped from it was breezy and cooler, plus cool water was available at various places. Highly recommend the experience, it is worth the drive and the price! Have fun!

DrJeff S — Google review

First timer and certainly nervous but we had a supportive crew to get us through the zipline. I wish there was some swag to purchase! And...we had a hard time finding the location. The zipline sign on HWY 76 should be right under the campground sign at the gas station. The arrow on the sign looked like we were supposed to keep going. We got lost!

Josette P — Google review

Check in was easy; host was friendly. Guides were kind and present in the experience. Uriel, his twin, and the one in the slacks. We felt secure and safety was a priority. Nice truck ride to the top. Good fun! 10/10 would recommend!

M L — Google review

Loved the tour guides they definitely made my first time Zipline experience that much more enjoyable, They were so hype and overall our group so enthusiastic. Props to the workers for being trained well and having awesome personality. WHOOP WHOOPi bought vid and pics but its loading so here’s this one :)

Izella M — Google review

Loved the tour guides they definitely made my first time Zipline experience that much more enjoyable, They were so hype and overall our group so enthusiastic. Props to the workers for being trained well and having awesome personality. WHOOP WHOOPi bought vid and pics but its loading so here’s this one :)

Izella M — Google review

Covid safe! Super safe an fun. Lani, Mathew,Monique an Casandra were awesome. We highly recommend. Make reservations on line. Thank u all for making my hubby b'day special. 10.2020

Ana G — Google review

I first want to THANK our three guides Juliana, Joseph and Elijah!!! We are a family of 5 and this was our first time doing ziplinines, but our three guides made us feel at ease and confident for our first experience.SAFETY is their number #1 priority and Juliana made sure everyone’s equipment was safe and go to go before every jump. Joseph is very funny and will educate you about the zipline company and the land on the drive up to the tours. Elijah is very calm and double checks to make sure everyone is safe. The staff has great communication with each other and made our experience awesome!If it’s your first time like us and you want an awesome experience, with safety the number #1 priority, I HIGHLY recommend La Jolla zip Zoom Ziplines!!!THANK YOU AGAIN!!!Juliana, Joseph and ElijahYou all ROCK!!!!!!

Jermaine H — Google review

First time zip lining and this was an awesome experience! I wasn't sure what to expect, but we were well informed and their safety measures were very reassuring. The zip lines and equipment were in great condition. Beautiful scenery too. Would definitely recommend.

Carolyn C — Google review

First timer and certainly nervous but we had a supportive crew to get us through the zipline. I wish there was some swag to purchase! And...we had a hard time finding the location. The zipline sign on HWY 76 should be right under the campground sign at the gas station. The arrow on the sign looked like we were supposed to keep going. We got lost!

Josette P — Google review

Beautiful views and wonderful staff. I always look for a spot that has the best views. The stream was nice to zip over. I just wish they had more than 3 lines.

Vicki V — Google review

Awesome experience! Highly recommend. The staff was really nice, friendly and extra patient with me.. I have a physical disability yet that was no impediment to go on this adventure. I went to celebrate my best friends birthday and it was simply amazing.

Azucena G — Google review

Capri was a great guide! She talked us down when we’re were (quite literally) shaking in our boots, and walked us thru everything for piece of mind. Awesome zip lining course! The first one is crazy! Awesome views too. Well worth the money! Get the photo package. They take photos throughout and they send them all to you so you don’t have to bring your phone and risk dropping it.

Kristen B — Google review

Capri was a great guide! She talked us down when we’re were (quite literally) shaking in our boots, and walked us thru everything for piece of mind. Awesome zip lining course! The first one is crazy! Awesome views too. Well worth the money! Get the photo package. They take photos throughout and they send them all to you so you don’t have to bring your phone and risk dropping it.

Kristen B — Google review

Fun! Fun! Fun! Located in the La Jolla Indian Campground, ZZZip would make a great half day trip or if you wish to camp or RV, this could be a great weekend getaway. During the summer you can rent a tube and float along the St Luis Rey River also. Reservations are needed that can be booked online. The guides were extremely wonderful. Melissa, Joe and everyone else were very helpful and knowledgeable. For safety, high winds may limit your experience due to uncontrollable mother nature. Overall, this zip was hip and pip and given a tip.

Mini H — Google review

Great local experience if you are up to a bit of an adrenaline rush here and there. About 90 min from San Diego, La Jolla area via scenic drive on local backroads lies the thrill of the gorgeous 3 zip lines at the outskirts of Mt. Palomar.The young crew that made sure all of this happens smoothly, without hiccups was highly entertaining, more than helpful and obsessed with safety of participants, just the way I like it, considering we had 2 teenagers in the party. They were were friendly and constantly tested our knowledge of zip line flying and breaking/'landing', which is crucial for pleasent experience.Three times of 45 seconds of 'free flight' (well, almost) that you will never be able to forget!

Bojan V — Google review

We had a terrific time. Only my grandson and me. My wife was able to ride along and watch us zip across 3 lines. We rode on two lines side by side. The twins (Arturo and Ivan) were very efficient and safe. Great fun personalities too. The equipment looks very modern and safe. Very fun!

SWayneZ — Google review

Took the family zip lining in June 2019 and had a great experience. The employees all were great and we all felt very safe during the entire tour. It was very hot when we went in June. In the high 90’s so we booked a early trip to get done before noon. Wear sun tan lotion and they supply the water. I would suggest listening very well about the stop positioning. I have done zip lines in Hawaii on two other occasions and this stopping system is very different. The stop is much faster than one would think.

Brandon D — Google review

Took my son and his friends for an overnight camping, tubing and zip line birthday celebration. A great time. The people working at La Jolla Zip Zoom were all very friendly, professional, efficient and fun. Great marks on customer service. Even greater marks on the amazing zip lines. If you can I recommend going the day before ($35 for a tent site), spend the afternoon tubing in the river, then a zip line adventure in the morning. You get a discount ~$25 off if you are a camper.

Steven R — Google review

The staff all have great positive energy and love their job my friends all loved the zip line. I personally didnt get to go cause I was 6 pounds too fat, maybe next time. But the waiting was nice down by the stream, so peaceful and relaxing. A very beautiful land.

Gregg H — Google review

Visited with my friend this past weekend and had an AMAZING time! The staff (Michel, Quinn, Kapri, Elijah, Leeana, and Joseph) were so reassuring and kind. Definitely would come back, I had such a good time!! GO LJZZ

Yoopa R — Google review

Took the family zip lining in June 2019 and had a great experience. The employees all were great and we all felt very safe during the entire tour. It was very hot when we went in June. In the high 90’s so we booked a early trip to get done before noon. Wear sun tan lotion and they supply the water. I would suggest listening very well about the stop positioning. I have done zip lines in Hawaii on two other occasions and this stopping system is very different. The stop is much faster than one would think.

Brandon D — Google review

Awesome experience! Highly recommend. The staff was really nice, friendly and extra patient with me.. I have a physical disability yet that was no impediment to go on this adventure. I went to celebrate my best friends birthday and it was simply amazing.

Azucena G — Google review

4.6

(259)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (103)

5.0

(848)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (104)

22000 CA-76, Pauma Valley, CA 92061, USA

(760) 742-3776

13

Lions Tigers & Bears The San Diego Animal Sanctuary®

Mentioned on

1 list

Wildlife and safari park

Nature & Parks

Animal park

Event venue

Lions Tigers & Bears is a non-profit organization that aims to provide a safe and protected environment for abused and mistreated animals. The organization relies on the dedication of volunteers who often have other jobs but still support the mission. Visitors can take a two-hour informative tour and donate the admission cost towards helping the animals. Additionally, there is an online Wishlist available if visitors wish to bring donations to contribute towards their cause.

Woooow! This was a birthday gift from my friends. It was truly a great experience. We got to meet Bobbi and she was amazing. Michelle and Annie were very knowledgeable guides. It's definitely worth the trip. Learning about the stories of these poor animals and so many others in the US. It's time to get aware and protect these beautiful creatures. Thank you everyone at 🦁 🐯 and 🐻 for such an awesome first experience.

Keena P — Google review

The pre tour video is a bit long, and the story is sad as it describes the poor treatment the animals received in the movie and circus industries, as well as by prior individual owners. However the animals are well treated now and the volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable l. They clearly care about the animals. The tour guide on Saturday is a school teacher and did an amazing tour! Everyone in our family enjoyed the visit. A great value.

Eric J — Google review

It was a great experience! You have to buy your ticket in advance, because the experience consists of an organized tour (1.5 hrs), and then you can roam the grounds on your own. Eddie the Jaguar was amazing.The sanctuary was very clean, with well-maintained enclosures and spaces that made both the animals and visitors feel safe and comfortable. The staff were extremely friendly and welcoming, always ready to answer questions or provide more information about the animals and their stories. You can also feed some of the animals, which is cool.The sanctuary itself was beautiful, set amidst picturesque surroundings that added to the peaceful atmosphere. It was easy to get to as well. Large highways most the way, and NO winding mountain roads, which is nice.I left feeling inspired and grateful for the work the sanctuary is doing. It’s a perfect place for animal lovers and families. However, small children may not like some of the images of abused animals during the 20-minute video at the beginning of the tour.Great experience. Highly recommend!

Andrew K — Google review

Amazing experience with some absolutely gorgeous wild animals! This reserve saves and protects wild animals taken in as pets or abused in industry and gives them acres of land to recover and be safe. Fully non-profit organization that survives off donations and volunteers! Love it! 🥰

Kai B — Google review

My husband and I visited the sanctuary from the east coast as part of a week long vacation in California. Even though this was only two hours of our trip, it’s all we’re still talking about now that we’re home. We did the Feed With a Keeper tour and had Chris as our volunteer guide. I was impressed with how passionate and knowledgeable she was about the animals. She went out of her way to make sure we had a great experience. We even got to talk to Bobbi briefly and the lead keeper, Cody. Our tour was closer to 3 hours, even though we only paid for 2. She wanted to make sure we had plenty of opportunity to meet and feed all the amazing animals. Being that close to and interacting with the big cats and bears was absolutely awe inspiring and I’ll never forget it. I work in the animal behavior field and spent many years working in an animal shelter and was impressed with the care and enrichment the animals at the sanctuary received. Truly a special place. I wish we lived closer, we would come back again and again!

Laura C — Google review

This place is incredible. It was an amazing experience, and I'm so thankful for all the hard work they do to help these beautiful animals in need. Our tour guide, Jay, was amazing, knowledgeable, and funny. You can tell he loves what he does.

Olaya L — Google review

Great experience for all. Their passion for preserving the lives of these animals is inspiring. If you are looking for something to do and support a local business of the San Diego area this is a must. Ask for Jay he really makes it memorable.

Arron T — Google review

Can confirm there were lions and tigers and bears. Well-run refuge with very dedicated volunteers and staff. We caught their Halloween sleepover and enjoyed being woken up at breakfast by a lion roar much more than you'd expect

Vince L — Google review

This oasis is home to wide variety of rescued exotic animals (lions, tigers, bears, a jaguar, leopard, plus many more!). Everyone was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and noticeably caring of all the animals. I will definitely be coming back more frequently to support the amazing work Bobbi and her team do.

A Z — Google review

I have volunteered for Lions, Tigers and Bears since 2016. The founder, Bobbi Brink, works tirelessly to give the rescued animals the life they deserve. Some have come from the entertainment industry, private ownership, exotic animal trade, so-called zoos, cub petting and other illegal arenas. You can go on an educational visit Wednesday through Saturday and learn the stories of these beautiful animals. This definitely is my happy place.

Suzanne A — Google review

Incredibly well run and clean, with healthy animals that look like they would make great pets - but don’t think about it :-)Michele, Carolyn, and Nancy were all knowledgeable and awesome to work with, and please say hey to Meatball for us when you get there.It’s a must visit for people that care about our four-legged fluffy friends, and where else are you going to feed an appreciative lion lunch?

Dave X — Google review

What an amazing experience!! Getting to see these animals up close and was breathtaking. All the animals are so well cared for. My husband and I were able to feed Louie the lion and Suri lioness, Nola the white tiger and Conga a super cute leopard. So cool!! Beautiful property. Our tour guide was kind, very informative, knew so much about each animal and answered all of our questions. Had such an amazing time.

Elle G — Google review

We were not sure what to expect on our first visit to Lions Tigers & Bears, but were more than impressed with the conservation and rescue going on here. We were shocked to learn about the rescues and abuse these beautiful cats and bears endured in Hollywood, private collectors or other zoos. We met Bobbi Brink, Founder Lions Tigers & Bears while here and her passion and compassion were evident! She and her staff love on these beutiful animals and nurse them back to health and restore their quality of life. The tour of the grounds is fun and very educational.Alpine can get very hot and very cold depending on the month you visit Bobbi Lions Tigers & Bears, so bring sunscreen, hats, jackets and dress for hiking as this tour is a jaunt an very rural.It's worht the drive here and you'll be helping donate to this cause just by buying a ticket. They do make their cause and donation needs known, but they are not pushy and it's very relaxed here.

Thomas R — Google review

Such an amazing sanctuary for these large beautiful animals! Bobby has created a wonderful home for them. Definitely a must see!!

Vanessa R — Google review

The owner's story is inspiring. The property is beautiful. The tour guides and employees/volunteers are all very friendly. The ticket prices are worth what you get. The stories of all the animals is bitter-sweet.

Adriana P — Google review

Spent the night there in the first class accommodation. Listened to the lions at night. Walked through the facility with lanterns. Clean, well kept, beautiful grounds.

Glenda G — Google review

This place is amazing. Learning about the devastating exotic animal trade is eye opening. Being up close to these majestic animals at a true sanctuary is such an experience.

Denise H — Google review

Amazing. This place should not exist but because people think it would be cool to have a wild animal as a pet then realize they can't handle it anymore, this place is the animals safety net to live out their days. Thanks Bobbi and all your volunteers for giving these animals their best life after the hell they have been through. For those interested, this place is a top notch experience and incredible facilities for both animals and us humans. They even have one you can pet. Tom was a good boy.

Jim C — Google review

What a cool find. We heard about it randomly from someone at our hotel and are so happy we went. A unique place on a beautiful piece of land. Took our kids who absolutely loved seeing the animals up close but more importantly were inspired by the rescue efforts. There were some hard lessons for them in there too, but they came away touched by the efforts to give these amazing animals forever homes.Also, the staff here is super friendly and helpful. The whole place has a refreshing positive vibe.

Matt B — Google review

We had a good start of our day in Alpine out with the lions tigers and bears and what a nice time. We had a tour guide who was very informative (I couldn’t get a video without someone talking) my only grumble… personal pet peeve. :) We left thankful the money we spent is all for these beautiful animals to have a safe life. My 16 year old wanted to obviously pet and play with these beauties.. and if we can go to a place where we can do this we need to pay attention to why.. (sedation?) is what I learned.The enclosures allow for you to watch these beautiful creatures roam their homes. I would suggest if you have younger toddlers who are less likely to be able to listen to the “no running” you might be want to give them another year to have them really enjoy this great piece of land.

Priscilla M — Google review

Such a wonderful experience and would highly recommend everyone takes the time to visit this beautiful place. Everyone we came in contact with was nice and friendly. All the animals are well taken care of and loved. Money well spent and all goes back into the care of the animals and their habitats. Thank you for creating a sanctuary for these animals so they can spend the rest of their days in comfort and happiness. We will definitely be back.

COLLEEN F — Google review

What a great find. The day spent at the park was fantastic. The tour guide was very good and the exhibits were very nice and the animals were very active. Buy tickets before getting to the park to make it easier. Love what they do for rescues. Will go back to support this cause.

Stephen H — Google review

This was such a phenomenal experience! Because of the weather we didn't get to see the bears but just another reason to come back! Bonus because of the weather our group was super small so it felt like a private tour! The staff are so kind, so knowledgeable, & it is clear the primary focus of the sanctuary is the animals well being & education, not pandering/entertaining the public. The work they are doing is so important & it was an entertaining & educational outing!

Kristy H — Google review

4.9

(478)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (105)

5.0

(1492)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (106)

24402 Martin Way, Alpine, CA 91901, USA

(619) 659-8078

14

Monte Xanic Bodega Vinícola

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (107)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (108)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (109)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (110)

Mentioned on

+23 other lists

Vineyard

Food & Drink

Monte Xanic is a 300-acre vineyard located in the Valle de Guadalupe, in the heart of the Bodega region. The winery produces world-class wines, including a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. It is important to note that advance reservations are required, as guards will only open the gate once they've checked that a reservation has been made.

It’s about $50 per person.You get 4 glasses of wine. You okay a guessing game to see what kind of wine they gave, with the guidance of their staff.They give water or sparkling water on the side, accompanied by a charcuterie board.

Mauro F — Google review

Absolutely beautiful atmosphere. Love the wine and the service is top notch.The munchie option could improve but love the outdoor seating.September and October would be the perfect time to go.

Erika S — Google review

One of the very best wineries in Valle de Guadalupe. Monte Xanic is a great place to enjoy wine tasting. The venue is beautiful and you can find yourself spending much time there. Our favorite wine is the Gran Ricardo. So delicious and it has the very best name out there. There is also a restaurant at the location that sits next to a small lake. Go on out there and see why the Gran Ricardo wine is so delicious.

Ricardo R — Google review

Fantastic bottle service with a view of the pond. Some of the best wines in Valle, specifically calling out their award winning Sav Blanc. They do not offer tastings at the pond area, you can get tastings up in the main building with a reservation.

David T — Google review

Beautiful high end wineary. You need to make a reservation before going !!!! It wasn't cheap but nothing highend is. The whole compound was incredible !!!! What a great place. Felt a little rushed would be my only compliment but it was kinda busy so somewhat understandable. I would recommend you inform people of what time we have so we know how to pace ourselves. Regardless 6 starts !!!! Super recommended

Alex O — Google review

Beautiful view and great atmosphere. The staff was nice and knowledgeable about the wines. I wish they had small plates/appetizers options during wine tasting. There is a restaurant but reservation is needed. We asked for appetizers, which they didn’t have, but they were able to provide bread and pesto. Thank you!

Ashley — Google review

Lovely setting. Nicholas was really friendly and welcoming. Great wines, cool to see the bottling operation

Joe R — Google review

Loved the winery. It's a beautiful property and our guide Abril was great. You do need a reservation though. Tried to come here a year ago and was turned away at the gate. This time we had a reservation and tried some very good to great wines, for a tour of the winery, and were able to enjoy time just hanging out there. At the end they let us keep our wine glasses. The Gran Ricardo wine has some hype to it; tried it and it is worth it. Ended up taking a bottle home.

Pedro G — Google review

Wow! Absolutely a 5 🌟 experience all around. Our server Nicholas was amazing and super knowledgeable. The wine was delicious and the setting is absolutely stunning. Highly recommend Monte Xanic!

Meesh J — Google review

We got there having no reservations. We were allowed to the lower side of the winery, next to the lake- which is great too! It’s quiet, relaxing, the wines are great. Try the cabernet with the bread options. You will love it here!

DoinaB — Google review

What an incredible place. Monte Xanic was our favorite winery we visited in the area by far. Not only was the wine superb, and the views stunning, but our tour guide / wine tasting “guru” -Sara, really knew her stuff. She truly knew how to describe wine in a way that made us want to buy all of the bottles in the winery. The wine in an of itself though tasted delicious all the way down the line (I think we tried all of the ones on the tasting menu, plus the ones they served by the glass - ha!!) it’s also really cool to note that this winery was truly started by Mexicans for Mexicans which made it feel like a truly “Mexican wine” experience which I think is what we wanted to go for when we came to the area. We highly recommend this winery and we will definitely be back.Thanks Sara for being the perfect guide! Next time we come back, I hope you’re managing the place!! 😊

Lauren B — Google review

Would go back here and would recommend to friends/family! Beautiful view, nice tour and good wines.Reservation required and it does have EV chargers in the parking lot.

Aaron B — Google review

The best wine, service and experience in Valle de Guadalupe!Nicolas our tour guide was so kind, fun and friendly, he took the time to explain every little detail to us. The wines we tried were out of this world, if they were sold in Canada we would drink them everyday!We ordered the best charcuterie board I've ever had! I 100% recommend visiting this winery (and you'll definitely want to bring a jacket with you!)

Daniela D — Google review

The best winery we visited in Ensenada! This place is great, the quality of the wines and the amazing scenery makes this place a must visit while in Ensenada. We bought like 6 bottles to bring back home. Our favorite was the cab and the Sauvignon!

Francisco A — Google review

The tour was shorter than expected, but Alejandro made it feel as if we spent an entire, splendid day at Monte Xanic. Between the wine, history and environment you’re guaranteed a great time.Worth every moment and of time and money. We will be back soon!

Jose O — Google review

A fabulous winery to visit and enjoy wine! We were paired with an English speaker guide which was awesome, we really enjoyed learning the history and if course trying the wine! High quality wine and we'd recommend going here to anyone.

Melanie F — Google review

Service was outstanding in this winery, we had a great time and view. The wines were so great and so the cold dishes. Very kind staff. We had an amazing time here taking pictures, drinking and overall having a nice relaxing weekend. We did a reservation so our place was higher and more special. Overall great experience and would love to be coming back!

Jack H — Google review

4.4

(569)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (112)

4.5

(1096)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (113)

Francisco Zarco S/N Col, 22750 Francisco Zarco, B.C., Mexico

+52 646 155 2080

15

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (114)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (115)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (116)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (117)

Mentioned on

4 lists

State park

Sights & Landmarks

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a massive wilderness area that boasts an abundance of hiking trails, wildflowers, trees, shrubs, and cacti. It's considered one of the richest natural-history museums in the nation and features stunning desert vistas that are unmatched in their privacy and beauty. Camping opportunities abound for those seeking a more secluded experience, with plenty of space to explore off the beaten path.

We loved our stay at Blair Valley. We got a beautiful campsite. It is a wonderful time of the year to visit. There is so much to see here. The desert is in full bloom this time of year. Will definitely return.

Kelli L — Google review

Beautiful slot - but NO signs as to how long and/or if it was round trip. The state park magazine said 1.5 miles round trip - but it was actually closer to 3 and there were 2 other groups down there trying to figure out if they should turn around or if the trail would loop back. Both ways worked, but there was no sign and no obvious way out.

Lorna W — Google review

Visited the park on a weekday in November when the visitor center was open, the weather was perfect for hiking, and the crowds were somewhere else. The wildflowers were long gone, and the bighorn sheep were hiding. But the trails were well marked, clean, uncrowded and a joy to hike...

Craig B — Google review

The most incredible camping imaginable between blue birds, ravens, eagles, hummingbirds, rabbits, beetles, and eternal starry skies.No mosquitos. Hardly any flies. Please keep this area clean for the next person by disposing of cigarette butts, bottle caps, etc.

MJ B — Google review

We saw one of the most breathtaking views of wildflower blooms here! The visitor center is good with a lot of interesting information about the park and its wildlife. Must visit if you are intrigued by desert ecosystems.

Shruti D — Google review

I love primitive camping and backpacking in Southern Anza-Borrego. Quiet serene, lots of big boulders and Ocotillos.I used to say the desert was mostly a wasteland, but I've learned so much about life in the desert the past 7 years. From water sources to seeing humming birds and dragon flies. The plants, the animals and the history.There's so much to experience.Avoid Mid June - Mid Sept due to heat. Winter is never too cold.

Chris G — Google review

Went for my birthday weekend- absolutely incredible. Very hot during the day and throughout the evening. Temperatures drop significantly close to 10pm-11pm.

Chiffon L — Google review

This desert park is so big and diverse with so many things to see and do. The visitor center near Borrego Springs is a must see and the rangers/volunteers there will give you suggestions and directions for whatever your interests.

William S — Google review

Epic place with some challenges to make our life more interesting.Great place for sound meditation.The hick is only 1.1 miles long. There you can meet snakes and lizards.I loved that hike.Recommend

Dzmitry M — Google review

If you live in Southern California and you'd like to visit something totally off the grid and experience exquisite quietness with spectacular beauty, this is it!

Rick D — Google review

Drove here as LA was rainy and cold, and it proved to be worth the 3hr drive. Amazing landscape and less crowded.Don't miss wildflowers season in March, canyon trail, the sculptures, and the rocky cactus loop trail. Check photos.

Vignesh S — Google review

Always a fun visit! Even better if you drive a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to explore the many trails and slot canyons! Highly recommend.

Tom B — Google review

Great place to go on or off trails and explore. I would recommend wild cat canyon.

Michael K — Google review

Great place, from the various palm oases to the statuary field (which I will separately rate) and more. And, most of it's free! Note: if you're driving a rental-car company SUV with highway tires, take seriously the off-highway roads with "loose sand" signs.

Steve S — Google review

We went to see the flowers - and we were not disapointed. We skipped the vistor center which was overwhelmed, but as locals we just followed the directions of the rangers who were directing trafic, with calm professionalism depite the chaos all around, and we were not disappointed! I love this State Park and try to go durring the bloom every Feb/ March, phenomenal!

Colleen G — Google review

I'm absolutely terrific park. Well organized parking area and the staff were awesome to work with. We had a great time here today as there are so many different hiking, biking and other options but come prepared for the weather of the day.Thank you again for the opportunity to use your park! Thanks again from the BC, Canada

Ned B — Google review

We had a wonderful excursion at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. It was so delightful to see the dry desert come alive in swathes of bloom as far as the eye could see... all the way to the foothills. A glorious sight.These were grouping of a variety of plants in colors of yellow, white, magenta, orange, and purple. Also, cactus blooming in some areas. The interesting, rusty giant metal sculptures of varying creatures were so fun to see. Make sure your first stop is at the states visitor center to get the scoop on the current bloom sites, the history, reliable maps, botanical display, hikes, and see an interesting film. It will assure you get the most out of your visit.

Victoria S — Google review

This state park’s wildflower super bloom season is so beautiful and picturesque with the backdrop of the mountains. With the cool breeze, the calming scent of the wildflowers fills the air and soothes the soul. And the metal sculptures add a cool touch to the park, especially the dragon one.

Kalyani C — Google review

Since this is the largest state park in California, expect to do a lot of driving. The area is surrounded by mountains and desert floors. There are numerous washes throughout, but there's very few signs from the road to give you a warning where it is. By the time you see the small sign in the wash, you've gone too far and have to turn around.We stayed at Tamerisk Grove CG but probably should've stayed at the Palm Canyon CG due to size limitation. There's also over 500 miles of road for free boondocking with 30-day stay per calendar yearWe did see the Truckhaven Rock area, Font Point overlook, and hiked the Slot Canyon out to the Borrego Badlands. Excellent spots if you have a couple of days.While not part of the park, we did visit almost all of the large sculptures seen around the city of Borrego Springs.We have a 4x4 pickup truck but not high clearance. Recommend it for some of the more technical roads. Most washes were fine with just a 4x4 vehicle.We recommend visiting this park if you happen to be in the area.

Mike S — Google review

Loved our experience here - stayed in the Tamarisk Camp Grounds and explored as much as we could. The State Park is well kept and the visitor's center was a hit too! The flora and fauna are abundant this time of year.Check out the Galleta Meadows if you get a chance. We only saw a sliver of all this area has to offer.

Persephone — Google review

Nice area, can be warm and a bit breezy, with good roads. There is wonderful visitor center with lots of interesting books and info. It even has an informative short movie and the gift shop. You can buy food or bring a picnic and enjoy the park in the center of town that is dog friendly, has restrooms, and the kids can play.

Kathy P — Google review

Beautiful park. Drove there to go hike the palm canyon trail, and I can say that the drive itself is worth it even if I had not done the hike. After the sun set, I was able to see the stars very clearly. It was a breathtaking moment as you cannot see a starry sky like this in most cities. This park forever holds a spot in my heart for the experience it gave me and the stars it showed me.

Mohammed K — Google review

Visiting all of the sculptures is a must! Do watch for scorpions and rattlesnakes in the summer. It’s way too hot in the summer for dogs unless you plan an early morning. It’s considered an International Dark Sky do Milky Way photography is amazing too!

Jacinda S — Google review

Anza-Borrego State Park is a stunning natural oasis, with a scenic entrance road that sets the stage for its beauty. While the metal sculptures aren't near the visitor center, they're worth the drive along Borrego Springs Road from the Christmas Circle. These whimsical creations add a unique touch to the already captivating landscape, making Anza-Borrego a must-visit destination for nature and art lovers alike.

Prasenjit S — Google review

4.7

(3563)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (118)

4.5

(1006)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (119)

California, USA

(760) 767-4205

I'll never travel to Tucson without this trip planner again

Learn more

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (120)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (121)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (122)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (123)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (124)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (125)

I will never travel to Tucson without this app againAvailable on the App Store

16

Salvation Mountain

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (127)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (128)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (129)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (130)

Mentioned on

1 list

Historical landmark

Sights & Landmarks

Salvation Mountain is a distinctive and offbeat attraction located on the way to Los Angeles. This quirky landmark features a mound made of adobe, adorned with vibrant religious folk art. Created by Leonard Knight, the project is free to visit and allows visitors to walk up the mountain, as long as they remain on the yellow brick road. There are restrooms and shaded areas available for those who want to explore this unique destination.

Seen this in the movie, "Into the Wild" and put it on my list of must see. Visiting the high desert decided to take a day trip here. Nice drive along the Salton Sea on a paved two lane road. Be sure to gas up, have water, sunscreen and hat. Arrived in the morning and it was already hot. Easy to find, used GPS. There is parking off the road. The area was clean and a port-a-potty on sight was surprising clean and serviced. An on site care taker was friendly and working on maintenance. Information flyers and postcards are available which I loved and took advantage of. A donation box is securely set up and suggested. There was also a selfie shelf to take photos. Genius! You can wander and explore where permitted. Sunset photos would be the best. A California icon that is worth the time.

Sandi Y — Google review

Really cool place to visit, and the attached slab city is extremely cool and worth the visit. Only kinda annoying thing is that everyone is trying to sell you something and the salvation mountain itself (as you may be able to guess based on the name) is very god-y. It really is an extremely impressive work of art in an incredibly unconventional spot, but it is always but and the road in is terrible.

Kore — Google review

Weirdest place I've ever been but, I like strange things so I had a great time seeing the different odd things and people. If you're going there don't forget to stop by and see East Jesus. The only thing you may not want to check out is the hot spring I did and there were three people naked in there bathing. Oops!

Valerie M — Google review

A very interesting place to visit. A lot of local historical value . A lot of it was shut down but still a very interesting place to visit. Kind of far out but if you close to Palm Springs or El Centro it might be worth the drive over. Good photo op.

Fred L — Google review

Beautiful landmark everyone should see once in their life. Friendly folks working there who answered all of my questions. It's free to come check out, but they rely on donations for upkeep/maintenance... So donate to them, it's the right thing to do.

Mill G — Google review

We were invited to go there on Thanksgiving friday. It was a unique place to see for the first time for sure. But there was some kind of junk yard across this place, not too far from it.

Ted T — Google review

Beautiful place with wonderful energy. Amazing to see one of a kind art, a real labor of love.Free, donations very welcome at designated spots. There was a docent there that was friendly and answered questions. So glad this treasure was still there to be witnessed.Suggest sunhats/sunscreen, bring own water. Port-a-potties on site.

Going G — Google review

Impressive labor of love. The clay and brilliant colors are pretty dazzling although be aware that parts are closed so you can't walk along the entirety of it any more. Road there is pretty bumpy so be prepared for the experience of thinking you're lost. The host is super friendly and you'll likely see some locals from Slab City on the way.

John P — Google review

Landmark of this area! How can one person devote his life for this amazing space. I respect all his efforts and contributions. Very colorful and meaningful. Just be careful not to destroy this place as a tourist. Although there should be continuous reinforcement work, the covid ourbreak disturbed it. Now this landmark is a little bit broken.

J. K — Google review

Dope vibes. Very interesting visuals. I highly recommend checking it out while in the area!

Jack T — Google review

Exceeded my expectations. Locals who look out for the mountain and the surrounding art were very friendly and outgoing. Be respectful of the area and you will have a great experience.

Emily S — Google review

This was super cool to see the work that someone put into this. If you like things like this it is worth a stop. Be prepared that the drive out there is different then you might expect. There is a sea of people with pretty rough looking travel homes that live near by. But they leave you alone so, I would still go again and would recommend the experience for others.

Debbie V — Google review

Visited in April 2015. A truly amazing and unique place that left me inspired. Bit of history: Leonard Knight, born on November 1, 1931, was the 4th of 6 children. After serving in the Korean War as a vehicle technician, he embarked on a remarkable artistic journey. Knight’s passion for spreading love and God’s message led him to create something truly extraordinary.In the 1970s, Knight painted “GOD IS LOVE” on a hot air balloon crafted from patchwork materials and a stove. When the balloon failed to take flight, Knight prayed and felt that God’s response was to build a mountain. By 1984, he discovered Slab City, a transient and retiree commune, where he decided to leave a “small monument” made of concrete and paint. Over the next five years, the project grew, and the current Salvation Mountain emerged. Leonard Knight passed away in 2014 but was able to visit his beloved creation one last time in May 2013.

Jan R — Google review

Fascinating and beautiful piece of public art fashioned from adobe, paint and other discarded materials. There's a host generally on duty to answer questions. Don't miss exploring the recently opened "yellow brick road" path to the top of the mountain. Great views of slab city and the surrounding area from the summit. Don't forget to leave a donation on the way out!

Mick C — Google review

You won't regret this visit. Beautiful & enlightening. Truly a remarkable place, hidden gem in the desert. The people are nice & welcoming. Please bring donations (especially paint to preserve the mountain & art). Don't forget to stop by East Jesus & their the local gift shops. Help spread the message: "GOD IS LOVE" 💖💖💖

Val M — Google review

Absolutely amazing and the people there are so kind. Bring extra water and sunblock, make sure you bring some cash for donations. Great experience

Chelsea R — Google review

Came during a weekday afternoon in Feb - weather is pretty mild but hot compared to rest of SoCal (can’t imagine what it’s like in summer). Nice colorful monument that can be seen from faraway, definitely worth a visit if at Salton Sea otherwise not sure I drive all the way here. Take some time to explore Slab City while at it. Expect dirt road and eclectic surroundings.

Wee L — Google review

Such a cool place to see. The paints are very bright, so all of the pieces stand out. Would definitely recommend checking this out.

Big A — Google review

What a beautiful art piece! They have a selfie station here so you can get a lot of pictures with the art. I went on a day after it had rain so you can't really get up close because the piece is very fragile. They also let me send up my drone and take pictures from the sky. It looks beautiful, both on the ground and from above. Definitely recommend to anybody who loves outdoor installation art. The message is also something we all need to hear.

Michael W — Google review

A bit out of the way, up a long, bumpy dirt road... You see some of Slab City on the way though. Beautifully painted mountain, vehicles. Money donated goes to the cats of the area, so I was quick to toss in some cash!

Mel B — Google review

Drove here with friends while on vacation during the early few days of January. We went on a Wednesday during the afternoon. We traveled from Joshua Tree to Salvation, which was around 120 miles. It was an extremely long drive. The roads near Salvation Mountain are very rough despite being paved with asphalt. I would advise taking an SUV or other car that has a bit of ground clearance. We got stuck in the sand near a road-side stand because of this.Despite the setbacks, Salvation Mountain is an impressive place, and the story behind it is very interesting. It's about spreading a message with peace and love. One thing I would also mention is to avoid the bathrooms since they aren't sanitary.

Brandon M — Google review

In the vast desert wilderness lies an astonishing art installation. Gratitude to the creators and caretakers who transform ordinary objects into art amidst the barren expanse. Appreciate their expression of love through creativity and beauty. It's a pity one can't climb it due to maintenance, but hopeful for a chance to experience it up close in the future.Parking and public restrooms are available.

Jing — Google review

Such a fun spontaneous day trip , beautiful artwork .. such vibrant colors in the desert.Unique place , to explore. Enjoyed taking pictures with all the vibrancy that surrounded

Dela C — Google review

4.5

(3692)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (131)

4.5

(336)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (132)

Beal Rd, Niland, CA 92257, USA

(760) 624-8754

17

Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (133)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (134)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (135)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (136)

Mentioned on

+37 other lists

State park

Sights & Landmarks

Yuma Territorial Prison Park is a museum located in a prison that dates back to 1876. The prison was restored and transformed into a state park, where visitors can learn about its history through photos and historical pieces. There is also an interactive area where visitors can take their mug shot and a guard tower with a 360-degree view. It's possible to visit the park within an hour, but it's recommended to take your time to enjoy everything at an easy pace.

Gotta admit I love museums and tend to leave 5 star reviews as I love knowledge. This place certainly has the full gambit. They say give yourself 2hrs. We spent 3 and left without reading everything. Super fun. We were there in November. I am sure it would be hotter than sin in August....I would do it again.

Dale M — Google review

Very fun tour! The story of this prison is interesting. It was used in a multitude of ways over its lifetime & has a very interesting look into the past.

Matt S — Google review

Great tour, very knowledgeable guide. Still hot, water available, but you can bring your own. Noy much seating and shade opportunities, but museum display in the middle helps. Fascinating stories, as we walked around the cell blocks. Worth the stop, plan on 2 hours.

JD H — Google review

What a beautiful prison park! So many amazing views to capture all around the prison. Jail cells were really interesting to see and experience. Staff were so friendly and helpful. Was well worth paying $10 per person to enjoy a well kept facility. The tour was great interesting and really enjoyed learning about all the different people that stayed at the jail. Well worth stopping by!

Natalie E — Google review

Very interesting history recorded and displayed here. Upon entry, I was provided with a trivia quiz based on information presented in the museum portion, with the promise of a prize upon completion.Exhibits are well put together, organized well, and not overly crowded or sparse. I enjoyed reading about specific prisoners, a bit of history about what they did to become a prisoner, some insight on their behaviors while in prison, and how they got out.The cell block was well done, with some cells allowing entry, some with posed mannequins, and others with audio speakers of actors portraying or describing their experience in prison.The dark cell, used for solitary confinement, was near to see, especially since there were some bats "hanging" out in there!Thank you Yuma and Arizona for keeping this piece of history preserved for others to learn!

Kevin L — Google review

This is considered the number one tourist attraction in Yuma. It’s definitely a well earned designation. Kudos to the pros who set it up. You get a real feel for the past in so many ways! About the only sense they could not replicate is the odour of the original inmates! Thank goodness!

Gail M — Google review

Such a great experience. We shall return and bring friends. A true hidden gem. Low cost for a museum. Easy to find and get to.See our YouTube channel Coolest Life.

Anthony M — Google review

We stopped by on our way through Yuma on a trip so we could stretch our legs & visit a museum/state park at the same time. We went on a day when traffic was slow so we were able to take our time to read all the plaques & view everything they have on display. It was crazy to see everything & learn about some of the prisoners and the history behind the prison. There are also a few photo opportunity spots along the way.The gift shop had some pretty cool products too. This is a neat place to check out! It is also near a nice park and a walk way back to the river so it makes a great pit stop on a long road trip.

Luna B — Google review

It's a little small but wonderful! The museum is full of interesting stuff and facts. They have a great staff filled with information. I strongly recommend a stop if you're in the area

Dara H — Google review

I made a pit stop at Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park while passing through to California, and I’m glad I did. The museum portion of the park showcased fascinating histories of the inmates and the gear they used, including cuffs and other artifacts. It was all very interesting. Walking through the cemetery with its unmarked graves—just piles of rocks—left me pondering the harsh realities faced by the prisoners. I even ventured into some of the cells, imagining what life must have been like in such a formidable place. Overall, it was a thought-provoking and educational experience. Highly recommend visiting if you’re in the area!

Martin M — Google review

This place was extremely fascinating! Take the time to read the stories on the signs to get a better understanding of the history and really take your time going through this place. It’s stunning, haunting, a total back flash to a time far behind us, and all around very interesting. I’m glad this prison is protected as a museum ❤️

Taylor C — Google review

Great field trip while visiting the Yuma area to learn about important history. Definitely check out the video and explore all the grounds. Kids had a great time.

Cruising C — Google review

When driving through Yuma, this is a great spot to stop and stretch your legs and learn some history. You can go through the whole prison in about an hour.

Supersig140 — Google review

I'm so glad I stopped here. Very informative self tour of this old prison. Az Parks did a great job at preserving this piece of history. I took my time seeing everything and spent about 2 hours here. $10 to get in and discounts for military or seniors. Don't forget to visit the old cemetery at the end of the parking area.

Rita F — Google review

Very beautiful prison park! Amazing views, great details and photos. Jail cells were really cool to see and experience. Staff was so friendly and accommodating. Breathtaking vies of the whole area. Supporting parks are gorgeous! Was happy to pay $10 per person townjoy a very well kept facility. All the money goes back I to the park!

Donald D — Google review

It was amazing to walk through this place. So much history here!! I highly recommend!!

Sun F — Google review

Nice place. If I understood correctly, there's only one original building. The rest are reproduction. But I really enjoyed the history and stories of the prisoners. My favorite part was the true crime hunt. 10 questions pertaining to the prisoners and the history of the prison. There's parking for rvs, but a big rig and tow can't get in and turned around if there are others parked in there already.

Donna K — Google review

Fun touristy thing to do. Not very expansive, but fun and informative.

Valentin Z — Google review

We entered the shop to pay for tickets, and the lady behind the counter was very friendly and did tell us some of the history of the prison. I forgot her name, unfortunately. Mike, the tour guide, was also informative about the prison and the inmates over the years. Overall, everyone was great. The people we went on the tour with were also very friendly. I definitely would suggest stopping by to see this prison and learn some things about Yuma.

Mary R — Google review

I learned so much about the history of Yuma when visiting the museum.It's amazing how this little prison was involved with so much of our nation's story.Great job on engaging guests with a little quiz with a cool reward at the end. From stagecoach robberies to seduction, the museum packs a big punch.

Johnny J — Google review

Great history. Most noticeable are the bare feet of the inmates and rough stone floors, ankle bracelets and iron ball and chains. No AC or fans back then. Iron beds, but city residents complained when flushable toilets were installed as they didn't have them. Very limited on amenities so go prepared.

C ( — Google review

Great AZ State Park with four parts: gift shop, tickets, orientation, and entry; the museum with a well-done video, artifacts, and interpretive exhibits on life at the prison; the cell blocks, some with audio presentations, and the Dark Cell; and the grounds which include a large, elevated guard tower with area views.Nearby is the Colorado Crossing State Park.

Lee D — Google review

This is a great way to spend a few hours on any day. Very interesting historical place. Only 2 prisoners escaped this prison.

John — Google review

4.7

(3097)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (138)

4.5

(1472)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (139)

220 Prison Hill Rd, Yuma, AZ 85364, USA

(928) 783-4771

18

Castle Dome Mine Museum

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (140)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (141)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (142)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (143)

Mentioned on

1 list

Museum

Ghost town

The Castle Dome Mine Museum is a destination that offers a glimpse into the life of a mining town from 1878. The museum features renovated and recreated buildings that provide insight into the historical era. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour by scanning barcodes with their phones to learn about each building and its contents. While the mine tour may be pricey, exploring the museum's walk-through portion provides an abundance of history to explore.

Be prepared to be amazed if you are wanting to see history!! So much to see. It will take you most of the day to look thru all these building in this ghost town! We didn't make it thru all of it and will be going back again when it cools off.The mining Hull is a must see. FLourescent Minerals is spectacular!

Kimberly M — Google review

Lots of history here. The drive out to the town is a very rough (washboard) gravel road, so beware. The town is amazing, but can also be a bit confusing, despite the I'm weed buildings and audio self tour website. There needs to be a map of the grounds, so parts don't get missed. The cost is $20/adult, and cash is king.

Paul — Google review

Turn on mm55 from Yuma on 95, down a bumpy dirt road. Pretty cool place. $20pp to walk around might be a bit much. Spent about an hour and half checking out old buildings and machines. Walked about 1-2 miles throughout the city "if" you walk the whole thing. Might go back for the mine trip $75pp. Only 2 other couples were there at 11am on Wednesday so you may have the place to yourself.

Doug O — Google review

Lots of interesting buildings to look at. They do a great job on describing each building and items in it. Very interesting to walk around and see everything. You can scan a barcode with your phone and that will give you a self guided tour of the place. They prefer cash for the entrance fee, however will take a credit card if you don't have enough cash, but it will cost an extra $1 per person. We didn't do the mine tour as it was $75 per person and we had a group. A bit too pricey for all of us. Definitely worth going to see if you are in the area. Parking is limited and when we were there, no food available although I believe they have some on the weekends.

Honeymooners A — Google review

Amazing mining town with such a great and interesting history. The preservation of items of the era is impressive. They have done a great job on the presentation.

William — Google review

love this place… so well displayed it feels like we are a part of history. Tons off artifacts and history that we didn’t have time for the nine tour!!! going back for sure!!!

Patricia D — Google review

Off the path and a rough road. Neat museum about the 1800's mining town. Great way to spend an afternoon with a side tour of the mine. I really enjoyed it. There is a food truck restaurant but it is only open on Friday,Saturday and Sundays. Neat stories in some of the exhibits.

Tina G — Google review

We loved this place. So magical and pretty. The gravel road is not as bad, if you have a small car you should be ok if you are careful. We loved the experience. $15 dlls for each adult and $7 small children. Smaller kids are free. They have sodas,water and chips for sale for $1. It takes about 1 1/2 to to hours to tour the whole town. It was worth the drive.

Itza S — Google review

The replica old Town they have set up is incredible. Great staff! The actual mine tour was beautiful. Learned a lot. The road heading out there is pretty rough, dirt road. We were in our truck but many people were in cars. Highly recommend.

Patrica F — Google review

Castle Dome Mine Museum, it was a really cool museum! The only downside is that it's a bit off the beaten path down a dirt road, but it's definitely worth the trip. The museum is filled with interesting exhibits and artifacts that give you a glimpse into the history of the area. I highly recommend checking it out if you're in the area.

SIRLUNA ( — Google review

Great mining ghost town near Yuma, AZ there are no signs and it’s a grated dirt road. It was pretty busy! Pet friendly, but there are rattlers and be sure if you take your dog, have booties, the ground is hot.

Cindy N — Google review

The volunteers here at the Castle Dome Mine Museum were very helpful and friendly! We had a great time touring the mine and seeing all the displays! I highly recommend a visit to the Castle Some Mine Museum if you're ever in the Yuma Arizona area!

Dave H — Google review

Staff are awesome, very knowledgeable and friendly and have a huge passion for mines and their history. The Ghost town is extremely well preserved and the mine is very well maintained and the tour is thought out. The museum is also located in some of the most beautiful land in the country. Can’t recommend this place enough.

JD C — Google review

We went after the season ended (April 15th) and Allen, the owner, let us in with no problems. Alot of walking. Great history. The drive to get there is long but worth it.

L W — Google review

Highly recommend. This is a great place to visit to learn about the early life of someone working as a miner. We were able to go directly into the mine, which was awesome. The buildings were cool to see. Driving the long, dusty gravel road does come to an end.

Mike D — Google review

There is a great amount to see here; a wealth of history. The mine was very neat and being the last tour of the day had its perks; we were in no hurry and the 'blacklight' areas were already primed so the colors were so much more vibrant. It was $75 each for both the walkthrough portion and the mine. The food truck was open until 4 so we grabbed a quick hotdog before our tour. Give yourself plenty of time to do the walk through portion. We started about 1.5 hours before our tour and probably needed another 45 minutes to complete it.

Annette H — Google review

We had a good time! My kiddos loved exploring the old ghost town and seeing all the antiques. It took us a couple hours to walk through. Can’t wait to do the mine tours one day! Beautful scenery out this way too.

Ashley R — Google review

This is one of the BEST ghost towns and mines that the average person can visit! From the incredible mine tour that show cases countless rare and amazing relics of the 1800’s mining to rolling ore cars and a massive stope of fluorescent minerals making a spectacular show! The ghost town is well kept as well as amazing to walk through. My favorite is the saloon of course!

Nicholas B — Google review

This is an amazing place to visit. I regret I didn't do the mining tour that they are offering. I will definitely come back and do the tour next time. Highly recommend bring some cash to save facilities some trouble. They will take cards but not to their preferences.

21 V — Google review

Been there twice, last summer in August.. it was pretty miserable in the heat so we went last week and took friends. It was a fun and very interesting visit that I'd recommend... we ended up eating over at the landing in Lake Martinez but next time we'll pack lunches and have a picnic at the mine... there were 5 rattlesnakes spotted when we went so be prepared and be safe as it's a long drive to a hospital and I forgot to check if they stock antivenom for an emergency.

Keith G — Google review

Castle Dome Mine Museum with mine tours. 😊What a great historical place! We had a great time wandering the sites and exploring. They have it set up so very well and you actually get to walk in and see things, touch things and explore. They let you and want you to explore. Just not the mines 🤭.It’s a great place and highly recommended.

Dawn R — Google review

4.3

(697)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (144)

4.5

(464)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (145)

Castle Dome Mine Rd, Yuma, AZ 85365, USA

(928) 920-3062

19

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (146)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (147)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (148)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (149)

Mentioned on

6 lists

Zoo

Outdoor Activities

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park in Glendale, Arizona boasts the state's largest collection of exotic animals, including white tigers, lions, jaguars, giraffes, monkeys, kangaroos, sharks and penguins. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as feeding giraffes and petting stingrays. The park offers rides like the log flume through the aquarium and an African safari train.

WOW! Awesome zoo. Spent over 5 hours exploring the zoo grounds. Turns out this is a great place. Enjoyed the day and we seemed to see everything in one day. Very clean grounds and saw so many different species of animals our minds are on overload. We will return for another visit in the fall to see how the change of seasons turns out. Highly recommend a visit if your on the fence.

Rick S — Google review

A wonderful place for the kids to spend entire days there without getting them bored. A rare combination of Zoo and Aquarium made this place more attractive than Phoenix Zoo. In a typical hot AZ day, the aquarium offers both cool air and cool things to play. The kids can touch a lot of stingray in a small pond. There is a BBQ restaurant behind the big shark tank.Africa Safari Ride is the best paid activity in term value per dollar both entertaining and educational. So many interactive animal activities for the kids. My kid wanted to feed the goats for the whole day. Animal feeding, seal performance, and many more.The noise in the air might be a little disrupting during your outdoor fun activities with animals due to the nearby Air Force field aircraft training.

Ben D — Google review

All three of us had a great time and we spent easily 5 hours here as it is 5 mi to walk the whole time perimeter of the zoo. The thing we like about this place is the amount of animals to see in great abundance and in close proximity. A lot of the animals are only inches and the bigger ones a few feet away so you can see them in greater details. I think the feeding of the giraffe was a great idea because it lets people come close to animals. We really liked the rhino exhibit that included three rhinos, the black bear exhibit, exhibit with the giant arrowanna fish. The aquariums were a big plus and the fact that there are aerial trams available for purchase is a good plus and adds to variety.

Kevin — Google review

What an amazing place. I visited recently and I had no idea how big it was. They got a lot to see. I really enjoyed the aquariums. I wish the Phoenix Zoo had them. Definitely plan on spending the day there if you want to see everything. I can’t wait to go back.

DanO ( — Google review

We came here with four people while we were in Arizona. The official website has a coupon for 4 people and offers a $24 discount, so you should use it. I have attached a copy of the coupon so you can take a screenshot with your phone and show it at the ticket office. Free parking lots are available.This place has an aquarium, safari, zoo, and so it will take at least 3 or 4 hours to visit all of them. There are places where you can eat easily, toilets, and water refills. We are adults, but it was a good exercise, and I dared to enjoy cute baby animals and rare animals. The aquarium is also divided into several parts. I learned a lot not only from seeing animals.Also, depending on the time of arrival, there were some places where animals could not be seen because they were sleeping. There are places where you can buy food for animals, so it might be a good experience to try. We had about four hours, but we enjoyed ourselves very much. Highly recommend here.

Nami N — Google review

This is a big zoo that is very spaced out. A lot to see. The food and service was very bad and over priced. I was disappointed most attractions were closed. So to pay the same entry fee when things are shut down doesn’t seem right. You can easily spend the day here. This place needs some maintenance. This could be really an amazing place if some TLC is put into it. Not impressed but it has a lot to do. The ride through the middle was fun. Didn’t do the safari because you wait about 35 minutes for the vehicles to come back if there is not room.

Chase W — Google review

Coming from Chicago where we have Brookfield and Lincoln Park, this is one of the best zoos I’ve ever been to! It’s huge with a ton of variety of animals. Most of the times we’ve gone the animals are pretty active and they have baby animals all the time. The sea Lion show is awesome and the keepers and staff are all incredible. They have several good vendors but also allow food to save a few bucks for families. They also have a tram and a few kids rids. A great family day trip!

Rusty W — Google review

Me and my husband really enjoyed this. We saw the sea lion show and we rode the zip line the roller coaster they have this bird ride that you control the rudder and it was really fun. All the staff treated us really good. The girl at the giraffe feeding station was rude but every single other staff was great. If you want a great day I'd highly recommend this place. When your all done exploring check out the bbq restaurant it was so good.

Jeffrey N — Google review

Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium is not only one of the best experiences you can have in Phoenix, but I would venture to say one of the best zoos in Southwest U.S. (better than the PHX zoo).This place exceeds so many expectations and it is absolutely massive - you can easily spend a full day here and still not see everything.There are so many intimate up close encounters you can have with animals here from all over the world, whether it's feeding giraffes or standing a foot away from performing sea lions.They do an incredible job with the layout here and the exhibits. So much of the park is in cool shade for the hotter days. Whenever your feet start getting sore you can enjoy the comfort of viewing the wildlife from the chairlift of the African safari tram.They also do a nice job providing a variety of food options, especially with the Dillon's BBQ near the entrance. How can you beat eating delicious bbq listening to live music while watching beautiful flamingos nearby?I sincerely hope, as others have mentioned here, that they can add elephants into this park in the near future, as that is really the only thing missing from this otherwise perfect zoo/aquarium!

Nicholas M — Google review

So, it's a pretty nice zoo and we had a good time. Food was actually pretty darn good for the price. I'll give them that, they got other places like them beat in the food category. I just really feel like there needed to be more of a presence with zoo staff. So many people walking around smoking. And it got really old really quick to constantly be in clouds of cigarette smoke. Also, there were an abundance of people screwing with the animals. Leaning forward and putting fingers and hands through the fence, even with the leopards, yes, the leopards. I understand the zoo can only do so much to protect the idiots we've become from themselves but just some actual visible employees out and about and not just where they want to take more money from you. That being said, if you haven't been then check it out, but I think once is good enough.

Brady R — Google review

This zoo is incredible. Bring your family, bring your kids, bring your significant other, or just bring yourself. Just go to this zoo.It’s off the beaten path, which means fewer visitors and far more opportunities to be up close to the animals. It’s got an old school Phoenix vibe—dirt paths all around, and lots of big old trees—and an incredible assortment of animals. And there are fun non-animal attractions, like a train ride, a gondola that provides panoramic views of the park, and an absolutely insane zip line that starts 100 feet above the park.We go with the whole family every time we’re in town from Texas, and can’t recommend highly enough!

Jon K — Google review

Always a great family time or date spot! Plan to spend 3-5 hours here to be able to take in walk the animals, rides, and attractions. Wear comfortable shoes that you don't mind getting dusty. Don't forget to map out your time to catch all the shows. No show is worth missing. Oh! Don't forget quarters and cash to feed the different animals and petting zoo.

Tiffany B — Google review

Awesome zoo! Probably one of the best I have ever been too. The animals are just so live and vibrant! Most of the animals were playing and having a good time. The zoo definitely takes the building maintenance and animal enclosures seriously 110% at all times, very great too see.

Aaron B — Google review

I want to give it 5 stars, but we couldn't do a lot while there due to it being closed. Like the roller coaster, we went on the log water ride and it was super fun. Most were closed though.. We enjoyed feeding and petting the goats. We fed the giraffes and saw SO many very cool animals. Lots of sea life, which was great! We also enjoyed petting the stingrays. We had a lot of fun. Food and ice cream places were closed as well, not all but most. Staff were friendly. Gift shot is pretty cool. Parking was good.

Heather P — Google review

A hidden gem of Phoenix and a better zoom than the popular one closer into the city. This is a rescue zoo and soon the experiences are more unique, varied, and often closer; on the other hand, it's not as polished as it could be (the only reason I'm dinging a star).Feed giraffes, get up close with kangaroos, water ride through the aquarium, check out the albino alligator, and lunch next to flamingoes, this is a highly recommended review for the Wildlife World Zoo.Donate if you can. I know they are working to upgrade and improve what is already a pretty amazing place.

Paul O — Google review

I was born and raised in the Phoenix area and have been to the Phoenix Zoo many times but this was my first time here. This place was great for a number of reasons. The sea life and aquarium were a huge draw. My family really enjoyed the sea lion show. We were there on a warm day so getting splashed was actually very refreshing. If you haven’t been here, it’s definitely worth checking out. My kids are already talking about the next trip!

Jason A — Google review

This is a nice zoo and aquarium with several "rides" available that are good for both kids and adults. You need a lot of time and endurance if you visit all the exhibits and buildings. You also need a lot of money. Adult entry is $48 each, and rides are not included. Each ride is $6 per person, and includes a train, a sky ride (lift chairs), tram, merry-go-rounds (2), log ride, and kids coaster. For $20/hour, you can rent a "Rydable," which is an animal figured power chair type thing, but it is limited in several areas. For $20, you can also rent a wheelchair. Most of the park walkways are graveled, making it dusty and challenging depending on your shoe selection. This also affects accessibility for wheelchairs, the disabled, and strollers, so be warned. Food and drink items are moderately priced, but not all food venues were open. Not all rides and exhibit buildings were open during our visit either. If you're a "zoo person," you'll like this one, but I wouldn't say it was one of my favorites due to the physical size and effort it took to see everything. I could see cost being an issue for families too.

Duane H — Google review

Loved this zoo! The only thing I didn't like was that they had so many birds! I like to see more animals, not birds, but that's just my opinion. The aquarium was awesome too! My favorites were the giraffes (you can feed them too- only 50 cents!!) And the 2 baby monkeys!! Oh so adorable!! Wish they had more baby animals in the nursery. They also have a few rides to go on, I recommend going on a couple of them (to rest! As there is a lot of walking involved).

Susan C — Google review

Beautiful intimate Park with an aquarium and multiples of the land animals (for instance, two lions in two different parts of the park). There is a log ride and a small roller coaster, that are inside habitats. At the aquarium you will find a huge variety of fish, an albino crocodile, an octopus, seals, and so much more! We didn't get to finish the whole park in one day, but we are very excited to return.

Mindy D — Google review

Went on a very hot day, paid over $100 for two adults and two children tickets (Oct 3, 2024). Adventureland was closed no rides were working. The transportation for the safari was closed. The train that takes you around the safari part of the park was closed.. The kangaroo exhibit was closed …There was supposed to be a penguin and seal show at certain times, but they decided that the animals were too tired from the shows earlier that day that they were not gonna have these shows in the afternoon… On a positive note, the aquarium was great. They have these touch pools where you can feel starfish and also a stingray pool where you can feed them.. Which cost money. It was fun, however it was very unfortunate that we paid to get in and things were included that weren’t open or they just decided to cancel. Shows that children were looking forward to. Everyone on the staff that we interacted with was very polite, friendly, and had a lot of knowledge about the animals. My advice would be to call ahead of time and ask about what is open, which shows will be happening and rides so you don’t go expecting these things and are letdown.

Kimberly G — Google review

It's my favorite zoo in AZ. I've been coming to this zoo since I was a kid. Now I'm taking my kids to enjoy this amazing place. The zoo has added more rides and new exhibits. The aquarium is awesome. People get to touch the stingrays and starfish. They have scooters for the people who don't want to walk, wheelchairs and strollers for rent. They have a couple of food courts around the property and Dillon's restaurant. The zoo also has a huge playground for the kids to enjoy.We bought the yearly membership pass, and we will be visiting more often.

Pony_Girl_5.0 — Google review

So much fun! A couple of us mommies had a girl's day with our daughters. My favorites were the sea lion show where we can feed the sea lions and take photos. My other favorite were the squirrel monkeys.The lions were very vocal and I personally think their habitat was small, hopefully it led out to a larger area that I could not see.

Didi A — Google review

Some of the exhibits were empty, they had many the same animals in different parts of the zoo so you repeat seeing the same thing. Several of the exhibits were sparse/outdated and the animals had little enrichment. The positives were minimal people, we visited first thing Sunday and there was never really a crowd. Not having to deal with crowds made the hour drive worth it. The Groupon redemption process was simple and they were well versed in it. Comparable prices to the Phoenix zoo for food and attractions. The baby animal house was especially cute.

Antoinette S — Google review

This zoo is awesome for the desert climate. There are a ton of shade trees, and more exhibits than we could take in during one visit. I was lucky enough to win 2 adult tickets on Real Country Radio, so we only had to pay for my boyfriend's son. It's a little pricey, but so is everything these days. It was well worth it! Will enjoy going back to see the rest!The photo is a snake aquarium, I loved the mirror effect at the top of the water. At first I thought it was some kind of anomaly like a siamese twin snake 🤔🤣🤣

Karen S — Google review

Overall it’s a great experience.Bring your own snacks and food as they charge a robbery level price for any food or drink. Completely not worth the long wait times or cost for the food.Not every ride or attraction is actually open, most rides where closed or no one was working

Kevin R — Google review

Loved this place ❤️Recommend for families and animals enthusiastsBe sure to alot 4 hours minimum to see everything. Lots of walking but also many additional methods for transportation options around the zoo

Tricia T — Google review

Highly recommend you purchase your tickets on Groupon! Bought my tickets for $35.99 each adult. They charge $48 at the door, so we saved big with 4 adults! We spent about 6 hours at the park today and had a blast! My mother in law and sister in law have never been to a zoo so this was their first time. They loved it! To start, we went through the amazing bird section they have, oh and monkeys. Jumped on the zip line ride for $10 a person and it’s a two person ride. We went to the Free Sea Lion presentation which was pretty cool to see the relationship the sea lions have with the trainer here. We then jumped on the Sky Ride which was $6 per person and was about a 20 minute ride. Very MUCH WORTH IT!! We went over a bunch of different animals including Giraffes, Kangaroos, Camels, Ducks, Turtles, and Warthogs to name a few. We fed snacks to the Giraffes!! So much to do here and such a great way to spend a day with your loved ones.

Jose R — Google review

Best zoo and aquarium I’ve ever been to.So many exhibits. Even though it was a hot day, all of the animals were out and active.We went on a Sunday. I was expecting there to be crowds everywhere.But there was hardly anyone there.The employees were very friendly.There are a few spots where you can purchase food. A “little bit” pricey, but not a deal breaker.Only thing I would do differently next time I go visit is head to the wildlife sections in the morning and then visit the aquariums in the afternoon when it starts to get warmer.I’d definitely recommend going here!

Mike E — Google review

This is a good size zoo for not being in NY,lol. I really enjoyed feeding the birds. The aquarium part is opened later, so visit the zoo part first. All ages can enjoy, if you have difficulty walking, there are shooters to rent.

Jenna — Google review

4.5

(11222)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (150)

4.0

(998)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (151)

16501 W Northern Ave, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340, USA

(623) 935-9453

20

State Farm Stadium

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (152)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (153)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (154)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (155)

Mentioned on

9 lists

Stadium

Sights & Landmarks

Arenas & Stadiums

State Farm Stadium, located in the Glendale Sports and Entertainment District, is a major stadium that can seat over 63,000 people. This venue features a retractable roof and hosts NFL Cardinals games as well as other events such as Mecum Auto auctions. The seating arrangements are comfortable even at cheaper prices, although the rows may be slightly narrow compared to other stadiums.

I had a wonderful experience at the stadium seeing the Rolling Stones in concert. The stadium was very nice, clean and well maintained. I enjoyed the “foot long” hotdog and a few other items, they were all great! The seats were decent for comfort being plastic. Being 6’2” there was enough leg room. Each seat has a cup holder mounted in the seat in front of it which I wasn’t a fan of because plenty of people kept reaching back and their arms were touching our drinks (seems like that problem was all over the stadium). Overall my family and I had a great experience. We would definitely go back to that stadium and recommend anyone else to go visit.

James T — Google review

Wanted to kill some time while at a baseball tourney and this was a cheap and convenient stop. We loved the stadium. The fact that the field is real grass that lives outside the stadium and is moved into place prior to game time is mind blowing! Our tour guide "uncle Kevin" was quite the character. We highly recommend .

Thomas P — Google review

First time at the State Farm Stadium. Arrived early to tailgate all day, parking was a breeze, and we got a great shaded spot! Great place to tailgate. Inside, the AC felt so good! Wish they had a ramp or stairs to go up to the top levels bc the escalator lines were pretty ridiculous! Otherwise, we had the best time watching the Detroit Lions beat the Cardinals today!!! 💙🦁🤘

Tara P — Google review

I have been to this stadium a number of times for different events. The most recent being for the Metallica concert. Thank you for being air-conditioned! The weekend weather was recorded as record-breaking. Great way to beat the heat. It is very clean and easy to navigate inside the venue. Plenty of restrooms, which, too, are clean and taken care of. Also, there's plenty of parking available, however, not always available... Depending on the event taking place at the time. 🏢🌃🚗🚙🕐🌛🌞🏈🎤🎶

Robyn M — Google review

First time seeing a concert here. It was none other than the Rolling Stones on May 7, 024. The stadium is nice and clean, with good food options. The Honey Bears BBQ stand was good. All photos are mine. Please do not use.

Jason L — Google review

State Farm Stadium: Wanted to change it up a bit and decided a stadium tour was just the ticket…scored bigger when it ended up being an impromptu private tour! Guides Mario and Carolina were an absolute pleasure, both wealths of knowledge on the stadium and the team. Hands down one of the best experiences I’ve had.

Cameron L — Google review

I don't even know where to start with this review. Just wow! I moved to Arizona from Wisconsin recently. Obviously I'm a Packer fan number 1. However, I have to rep my new home in Phoenix and the Arizona Cardinals are now part of my squad. State Farm Stadium is absolutely amazing and gorgeous. I took a tour one of the first days that I got here. The day after the Rolling Stones performed. I was just in awe of it's architecture and history. This is my second NFL Stadium that I have been to, Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin being the first. I have to admit....State Farm Stadium might have Lambeau Field beat in my book! GO CARDS! PROTECT THE NEST! 😉

Achjr24 — Google review

Super awesome went to the round 6 motocross championship it was really packed and really expensive 15$ for a beer 15$ for a popcorn they had bmx jumps outside with best trick I think we enjoyed that more then the races it's just crazy with the prices

Jonny G — Google review

1st pic . 11-12-2023 my mom and I 1st Arizona cardinals vs Atlanta Falcons NFL Football game . Arizona cardinals win 25-23 that day . Woohoo let’s go Arizona cardinals . 😀🏈2nd pic . 11-26-2023 my mom and I 2nd Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams NFL Football game . Arizona cardinals lost 37-14 that day . But still it was a good game . Let’s go Arizona cardinals . 😀🏈3rd pic 1-7-2024 my mom and I 3rd Arizona cardinals vs Seattle Seahawks NFL Football game . Arizona cardinals lost 21-20 that day . But still it was a good game . Let’s go Arizona cardinals. 😀🏈4th pic . 8-3-2024 my mom and I at are 1st Arizona cardinals 2024 NFL training camp from Saturday beautiful afternoon . It was a great and awesome time from Saturday afternoon . We can’t wait till the regular season starts . Let’s go Arizona cardinals. 😀🏈

Adam N — Google review

Watched the sea hawks vs Cardinals. Wonderful game but I think that’s the first time I saw home team missed 2 field goals.. but was fun to watch a thriller

Gnani M — Google review

Shout out to CHARLES H, a phenomenal friendly employee who found us meeting with an old college friend and gave us free FLOOR SEATS so we could sit together. Charles if you see this, thanks for making a happenstance meetup memorable. From a grateful brother and his sister, and a best friend and his girlfriend, you made this possible. Thank you.Staff super friendly and helpful to the extreme.

Jacob R — Google review

I am not a fan of basketball in football stadiums, but this was a tremendous atmosphere, even though my beloved Crimson Tide lost. The venue was clean, the staff were friendly and helpful. It was strange being here for a not football game for a change, but ultra kudos to the hosts. Roll Tide!

James T — Google review

Monster jam was fantastic! The arena staff did an amazing job at keeping all the restrooms clean and stocked. No matter what event we come here it's always a very pleasant, clean environment.

Kristen — Google review

Very nice comfortable stadium didn't like only one level sold food n drinks. Went to Ravens game from Baltimore we don't have a closed stadium. Loves how cool n comfortable there statium was. Also likes how there tailgating party's are all on a field not in parking lot. In Baltimore we actually tailgate so not complaining we go HARD

Shree — Google review

Went to Luke Combs concert on 06/01/24 and had floor seats. The chairs used were a bit outdated like and felt like they were about to break! I am a big guy too (6'1", 240) but still could have used some newer ones! Other than that, the stadium is amazing and even though the concert brought a lot of people it was still a cool temp inside and clean. The bathrooms were clean and going in and out of the stadium was smooth. Can't wait to go for a game there and see how the crowds get fired up! Really recommend any event here!!!

Jesus A — Google review

A really nice stadium! Open and close top. Okay prices for things. And super clean.

Tiffany A — Google review

I learned an important lesson at The Rolling Stones show tonight. After wasting my money on tickets to see an iconic band for the third time, I learned……NEVER ATTEND A CONCERT AT THIS VENUE!!The parking was managed well and rather pricey. Since it was not optional, we paid the $30. Getting in was okay, getting out was a breeze, as you will understand below.The signage in our area was wrong, seriously an error on the printed section sign, which led to some confusion. Why has no one printed a new sign?The seats were comfy enough and the cup holders were a plus. There was even more legroom than an airplane.The opening act (fun fact: he is from Hermosillo, Mexico) sounded awful. We presumed it was because they had no experience with big venues. We just sort ignored it and watched the crowd filter in.Then the opening moment. Time to “Start Me Up” for a loud, fun show. But it wasn’t. Immediately we noticed the reverberation and delay of every beat. We noticed that the words did not line up with what we could see. This was particularly disappointing, as we had decided at the moment we sat down - “it’s okay, we are here for the music”.The reason we resigned ourselves to just listening to the music will be evident in the attached photo. We purchased 417 row E seats 3&4 very intentionally. See, I have bad feet and cannot stand on them for long periods. So we wanted to be able to remain seated during the show. We chose seats that were on the handrail. They were NOT marked “obstructed view” and there was no reason (looking at the seating diagram) to believe they were less than ideal. They were the same, expensive, price as all the seats in that region. Yet, they clearly did not offer the same viewing experience. Between handrails, safety glass, show-watching ushers and confused guests looking for their seats (remember the error on the sign?), we saw a VERY OBSTRUCTED view of the stage, screens, catwalk, etc.Since we couldn’t really see the show, and the sound of the music was awful……. we left during the fourth song.Exiting the parking area was easy! No lines, a visible exit sign near our row and easy access to the freeway. There was a steady stream of people walking out the exit doors and driving away from what could have been a momentous event. But instead was an expensive frustration.You read this long review for advice, so here’s my advice-Do not spend money on tickets for a concert at this sports venue. Use the same money to upgrade your stereo system and you will have a better listening experience.

Geneva S — Google review

AWESOME! Old stadium but seems new. Decent food and beer clean facilities

Andy C — Google review

The Rolling Stones on 7 May 2024.I knew traffic was going to be brutal, but dam! Poor parking attendants were working their butts off, yet saw 2 moto cops sitting on their bikes surfing on their phones not doing ANY traffic control!Great show, except for 2 things:1. Why the Specific City shirts weren't being sold at the show?2. [And I KNEW this was going to be an issue, because how old the crowd was - And I'm 54]. People upset that I was standing & they were sitting. I, as well as you, paid good money for those seats! If others are standing in my line of sight, I'm going to stand so I can see! Plus it's a rock n roll show.I'll be the first to acknowledge that if ALL are sitting around me, then I would sit, but this instance there were others standing in the isle next to my sight line thus I stood so I could see! But I did sit a few times, even though I couldn't see! This is just what happens at concerts!

Don M — Google review

Great location for the 2024 NCAA Men's Final Four Phoenix Reese's Friday. This event was free. There were plenty of games and a ferris wheel ride. There were free t-shirts, free Reese's, and free popcorn. I highly recommend this event at this location.

Melissa W — Google review

4.6

(15942)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (156)

4.5

(898)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (157)

1 Cardinals Dr, Glendale, AZ 85305, USA

(623) 433-7101

I'll never travel to Tucson without this trip planner again

Learn more

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (158)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (159)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (160)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (161)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (162)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (163)

I will never travel to Tucson without this app againAvailable on the App Store

21

Harrah's Ak-Chin Hotel And Casino

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (165)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (166)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (167)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (168)

Resort hotel

Fun & Games

Resort combining straightforward rooms & suites with a casino offering slots, table games & poker.

I am not sure how to describe a perfect time. But if I had to give it 10 out of 10 I would absolutely stand by that marking! Thank you for the wonderful facilities and the great environment with so much to do. Memorial Day was one to remember and we thank you for thinking all of us with a great time. Sincerely, Marcus

Marcus T — Google review

My husband and I celebrated our anniversary, and we got a King mini suite. The room was spacious and very clean. We asked if they could make little accommodations to make it special since we were celebrating something special they stated they could not. We were kinda disappointed since we did pay a good amount of money, and this is a Resort. Other than that, it was ok.

Frances M — Google review

The casino offers you a gift whereas you have to play in order to qualify, they then required you to go on-line to redeem, however, the site will not let you in and then locks your account.When you call in, you have to leave message and hope they call you back. You are only given two full days to claim gift or forfeit it, when they lock you out you can't claim it. Very poor business Management, if you offer a gift then give it on-site not on-line.Not worth the time or fuel cost to go to this casino!

Rodney S — Google review

If I could give negative stars I would! Worst service ever! Finally get a babysitter and choose to check out Ak Chin casino for a night out. First mistake, last mistake. Asked us to leave for dancing on the floor. Thankful we didn't waste any money there. DO NOT support this crappy casino. Stay in town!

Jamie B — Google review

I've been here so many times. Service for drinks has gotten way better here as they updated their card system.I don't like to go here much cause the drive is far from Phoenix, I never win here and the machines are so tight!If you stay here be careful of which area of rooms you choose or get put into cause it will drastically affect your hotel experience here.All and all, it's gotten better but still needs lots of improvement! I will no longer ever be a regular customer here again!

Melisa T — Google review

The only real quality hotel in Maricopa.The daily room rates can change from under 100 to over 300 from one day to the next. Plan carefully.The rooms are good. Clean and well featured. TV remotes are always bad so I’ll let that slide.Food options are limited. It’s only a small casino hotel reply. And there is nothing nearby - well it’s only ten minutes drive to a lot of options.Staff are friendly and proficient.I don’t gamble so I didn’t try any of the machines. Stay away I reckon the house always wins.

Myles L — Google review

Enjoyed a great meal with friends. Friendly and helpful staff. Rooms are great and had some fun playing the slots! If I wasn't meeting friends would have gone to a casino closer to home though.

HMP — Google review

The payout rates on the slot machines are AWFUL. Despite extensive play, I rarely see any winnings. As a regular at this casino, playing various denominations, I've never hit a significant jackpot despite a considerable investment. The payouts here are noticeably lower compared to other local casinos, to the point where the slot attendants seem to walk around all day without ever hand paying out to players. The machines are also a little outdated. The casinos nearby have great machines, but for some reason the slots here are not very entertaining. They used to offer free drink vouchers when swiping your loyalty card, but now there's a surcharge, making the "free" drinks not actually free.The hotel is nice, although the sliding bathroom doors never seem to close properly and don't lock. The only aspects deserving a 10/10 at this casino are the cleanliness and the restaurants. Chop Block & Brew is amazing! The food is definitely worth the very lengthy drive, even considering the TERRIBLE traffic getting to Maricopa! However, the playing is not worth the drive anymore, I will be sticking to other local casinos.

H. F — Google review

Disappointing Experience – Poor Customer ServiceI am staying at Harrahs Ak chino was expecting a pleasant stay as me and husband are currently on baby moon few weeks before our baby comes but unfortunately, the experience is far from it and this is second time we been treated poorly at this hotel Despite the hotel having vacant rooms, I was given a subpar room that didn’t meet even basic expectations facing nothing but another building we paid for a room facing pool not a full access room, I begged the manager to use her discretion and give us a room that was facing the pool that we paid for and staff are uncomodating,When I brought it up to her she showed zero tolerance to my request they showed little willingness to accommodate or improve the situation.It’s frustrating when a hotel overlooks simple opportunities to provide good service, especially when occupancy is low. Hospitality is about making guests feel welcome, and sadly, this property keeps missing the mark. I hope they reconsider how they treat future guests, as a little effort goes a long way.Would not recommend unless they improve their attitude towards customer care.

Ruth C — Google review

We spent 1 night at the hotel while in town visiting friends. Our room was comfortable and quiet. There wasn't much of a view, but the beds were comfortable, and everything was clean. The casino was easy to navigate and a lot of fun. The location is a bit isolated and rural, but that situation appears to be changing. We'll stay here again when we get back to this area.

Cindy R — Google review

We had a room in the "resort" area (around the pool) that was large and comfortable. Our room did not open to the pool area but had a patio on the outside. It was quiet and comfortable.There is plenty of parking and good restaurants.The staff here is very friendly and we enjoyed our time here, especially since we did well in the casino.

Jim T — Google review

First time here. Not too big or too small. Clean and orderly. Friendly staff. Nice layout. Good food options. Hit a jackpot on the first spin, and noticed others winning some too, so slots are fairly loose....

Nunya B — Google review

Excellent place to stay for a night or a weekend. Has all of the amenities that the larger casino hotels have but with a more personal touch. Only downside was the late check in time of 4 PM or you have to pay an extra $35 to check in even 20 minutes early.

Silvia W — Google review

The hotel is fine, it's nice, clean, and hotel is non-smoking. Casino is about 70% non-smoking. The pillows were small..very odd. Bring a wall plug in for your charging needs, you'll have to pull out the bedside table to access a plug in. Pool is gorgeous! There is no housecleaning service under a 4 night stay, showers are huge with great water pressure. Bed was comfortable. There is a refrigerator.

Sarah P — Google review

This hotel was a huge disappointment. When I checked in, it was 111⁰ outside, and the first two rooms they put me in were extremely warm and stuffy. The PTAC (wall AC) is not adequate to handle that type of heat. A green initiative is in place (which is admirable) that automatically sets the thermostat to 76⁰ when the room is not occupied (the key card is removed from the switch next to the door). The problem is, these rooms are large, and the AC only blows into one corner of the room. The thermostat is placed directly in front of the AC, so it's registering a much cooler temperature than the air in the rest of the room and bathroom. They told me to wait 60-90 minutes for the room to start cooling down, which was not acceptable because I needed to begin working at the desk immediately. The desk is not near the AC, and against the window that was letting in lots of heat. I requested to PAY for an upgrade to a room that has a better AC. The desk agent told me that wouldn't help because all rooms have the same type of AC, and refused to offer me an option to pay for an upgrade. I know it's not true that all room types have this AC by looking at the exterior of other rooms on the property, and looking at pictures of the other room types. I asked this three times and received the same dismissal each time. I requested to move to a room that was not in direct sunlight, which I was moved to and helped. However, the desk agent told me that "this is the last time we're going to move you", became impersonal and made it clear they were done helping address my issue. The room I ended up in was rundown and dirty, but the front desk had made it clear they were unwilling to do anything about that at this point. The condition of the room was sad, because it looks like it was a nice room at one point. Black mold and mildew in the shower/bathroom. Musty smell coming from AC. Busted furniture with scuffs covered by permanent marker. Broken TV remote. Lots of noise from the hallway. I was looking forward to staying at this resort, and it turned out to be a huge disappointment.

John B — Google review

WORST EXPERIENCE EVER!Awful treatment from every staff members we encountered. The front desk was not accommodating in the slightest, the food at Agave was subpar, the security agents were imbeciles, but worst of all was the pool manager, ASHLEY. She was disrespectful and entitled when faced with the smallest inconvenience she overreacted. She has no right working in a managerial position with the way she treated my group. We have been customers of this hotel/casino for over 8 years and will never support this establishment again.

Alysa A — Google review

Great casino & resortThis is my second time here. So far it's been a good experience. The staff are always friendly and welcoming. The casino is clean and tidy. The rooms are nicely renovated. Also big and spacious. The restaurants are very good also.I recommend this place for everyone.***If anyone likes my honest reviews, then please like my post and follow my google account***

Big R — Google review

It's a bit of a drive from the city. Awesome property. We had a room that overlooked the pool. Pool was great with a swim up bar. Casino has all the new machines

Vince P — Google review

Be prepared if you want to check in early there is a $35 fee. Late check out was also a no go. They are not accommodating in those two ways. The room was decent. I was here for a conference. The event center was also decent. Clean bathrooms.

LouAnne D — Google review

This hotel was a huge disappointment. We were in the Cactus Tower on the Fourth Floor. When we entered the room, it was hot, stuffy and stinky. It smells like the carpet needs to be cleaned. The furniture in the room is worn, dinged and showing wear and tear. The room did not look like what was advertised online. The air conditioner makes all kinds of weird noises when it turns on and off throughout the night. We did not rest well at all. The coffee pot was cheap and did not work. This was not what we signed up for. When we asked to be moved, the front desk made it very clear they would not be moving us. I am sure once more hotels are built in the area, they will clean up their act. There is little to no hospitality with the staff that we came in contact with at the hotel. Our first and last time staying at this hotel. We were very disappointed. A hotel should not advertise online something that they can’t live up to. We booked the room through “AAA” on their website. It stated that all fees and taxes were part of the charge. But when the hotel gave us our receipt, they also charged us for taxes. So, we were charged again for taxes at this hotel.

Toni D — Google review

Rooms are clean and spacious. Need better places to dry pool clothing, bathrooms didn't have any place to hang for multiple people. Fridges are small. Vending machines need cash. Other than that the resort was great.

Brian F — Google review

Rooms are clean, cool and comfortable. The staff are always kind, welcoming and so professional. I call this my home casino! Love seeing new slot games coming in FINALLY! Food was very good...great value.

Sydnie H — Google review

We love dropping by in here every once in a while. The rooms are very clean and always ready for every guest. Staff are courteous . Choices of food from within the hotel are satisfying. Or if you have any particular food preferences, tons of fast food within 5 to 10 mins drive from the hotel in a breeze. The hotel has an accessible entertainment center ( i.e bowling alley) and a wading pool. Tons of parking spaces. Ideal for a relaxing weekend.

Ace A — Google review

22

Desert Botanical Garden

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (171)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (172)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (173)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (174)

Mentioned on

+212 other lists

Botanical garden

Nature & Parks

The Desert Botanical Garden, located in Phoenix, Arizona, has been a conservation hub for Sonoran Desert plants and other desert flora worldwide for over 70 years. The garden spans 140 acres and features more than 50,000 plant displays. Visitors can explore various trails such as the Plants and People of the Desert Trail, which offers insights into the lives and culture of indigenous people who have inhabited the area for thousands of years.

Visited as night fell and enjoyed wandering the grounds looking at the art pieces currently on display and the many varieties of outdoor plants native to various regions of Arizona. This was a very large outdoor garden with well designed paths and educational signs. At least two different paths were blocked off for private events, but I suspect more would be visible during the day. I appreciated that the garden was open late because it was cooler at night. One of their desert gardens in particular had signage that it can get to over 120°F during the day, so come prepared with water and appropriate clothing for the heat that may be warmer than the ambient temperature in Phoenix.At night they had enough light to navigate and see most of the exhibited flora, though night mode photography was required to see details of the plants not directly in a spotlight. There appeared to be plenty of parking and there was no wait at all, though we arrived at a time that was not busy.They have a very nice restaurant on site and a gift shop; both close at the same time as the park itself. The salmon was delicious, and the mixed drinks were strong.

Wren T — Google review

Honestly a lot bigger than I anticipated! If you’re going during summer be warned it’s VERY hot! They do have ample water fountains and restrooms through the garden. Must see if you’re into plants, nature, and scenery views! The garden shop is also a decent size and have cute souvenirs.

Nikkay1074 — Google review

What a beautiful place! My husband and I were so happy to have visited. The Gardens are a treasure trove of miracles... from the number of Gambel's quail roaming and making their cute sounds to the glorious Queen of the Night plant whose flowers bloom once during a full moon (to which we were pointed by a friendly and informative guest) to the tranquil contemplation garden with its soothing sounds of water to the butterflies, hummingbirds, other wildlife, and multitudes of cactus species, it's like a Disney World of Nature. We will definitely be back because we didn't even see half of it. Go if you have the chance. The Garden is a beautiful, peaceful place that will give you a respite.

Grace R — Google review

The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is an absolute must if you’re not from the area. It is the most well-designed garden I’ve ever been to, incorporating natural shade elements & water sources seamlessly into its many paths.I’m from the PNW and at the time of my visit had a herniated disc. I was worried about the sun & terrain, but it is very walkable & there are places to sit down at regular intervals. I was not in a wheelchair at the time, but I do use one sometimes, and I can confidently say that it would’ve been doable even if I was bound to one.I didn’t have much time nor the health for a proper hike, but I desperately wanted to see the local flora & fauna on our trip down to AZ. The Desert Botanical Garden more than scratched that itch—if you haven’t been to the Southwest before I must sincerely urge that you visit. It is beautiful & moving to know that even in an environment that seems so inhospitable, nature and all of its beauty can still thrive. There are also many metallic sculptures scattered throughout which complement the landscape beautifully, seemingly as if they organically grew there. It’s truly rare to see art & nature blend so homogeneously in a way that is unfair to neither.We spent 2-3hr in the garden, but unfortunately did not have time to see the whole thing, so we will surely return. If you’re going as adults, I would say to budget 3-4hr for your visit. Kids may not last as long, but I’m sure they’d enjoy seeing so many fascinating plants, many of which are much, much bigger than them!The woman who rang us up in the gift shop was a transplant from New York, which I found quite surprising, but after spending an afternoon in the garden & reflecting on the experience, I completely understand the magical pull of the desert. I can’t wait to go back!

Rosalinde W — Google review

Beautiful botanical gardens!! MUST visit when in Phoenix. The place has been designed beautifully. The cactii are huge and gorgeous. We also saw a few hummingbirds up close! Went in the evening so had the chance to witness a beautiful sunset.The place offers defined trails, clear signs, plenty of rest stops, water fountains and clean restrooms.Very very pleasant experience, could not recommend this place enough!

Tavishi P — Google review

I visited on their free day, which meant more people but it was rarely crowded. Getting the latest ticket allowed us to skip the hottest part of the day and still see the garden in the light. It seemed to lack the glass sculptures that used to fill the area, but has a good variety of plant life. I highly enjoyed looking at the placards to identify the plants and animals.After sunset, the plants were watered with sprinklers that sometimes hit the path. It helped cool the air down for us and was fun to see. There are artificial lights but they don't cover much. Most people used their phone lights.We got lost, which was fun but caused some difficulty when we wanted to leave. I recommend downloading the map at the beginning. Not all the paths are paved, so bring good, closed walking shoes. There are plenty of spots to sit down if you do need to rest

Jeannette Y — Google review

The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix offers an amazing experience with desert plants. Visitors can observe a variety of cacti and plants unique to the desert up close, and the layout of the garden is well-designed, making it great for a leisurely walk.You can fully enjoy nature in a serene and peaceful environment, and it’s a perfect spot for taking photos. Despite Phoenix’s hot weather, there are plenty of shelters and shaded areas throughout, allowing for a comfortable visit.I especially loved the butterfly exhibit.

김주평 J — Google review

Super cool place. We are not from this part of the country, so seeing flora and fauna from a climate very different from ours was very enjoyable. The trails were nice with most things labeled so you can see what the different species are. We also saw some local wildlife which really added to the experience.

John A — Google review

Wandering through the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix was like stepping into a secret, serene world. It's hard to believe such a tranquil oasis exists in the heart of a bustling city. From the moment I stepped through the gates, I was mesmerized by the vibrant hues of the desert flora and the intricate patterns of the cacti. Even though we arrived early, the desert sun began to heat up as the morning wore on, so I'd recommend coming even earlier to fully enjoy the experience.The well-marked trails guided us through a variety of landscapes, from towering saguaros to lush oases. There were plenty of shaded spots to rest and appreciate nature's artistry. The combination of natural beauty and thought-provoking art installations made for a truly unforgettable experience. If you're looking to escape the city's hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the wonders of the desert, the Desert Botanical Garden is a must-visit.

Mychael P — Google review

Wandering through the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix was like stepping into a secret, serene world. It's hard to believe such a tranquil oasis exists in the heart of a bustling city. From the moment I stepped through the gates, I was mesmerized by the vibrant hues of the desert flora and the intricate patterns of the cacti. Even though we arrived early, the desert sun began to heat up as the morning wore on, so I'd recommend coming even earlier to fully enjoy the experience.The well-marked trails guided us through a variety of landscapes, from towering saguaros to lush oases. There were plenty of shaded spots to rest and appreciate nature's artistry. The combination of natural beauty and thought-provoking art installations made for a truly unforgettable experience. If you're looking to escape the city's hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the wonders of the desert, the Desert Botanical Garden is a must-visit.

Mychael P — Google review

The highlight of our visit to Phoenix. The gardens are so nicely maintained, clean walkways, plenty of watering stations along the trails. There are so many beautiful desert plants! If I was local or visiting often, I would recommend a yearly pass even!

Teresa J — Google review

Very hot but very beautiful! Wear a hat, bring sunscreen and a water bottle! Employees were awesome at making sure you understood the map and where to find water refills and the cooling centers (which we totally used!) The trails are set up pretty easy to understand and the plants are absolutely beautiful. Even though we came when it was almost the hottest part of the day, we still managed to see some cute wildlife and tons of birds.

Kimothy J — Google review

We absolutely love coming to visit the Botanical Gardens. If you're in town or live in the Valley, this should be on your list to visit!The grounds are beautiful and very spacious! There is so much to see that it's hard to get to all of it in one visit. The paths are well marked and easy to walk. Definitely grab a map as you first enter!There are so many types of plants, trees, flowers, and of course cactuses. Keep an eye out for the 'historical plaques' that are near the plants that have been here since the inception back in 1939! So cool.Beyond the Gardens, they have a butterfly exhibit, tons of patios and seating areas, a large gift shop and nursery for plants to buy, and a very nice restaurant on property; Gertrude's.We came during the Light Bloom experience - it's so worth it! I'd highly recommend coming before sunset to see everything in the light, experience sunset at the Gardens, and then explore the Light Bloom that is all throughout the Gardens. It's beautiful!Definitely something to add to your Phoenix Bucket List!

T S — Google review

What a wonderful, peaceful treasure in the middle of Phoenix! My family spent the better part of an afternoon wandering through the Desert Botanical Garden. Very well maintained with a huge variety of desert plants. Most of the plants had small signs posted near them that gave details about each one. There was even a butterfly garden. The staff was friendly and helpful, the bathrooms were clean, and there were water fountains throughout. Most of the paths were shady which made the visit more enjoyable in the desert heat. We will visit here again.

Holly S — Google review

In town for a conference and had a blast at the Flashlight Night at Desert Botanical Garden. All staff and volunteers encountered were hospitable and informative. Plenty of water refill stations and clean restrooms. Gift shop has a nice selection/variety of items. The map given at entry was helpful. Several informative signs and learning stations, as well as educational entertainment. So glad we went!

J S — Google review

What can I say about this Garden, it was very dry Brown and lacking Greenery. There must have been a serious dry spell amongst this garden because it was like the no hope Garden. You know if you wanted to go for a nice walk this will be a place to come and you can walk amongst the plants because you can definitely get some steps in. But other than that, I would not waste my time. Or maybe you need to go a certain season, but definitely check. we were told that this was the best time to go, and that person lied to us

Jay W — Google review

MUST SEE! This is a true delight. Such an incredible variety of desert flora and some occasional fauna.A little pricey, but well worth the price.Lots of drinking water fountains throughout (ice cold water) so easy to stay hydrated. Plenty of FREE parking.

Alan B — Google review

Garden was super cool, had a killer time with my family. Tickets easily purchased online, gift shop has a wonderful selection of items from local brands.Make sure you have lots of water and sunscreen or a hat unless going early in the AM.Absolutely loved this place.

Wyatt G — Google review

Loved it! So different than any other botanical gardens I have ever been to. I learned a lot from the staff too. They were so eager to help and offer insights on what was going on in the garden! I went early Sunday AM and it wasn’t too crowded at this time. I would recommend the Desert Botanical Gardens to all visitors of Phoenix!

Gracie G — Google review

We saw the gardens both during the day and night. It was so beautiful and amazing. There are lots of shaded areas which was nice as it was 100 degrees the day we went. They also have a restaurant and a small cafe on site. I definitely recommend seeing it both day and night as it gives a different perspective. There's an amazing butterfly area as well.

Sherry C — Google review

Visited as night fell and enjoyed wandering the grounds looking at the art pieces currently on display and the many varieties of outdoor plants native to various regions of Arizona. This was a very large outdoor garden with well designed paths and educational signs. At least two different paths were blocked off for private events, but I suspect more would be visible during the day. I appreciated that the garden was open late because it was cooler at night. One of their desert gardens in particular had signage that it can get to over 120°F during the day, so come prepared with water and appropriate clothing for the heat that may be warmer than the ambient temperature in Phoenix.At night they had enough light to navigate and see most of the exhibited flora, though night mode photography was required to see details of the plants not directly in a spotlight. There appeared to be plenty of parking and there was no wait at all, though we arrived at a time that was not busy.They have a very nice restaurant on site and a gift shop; both close at the same time as the park itself. The salmon was delicious, and the mixed drinks were strong.

Wren T — Google review

The Desert Botanical Garden in Arizona is nothing short of magical. From the moment you step inside, you’re transported to a world where the desert comes alive in the most vibrant and unexpected ways. The variety of cacti, succulents, and rare plants is breathtaking, each one more unique than the last. As you wander through the winding trails, the towering saguaro cacti and bursts of colorful flowers create an enchanting landscape that feels almost otherworldly.The garden is beautifully curated, with thoughtful displays and information that highlight the incredible resilience and beauty of desert life. Walking through at sunset was a particularly unforgettable experience—the warm, golden light made the plants glow in a way that felt like stepping into a painting. It’s not just a garden, it’s an immersive experience where you can feel the tranquility of the desert and appreciate its delicate ecosystems.Whether you’re a plant lover or just looking for a peaceful escape, the Desert Botanical Garden offers something

Louie L — Google review

Beautiful garden with a wonderful collection of desert flora. The butterfly exhibit was awesome with plenty of opportunities to take pictures of the beautiful butterflys as they fly around, but watch where you step cause do land around your feet sometimes! Places for to fill up water bottles were set up all around and there was a fair bit of shade scattered around the garden so if you got too warm you could find a place to sit. Would definitely recommend if you are thinking about going!

Spencer P — Google review

My wife was really eager to see cactus in Arizona, and this was the perfect introduction to the natural foliage here!Pity the Butterfly Park was closed for the season, but otherwise, it's a great way to spend a morning.Come early in the summer, though: it gets hot real fast!

Sean R — Google review

The Desert Botanical Garden in Scottsdale, Arizona is a hidden gem in the desert landscape. The garden is home to a stunning collection of desert plants and cacti, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the region's flora. Walking through the garden is a peaceful and educational experience, with informative signs and exhibits throughout. The garden also hosts special events and exhibits, making each visit unique and exciting. Whether you're a nature lover or just looking for a peaceful escape, the Desert Botanical Garden is a must-visit destination in Scottsdale.

VIRAL D — Google review

Well worth the visit, especially if you buy a membership which they let you apply your tickets towards after your visit if you like. Thoroughly enjoyed the Ukrainian "Light Bloom" art exhibit currently running. We arrived at 5:30 and spent about 2 hours wandering. This exhibit is best enjoyed after sunset but the rest of the gardens would be more visible during the day. The butterfly area closed at 5pm, so if you want to view that section go a bit earlier. Loads of beautiful plants and photo opportunities. Pretty amazing spot to be and cool creatures wandering around too, like bearded dragons and bunnies. Fun for all ages.

Laura O — Google review

This was an amazing surprise! My family and I had some time before our flight and we wanted to do something cool and educational. So on a whim we went to the botanical garden and fell in love. This has to be one of the more amazing finds that we had on our trip with just how beautiful all the cacti and flowers are. Everyone that worked there is super friendly and caring and was concerned about making sure that we kept cool and had water. But we just kept pinching ourselves because we didn't realize how beautiful all the different kind of cactus are. Bottom line is it is a wonderful place to visit. Whether or not you're local or passing through, it is worth the time to enjoy some beautiful scenery.

Derek B — Google review

We absolutely love coming to visit the Botanical Gardens. If you're in town or live in the Valley, this should be on your list to visit!The grounds are beautiful and very spacious! There is so much to see that it's hard to get to all of it in one visit. The paths are well marked and easy to walk. Definitely grab a map as you first enter!There are so many types of plants, trees, flowers, and of course cactuses. Keep an eye out for the 'historical plaques' that are near the plants that have been here since the inception back in 1939! So cool.Beyond the Gardens, they have a butterfly exhibit, tons of patios and seating areas, a large gift shop and nursery for plants to buy, and a very nice restaurant on property; Gertrude's.We came during the Light Bloom experience - it's so worth it! I'd highly recommend coming before sunset to see everything in the light, experience sunset at the Gardens, and then explore the Light Bloom that is all throughout the Gardens. It's beautiful!Definitely something to add to your Phoenix Bucket List!

T S — Google review

Loved it! So different than any other botanical gardens I have ever been to. I learned a lot from the staff too. They were so eager to help and offer insights on what was going on in the garden! I went early Sunday AM and it wasn’t too crowded at this time. I would recommend the Desert Botanical Gardens to all visitors of Phoenix!

Gracie G — Google review

I recently attended the yearly plant sale at the Desert Botanical Garden, and I was thoroughly impressed! The event had a fantastic selection of plants, ranging from unique desert natives to beautiful succulents and cacti. The variety available was perfect for both beginner gardeners and more experienced plant enthusiasts. What really stood out was the staff. Every single person I interacted with was vastly knowledgeable and extremely helpful. Whether I had questions about soil types, plant care, or which plants were best suited for my garden, they were able to provide clear and insightful answers.The layout of the sale was well-organized, making it easy to browse through the different sections without feeling overwhelmed. It was clear that a lot of thought and care went into curating such a diverse selection. I appreciated that there were plenty of staff members on hand, which made the experience feel relaxed and enjoyable. The atmosphere was welcoming, and the passion the staff had for plants was contagious.Overall, I highly recommend the Desert Botanical Garden's yearly plant sale for anyone looking to add to their collection or even just to learn more about desert plants. I’ll definitely be returning next year!

Thatone G — Google review

Absolutely spectacular and the best thing we saw in Scottsdale! Walking though the beautifully maintained gardens, there are hundreds of different plants and cacti. There is even a butterfly area, hummingbird, and bee. After dark the gardens are lit up with beautiful sculptures placed in the gardens. There is a great store with beautiful and fun things to buy, and there's a restaurant on site called Gertrudes. If you're visiting Scottsdale, this is a must see, we all loved it!

Betsy J — Google review

The gardens were beautiful and well curated. Some incredible cactus specimens and a wide variety of rare and endangered desert plants. Also, there is plenty of wildlife to see. We saw rabbits, butterflies, round-tailed ground squirrels, desert spiny lizards, roadrunners, and even a coyote ran across the path just feet in front of us!

Magic W — Google review

Lovely place. Perfect for families, couples or a place to stroll by yourself. Give yourself about 1.5+ hours to explore all of has to offer. The scenery, details to each seating area, beautifully placed plants and such is just wonderful. The garden is a must-see place if you're in the area!Cost is about $30/person. With the walk around to explore the collections of different plant species found in Arizona.We remarked on how schools probably have educational field trips and senior citizens should come and spend afternoons here. Couples should go on a date here. It's really peaceful and enjoyable for everyone.Visit the gift shop on the way out.

Shannon W — Google review

4.8

(19422)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (178)

4.5

(9200)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (179)

1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA

(480) 941-1225

23

Phoenix Zoo

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (180)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (181)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (182)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (183)

Mentioned on

+98 other lists

Zoo

Outdoor Activities

The Phoenix Zoo covers 125 acres and offers a variety of animal exhibits, including a children's area and petting zoo. Visitors can also enjoy a narrated tram ride around the zoo. One of the most anticipated events at the Phoenix Zoo is Zoo Lights, where millions of lights are strung on trees and displayed as animal shapes along pathways.

The zoo was fun. Pretty packed, lots of families and strollers. It's pretty pricey, but I got a $5 discount for being a student. Any place we went to grab a snack was closed before 4.They ran out of food to feed the sting rays before 230, so that was a bummer too. Overall, we had a great time

Ann N — Google review

An excellent zoo with a nice walk.Numerous areas are under construction, which is encouraging.Some animals are not into the heat. The polar bear lays on a pile of ice cubes.They have done a great job of utilizing the surroundings to create great habitats for these animals.This is a great zoo.

David C — Google review

My father brought me hers back in 2000 and now I brought my little ones. Loved the atmosphere of this place. The staff were all very professional. Would be nice to have have more workers at the snack bars as ordering took a good 20 minutes. I recommend you buy your tickets in advance.

SilverFoxxx — Google review

This is a really good zoo. I have been to the San Diego zoo several times and while no other zoo compares, the Phoenix zoo is definitely only one tier down and that is a huge compliment! The giraffe feeding experience is fantastic! If you go very early in the day, the animals are out and active, at least from November to April when the weather in the mornings is 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The animals have a lot of space in their habitats to play and walk about. The variety of animals is quite diverse and interesting. We had a really fun day at the zoo!!

Debi Z — Google review

Fun zoo. Sadly at the time I went the large cat area was closed for remodeling. Many of the animals are in open air cages you can walk through. Was a blast to go into the area with the monkeys and have them right there. Highly recommend buying season tickets. If you go twice, it pays for its self. Plus 1 guest free every visit.

Lyn C — Google review

Absolutely was so much fun! It’s at least 4 hours of walking & sights.I highly recommend doing the stingray feeding & petting (if you have long nails be VERY careful because you can scratch them).There are so many amazing animals- see the new lioness’ was awesome!

Molly C — Google review

A Perfect Day Out at Phoenix Zoo - A Must-Visit!We had an absolutely delightful day at Phoenix Zoo, and I cannot recommend it enough! With nearly every animal species imaginable, it's a thrilling experience for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages. The zoo is beautifully designed with ample shaded areas, providing a comfortable and cool environment even on hotter days.What I particularly appreciated was the abundance of restrooms scattered conveniently throughout the zoo, making it easy to freshen up and keep little ones happy. The availability of water fountains also added to our comfort, ensuring we stayed hydrated as we explored.A highlight for the kids was definitely the fun rides, perfectly suited for children, adding a touch of excitement to their educational adventure. These thoughtful amenities make Phoenix Zoo not just a place to see animals, but a full-day experience where convenience and fun go hand in hand.Every staff member we encountered was helpful and knowledgeable, enhancing our visit with interesting facts and helpful tips. If you're looking for a family-friendly outing that combines education with entertainment, Phoenix Zoo is the place to go. Five stars all the way!

Utsav M — Google review

Wow, awesome zoo, really friendly and knowledgeable education staff, answered some questions about a beautiful snake, and a cute little armadillo. It was super hot, 106+ but they're were plenty of cool down spots, had a blast.

Nathan B — Google review

What I didn’t like about this zoo is that all the animals are pretty far so it’s difficult to see them and of course the price of the ticket. Other than that maybe it’s a fun place to go with your kids or something. I probably expected more for such a price.

Max T — Google review

Incredible experience. This is the first time I've been to a zoo where it feels like being at an amusement park. The entire park allows visitors to be up close up the animals in a way I've never experienced before, often with exhibits that have little to no barrier between the guests and the critters. It's so much more engaging being hardly divided from rare species from all over the globe. I'd liken it to what it would feel like if Jurassic Park was a real place. There's an exhibit with tiny monkeys that are just barely cordoned off from the public. They're tiny, but they're active and sure to make a memorable experience for young and old alike. There's a petting zoo with goats - lots of goats. They're super friendly and some of them can be very social, it was so cool being able to pet them and learn their names. There were even baby ones. And then there's sting ray bay where one can gently caress and feed a multitude of sting ray and even a tiny shark (don't worry, this one's harmless). There's opportunities to mount horses and camels, a surefire winner if you're looking to take memorable photos of yourself interacting with the animals. The staff was extremely polite and helpful, as well as extremely knowledgeable about the exhibits and the animals. The park is very clean and well maintained, and there's even a cafe where guests can grab a bite to eat or choose from an assortment of beers (I recommend the zoo's personal lager for the experience, it's a must try and it's made by a local brewing company).

Nate U — Google review

We made sure to stop at the Phoenix Zoo while in town, since the online reviews were great and it was highly recommended. The animal habitats were very clean and it was easy to see most of them. Navigating the zoo was easy, as there are maps posted and an downloadable map available for your phone. The bathrooms were clean. There are plenty of water fountains throughout. Most of the walking paths are shady which was nice in the desert heat. I was a bit surprised at the high entry cost, and even more surprised that the high cost did not include things like the stingray exhibit or camel encounter. We also did not get to see about half of the zoo, since we arrived around 2pm and were told that they closed at 4pm that day.

Holly S — Google review

Sometimes I worry they’ll make an exhibit outta me. But I was able to escape and leave this review. My gf and I visited on a Wednesday afternoon. We got right on in. Tickets are 40$ for adults. The zoo is quite large and has many exhibits. You can feed giraffes and ride camels. Lots of shaded areas to get out of the sun which I appreciate. Kids we saw running around seemed to enjoy it. Would recommend.

Trent W — Google review

Majority of animals were not on display. Staff was friendly and helpful. Very hot day and they had no misters going. My granddaughter was so upset that she seen very few animals. Posted photos of animals we actually got to see (6)

Sonya K — Google review

The enclosures are built in a manner that allows you to get very close to the animals. It almost feels like you're right there with them. Plenty of viewing areas, lots of places to sit and relax. The zoo is huge, but so very beautiful with so much to see and do.

Megan K — Google review

My husband and I went to the Phoenix Zoo recently and it was a really nice time! The animals have huge enclosures and seem pretty happy. Because the enclosures are so big everything is really spaced out so if you're going just know you will be walking a lot. We spent about two hours there and saw almost all of the animals. There is a beautiful large pond in the middle of the zoo that is really nice to sit by. You can see some enclosures from it and it is just really peaceful.If you have not been to the Phoenix Zoo, and are in the area, I highly recommend checking it out.

Rosie T — Google review

I know it's in a desert so we expected heat, but very little shade in the animal enclosures meant most animals were not even visible since they had to struggle to get shade where they could. Great reptile exhibits, and the camels didn't mind the heat. We went in the height of summer and it was over 100 out, so that's on us.

Tiffany R — Google review

Not the usual zoo. Big green areas and super well kept animals. Cages are reduces to a minimum and are still super big. All of them have history of being rescued or born in captivity. The zoo has great facility and people working. We saw so many animals. The weTher was perfect being in November so cool enough to have the animals out. Probably during a hot summer you might see less under the sun of Arizona. But how many humans are out in the summer? A must do visit. Good for kids and adults.

Alessandra F — Google review

Was a fun little trip. It was really hot out, so the highlight was definitely the stingray touch pool. Staff was super friendly and made it worth it. I think it would be definitely better to visit when the weather is cooler, but this is definitely a place to visit if you're in the Phoenix area.

David ( — Google review

Great exhibits. The monkee area was unique. There is even an area where the monkees are in the same enclosure as you are. The guides are truly in love with their jobs, and explain everything you need to know about the animals. You must take the safari cart ($6) to get the full experience. The cart and it's knowledgeable driver give you a very detailed guide of the zoo inhabitants.

Jeffrey O — Google review

We use our Pogo Pass for our yearly FREE visit to the Phoenix Zoo and we totally and absolutely love it! The kids always have so much fun!! We love adding on the photo op, camel rides, carousel and of course all the food stands! We also love Zoo lights during the holiday season! Thank you Phoenix Zoo + Pogo Pass for allowing families to create memories!

Allison O — Google review

Let me start by saying that I love zoos. If you do not like the principal of a zoo, or you just don't like going to zoos, then I don't think this one is going to turn you around.You already like zoos? Then you're going to like this one.Pros: they had exhibits specific to the region, as well as great views of the natural desert from inside the zoo. It really had a feel of being specific to Arizona. The staff were friendly. There was plenty of shade, seating areas, places to get food and drink, and clean bathrooms.Cons: it's very hot 🔥 I love the heat, and there'll be no shortage of locals to remind you that it's only a dry heat and that it's really the humidity that gets you 😨. So I did not mind the heat. But it did make the animals a little less active possibly. I thought the price of admission was a little high at $40.If you only have time for one, I would recommend going to the desert botanical gardens next door. That was a special and unique trip.

Oliver W — Google review

Went on a Sunday and it was moderately crowded. Was able to buy tickets at the gates with little to no wait. Restrooms were clean and there was plenty of places to sit and rest around the park. There was a great collection of snakes and was pleasantly surprised about the variety of animals and birds they had.

Spencer P — Google review

Great zoo experience! We went during the second week of June and it wasn’t too crowded. Most of the animals were hiding in the shade out of sight because it was so warm. Would definitely recommend visiting when it’s cooler.

Madison B — Google review

The Phoenix Zoo was amazing. I traveled here from Houston, TX to see my daughter. We took my grandson to the Phoenix Zoo. He loved it. We all had a great time. The animal cages were really close up so you could see the various animals up close. The food at the Zoo was actually good. It's very family friendly and a great place.

Steve W — Google review

We were on vacation and absolutely loved the zoo! There were a lot of animals to see , water play areas for the kids and parents to get wet in on a hot day . We were surprised on how good the food was in the restaurant. My whole family loved it! Even my teens .

Amanda R — Google review

I am such a big fan of the events offered at the Phoenix Zoo but the Candlelight Concert is, by far, my favorite experience so far. It was beautifully done, the crowds were well controlled as far as traffic is concerned and the seats weren't bad for the price. We bought tickets in the less expensive zone B and it was not too far from the amphitheatre stage at all.Their candles are all LED with little air flicked "flames" in the centers so unless you're looking closely, they actually look pretty real. The lack of real candles does not take away anything special about the night. I love me some instrumental and tonight's show was called A Haunted Evening of Classical Compositions. You have to go if you're even remotely into Halloween music.They offer one very small booth of kettle corn, popcorn, locally brewed beer and a red and a white wine. The popcorn was $9 and the beer cans were $12 a piece so I don't recommend waiting until you get to the venue to snack and load up on booze. At that price, two cans could easily buy you a high quality 12 pack. They have bathrooms located about a 5 minute walk from the amphitheatre and the booze/popcorn booth was right across from the entrance to the seating zones.They allow guests to bring their own reusable water bottles, booty cushions and blankets. I highly recommend you bring your own cushions (they have cushions for rent but I brought my own so I don't know how much they cost) and also a light jacket, just in case the weather permits coziness. The actual seats are extended metal benches with small backs to them. The performance from the quartet was incredibly satisfying to listen to and the tunes were all classic chiller/thriller types you could easily recognize from Halloween pop culture. My husband is not a classical fan but he loves horror flicks and this hit the spot for both of us.

Alex F — Google review

So fun! Coming from CO where zoo lights are always cold. It was a nice change to walk around in the warm.Beautiful lights, not to crowded!

Sandy — Google review

4.5

(21227)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (186)

4.0

(3098)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (187)

455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA

(602) 286-3800

24

Old Town Scottsdale

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (188)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (189)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (190)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (191)

Mentioned on

+138 other lists

Neighborhoods

Old Town Scottsdale, just 25 minutes from Phoenix, is a vibrant downtown area with a charming Western neighborhood featuring tourist-friendly gift shops and world-class art at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. The district also boasts nationally recognized restaurants, upscale hotels, and the renowned Scottsdale Fashion Square mall. At night, visitors can enjoy the lively nightlife district with trendy bars and clubs.

4.0

(5654)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (195)

Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA

25

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (196)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (197)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (198)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (199)

Mentioned on

5 lists

Nature preserve

Nature & Parks

Nature & Wildlife Areas

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is a sprawling natural area featuring seven ponds, hiking trails, and an observatory. The park is home to diverse wildlife including ducks, waterfowl, fish, and desert cottontail rabbits. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the lake from a floating boardwalk and explore the park's flora and ponds through interconnected walking trails.

The Riparian Preserve is an awesome place to get away from Gilbert without actually leaving Gilbert. When you walk the gravel trails, you’ll feel like you’re walking through the wilderness. There are all kinds of beautiful birds that frequent the park, so it’s great for birdwatching. There are places to go fishing, there are places to feed ducks.My favorite part: there are plenty of places to sit in quiet. In the evenings, it’s dark enough to stargaze with my wife after a dinner date.The kiddos love it here for many reasons, including the activities that are set up specifically for younger children.Yeah, it’s a little muggy when it’s hot outside, but when the temperature drops below 100°, it’s quite heavenly to visit.

C.D. C — Google review

Great little hideaway, with both paved and off-the-beaten paths.Parking is limited with little shade for sitting around the (cement walkway), but the nearby library makes up where the park lacks.Lots of birds and an equal amount of people feeding them. 😉

Julie — Google review

Peaceful haven so close to metro areas! Created to enhance water quality and wildlife habitat, with pathways and an array of seating areas. Play area for kids. Really nice! Wheelchair accessible.

A S — Google review

The trails are well kept, my dog is safe to walk everywhere, and the beauty changes every time we go! :) lots of birds and animals, if you stood in one spot long enough, the diversity of life would be evident as the birds fly, the animals crawl and the bugs find their way.

NaKayla G — Google review

Riparian Preserve is one of the most beautiful places we have encountered since moving here. Every time we visit, we see something new, especially when it comes to wildlife. The grounds are well maintained, and the trails are intelligently laid out. Great place for exercise or just a quiet commune with nature.

Raymond E — Google review

I love this place. It let's you feel like you're in nature without the longer drive. It's an easy 'hike' with lots of opportunities to rest for those who need them, and depending on when you go, so many happy dog faces.Parking can be a bit of a crush, but the lot next door at the library is larger and has access from the urban fishing lake side.

Gabi L — Google review

Such a great area to spend walking around. Many different paths and the area is clean but not manicured. The wild life is amazing as well. It's definitely worth taking the time to visit.

Sam H — Google review

Beautiful easy walk. Lots of shade trees. Great place to bird watch. There was a bathroom but I didn't use it, other people were though. It's free! Great place to take the kids or grands. Stroller and dog-friendly. They offer a digital map for your phone. Saw people fishing. And there are spots where you can Tent camp. There is a QR code to scan for reservations

Gina S — Google review

Flat walk and nice views. There are birds to look at all over. Bathrooms, water bottle refill. A place to feed ducks whole grain foods. Playground was fun!

Micah F — Google review

A very cool place to see so much wildlife. The amount of ducks, geese, rabbits and other wildlife was amazing to see. Definitely my place to take a stroll to be with mother nature within the Metro.

Josh S — Google review

Was not as pretty as the pictures BUT still had a really lovely time.Didn’t see much wildlife other than birds that kinda all look the same to me (sorry)Ponds were a bit shallow but could still enjoy the atmosphere and the fact it was something free and scenic to do 😍

Kirsty V — Google review

Love this Nature Reserve! Wear comfortable shoes and clothing because there are a lot of trails to walk. Bring plenty of duck or chicken scratch because the ducks will love you if you do.

Leah — Google review

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is a fantastic spot for birding! There are so many great areas to explore, and if you get there early enough, you might even spot some coyotes. The diversity of wildlife and the peaceful surroundings make it a perfect place for nature lovers. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy some time outdoors and observe wildlife! Bring water!

Melissa S — Google review

Not a lot of people know this but the Riparian is not just a wildlife preserve but it is also a water reclamation area. It is 110 acres pf wetland, ponds, trails and wildlife. You can fish, birdwatch, sit and rest... or just take in the views. Also not very well know are the three campsites that are available. They are tucked away, and if you want something to do with the family, that is not far away from anything... there you go. Parking is good most of the time, and there are on occasion community events to participate in. Lastly... take advantage of the Observatory.

Kevin B — Google review

Really nice, easy walk through nature. We took the dog along and all of us enjoyed it. There were many birds to watch and flora to see.

Gerda L — Google review

What a gem in Mesa and the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. You can get out in nature in the middle of the city at this park. They have a beautiful unpaved nature trail around multiple wildlife ponds which horses can use, a paved trail around a park lake which you can fish in, a dino dig and play area for kids, campsites, observatory, restrooms, and ramadas.The only issue is that sometimes they put up signs that the nature trail is closed at sunset, which is unacceptable for summers in Phoenix and they're right underneath the flight path for Sky Harbor, Phoenix Mesa Gateway, Falcon Field, and Chandler Airpark; and have busy streets on two sides of the park. So noise pollution is very heavy. However, you can get lucky with some periods of quietness to where you can hear the nature. I usually walk with headphones because of the noise pollution. Also, local photographers can get a little over eager in this place so be prepared for lots of dodging and trying to be quiet on the trails as to not disturb wildlife photographers and group photographers.I've been coming here for most of my life and will continue to and then very happy with the improvements that they have continued to do, especially the hope walk which gives mental health tips for people walking the nature trail. What a great idea!

Brandon B — Google review

This riparian park is a true desert gem! I am originally from Mesa/Gilbert, but moved out of state in 2003. We were down in Gilbert in September 2024 and the place was full of life! Raptors, kestrals, egrets, ducks and many other shore birds. Turtles, Jackrabbits and cottontails everywhere. I had binoculars and a spotting scope, but I wish I had taken my good camera. I have included a few iPhone shots.I went at 6:30am on a Saturday. Parking was a challenge. Next time I'll go during the week and probably earlier as well. The trails were well groomed. I saw a lot of dogs on leash. Joggers, walkers, bird watchers, photograpers. Lots to do and see.The signs provided by Game and Fish were very imformative.Lots of benches throughout the park and it is well setup for handicap visitors.I'll be back each time I visit family and friends in the Valley of The Sun!

Barry H — Google review

the most beautiful desert trail, love the variety of trails they have as well as all the birds they have. they also have cute mental health tips posted for display all around the garden to enjoy as you walk. one of my all time favorites parks i love brining everyone i know here to enjoy the beauty of being outside. 🍃✨

Miranda W — Google review

Happy place with lots of bunnies and other types of wildlife enjoying the surroundings. Feels like an art masterpiece at sunset. Highly recommended

Cintia M — Google review

There is only water in one of the ponds, a lot less scenic than expected, but all the water fowl were adorable

Cori W — Google review

I haven't camped here yet but it's so beautiful & a peaceful family day place♡ The bunnies are friendly and I even seen a bald eagle up close! The mental health advocacy is really appreciated too.

Jazmine K — Google review

Want a great community space. Lots to see and do. Plus, it's a learning center, too! Fishing is available with a state license. Come back in the evening to gaze at the stars through the observatory. Overflow parking at the library next door.

Pasking441 — Google review

Beautiful place to walk around all the lakes and surround yourself in nature. Multiple trails. A great place to sit and listen to the birds.

Dina D — Google review

Nice 75 degree afternoon off so explored here. Birds singing, waterfall sounds, trails! Very nice to see natural beauty still in neighborhoods.

Amanda F — Google review

Beautiful place to visit with the whole family enjoyable for everyone. Beautiful place to go for a hike walk,take pictures feed the ducks or just to chill it's awesome. Helps calm your nerves the environment is amazing there. I highly recommend going there.. The parking lot is small so you will have a hard time finding a parking spot. Park by the library you can walk to the park from there.

Olivas F — Google review

4.8

(6670)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (200)

4.5

(572)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (201)

2757 E Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234, USA

(480) 503-6200

I'll never travel to Tucson without this trip planner again

Learn more

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (202)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (203)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (204)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (205)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (206)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (207)

I will never travel to Tucson without this app againAvailable on the App Store

26

Queen Creek Olive Mill

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (209)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (210)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (211)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (212)

Mentioned on

16 lists

$$$$affordable

Sights & Landmarks

Queen Creek Olive Mill is a must-visit gourmet market and restaurant that showcases locally produced olive oil and specialty foods. Located in the southeastern part of Queen Creek, visitors can sample the full product line, take tours of the facilities, and indulge in delicious sandwiches at del Piero, the in-house cafe. The mill offers grove tours where guests can learn about olive cultivation and oil pressing processes.

I have been a fan of the Queen Creek Olive Mill for their amazing products, service and events. I recently had my wedding there and it was breathtaking and perfect, honestly I could not have imagined a better day with the support and service of Erika and her team! Thank you so much for the beautiful day, and for making planning easy and fun :)

Dixie G — Google review

I've been to a farm type restaurant, but it was my first time with olive trees. The trees are very beautiful! I enjoyed this place but it was too crowded on the weekend. And this place is not as big as I thought. One more thing that disappointed me is the yellow line ruined the landscape to take pictures. Anyway we had pizza, chicken sandwich and a boozy brunch flight and it was cute and delicious. This is where you can enjoy live music and eating outdoors during the picnic season!

Jae C — Google review

We went last weekend. The ambiance and the food were fantastic. We took the tour and learned about olives and olive oil. It was a great way to spend the afternoon with family. I can't say enough great things about the food and the store items. GREAT. Must go!

Amy ( — Google review

This is the kind of place where you might come every once in a while to find that fancy ingredient that you wanted to put out for guests or a date night. Is it family friendly? I mean, yeah it’s not illegal to bring kids here, but wouldn’t you really rather have a date here while somebody watches the kids at home? There is also a coffee bar, deli, stone pizza oven, outdoor space for receptions, and plenty of outdoor restaurant seating.

Brian S — Google review

This place is great. Awesome wine selection, the food was DELICIOUS, and the assortment of outdoor seating options was fantastic. Brought my Mom here for her Birthday and she loved it 🥰

Charli S — Google review

We had a wedding/anniversary gathering for my girls who both got married last year. Erica and her team helped make this event flawless and pain free. They did all the heavy lifting and we were able to just relax to enjoy our family. The venue was lovely and the food was delicious. We even got to take the leftovers!

Melissa H — Google review

Such a cute farm/dining/shopping experience. Highly recommend! You have to do the Olive Oil 101 tour prior to trying any olive oils! So fun and informative 🤗 Then enjoy any of the yummy lunch options in the deli! The garlic fries are amazing! After, the gelato is a must! Highly recommend pistachio gelato. Our tour guide was so sweet and knowledgeable. I learned a lot of new things about the olive oil experience. They have samples of almost everything they sell. Also, they will ship your purchases if you don’t live nearby. 🫶

Dana U — Google review

Delicious food, highly recommended tour, great product, and a wonderful area to eat or have a drink in. Love being able to mix and match tasters of their products to find delicious combos. Wish I lived closer to make coming here a regular thing. Can easily spend 2-3 hours here.

Brianna S — Google review

In town visiting family. Ill tell you what, this is some of the best food I have had in a long time. Nothing is over thought and just executed perfectly. Absolutely will come back here everytime Im in AZ. Keep up the good work and keep your Chefs happy because they are absolutely killing it!!!

Khalifa G — Google review

Oh my 😱🫒 Now this is a thing!🤩Massive property. A tremendous investment.Well thought out 🤯Every angle is covered☑️Beer🍺 Wine🍷 cheese🧀 desserts 🍪 tours.Really fresh sandwiches🥪 and salads made to order.🥙Multiple outdoor seating options. Covered, uncovered, fire pit🔥, heated♨️, tent.Great venue for parties or events or weddings💒💑They should really join the Harvest Hosts program 😉

Michael S — Google review

Great place to shop, eat , take tours. Garlicfest was very enjoyable. Tractor tour with Carson as our tour guide was so fun and enjoyed tasting honey and evoo oils. I wanted imported pasta and staff got the owner and wife to give us info and we appreciated them taking time with us.

Daisy S — Google review

This is a quaint little olive farm about an hour from Phoenix. They offer a tour of the oil production (which we did not take) and sell plenty of olive oil based items for cooking, drinking, cosmetics etc.. it's a nice place to spend an afternoon with family or friends. I'll surely visit again when I am in town.

Rafael B — Google review

We recently rented out the pergola at the Queen Creek Olive Mill for my Mom’s birthday dinner. It was absolutely fabulous!! We worked together with Erika and team to create a menu and decor for an Italian dinner party for my Mom. The food, the venue, the music and the overall ambience was perfect for this event. I highly recommend having your special event here! It was truly magical evening! Thank you Ericka and Queen Creek Olive Mill!!

Julianne B — Google review

Oh my word!! I could go on and on about Carson! An amazing tour guide, extremely knowledgeable(would’ve never known he was there for just about 2 months), he was patient with our questions and so witty! Kept the tour very lively! The space of Queen Creek Olive Mill was beyond cozy & inviting! I absolutely loved that y’all offered shipping—so I can’t wait to get all my goodies! The vodka sauce pasta was absolutely amazing! Also, VERY reasonably priced high grade EVOO! One recommendation —maybe offer a tour of the olive trees on golf carts or something??:) Thank y’all for welcoming us with open arms, would love to come back!

Ahyonna P — Google review

Had the most intriguing and fun experience touring Queen Creek Olive Mill with Tour Guide Carson! He did an exceptional job sharing the history of Olive Mill, the process of olive to olive oil, and the many variations and benefits of olive oil products. Our homeschool group really enjoyed the tour and his robust, humorous, yet professional presentation and tour! Please offer Carson a raise...we will definitely be back!

Patricia K — Google review

A fantastic day starting with the Olive 101 class and tour. I had no idea about how olive oil is made and the differences in ratings.The store is amazing and had fun tasting all sorts of oils, balsamic vinegars, and various other products. Their products are not inexpensive, but the quality is amazing so bring your credit card so make sure you take some home.This place can get packed, so if you’re coming for lunch be patient as they will have a line out the door. We didn’t eat there, but seeing the food come out looked fantastic. We will be back to shop and have a nice lunch next time.

Rob D — Google review

Our family is from Wisconsin, and we visit the Olive Mill whenever we are in town! The food is great, and the cocktails incorporate different oils and vinegars to make unique and tasty beverages! There is a large selection of items in the shop (and samples!). They will even ship orders (over $90). It was a warm day, and the misters on the patio were perfect.

Dawn M — Google review

Great space to meet up with a large group and enjoy a great ambiance. Bocce ball was great as was the music. The food and drinks are really good, although pretty expensive for what you get. I was a bit disappointed that a fair amount of their olive oil is a mix of olives from Arizona and Chile and is still fairly expensive.

Matt — Google review

Our first time here and we were not disappointed!! We enjoyed the live music and there are plenty of misters and a big cooler so it doesn’t even seem hot out during a summer night! We enjoyed sampling the olive oils and sauces and bought a few! The food and the lemonade were delicious!! We will definitely be coming back and bringing the pups next time!

Molly S — Google review

Garlic Festival review: it was HOT and uncomfortable but the food was amazing as usual. Coming from CA and loving the Gilroy Garlic Festival, I had high hopes... Just like anything else, the food and products sold have gotten expensive. The outdoor entertainment was great, the face painting was free, we got to make crowns from Olive branches/twigs... Tasted the garlic infused ice cream, it was surprisingly good. Hopefully next year it won't be so hot and we get to enjoy it more.

Jennifer N — Google review

First time here and loved the court yard. It was surprisingly peaceful being by the road. Love all the different birds there. And the coffee place was good too.

Amanda C — Google review

A wonderful representative of local business. Not only do they produce and sell excellent products, but they also organize very interesting events where you can come with the whole family and enjoy delicious food and live music.

Olga D — Google review

I hosted my daughter's baby shower on the lawn at the Olive Mille and it was absolutely gorgeous! More than that, the staff at the Olive Mill were a dream to work with. Special shout out to Erika in events - YOU ROCK! She went out of her way to help me make everything so beautiful and accommodate everything I needed to create my Baby in Bloom theme. I will definitely recommend this venue to all my friends for their events. Great food, beautiful space and friendly, hard working staff - you can't go wrong!

Miranne W — Google review

Our homeschool co-op took the Olive Oil 101 tour this morning with our guide, Carson, and he was above and BEYOND amazing for all of our kiddos!!! He had such a great personality, was super informative, and made it so much fun for all of us! He definitely elevated our entire experience. Tip for those in charge- never let him go! 👏🏻

Jessica O — Google review

What a lovely spot! We arrived in the afternoon and got tickets right away for the tour. While waiting for our tour to start we ordered food and drinks. The food was so delicious and local fresh ingredients. There is even a shop where you can purchase olive oil and additional things. It was such a cute shop. I bought olive oil and also some olive oil lotion which has worked wonders on my hands. I highly recommend coming here and spending the day. I drive in from Phoenix but it was well worth the drive! The tour guide was also very attentive and gave a lot of good information about olives that I didn’t know about before.

Ninorta K — Google review

Beautiful property and great food. You order at a counter and then have a pager when your food is ready to pick up at the counter. This is a very familiar setup to many restaurants in Austin, Texas. Definitely worth a visit The bread is delicious as well.

Mark S — Google review

First time in AZ and QCOM. We learned a lot by attending the paid guided tour. After tasting a few award winning EVOO, we bought several products to bring home. Spending more than $90, our purchases were offered free shipping to our home address. Friday is fish and chips day in their menu. Unfortunately, we already ate so perhaps next time. We highly recommend a visit.

Carlos M — Google review

Their EVOO is tastes really good. We enjoyed our visit and the tour. We got lucky during our visit as they had sangria social event going on with live bands. It was a worth the drive from Phoenix.. We ended up buying olive oil and know how to recognize good quality EVOO. Staff was very friendly.

Vaish C — Google review

4.6

(6365)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (213)

4.5

(747)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (214)

25062 S Meridian Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142, USA

(480) 888-9290

27

Goldfield Ghost Town and Mine Tours Inc.

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (215)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (216)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (217)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (218)

Mentioned on

22 lists

Ghost town

Sights & Landmarks

Goldfield Ghost Town and Mine Tours Inc. is a reconstructed 1890s town that offers visitors a glimpse into the Old West era. The historic Apache Trail Tours take guests on guided journeys through Arizona's deserts and canyons, providing stunning views and expert insights. At Goldfield Ghost Town, visitors can participate in activities like gold-mine tours, Old West gunfights, and shopping at western-themed stores.

This place was soo cool. It looks and feels like a legitimate old school 1800's mining town. Plenty of shops and cool activities to do when you get there. The food at the saloon is also really really good. Definitely a fun place to take family and friends. I enjoyed the shooting gallery as well. It's worth checking out. I Highly recommend it.

JR T — Google review

Really fun place to go. Lots to do and see with or without kids. Tons of free parking even for our rv. We brought our dog and it is dog friendly. They tell you it will be load for the shoot out and gun fight. Lots of old stores to look through. The area is clean and easy to find. Definitely i will go back

Richard M — Google review

We loved it, it's such a cute little town.The zip line was so cool and had such a great view. Just make sure you wear shoes that stay on otherwise they'll have you kick them off so that you don't lose them. They also let you ride a second time for half price which was really cool.All of the little gift shops are really cute.Make sure you check out the Apothecary Shoppe, the ladies who run it are so sweet and made of win. When you enter you get whacked in the face with the smell of essential oils, but it is a good smell. We loved all of the lotions and soaps. They have the cutest little bath bombs, and even a kit so that you can make them at home. They also had different teas and supplements.The other shops had a bunch of local goods to include jewelry, books, sauces and salsas, and Arizona themed items.There is a great little Pottery Shop, where the woman makes Pottery to sell and even has classes where you can learn to make them. She even has a really cool Soul jar by the front that is so amazing you've got to check it out.They have an old brothel where you can get old timey photos taken of you and there is a tattoo shop around the back of it downstairs. It is a gorgeous old Victorian building.Lastly, you can't forget the views of the Superstition Mountains, they are absolutely gorgeous.

JR T — Google review

We were in the Phoenix area and decided to head over to see this tourist attraction. I had some teenagers with me and they actually had a really good time. There isn't a fee to go but there is a fee for basically everything else if you want to stay active there. We just picked into some of the most things we were interested in and enjoyed ourselves. We did the mine tour and we did the panning for gold. My 17-year-old boy really enjoyed the gun shows. They were every hour on the hour and each skip was not like the last. I can guarantee that if we are back in the area we will be going back.

Melissa D — Google review

This was my 2nd visit here and it did not disappoint. The steak dinner was delightful from Mammoth Saloon. Will return when I have more time as I am a route driver and get through here twice a year. This visit was better because the snow birds were not here yet and was a bit less crowded!

Debra R — Google review

Pricey but so much fun! When we were there train rides were $12 per person, same for the tours of the old mines. Gift shops weren't cheap either. Great atmosphere throw. Tons of characters around the place dressed up like they would like in the old West. They even had a fun little reenactment of an old West gun shoot out.

Quincy R — Google review

Fun little experience while we were visiting from out of town. Good ice cream place, too! Fun and friendly people. This place also has shows and season things, so make sure to look at their calendar online for events you can go to.

Christina B — Google review

Wow, what a wonderful place. Real Cowboy hospitality, great food and entertainment. We had a professional historic photo taken of us both and it was superb. A fantastic experience well worth a visit.

Dean — Google review

Beautiful views. Interesting history. Some nice interesting items for sale. Hat store, mercantile store-good fudge, and Saloon was the restaurant. Saloon food was ok, service was mediocre. Poor lady did not have a good attitude for serving or welcoming guests. Interior of the saloon had a lot of cool posters.

Minette D — Google review

Absolutely a beautiful place to visit and learn. Our family did the combo pass at approximately $30 per person. It included the Shack, the Train and the Mine tours. All 3 tour guides were exceptional in every possible way!!! They were so kind and filled our minds with so much knowledge. Well worth the money!! We tipped every single one of our tour guides at the end of our tours.On the other hand, my only complaint would be that every single part of the little town was a place to spend more money which was a little disappointing. It would have been or could be so much more if some of the village was seeing how people lived back in those days... but I guess the point is to make more money.My absolute favorite part of the entire town was hearing and seeing the fiddler. And yes, we made sure to tip him.All together, great experience and I'd recommend visiting.

Dan&Heather H — Google review

Our first time visiting, we are visiting from Pennsylvania.Cute place with lots of different shops.We did the mine tour, the tour guide was very informative making the experience very educational.Even with the very hot temperatures it was still enjoyable.

April R — Google review

Cool place to see. Staff was friendly. Jerome was a great place to visit and see. Very unique. I would go again so I could spend more time walking around and exploring.

Rob R — Google review

It's a great touristy place to visit with a fun ghost town vibe that is well done. Kids and folks that like to shop will enjoy it. We did not do the train ride and mine tour as it was a crowded Saturday afternoon. I'm sure they were entertaining. Definitely watch the gun fight that seems to be on the hour. It was very entertaining. Don't forget to tip the actors! We did eat at the saloon and the view from the outside seating area was nice! Food was just OK but that should not be the reason you come here.

Bhavesh P — Google review

Small but nice place to visit if you need a quick get away on a budget. Train ride is a must saloon a definite if you need a drink and a quick meal!! Freindly people all around!

David L — Google review

I don't live far from there. Always a favorite place to go. Great food. Lots of fun for our of town people. This is really the wild west.

Carol K — Google review

Such a fun place!! Been here many many times over the years. Be sure to stop in the saloon and have one of Cowboy Don's infamous prickly pear margaritas. He is an excellent long time bartender there and a hoot!!!

Christina M — Google review

We were visiting from Michigan and my in-laws took us here for the day. My family absolutely loved it. The live gun shows, the shopping, the tours and history. My son (9 years old) came home with a fascination for wanting to learn more about gold mining and the possible ghosts in the area. And the shopping! Honestly I've been to many touristy areas that price gouge, but I honestly thought this place was pretty fair. Really, for the larger part, it was free to just walk around. How great is that?? But we did everything. The train ride, zip line, mine tour.

Cesar M — Google review

There's only a few stores in here that were open anyways. It's a cool little area. You can take jeep tours or a train tour which I did not do but is an option. The view is amazing and it's a cool experience seeing a ghost town.

Ashley S — Google review

the place is truly entering a time tunnel where there were small towns where everyone worked around mining for gold, coal and precious stones. The city teaches us about culture in the 1800s and how an ancient village operated. Be sure to appreciate the details because there are many. all with views of Superstition Mountain. It's incredible!

Jefferson F — Google review

Such a fun day trip out of town! We arrived around 12:30p and stayed around 4 hours. It was perfect length to check out all the shops and towns places, eat lunch at the restaurant and enjoy the band, as well as do the mine tour, the Mystery Shack, and the train ride. Don't forget to try the prickly pear fudge, it was delicious! Didn't see any ghosts or feel spooked but knowing the history was pretty cool.

Ariel A — Google review

Went here with a couple of friends, only had about a half hour and the town did not disappoint! The shops are very unique and honestly pretty affordable for selling souvenirs. We were able to walk around and see insides of buildings and great views of Superstition Mountain for free and had a great time. Would recommend if you’re short on time and want to see a little bit of the Old West.

Lily D — Google review

Expecting a little bit more, but was still interesting. Took the mine tour (15 minutes) and train tour (20 minutes) both provided history of the town. Museum, shops, church, food in the town.

David I — Google review

Love, love, love this place! We rode a zip line, toured an actual goldmine (copper and silver too) and took a cool train ride around the town. They have an old church, jail, gift shoppes and places to get food. We Sadly didn't have time to explore everything they had to offer but it did not disappoint in any way. This town has a gorgeous view of Saguaros and Superstition Mountain. We would go back if the opportunity presents itself. Fun for all ages!

Laurie M — Google review

Highly underrated little spot in the east valley. If you have family or friends in town I recommend taking them here because it’s quite unique. The saloon food is salt nothing special but it’s no big deal. Great photo place and the surrounding scenery is just stunning. I love coming here it really never gets old.

Laila D — Google review

We stopped here on our way back from Sedona, the day we flew out of PHX. It was really neat, the gold mine tour guide was funny and had lots of interesting info. The shops are really cute, we really loved that they sold items from local businesses and artists! The cactus all around here were also really spectacular!

Desiree K — Google review

4.5

(13194)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (219)

4.0

(1869)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (220)

4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, USA

(480) 983-0333

28

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (221)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (222)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (223)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (224)

National reserve

Nature & Parks

1300s-era Hohokam compound in the desert comprising a 4-story house, ballcourt & irrigation canals.

This was a nice little spot. I stopped here on my quest to get a magnet from every state and national park in Arizona. They have a nice little gift shop and a little museum. The museum was closed for remodel when I was there, but I could still see in and it looks like it would have been interesting. They have a theater where they show a 20 minute movie about the ruins. I did not attend. The ruins themselves are within walking distance of each other and it's interesting to imagine the people who lived there while standing in their house. It was free to get in and worth a stop if you are in the area.

TakayasMom — Google review

Very interesting ruin from the Hohokam inhabitants. Nice little history museum showing life at the time. The actual Casa Grande building is surprisingly preserved given its age, materials and harsh desert conditions it has existed in since abandoned. No fee here with plenty of free parking. Easy walking through the ruins and a good walking path to visualize the ball court and platform mounds, but they are only able to be viewed from a distance.

Paul R — Google review

Highly recommended! So much more than I was expecting! More ruins than I expected, but also didn't realize there was a museum. Make sure you catch the movie in the museum; it is very informative.No admission fees, but please consider making a donation.

Joyce M — Google review

It doesn't look like much, but it was really cool! The movie was great. And seeing the ruins up close was awesome!

Rhonda H — Google review

Very interesting place to visit. They even provided umbrellas for us sun sensitive people to use. Plan on 90 minutes to watch a video and explore, well worth the time.

Chris L — Google review

Enjoy going to this place the ruins had a lot of history the short film was informative about the whole background the architect is something that's quite interesting how this happened that many years ago it's all free the 2 lady Rangers there were helpful very informative

Jo S — Google review

Nice interpretation center and gift shop inside leading to a controlled access of the monument and ruins. The grounds are covered in pea sized gravel that is fairly flat. There are interpretive signs on each side of the monument as well, which is covered by a canopy to protect it from further erosion. You are not permitted to climb into or on the ruins themselves, but you still can see quite a lot of the interior through gated doorways.

Rick P — Google review

National Park, so if you have a passport for national parks, don’t forget it!Interesting ruin with tons of history. I won’t spoil it too much, but there’s a museum in the gift shop that’s packed with information about the general area and the ruins. I was impressed to know that owls live inside the ruin. It’s a very small area in general, and If you visit between April and October, bring sunscreen. Also, plan ahead, because the park have very specific working hours.This place gets crowded with school field trips and such, so be mindful of that.

Latoya I — Google review

Awesome national park site. Had no idea this was the first national cultural monument back in 1892. A lot of info about the site's history and the people that farmed here are located in the visitor center, but the I formation boards around the monument are extremely informative also. They also give guided tours. It's worth the 20-mile or so detour from your I-10 travels if you have the time.

Brandon D — Google review

Cool place to visit, wouldn't go out of my way to see it.It's covered which is awesome. The staff is friendly.Museum has a great deal of information.The outside structure itself looks like it could fall at anytime. Lots of rods holding it up.Bathrooms are pretty clean.

Gus D — Google review

We stopped here on the way from Phoenix to Tucson. It was easy enough to get to from the highway. We weren’t sure what to expect but so happy we went there. It’s a very historic place and helps tell the story of the culture. There’s a museum that is well worth visiting. It’s not too big so you can go through it without committing a lot of time. Outside are the ruins that date back to the early days of the Native Americans. The ruins are also worth visiting. There was an employee there who could answer questions etc. There’s a gas station, some shopping available a few miles away. Definitely recommend if you’re in the area.

Bradley T — Google review

Very cool and dogger friendly. Definitely worth the stop. It’s a free stop with a fun gift shop lots of neat things. Everyone should remember we need to help the historic places for future generations.

Kristen B — Google review

These ruins were pretty cool! Being able to check out one of the oldest ruins- turned into a monument- in the United States was a pretty rad feeling- I’d highly recommend it. There’s pottery and other small items cased in glass inside the visitor center. There are also staff who are very knowledgeable about the ruins and will tell you anything you want to know.There are a few HUGE owls that currently reside within the walls of the Casa Grande, and if you visit during the day, you’ll see them perched up there.It’s not a huge thing that takes up a lot of time to see, so definitely something you could do to kill some time, especially if you’re a history lover.Definitely recommended to check this place out!

Kaylin — Google review

Very glad we made this stop during our travel in the area. Being able to directly see history makes so much more of an impact compared to just reading about it. We watched the informative short movie before touring outside. We walked around on our own, but there are ranger guided tours. We went on a week day toward the end of January and it was not crowded at all. We had our 5th wheel attached and could get around in the parking lot fine.

Shauna B — Google review

I passed these historical ruins many times coming and going to and fro. We finally made the decision to stop by as it was close to our destination. If you like Arizona history, science, and native civilizations then this would be a fantastic visit. I enjoyed stepping back in time and seeing how diverse and advanced people lived once upon a time. It was a rainy day when we went so I did not get the close up pictures I would have liked to do too muddy terrain but nevertheless it was still a good time. Please look at the pictures and artifacts I have posted to get an idea of the grand history. Also, the two people at the front desk were very helpful and gave me guides to visit more sites of native history around Arizona and the surrounding states. I am miffed that I did not catch their names but they were helpful and answered any questions that we had. Fun time overall.

Steven H — Google review

This was a fun diversion on our way down from the Phoenix airport to Tucson. The museum, while small, gives good context to the site and the short film was very informative and kept the attention of our family (two adults, 15, 12, 10). The ruins themselves are larger than I had anticipated from seeing photos, thought do not take long to see. We saw a horned owl in the rafters, which was cool and unexpected. I think in all we were at the site for about an hour. Entrance is free so why not stop?

Michael Y — Google review

I flew to Arizona for a weekend getaway. While driving from Phoenix to Tucson, the sign for Casa Grande Ruins National Monument caught my eye. I'm so glad I took that detour.It's quite a drive down 87 in Coolidge, but you are greeted by a passionate and friendly staff when you walk thru the doors. There are plenty of items in the gift shop, and our tour guide (Preston) was AMAZING! History provides context for human existence and helps you appreciate the current day even more. Check out the Great House. You won't be disappointed!P.S. The tours are FREE!!! Plus, here's a fun fact: The builders of the great house carried pine trees 🌲 60 miles from Mt. Lemmon. They didn't float them either. Fascinating!

James A — Google review

Amazing how people actually managed to survive for a decent while in the scorching heat here - their ruins being preserved tells a fascinating story.Ruins themselves are in alright shape, lots of birds living inside with their excrement getting all over. But what can you do about that?

Daniel L — Google review

Awesome site to come check out, not too far from Phoenix Arizona. Plenty of parking and a museum that houses artifacts found at Casa Grande. Park rangers are on site to share the history with you

Darrell P — Google review

There is such a rich history in this nation that I am constantly amazed when learning more during our travels.This didn't look like it would be much to see when we stopped but we were impressed with the history, the site, and the enthusiasm and knowledge of the volunteers!

Kevin S — Google review

4.6

(3210)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (225)

4.5

(416)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (226)

1100 W Ruins Dr, Coolidge, AZ 85128, USA

(520) 723-3172

29

Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (227)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (228)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (229)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (230)

Mentioned on

1 list

Ranch

Sights & Landmarks

Nature & Wildlife Areas

The Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch is a must-visit destination for families looking for an enjoyable time. The friendly and happy animals, including stingrays and lorikeets, provide a unique experience that is worth the extra cost. Feeding the critters takes approximately an hour, with additional goat penthouse feeding available on a pulley system that kids love.

This was lots of fun. It's a smaller place but feeding the animals was a great experience. Never really interacted with an ostrich before. Feeding the tortoise was cool too but my favorite was the lorikeets. I would recommend going spend an hour hangout and feed some cool animals.Oh one more cool thing, never thought I'd be feeding stingrays in a desert!

Dustin H — Google review

My wife and I loved this place! We got to pet all the animals and feed them and we took a monster truck tour of the ostrich ranch! I cannot say enough how well cared for these animals are! The staff was priceless. They really hit home on this one! Everyone that you came across was just so friendly. Danna was awesome as she drove the monster truck and told us all about the ranch! Can’t wait to come back. It is family friendly, and very affordable and you will spend several hours here having a blast!

Brandy W — Google review

Our family had an AMAZING time here!!! Loved seeing all of the animals and being able to feed them all. We did the monster truck tour and it was SUPER fun! The driver had a wonderful sense of humor and told us lots of cool facts and information. Soooooo happy we decided to go!!!

Tenna B — Google review

Amazing! We had a wonderful time feeding all the animals!!The highlight for me was feeding the stingrays and petting them! They were so friendly and almost like having a water puppy! Other cool animals were the rainbow lorikeets, miniature goats, bunnies, and so much more!!! Highly recommend!

El S — Google review

This place was amazing!!! Affordable, clean & fun for our entire family. We got the $15 tickets so we could feed the sting rays too, other reviews were right. Very generous with the feed! Signs provided at each numbered animal station made it easy to determine how much to give each animal. Save your longer feed for the kissing booth!! We can't wait to come back, but next time we will do the monster truck tour to learn more about the property. We only had an hour to spend,and didn't feel rushed through. We did visit on a Monday 4/14/24 at 1pm, wasn't too busy, we pretty much had each station mostly to ourselves.

Kryssi D — Google review

After living in Tucson for 20 years, we finally visited. We will definitely be going back! Our whole family had a blast. It is great to take your time and not be rushed through. Highly recommend for a family activity. We took small children and they had a wonderful time!!

Scott J — Google review

This place is absolutely amazing! We had a fantastic time! The staff was very friendly. I highly recommend booking the monster truck tour and going ostrich fishing.The tour sells out fast so book before you get there.

Nancy M — Google review

Loved visiting and feeding all the animals! It is so clean, and the interaction with the animals is fun. The food that came with the entry fee was plenty. Definitely worth paying the extra $3 for the stingrays.

Stacy W — Google review

We have lived in Arizona for many years. But have never taken the time to explore this wonderful place. It was so close to home too. Very reasonable price entrance fee. Animals are very happy to see you with your treats. And there's so many critters to pet. My favorite was a stingray tank. A great experience for the entire family. Making plans to come back again to do the monster truck tour!

Wendi G — Google review

This was a spontaneous decision to come here as we were heading to PHX for a flight. We had some time and went for it! It was lots fun! 🤩 You’re given various kinds of feed for different animals and you follow the circuit ending up at a different feeding station with a different animal. It was a good time. We left the parakeets for last. 😂 Good time. Good price of admission. Highly recommended. 👍😎

Yodaman S — Google review

We've been here a few times & my kiddo loves it. All of the employees are friendly and kind. The animals are loved and well taken care of. So much better than a zoo, and it's very interactive. We did the monster truck tour this last time and had an absolute blast.

Bayli M — Google review

My wife and I loved this place! We got to pet all the animals and feed them and we took a monster truck tour of the ostrich ranch! I cannot say enough how well cared for these animals are! The staff was priceless. They really hit home on this one! Everyone that you came across was just so friendly. Danna was awesome as she drove the monster truck and told us all about the ranch! Can’t wait to come back. It is family friendly, and very affordable and you will spend several hours here having a blast!

Brandy W — Google review

The monster truck tour was awesome and safe. We had the best time. I go twice a year. It keeps getting better and better. It's the place I take my friends and family. Thank you.

Char M — Google review

All kinds of animals to touch, feed and enjoy their presence! One of the best activity in Southern Arizona! Anytime we go we're having a great time! Cool photo-ops and surprisingly affordable admission!We spent our son's birthday here and had 10 guests, it was absolutely amazing, we had a really great time!

Ingrid T — Google review

We come here every year! My daughter who’s in her 20s, make sure we don’t miss the trip and now that the monster trucks are back, we had the best time this weekend. I didn’t know what to expect from the monster truck tour, but it exceeded my expectations.It was more crowded than normal, but we still had a fantastic time! The park doesn’t sell any food other potato chips and drinks. If you come with kids, I recommend packing a picnic lunch. They have tables inside in the shade and clean bathrooms.You will wear your kids out, feeding all the amazing animals, and if you don’t have kids, you’ll enjoy it even more 🤣

Lisa K — Google review

oh. my. god. this place is more fun than i could have imagined!! as a 39 year old women with no kids, i had a BLAST!! i highly recommend doing all the activities, but the lorikeets were my favorite. so magical, i would do it all over again!

Kaylie B — Google review

What a fabulous time we had here!! We took my son who is autistic here for his 24th birthday and it was just so much fun and the staff is just so friendly and fun to be around! The Dad is so adorable 😉 You need to come up and when you do taking the monster truck ride is a must!! Learned so much about the ranch and the ostriches! Got to see so many sweet animals and feed them! And fishing with the ostriches was so much fun!! Thank you Cogburn Ostrich Ranch for making my son’s birthday and our day spectacular!! See you again soon!! ❤️❤️

Diana M — Google review

Came here while visiting family with our 2.5 year old. This place is perfect for everyone. Everyone from the toddler to the grown ups had a great time. They provided plenty of food to give the animals, the customer service was great and the bathrooms were truly family friendly!

Katelynn P — Google review

Lots of different animals to feed, and they have a great system set up to make sure the right animal gets the right food. Friendly service, clean and well-kept facilities and most importantly, the animals seem happy and healthy. Also, their ostrich feather dusters at the gift shop are the best! They don't have (human) food on the premises, but they do have nice indoor picnic tables so you can bring your own lunch if you like.

Kai E — Google review

We passed by this place so many times when they weren’t open and finally made it when they were! It was so much fun, the animals are friendly and seem well taken care of. Will definitely stop by again in the future to pick up some of the frozen meats they had.

C — Google review

This place is awesome! So much fun. If not is just you and one other person it will take about half an hour to an hour to get through the entire thing but if you have a bigger group it makes it easier to spend more time with each animal. The animals were so excited and energetic. We went right when they opened in the morning on a weekday and it wasn’t busy until we were getting ready to leave which was nice. The bathrooms are clean. The employees are nice and clearly enjoy their job.

Noah P — Google review

First timers….That will be back. Georgia was very sweet and helpful. She guided us on the right path on how to follow the numbers and what food to feed which animal. She was very thorough on how to properly feed the stingrays. Julie was also very helpful and informative and explained the monster trucks. We will be back to experience that.

AE L — Google review

Absolutely loved this place. All the animals are gentle. The price of entry #2 is the go to! You get just enough to feed every station. I hope their prices never change because it was such an awesome experience. We were passing through and just figured we would stop. Highly recommend even if you are passing through. Just stop!

Blackoutt — Google review

Super interesting place to visit. They give you some food and you can go around and feed their animals and birds. They also give monster truck rides on the weekends. We didn’t get to ride them because we were there during the week, but they looked like a party.

Kendrick S — Google review

We've been here a few times & my kiddo loves it. All of the employees are friendly and kind. The animals are loved and well taken care of. So much better than a zoo, and it's very interactive. We did the monster truck tour this last time and had an absolute blast.

Bayli M — Google review

My sister and I went here (both over 50 years old) and we had a great time! I haven't laughed so much in a long time. I loved all of the animals and being able to feed them and pet most of them. Be careful of the ostriches though! There are numerous signs saying that they bite - and they do! My sister and I both got bit even though we held our hands out flat like instructed. Oh well, no harm done and it makes a funny story. The best part was "kissing" the goats! They actually were very gentle and never even touched my lips. All of the animals seem to be well taken care of. The price was very reasonable for the experience we had. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves animals.

Tricia D — Google review

I’ve passed this place for many years and decided to go this past Saturday. We had a great time feeding the animals and the staff were extremely friendly. We also rode the monster truck and had a great experience with Rooster Cogburn himself, and ducks. If you never been, you definitely should…

Charles N — Google review

If you are in the Tucson / Phoenix area you must stop by Rooster Cogburn’s Ostrich Ranch. This is by far my most favorite attraction in the area. The staff is always friendly and willing to assist in anyway. Every time I visit Arizona I go here, I absolutely love this place.

Jeffrey S — Google review

Wow! How fun is this place! First time coming, brought our 3 and 5 year old and we all had a great time! Being able to get up close with each of the different animals is really special. All of the animals were great and ready to interact and eat! The upkeep of the ranch was great. They take good care of everything and keep it clean and very organized. The birds were our favorite for sure! They fly and land on you no problem! It was so fun! I wish we would have realized you could buy more nectar because we would have. There's a sign on the wall (duh!) that explains that but we were not paying attention lol we would even go back just for the birds! So much fun! Would definitely go back and would definitely recommend! 10/10!

Lauren C — Google review

This place is a lot of fun! We brought our 17-year-old with us, and she loved it! The lorikeets were a lot of fun in particular. We also highly recommend the monster truck tour. Shout-out to our tour guide for offering to take a photo of us after we went ostrich fishing. (Yes, you read that right. OSTRICH FISHING. It was the highlight of our day.)

Vicki D — Google review

This place is a "Blast". Great for kids and family. Lots of fun activities. The "Monster Truck" ride and tour are well worth it. Dana the guide is an absolute "Hoot", very fun and informative! Her dad is a really "Adorable".....haha! You have to visit to know why I said that! A must visit!

Robert H — Google review

We end up here about every 10 years if it was up to my wife we would stop by everyday.They have come a long way in at least close to 30 years. A lot of animals and animal entertainment.Nice to see roadside attractions still open and worth the time and money.Great job Rooster! We now live in Casa Grande so we will make it a point to come in more often maybe once a year.

Billy B — Google review

I was born and raised in Arizona and never knew of this place until seeing it on the you tube channel "Sidetrack Adventures". It is a real gem. Went there with my wife, my daughter, and my grand daughter and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I thought the price was right and we had such a great time feeding all the animals... even enjoyed "kissing the goats". The bird aviary and feeding those lorakeets was a real treat. It's only about an hour south of Phoenix so not a bad drive if you come down from the valley. I strongly urge you to stop by and have a thoroughly enjoyable time.

Jay B — Google review

We come here every year! My daughter who’s in her 20s, make sure we don’t miss the trip and now that the monster trucks are back, we had the best time this weekend. I didn’t know what to expect from the monster truck tour, but it exceeded my expectations.It was more crowded than normal, but we still had a fantastic time! The park doesn’t sell any food other potato chips and drinks. If you come with kids, I recommend packing a picnic lunch. They have tables inside in the shade and clean bathrooms.You will wear your kids out, feeding all the amazing animals, and if you don’t have kids, you’ll enjoy it even more 🤣

Lisa K — Google review

4.8

(4285)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (231)

4.5

(294)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (232)

17599 E Peak Ln, Picacho, AZ 85141, USA

(520) 466-3658

30

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (233)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (234)

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (235)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (236)

Mentioned on

4 lists

Natural history museum

Shopping

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a unique 98-acre natural history museum that seamlessly combines live animal exhibits, botanical gardens, and educational demonstrations. Visitors can encounter a diverse range of desert wildlife, from coyotes to hummingbirds, in their natural enclosures while exploring the thick vegetation of desert plants. The museum also offers strollers and wheelchairs for convenience and features amenities such as a gift shop, art gallery, restaurant, and cafe.

Really enjoyed our day here. If you are interested in seeing a lot of different vegetation and a nice walk This is it. There were different exhibits which were nice like the minerals and there’s a few live animal exhibits but just seeing the beautiful Saguaro’s made it worth it!

Marie — Google review

This was one of the main places I wanted to visit while in Tucson. It was wonderful to see animals in their natural environment. It was not very crowded on a Thursday before 10. November is a good month since it's not as hot. The only downside was the winding part of the road and the steep cliffs on the drive there. One must be very careful and attentive on the roads. I highly recommend this museum.

M S — Google review

Had a lovely time with my boyfriend walking around the trails and paths. I enjoyed it so much and discovered many things I hadn’t seen before like the coyote enclosure. Also enjoyed the art exhibit and hummingbird enclosure. Very relaxing!

Yelitza T — Google review

Excellent museum! We were greeted by a volunteer as soon as we entered who gave us tons of information on the history of the museum. We were able to see a ton of different snakes and bugs that live here. I love how they built the museum into the scenery, rather than ruining the scenery and taking away from it. All of the animals are well taken care of in areas that replicate their natural habitats, which is awesome to see. We loved how this was not only a museum, but an animal exhibit to see the different wildlife we share the Sonoran Desert with, as well as a hike, a botanical garden, and so much more. Took us about 2 1/2 hours to get through everything, including the cool man-made cave that local bats took over. Very interesting & worth a trip!

Elissa E — Google review

This is a gem of a place in the Tucson area. Excellent animal displays of all sorts from large cats to aquatic animals. Walking paths are mostly paved, frequent bathroom and water fountains available everywhere. Get some exercise while enjoying the desert outdoors and displays!

Ed E — Google review

Located just west of Tucson, Arizona, it features two miles of walking paths over 21 acres of desert landscape. It is one of the most visited attractions in Southern Arizona and for good reason! Ventured out on a picture perfect 70 degree day. Definitely a must see if you’re looking for a beautiful indoor/outdoor excursion!

David H — Google review

What a lovely place to visit. We went first thing and the animals were up and active. Appreciated the many drinking fountains. Both gift shops were nice. Loved the penny press machine as well.

Melissa S — Google review

We live in Phoenix and have been here many times, so we decided to take our out of town visitors to the Desert Museum. It’s been a few years for us, but the place has only gotten better. It is definitely a well curated representation of the flora and fauna of the whole Sonoran desert, not just Arizona. The wildlife areas are, of course, the most impressive. Many or most of the animals at the museum were rescued from bad situations involving humans, and even through they are now living in what is essentially a zoo, they seem to have very nice area and great care. I will definitely go back again, probably when it’s a little cooler out so that we can see more of the residents. Very highly recommended.

John P — Google review

Absolutely beautiful and fun for all ages! Highly recommend coming to here if you’re in town for a short visit. Come early as it gets busier in the afternoons and it’s a treat to have the place to yourself in the morning! This was my favorite part of the trip!

Caitlin V — Google review

Desert, cactus, animals, minerals, caves, trails, bird exhibit, it's all here.This museum gave us a thorough experience of the Sonoran desert and we were so thankful we came here. There's plenty of indoor exhibits to help breakup the sun, containing various animals and mineral displays. A fun cave tunnel broke up the experience and it was cool to see the various rocks.Unfortunately the bird exhibit didn't really have anything there when we were visiting. It was likely that they were hiding during the midday, so just beware of the time you're going to be sure you see the animals that you want to. The bear was there, but definitely hiding in the shadows!Sunscreen dispensers here were very helpful. There's an optional trail here to give you a closer desert experience, so this would be essential.Staff here were very friendly, actually engaging us and talking about our trips and the information about the museum.Excellent options for gifts to find here too!We saw people saying it would only take ~2hrs to visit this. This is way off. We could have been here for 4hrs easily, especially if you like rock hounding!

M K — Google review

If I could give 10 stars, I would. We had the best time! It is mostly outdoors and could be hot, so take a hat and water. The staff was super helpful and friendly. Mike at the stingray exhibit is the greatest! Feed the stingrays! You won't regret it. There's an extra charge 3 to enter and 3 to get food for them. Worth it. Overall, such a unique experience with a clearly marked path and lots of animals and plants. There's even a small aquarium. Bathrooms and even water fountains where you can fill your bottle are plenty! Lots of places to sit and chill. You'll love every view and every moment.

Orly R — Google review

Hands down one of the most magical places in our country. The wondrous beauty of the desert and its creatures are highlighted throughout every inch of the Desert Museum. I could wander these trails for days and still have the “is this a real place?” feeling at the end. It’s vibrant, alive, and exudes thoughtfulness in the layout, the care for the habitat, and the emphasis on native species of all kinds.This was my second time visiting. This time around I was joined by my husband, teenage son, and my parents. Range in ages from 14-72. We appreciated the ample benches either views for rest breaks, the many on-site dining options, and the mix of active learning paired with breathing room to just take in the wonders of the Arizona desert landscape.Come here. Stay awhile. And then come back and do it again so you see how it changes.

Brittany P — Google review

Was really nice, I just don't think it was worth the price. Plus we ate there and was very pricy for low grade food. Burgers were dry, one of our dishes got messed up, and on top of the costly entrance it was extra cost to see the stingrays, then more cost to feed them. The aquarium was not worth anything (you can see more at petsmart). Although the scenery was nice, it's a money trap. You can see more on a basic desert hike at no cost.

Timothy N — Google review

I had a really lovely time here. It’s a nature preserve and natural history museum and zoo and aquarium all rolled into one. Very unique and satisfying experience. I would probably not want to go back at high noon like I did this time—very hot in July, of course. But they do have sunscreen distribution stations for reapplication and lots of water fountains. The fountains can also fill bottles do bring one along with you and stay hydrated. Say hi to the mountain lion for me.

Kevin L — Google review

Having family in the Phoenix area, the Desert Museum was a place I was longing to visit. We arrived around 11am it was quite busy, so parking close by was a challenge. The grounds are well maintained, and the staff was very helpful. There is plenty to see except the birds in flight were closed till October. I encourage you if you're in Tucson to schedule a few hours to check them out.

Ronald S — Google review

I've been here many times over several decades. It is an amazing educational experience. One that I would recommend everyone visit at least once, there really isn't anything else like it, it is definitely a unique experience. That being said, this latest visit left me a little disappointed. It kind of felt rundown, lots of exhibits were closed. We visited on a Saturday in the summer, where they stay open late until 9:00 pm, to beat the heat. It was a nice try, but it was still 100 degrees at 7:00 pm. Even though they are open late, many of their special exhibits still close early around 6 or 7. These are not cheap tickets, but some things like the stingray pool costs additional money... Really? The other downside, and it's not really a fault but more of a result of having animal exhibits in their natural habitat... Oftentimes the animals are not visible, they are hidden away in the bushes or their cubby holes.

John F — Google review

What a fantastic place to visit! Offering a look into the desert ecosystem through native flora and fauna! You can spend hours simply wandering the lands and discovering all the cool animals!I love that they have javelinas (hard to find) and gila monsters, but they also have so many birds, mammals, and aquatic life!One of the highlights for me was the stingray petting area and we happened to be there during one of the feeding times (9 AM, 12:30 PM, and 3 PM) and were able to see and enjoy the cool way in which they eat.It does get quite hot during the day, so I recommend arriving earlier. It is nice that they have water refilling stations throughout, even out on the desert trail walk.It is such a unique experience, and I highly recommend checking it out!

James — Google review

I live near Phoenix. This past weekend was my 3rd visit to the museum this year. Finally, I purchased a season pass. I am so impressed with this amazing collection of all things Sonoran. This place offers educational content and volunteers who actually enjoy educating. On the edge of Saguaro National Park the views are spectacular. It is most definitely worth the price of admission. The Raptor show is incredible when it is in season. Other standouts are the beautiful botanical gardens, we enjoy the cave & the museum’s rock & gem collection. The museum deserves your support & I wholeheartedly recommend to locals & visitors. FYI there are hiking trails that have slight inclines, zoo exhibitions, as well as indoor play areas and displays out of the sun. Come prepared & drink water

CD R — Google review

The museum and the drive there are amazing, and is only about 25 minutes outside of main Tucson. The animals are very well cared for. The landscape is phenomenal. Highly recommend for anyone visiting.

Adrian S — Google review

Didn’t initially plan on coming here but caught our interest when we saw it on our way to the national park and someone we ran into on the trails suggested we go there. It did not disappoint! Even though we went during the hot season and hottest part of the day, it was still an amazing experience! Prepare to be outdoors most of the time but there are multiple drinking fountains located throughout and many spots of shade. We ate at Ironwood Terraces (it was the only place open at 12pm on 8/16 because they were in slower business summer hours). We did get to go to the 12:30 animal show in the Warden Oasis Theater and that was neat! Overall a really cool immersive experience, would definitely come back if ever visiting the area again!

Aly F — Google review

Great place to go see if you are in the Tucson area. If you like to know more about the desert this is your place. There was a few exhibits that were closed that are a work in progress. There were no otters and no prairie dogs. That was the only disappointing on our visit. I will say they have a nice little cafe! Great food and very clean place.

Michael S — Google review

Great museum.Visited for the summer evening program and it was a great visit. Seeing the park descend into darkness was very informative.The gardens are in great shape, and the staff are wonderful. Plenty of activities to do, including solar telescopes and mineral finding in the dark. Found a cool piece of calcite.Parking is good, restrooms are good, gift shops are good as well.Plenty of water stations dotted around the park which is excellent.Well worth the entry fee to see all the plants and wildlife that would otherwise be quite difficult to see.

Samuel L — Google review

We had a great time. Saw so many desert wildlife, including insects reptiles, hummingbirds, foxes, and much much more. Stop in the packrat playhouse to cool off and have s9me fun in the climbing area. I Wish the employee at the window would of charged me accordingly. I live and am a resident of Tucson and we had a party of 5 residents with us.

Anna A — Google review

What an amazing museum to visit while in Tucson. They have a little zoo and various terrariums with snakes and spiders and fish, even an Axolotl. A small art exhibition, a theatre where they run animal shows. One can easily spend a whole day here.

Max K — Google review

We visited the last week of December which just happened to be the perfect weather for visiting, it wasn't very cold, and it wasn't hot either! We had a fantastic time while we were here, almost everything was out & could be seen. Granted a few of the animals were just sleeping while bathing in the sun, but that is what animals do. Animals are just that, animals and the animals they have here aren't trained so it is a toss of a coin whether they will be out to see or not, it happens so I was very happy we got to see pretty much all of them. I could have stayed inside of the bird aviaries all day if my husband and kids weren't with. We didn't do the rays as it was an additional cost and we had done a similar thing the day before.I loved all of the different gardens as well, a lot of the cactus had flowers and all kinds of birds, and small critters were out enjoying the weather as well. I caught some great shots for my nature photography page that I am looking forward to sharing. I also thought it was neat they have an art gallery to visit, they had some beautiful pieces that would be nice to own. If you are looking for a slightly cleaner and less trafficked bathroom, there was no one inside of the art gallery when we were in there which meant the bathrooms were also empty.The minerals cave was also pretty neat, the kids really liked that they had a "real life" cave experience where you could squeeze through to the other side. Being able to do a walk/mini hike while exploring the grounds and looking at animals was a lot of fun. If I lived closer I would visit here more often! The reptile house was nice, there was a lot to see and the Aquarium was pretty cool as well. Get there early if you want a parking spot closer to the entrance! The parking lot fills up fast, then you'll have to park further back and take a mini hike just to get to the entrance. We got there right as they were opening and there was already quite a bit of traffic. When everyone went to see the birds of prey show we used it as a chance to check out the reptile house since there were only a few people in it & when we went to the aquarium, we had the whole thing to ourselves aside from one staff member fixing/cleaning something on a tank.It was a blast to visit and I can't wait to go back!

Luna B — Google review

I hadn't been there in 10 years or so and was really impressed. There are a number of new exhibits. It is truly a gem. Great place to take out-of-state visitors. One thing that you should be aware of is that you need to be prepared to do a lot of walking. It's a big facility and some sections are dirt/gravel, but smooth and well maintained. The staff are very professional and helpful.Definitely get a map, if you don't want to miss something good. Wear sunscreen and bring a hat.

Howard R — Google review

4.8

(10369)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (237)

5.0

(8929)40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (238)

2021 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743, USA

(520) 883-2702

40 Best Stops Between Laguna Niguel and Tucson (2025)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Horacio Brakus JD

Last Updated:

Views: 6327

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Horacio Brakus JD

Birthday: 1999-08-21

Address: Apt. 524 43384 Minnie Prairie, South Edda, MA 62804

Phone: +5931039998219

Job: Sales Strategist

Hobby: Sculling, Kitesurfing, Orienteering, Painting, Computer programming, Creative writing, Scuba diving

Introduction: My name is Horacio Brakus JD, I am a lively, splendid, jolly, vivacious, vast, cheerful, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.