Where is Mission San Xavier del Bac, Tucson, Arizona?

Written by | Updated On: December 08, 2025, 13:55 ET

Mission San Xavier del Bac is located near Tucson, Arizona, USA.It lies between Tucson and the Tohono O’odham Nation lands, situated in the Sonoran Desert, and is famous for its beautiful Spanish-style church and historic Native American mission.

Mission San Xavier del Bac Location Map, Tucson, Arizona

Top Attractions Inside Mission San Xavier del Bac

  • Main Church – Stunning Spanish colonial church known for its white façade and intricate interior.
  • Ornate Interior Artwork – Beautiful frescoes, carvings, and statues crafted by Native and Spanish artisans.
  • Courtyard and Gardens – Peaceful outdoor spaces featuring desert plants and mission architecture.
  • Historic Plaza – Open plaza used for gatherings, with views of the mission and surrounding landscape.
  • Gift Shop and Museum – Exhibits on mission history plus local crafts and cultural items.
  • Grotto Hill – Small hill offering scenic views of the mission and Santa Cruz Valley.
  • Active Parish Services – Ongoing religious services that showcase the mission’s living heritage.

Mission San Xavier del Bac Facts

Official NameMission San Xavier del Bac
LocationTucson, Arizona, USA (Tohono O’odham Nation)
Latitude & Longitude32.1073° N, 111.0080° W
Founded1692 (by Jesuit missionary Father Eusebio Francisco Kino)
Current Church Completed1797
Managed ByRoman Catholic Diocese of Tucson & Tohono O’odham Nation
Region / TypeSpanish Colonial Mission / Active Parish
Architecture StyleSpanish Colonial, Baroque
Main FeaturesWhite stucco façade, ornate altar, original frescoes, bell towers, courtyard
Historical SignificanceOldest intact European-built structure in Arizona; known as the “White Dove of the Desert”
DesignationNational Historic Landmark (1960)
Visitor ActivitiesSelf-guided tours, photography, attending mass, walking the grounds, cultural exhibits
Entry / FeesFree (donations welcomed)
Best Time to VisitOctober–April (mild desert weather)
Annual Visitors~200,000+ per year
Nearby LandmarksTucson Mountain Park – Saguaro National Park – Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Address1950 W San Xavier Rd, Tucson, AZ 85746, USA
Zip Code85746
Area Code520
Time ZoneMountain Standard Time (MST) – UTC−7 (no daylight saving)
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Nearby AirportTucson International Airport (TUS) – 10 miles (16 km)
Official Websitehttps://www.sanxaviermission.org

Distances from Mission San Xavier del Bac to Nearby Landmarks

  • Tucson International Airport – 14 km (8.7 mi)
  • Downtown Tucson – 16 km (9.9 mi)
  • University of Arizona – 18 km (11.2 mi)
  • Sentinel Peak (A Mountain) – 13 km (8.1 mi)
  • Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – 27 km (16.8 mi)
  • Saguaro National Park West – 26 km (16.2 mi)
  • Saguaro National Park East – 34 km (21.1 mi)
  • Pima Air & Space Museum – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Colossal Cave Mountain Park – 44 km (27.3 mi)
  • Sabino Canyon Recreation Area – 34 km (21.1 mi)
  • Tucson Mountain Park – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Old Tucson – 23 km (14.3 mi)
  • Presidio San Agustín del Tucson – 17 km (10.6 mi)
  • Tohono Chul Park – 28 km (17.4 mi)
  • Reid Park Zoo – 18 km (11.2 mi)
  • Trail Dust Town – 29 km (18 mi)
  • Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway Start – 34 km (21.1 mi)
  • Mission Garden Tucson – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • San Xavier Co-op Farm – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Casino del Sol – 8 km (5 mi)