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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Pima Air & Space Museum
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds

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!
"So many aircraft. Maybe the third best air museum after Wright Patterson and Smithsonian."
☀️ 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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

BD-5J Microjet
Indoor Hangar
Marvel at the world's smallest jet, the BD-5J Microjet, a testament to compact aviation engineering.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Arizona Heat
Allocate a Full Day
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ 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:
⏰ Plan for a Full Day
There's so much to see, you'll need at least 6-8 hours to explore. :clock1:
🚎 Consider the Tram Tour
A great way to get an overview and learn about the aircraft. :bus:
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:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 80 acres! :athletic_shoe:
⏰ Plan for a Full Day
There's so much to see, you'll need at least 6-8 hours to explore. :clock1:
🚎 Consider the Tram Tour
A great way to get an overview and learn about the aircraft. :bus:
💰 Optional Donations
They ask for donations, but it's optional on top of the entrance fee. :moneybag:
✈️ See the SOFIA 747SP
Don't miss the unique SOFIA 747SP, a flying observatory. :airplane:
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the Pima Air & Space Museum, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for the Pima Air & Space Museum are generally around $20 per adult, making it a reasonably priced attraction.
Keep an eye out for potential discounts, like those offered with the Southern Arizona Attractions Passport.Yes, you might find discounts! The Southern Arizona Attractions Passport offers a 10% discount for the museum store or flight grill.
It's always worth checking their official website or local tourism sites for any current promotions.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.
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.
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.
🎫 ✈️ 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.
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.
Yes, the museum offers a tram tour that is highly recommended for learning about the different aircraft and their historical roles.
Be prepared for a significant amount of walking, as the museum spans 80 acres with numerous outdoor exhibits. Comfortable shoes are essential.
Yes, there is a cafe onsite for dining, and the restrooms have been remodeled and are air-conditioned.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
☀️ Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Vast Outdoor Collection
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. 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.
Indoor Havens: Climate-Controlled Exhibits
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.
The Pima Air & Space Museum Tram Tour
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit