Mission San Xavier del Bac at a glance
The mission serves the Wa:k community in the San Xavier District of the Tohono O'odham Nation. It is a working parish church, not a film set or a museum piece, and tribal rules apply on the grounds. Visit quietly, keep voices low and treat the church as the place of worship that it is.
The address is 1950 W San Xavier Road. The mission lies about 9 miles (14 km) south of downtown Tucson. From Interstate 19, take exit 92. Church, museum, mausoleum and restrooms are open daily from 09:00 to 16:00, and the gift shop from 08:00 to 17:00.
Planning your visit
The practical points in the order you meet them.
Choose a time
Visiting hours and Mass are separate things. Between 09:00 and 16:00 you can visit the church, museum and mausoleum. A service can affect when you can walk around inside, so do not count on free access to the church during Mass.
Join a tour
The tour takes about 30 minutes, needs no booking and is free, with an optional donation that supports the preservation of the building. It runs on the mission grounds, not inside the church. You can look around on your own before or after.
Dress for the weather
The church has no air conditioning or heating. Take water and sun protection in the warm months and warm clothes in winter.
Mind the heat
The tour does not run when it is over 95 °F (35 °C). Visit in the morning from late spring to early autumn.
Tucson tours and day trips
Guided trips around Tucson that can be combined with a visit to Mission San Xavier del Bac, with live prices and availability.
Mass times
Mass is celebrated on Monday to Friday at 06:30, on Saturday at 17:00 and on Sunday at 10:00 and 12:00. Worshippers come first. If you want to attend, arrive on time, stay quiet and follow the lead of the congregation. If you only want to look around, plan your visit outside these hours.
Tourist visiting hours and service times are different. The times above can change, so check the current schedule before you plan around a service.
Guided tours and donations
The free tour is offered mainly Monday to Friday and on Saturday when possible. No Sunday tour is promised. There is no general admission price for the guided tour, and no mandatory donation. Gifts help pay for conservation of the church.
If you visit on your own, take time to look at the ornate facade and the white towers from the open forecourt.
Restoration work on the facade
The foundation that supports the mission describes ongoing stabilization and rehabilitation of the facade. Scaffolding was reported removed in April 2026, but stabilization work continues. Do not count on an unobstructed view of the front or on the work being finished. If you plan photographs, treat a clear view as a bonus.
Combine the mission with other stops in the south of the city. The Pima Air and Space Museum is on the south-east side. For more ideas see things to do in Tucson and the Tucson weather guide for the right time of year.
Mission San Xavier del Bac: frequently asked questions
What are the visiting hours?
The church, museum, mausoleum and restrooms are open daily from 09:00 to 16:00. The gift shop is open from 08:00 to 17:00.
What time is Mass?
Mass is at 06:30 on Monday to Friday, at 17:00 on Saturday, and at 10:00 and 12:00 on Sunday. Check the current schedule before you go.
Is there an entrance fee?
The public grounds tour is free. A donation is optional and supports the preservation of the mission. There is no pay-at-the-door price for the tour.
Are there guided tours?
Yes. A tour of about 30 minutes needs no booking and is usually offered Monday to Friday and on Saturday if possible. It covers the grounds, not the inside of the church, and it is cancelled above 95 °F (35 °C).
Is the mission a church or a museum?
It is both a church and a visitor site, but first of all an active church for the Wa:k community on Tohono O'odham land. Services and tribal rules come before tourism.
How do I get there from Tucson?
Drive about 9 miles (14 km) south on Interstate 19 and take exit 92. The address is 1950 W San Xavier Road.