WEST TUCSON. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is one of Tucson's star attractions, with good reason. Part zoo, part natural history museum, and part botanical garden, the facility is set on 21 acres and is home to numerous animals that roam freely within invisibly-fenced enclosures. After checking out the exhibits in the main visitor center, wander along two miles of paved pathways, where you can catch sight of endangered species such as the Mexican wolf, thick-billed parrot, ocelot, margay, jaguarundi, and the Gila topminnow; and not-so-endangered critters like leafcutter ants, black bears, river otters, bighorn sheep, coatis, beavers, coyote, javelinas, black-tailed prairie dogs, termites and roadrunners. And don't miss the captivating cactus garden or the Hummingbird Aviary!

EAST TUCSON. A 55-acre sanctuary situated right in the city ­ it's not only a haven for wildlife, it's a peaceful retreat for people, too. A mile-long loop trail passes all manner of desert plant life ­ mesquite, desert hackberry, fishhook barrel cactus and catclaw acacia to name a few ­ which harbor a wide variety of birds and other critters like cottontails and gila monsters. If you're planning to stroll through around midday, pack a lunch. The Desert Hummingbird and Butterfly Garden is an especially entertaining spot for a picnic.

Biosphere 2 is a self-contained, man-made habitat that comprises all of the elements from Earth (Biosphere 1). It is a sealed glass and space frame construction with seven wilderness ecosystems. Today, Biosphere 2 is operated as a research station by Columbia University, which also maintains a branch of the university on the grounds. Guided tours take visitors through several of the biomes, as well as the biospherian's former living quarters and the technical rooms that control the various interior climates.

DOWNTOWN. El Tiradito (The Wishing Shrine) has its roots back in the 1800s. A plaque at the site says a sinner is buried here in unconsecrated ground, but the legends surrounding this person are sketchy at best. Most seem to agree that an ill-fated love triangle was involved, but which point of the triangle is interred here will likely remain a mystery for all time. For years, folks have come here to say a little prayer, light a candle, and leave a milagro. Supposedly, if your candle is still burning in the morning, whatever you prayed for will come to pass. An interesting bit of trivia: El Tiradito is on the National Register of Historic Places, a designation which thwarted construction of a super highway right through the Barrio Historico.

AIRPORT. San Xavier is considered one of the finest examples of Mission architecture in this country. Founded by Father Eusabio Kino, today it serves as the parish church for the Tohono O'odham tribe and often hosts concerts. The elaborate interior has been carefully restored using techniques taught by experts from the Vatican in Rome. Numerous native artifacts are housed inside, including books, maps and photos. Tourists are welcome any time except during services. There is no admission charge, although a donation for the continued upkeep is appreciated.