Things to Do Near the Tucson Gem Shows (Beyond the Show Floor)

Need a break from the tents? These spots are worth a few hours. Hours and prices come from each place's own website as of October 2026, so check them again before you go.

Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum (downtown)

The University of Arizona's gem and mineral museum is in the Historic Courthouse downtown (115 N. Church Ave), a short walk from the Tucson Convention Center. The museum says its collection is worldwide but focuses on minerals from Arizona and Mexico. It's open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm. Tickets and parking details are on its hours page.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (west side)

A combined zoo and botanical garden of the Sonoran Desert, open 365 days a year (8:30 am – 5 pm on the day we checked). General admission (ages 13 – 64) is $29.95, youth (3 – 12) is $24.95, and children 2 and under are free. Seniors (65+) and military get $2 off at the gate.

Saguaro National Park (east and west)

The National Park Service says the park has two districts on either side of Tucson, about 30 miles (45 – 60 minutes) apart. The Tucson Mountain District (west) has dense saguaro forest, and the Rincon Mountain District (east) rises into a "sky island." Both have scenic loop drives and visitor centers.

Pairing tips

• Downtown shows (TCC, GJX, AGTA): the Gem & Mineral Museum is the easiest add-on, since you can walk there or take the Sun Link Streetcar.
• Westside / I-10 shows: the Desert Museum and the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro are both on the west side of town.
• Many museums are closed on certain days, so plan your rest day accordingly.

Also see taking kids to the gem show and the best time to go.

Sources

• Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum
• Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – Hours & admission
• NPS – Saguaro National Park, Plan your visit