Pima Air & Space Museum - a space shuttle is parked in a large building
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Pima Air & Space Museum

4.8
·10k reviews·Tucson, United States

Explore over 400 aircraft across 80 acres, from WWII bombers to the unique SOFIA 747SP. A must-visit for aviation history buffs!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early Mornings

Beat the heat & crowds

CrowdLow
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Pima Air & Space Museum - a space shuttle is parked in a large building

Pima Air & Space Museum

Best Time

Early Mornings

Beat the heat & crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore over 400 aircraft across 80 acres, from WWII bombers to the unique SOFIA 747SP. A must-visit for aviation history buffs!

4.8
(10k reviews)

"So many aircraft. Maybe the third best air museum after Wright Patterson and Smithsonian."

Vertical photo
TIP

☀️ Beat the Heat!

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. Many exhibits are outdoors and it gets brutally hot. :sunwithface:

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking across 80 acres! :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The B-17G Flying Fortress

The B-17G Flying Fortress

Indoor Hangar

Step inside a beautifully restored B-17G, a legendary WWII bomber, for an immersive historical experience.

Outdoor Aircraft Collection

Outdoor Aircraft Collection

Entire Museum Grounds

Wander among hundreds of historic military and commercial aircraft, a true testament to aviation's evolution.

The SOFIA 747SP

The SOFIA 747SP

Outdoor Display

See the unique SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) 747SP, a flying telescope.

BD-5J Microjet

BD-5J Microjet

Indoor Hangar

Marvel at the world's smallest jet, the BD-5J Microjet, a testament to compact aviation engineering.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Arizona Heat

Tucson's heat is no joke! Most of the Pima Air & Space Museum's incredible collection is outdoors. Plan your visit for early morning to avoid the peak sun and heat, and always bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Many indoor hangars offer a cool escape, but you'll want to maximize your time exploring the vast outdoor exhibits when it's most comfortable.

Allocate a Full Day

With over 400 aircraft spread across 80 acres, you'll need more than a few hours to truly appreciate the Pima Air & Space Museum. Consider booking your tickets in advance to save time. Many visitors recommend dedicating an entire day to explore both the indoor hangars and the expansive outdoor displays, including the tram tour for a comprehensive overview.

Best Times

When
Early Mornings
Why
Beat the heat & crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer weekend visitors
Crowd
Medium
When
Late Afternoon (Summer)
Why
Outdoor exhibits close early
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Cheers to flying over the history of flight #pimaairandspacemuseum. . . . Footage from Lucas Iosue @iosueproductions #museum #tucson #arizona #aviation #aviationhistory #airplane #drone #aerialphotoagraphy
pimaair
4.2K likes • 68.6K views

☀️ Beat the Heat!

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. Many exhibits are outdoors and it gets brutally hot. :sunwithface: Reddit

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking across 80 acres! :athletic_shoe: Reddit

Pima Air & Space Museum 📌 Tucson, AZ Soon to be the largest privately owned air and space museum, over 400 aircraft are displayed on 127 acres of land. It is also home to the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame. In a relatively short 120 years, the aerospace industry has seen remarkable growth, and this museum beautifully captures that evolution. It was inspiring to see so many unique aircraft! 🚀✈️ Di...
nasa.lag
428 likes • 8.1K views
📍Pima Air & Space Museum Repost: @realtimemomaz . . One of our favorite summer activities is visiting the Pima Air & Space Museum. What makes it perfect for the hot, summer months? This museum is built on 30 acres of land with 6, air conditioned hangers for kids to explore. The hangers are large and jam packed with all kinds of historical vehicles and hands-on opportunities for kids to sit insid...
visittucson
1.3K likes • 28.8K views

⏰ Plan for a Full Day

There's so much to see, you'll need at least 6-8 hours to explore. :clock1: Reddit

🚎 Consider the Tram Tour

A great way to get an overview and learn about the aircraft. :bus: Reddit

Check out the BD-5J Microjet at Pima Air & Space! #bd5j #microjet #boneyardboop #aviationsafari #aviationpreservation #boneyardsafari
boneyardsafari
118 likes • 1.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

☀️ Beat the Heat!

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. Many exhibits are outdoors and it gets brutally hot. :sunwithface: Reddit

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking across 80 acres! :athletic_shoe: Reddit

⏰ Plan for a Full Day

There's so much to see, you'll need at least 6-8 hours to explore. :clock1: Reddit

🚎 Consider the Tram Tour

A great way to get an overview and learn about the aircraft. :bus: Reddit

💰 Optional Donations

They ask for donations, but it's optional on top of the entrance fee. :moneybag: Reddit

✈️ See the SOFIA 747SP

Don't miss the unique SOFIA 747SP, a flying observatory. :airplane: Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(10k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Pima Air & Space Museum for its vast collection of aircraft, both indoors and outdoors, and the impressive restoration of many planes. Many highlight the B-17G and the SOFIA 747SP as must-sees. While the heat can be a challenge, the air-conditioned hangars and cafe offer relief. Some note that it's easy to spend an entire day here, and the tram tour is a valuable addition.

"Brought my son from Florida here for his first visit. He was totally impressed. I hadn't been in a couple of years and there were many improvements. So many aircraft. Maybe the third best air museum after Wright Patterson and Smithsonian. Outside exhibits as well as indoor. The restrooms have been remodeled and are air conditioned as is the Cafe. So there is much to see inside on a hot day."

Roger Cohn

"Interesting aviation museum covering mostly military aircraft spread over a large area. Summer opening hours are 0900-1500h, but by 1430h the outdoor exhibits are not open to visit. It's not easy to cover every exhibit in one day, and there's a lot of walking to do. A cap and plenty of water are recommended, as it can be brutally hot and there are few places to sit. One hangar contains a beautifully restored B-17G that is well worth the visit, as are several hangars containing well-restored aircraft, mainly from WW2. There is some equipment and other artifacts also on display that make for interesting reading. It's easy to get app-based cabs to and from the museum, and there is a covered waiting area at the entrance."

Arjun Sarup

"It has really grown since the last time I was there. Huge variety of aircraft and most buildings are climate controlled. Most of the museum is out doors so bring your sun screen. The new B17 standalone museum with in a museum is open. Tons of staffing with good air conditioning. They will ask you for donations on top of the normal entrance fee but it is optional."

D Gredlein

What People Like

Vast aircraft collection
Well-restored planes
Air-conditioned hangars

What People Dislike

Intense desert heat
Extensive walking required

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Pima Air & Space Museum is located in Tucson, Arizona. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. For those relying on public transport or ride-sharing, app-based cabs are readily available to and from the museum, with a covered waiting area at the entrance. Reddit

Yes, there is ample parking available at the Pima Air & Space Museum, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a popular and easy way to get to the museum, and there's a designated covered waiting area for pickups. Reddit

During the summer, the Pima Air & Space Museum typically operates from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. However, it's important to note that outdoor exhibits may close to visitors earlier, around 2:30 PM, so plan accordingly. Reddit

Yes, the Pima Air & Space Museum is an excellent destination for a day trip, especially if you plan to dedicate the entire day to exploring its vast collection. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices for the Pima Air & Space Museum are generally around $20 per adult, making it a reasonably priced attraction. Instagram Keep an eye out for potential discounts, like those offered with the Southern Arizona Attractions Passport. Instagram

Yes, you might find discounts! The Southern Arizona Attractions Passport offers a 10% discount for the museum store or flight grill. Instagram It's always worth checking their official website or local tourism sites for any current promotions. Reddit

While not explicitly stated in all sources, it's highly recommended to check the official Pima Air & Space Museum website for online ticket purchasing options. This can often save you time upon arrival. Reddit

Admission typically includes access to all indoor hangars and the extensive outdoor aircraft displays. The tram tour might be an additional cost or included, so it's best to confirm upon arrival or when purchasing tickets. Reddit

Information on group rates isn't readily available in the provided snippets, but it's common for large museums to offer discounts for groups. Contacting the museum directly would be the best way to inquire about this. Reddit

🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience

Visitors rave about the B-17G Flying Fortress, the SOFIA 747SP, and the BD-5J Microjet. The vast outdoor collection, featuring hundreds of military and commercial aircraft, is also a major highlight. InstagramReddit

Many of the indoor hangars at the Pima Air & Space Museum are air-conditioned, offering a welcome respite from the Tucson heat. The cafe and restrooms are also air-conditioned. Reddit+1

Yes, the museum offers a tram tour that is highly recommended for learning about the different aircraft and their historical roles. Reddit

Be prepared for a significant amount of walking, as the museum spans 80 acres with numerous outdoor exhibits. Comfortable shoes are essential. Reddit+1

Yes, there is a cafe onsite for dining, and the restrooms have been remodeled and are air-conditioned. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The outdoor aircraft displays offer endless photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon. The unique SOFIA 747SP is also a striking subject. Instagram+1

Drone usage is generally not permitted inside museums or at their facilities due to safety and privacy concerns. It's best to check the museum's specific policies. TikTok

While generally encouraged, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding photography, especially in sensitive areas or exhibits. Instagram

You can photograph a vast array of aircraft, including historic military planes from WWII and beyond, commercial airliners, and even unique research aircraft like the SOFIA 747SP. Instagram+1

While you can't fly drones inside, some creators have captured stunning aerial footage of the museum grounds from a distance, showcasing the scale of the collection. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Pima Air & Space Museum is a fantastic destination for families! Kids will be mesmerized by the sheer size and variety of aircraft, from massive bombers to sleek jets. Instagram The indoor hangars offer a cool respite on hot days, and the B-17G Flying Fortress is a particularly engaging exhibit for younger visitors. Reddit Consider the tram tour to keep little ones entertained and informed. Reddit Don't forget to check for discounts like those with the Southern Arizona Attractions Passport! Instagram

✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts

For true avgeeks, the Pima Air & Space Museum is a pilgrimage site. With over 400 aircraft, including rare and unique models like the SOFIA 747SP and the BD-5J Microjet, there's something to satisfy every aviation passion. Instagram+1 The extensive outdoor collection allows for detailed examination of various aircraft types and eras. Instagram Plan for a full day to absorb the immense historical and technical information presented. Reddit

☀️ Budget Travelers

While admission has a cost (around $20), the Pima Air & Space Museum offers a lot of value for a full day's entertainment. Instagram Look for potential discounts through local attraction passes. Instagram Packing your own snacks and water can also help save money, though there is an onsite cafe. Reddit The sheer scale of the museum means you can spend hours exploring without needing additional paid activities. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Vast Outdoor Collection

The Pima Air & Space Museum is renowned for its expansive outdoor exhibits, featuring over 300 aircraft spread across 80 acres. This allows visitors to get up close and personal with a remarkable array of aviation history. From iconic military jets and bombers to historic commercial airliners, the sheer volume and variety are breathtaking. InstagramReddit Many visitors recommend dedicating a significant portion of their visit to exploring these outdoor displays, especially during the cooler parts of the day. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated, as you'll be doing a lot of walking under the Arizona sun. Reddit+1

Among the outdoor highlights is the unique SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) 747SP, a former Boeing 747SP aircraft modified to carry a large telescope. Instagram Seeing this massive plane up close offers a glimpse into advanced astronomical research. The museum also boasts a collection of military vehicles adjacent to the aircraft displays, adding another layer of historical context to your visit. Reddit

Indoor Havens: Climate-Controlled Exhibits

While the outdoor exhibits are a major draw, the Pima Air & Space Museum also offers a comfortable retreat with its climate-controlled indoor hangars. These spaces are crucial for preserving delicate artifacts and providing visitors with a cool escape from the desert heat. Reddit+1 Inside, you'll find meticulously restored aircraft, including a standout B-17G Flying Fortress, which offers an immersive look into the life of a WWII bomber crew. Reddit The museum also houses the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame within its indoor facilities, celebrating the achievements of Arizonans in aviation. Instagram

These indoor areas are not just about aircraft; they often contain fascinating exhibits on aviation history, technology, and the people who shaped the industry. You can explore everything from early aviation pioneers to the space race. The well-maintained indoor spaces, including air-conditioned cafes and restrooms, make it possible to enjoy the museum even on the hottest days. Reddit+1

The Pima Air & Space Museum Tram Tour

For a comprehensive overview of the vast grounds and its collection, the Pima Air & Space Museum tram tour is highly recommended. This guided tour provides valuable insights into the history and significance of the various aircraft on display, both indoors and outdoors. Reddit It's an excellent way to orient yourself and learn about the roles different planes played throughout history, especially if you have limited time or prefer not to walk the entire expanse. Reddit

The tram tour is particularly beneficial for understanding the context of the outdoor exhibits, which can be overwhelming due to their sheer number. Knowledgeable guides often share interesting anecdotes and facts that bring the aircraft to life. It's a great option for all visitors, from aviation novices to seasoned enthusiasts, looking to maximize their learning experience at the museum. Reddit

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