Boneyard: Titan Missile Museum, Pima Air & Space Museum

Traveling through Arizona often means sunshine, desert landscapes, and a touch of the Old West. But for those curious about military history and aviation, a guided tour that covers the Titan Missile Museum, Pima Air & Space Museum, and the Boneyard offers a fascinating glimpse into America’s aerospace and defense past. Based on reviews and available information, this experience promises to be a well-rounded, engaging, and educational day out, one that balances historic significance with impressive aircraft displays.

What we love about this tour is its combination of historic Cold War insights, a broad collection of aircraft, and the opportunity to see a Cold War missile in action—all with the comfort of a guided experience. The tour is notably praised for knowledgeable guides, stunning views of aircraft, and the chance to explore secretive military sites. However, some travelers might find the 5.5-hour duration a bit packed if they prefer a more relaxed pace, especially since transportation between the stops is included but limited in downtime.

This tour suits history buffs, aviation enthusiasts, and travelers keen to understand the military might of the Cold War era. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy seeing authentic aircraft up close and want an insider’s perspective on America’s nuclear deterrent systems. Keep in mind that the experience isn’t suitable for very young children, wheelchair users, or those with claustrophobia, due to the nature of some sites.

Key Points

• In-depth Cold War knowledge: Guided tours focus heavily on the history of the Titan II missile and nuclear deterrence.
• Impressive aircraft collection: The Pima Air & Space Museum features over 400 aircraft from different eras.
• Iconic military sites: The Boneyard showcases the world’s largest aircraft storage facility, with over 4,400 aircraft.
• Authentic underground experience: Climbing into the Titan missile bunker offers a rare look into Cold War missile silos.
• Value for the price: At $150 per person, the tour provides guided access to multiple top-tier military and aviation sites.
• Limited flexibility: The scheduled itinerary is quite packed, so expect a full day of sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Transportation

The day kicks off at 5870 E Broadway Blvd, near a Starbucks at the Park Place Mall. From here, you’ll hop into a comfortable van with a small group limited to 13 participants—this small group size is ideal for personalized attention and engaging conversations with your guide. The van journey lasts about 40 minutes to the first site, allowing a chance to settle in and get excited about the day ahead.

Titan Missile Museum: A Cold War Underworld

Your first stop is the Titan Missile Museum, home to the largest nuclear warhead ever deployed. The highlight here is the guided tour, which lasts about 45 minutes and dives into the story of the Titan II missile—its development, role during the Cold War, and eventual retirement. One of the most immersive moments is climbing down into the missile silo and walking through the underground bunkers where officers monitored the missile.

Reviewers have praised guides for their knowledge and storytelling. Comments like “the guide was perfect” and “took time to talk about Tucson” suggest a personalized touch that makes the experience memorable. You’ll learn about the missile’s capabilities, its importance during Cold War tensions, and see the largest nuclear warhead ever deployed up close, which is a rare sight.

Transition and Reflection

After the underground tour, there’s a short 20-minute drive to the Pima Air and Space Museum. This stop is a highlight for aircraft lovers, featuring over 400 aircraft housed across six hangars. Expect to see everything from early aircraft of the Wright Brothers era to modern jets like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

More Great Tours Nearby

Pima Air & Space Museum: A Flight Through Time

Walk through the museum’s hangars at your own pace, taking in the vast collection of historic aircraft. Despite the large number of planes, many visitors note the well-organized layout makes it manageable to see the most iconic pieces. It’s a chance to see famous aircraft, military planes, and experimental designs, all preserved in excellent condition.

One reviewer mentioned that the guide’s insights extended beyond just the aircraft, sharing local Tucson history that added context to the visit. Expect to spend around 2.5 hours here—plenty of time to explore and snap photos.

The Boneyard: Aircraft Graveyard and Storage

The final major stop is the Boneyard — officially known as the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base’s aircraft storage facility. It’s the largest in the world, with over 4,400 aircraft, and spans 2,400 acres. From the outside, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of rows upon rows of aircraft—some preserved, others waiting for dismantling or potential reuse.

This part of the tour is more about visual awe and understanding the scale of military aircraft storage. Reviewers emphasize the stunning views and the sheer size of the facility, with some calling it “the largest collection of aircraft in the world.” It’s a fascinating way to see the scale of military aircraft beyond the museums and learn about aircraft preservation.

Wrapping Up and Return

The day ends with a brief 20-minute sightseeing stop at 2720 S Craycroft Rd before returning to your original meeting point at 5870 E Broadway Blvd. The entire experience lasts around 5.5 hours, making it a full but rewarding day.

Is This Tour Worth Its Price?

At $150 per person, this tour offers a lot for history and aviation enthusiasts. You get a guided in-depth experience of a Cold War missile site, access to the extensive Pima Air & Space Museum, and the chance to see the iconic aircraft storage Boneyard—all within a well-organized itinerary.

The inclusion of admission, guided tours, and transportation adds convenience and value. Considering the cost of individual museum tickets or private tours, this package offers a comprehensive, engaging, and educational day out at a reasonable price point.

Why We Think This Tour Works Well

We’ve seen from reviews that the knowledgeable guides make a big difference, turning what could be a standard museum visit into an engaging story. One traveler mentioned their guide “took time to talk about Tucson”, hinting at personalized insights that enrich the experience.

The stunning aircraft collections—especially at Pima and the Boneyard—are a definite draw for aviation buffs. Plus, the rare opportunity to stand inside a missile silo makes this tour stand out compared to typical museum visits.

The tour’s pace is well-balanced, allowing enough time at each stop without feeling rushed, though some might find it a full day if they prefer a more relaxed experience. The small group size ensures a comfortable environment for questions and interaction, which enhances the educational value.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history lovers, especially those interested in Cold War and military history. Aviation enthusiasts will love the extensive aircraft collection and the chance to see the Boneyard firsthand. It’s also suitable for travelers who enjoy guided, all-inclusive tours that handle logistics, leaving you free to focus on the sights and stories.

However, it’s not suitable for children under 10, people with claustrophobia, or individuals in wheelchairs due to site access limitations. If you’re looking for a more relaxed pace or a family-friendly outing, you might want to explore other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there transportation included?
Yes, transportation is provided in a comfortable van, with the tour starting near Starbucks at Park Place Mall and including all site visits.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 5.5 hours, including travel, site visits, and guided tours.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so it’s a good idea to bring water and snacks if needed.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
The tour is not recommended for children under 10 due to site restrictions and the nature of some sites.

Can I see the missile up close?
Yes, the guided tour includes walking into the missile silo and viewing the Titan II missile, which is a rare opportunity.

Is the Boneyard accessible?
The Boneyard is primarily an outdoor viewing area, and no specific accessibility accommodations are mentioned, so it may not be suitable for everyone.

What language is the tour in?
The tour is conducted in English.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility in your travel plans.

Is this tour good value for money?
Given the comprehensive access to historic sites, aircraft collections, and expert guides, most travelers will find this tour offers excellent value.

Final Thoughts

This guided tour through Tucson’s Cold War military sites and aviation history offers a compelling mix of education, stunning aircraft displays, and authentic underground experiences. It’s perfect for anyone eager to understand the scale and impact of America’s nuclear deterrence efforts while enjoying some of the best aircraft collections in the world.

You’ll likely leave with a new appreciation for Cold War history and a collection of fantastic photos. The personable guides and carefully curated itinerary make this more than just a museum visit — it’s a story told through sights, history, and the silent presence of countless aircraft.

Whether you’re a veteran aviation fan or a history buff, this tour provides a memorable and insightful day out in Tucson, Arizona. Just pack comfortable shoes, bring your camera, and prepare for a day of discovery that’s both educational and awe-inspiring.

Enjoy your adventure into the past and the skies—this tour is a solid choice for a meaningful, well-organized day exploring some of the most fascinating military and aerospace sites in the United States.

You can check availability for your dates here: