Phoenix or Tucson?

[Gomphothere]

I am going to Scottsdale for a wedding in October and will have at least one day extra. If I have only the one day, which would you recommend: the Phoenix Zoo; or the Arizona-Sonoma Desert Museum in Tucson?

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Zooplantman]

If you are in Scottsdale then the Phoenix Zoo is not so far. Tucson is much further
If you have never seen ASDM then you must. It is that simple

 

[Gomphothere]

Tucson would be less than two hours away, so I could get there and back and still have a few hours to spend there, all in one day.

 

[Echobeast]

Having been to both, and if you only have one day for a zoo, then ASDM is what I would choose. Both are great facilities but ASDM is unique and beutiful and worth the trip IMO.

 

[Arizona Docent]

I agree with everyone else; Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum for sure. (Of course I am biased because I live nearby but I think I would say this even if I didn't). In October they will open at 8:30am and you want to be there when they open. Ideally you would spend the night before In Tucson and go out even earlier to explore nearby Saguaro National Park West beforehand. If you need more specific tips on what to see or where to see, feel free to start a Private Conversation with me.

 

[snowleopard]

I'd concur with others and recommend Tucson. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum opens early in the morning and only 30 minutes away is Reid Park Zoo. Both facilities are the same size (24 acres), with ASDM being a specialist establishment while Reid Park is a small, traditional zoo with a fantastic African elephant exhibit. See both!

 

[Gomphothere]

Thanks for all the advice!

 

[Gomphothere]

So, briefly, had two days to spare instead of just one:
1. Drove down to Tucson and did the ASDM first. Wonderful place, really, really wonderful. The drive there from the north through the Saguaro Nat'l Park was also very cool.
2. Also fit in the Reid Park Zoo in the same day. The African Elephant Exhibit was very good. The rest varied from good to OK to less than mediocre. I was disappointed at the number of social species where only a lone specimen was exhibited. The breeding success they've had with some species, like Giant Anteaters, is worth noting.
3. The next day saw the Phoenix Zoo. Was pleasantly surprised at its quality. Besides the quality of the collection and most of the exhibits, it's beautifully landscaped. Saw some bird species and a whole bunch of rattlesnakes that I've never seen before. The savannah exhibit struck me as very dry, very dusty, and very unshaded, and I could see only a single giraffe despite going by three times over ~three hours. But overall really liked the zoo.

Didn't see the Bobcats at either ASDM or the Phoenix Zoo. Must be bashful, LOL.