The Tucson Botanical Gardens occupy a series of small themed gardens on what used to be a private estate north of downtown — a pleasant 5.5-acre maze of paths through a Mediterranean garden, a herb garden, a children's discovery garden, a Native American crops plot, and the highlight, an enclosed butterfly conservatory.
The Cox Butterfly & Orchid Pavilion (open October to May) is full of tropical butterflies and worth the small extra ticket. The garden runs evening light installations and a Day of the Dead exhibition. Best in cooler months when more is in flower.