Are you yearning for a getaway to America’s enchanting Southwest? If so, consider spending some quality time in Tucson, Arizona, the state’s second-largest city. Tucson serves as the gateway to the magnificent Sonoran Desert and boasts some of the finest Southwestern cuisine. However, if you’re unsure about what to do in Tucson, fear not, as we have compiled a comprehensive list of exciting activities for you to experience.
Tucson is an alluring year-round destination, blessed with glorious weather 365 days a year, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Furthermore, the city offers a wealth of history, arts, culture, and delectable cuisine, catering to a wide array of interests and age groups.
Curious about whether Tucson is worth visiting? Let us unveil the magic of this atmospheric city. Home to over 500,000 residents, including a vibrant community of 45,000 at the University of Arizona, Tucson exudes a lively college-town atmosphere, replete with funky bars and dynamic nightlife. However, the city’s appeal extends beyond entertainment and revelry. Visitors can immerse themselves in a wealth of outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, golfing, scenic drives, and even snow skiing, along with exploring captivating museums and learning about the region’s Spanish Catholic mission history. Moreover, the culinary scene beckons with the promise of mouthwatering Mexican cuisine, ensuring a soul-satisfying experience.
During the winter months, Tucson’s location in the Sonoran Desert transforms it into a snowbird destination, as the city enjoys legendary year-round sunshine, attracting visitors seeking respite from colder climes.
Nestled in a flat valley surrounded by majestic mountain ranges and swathes of iconic saguaro cacti, Tucson exudes a laid-back atmosphere and offers authentic Southwestern experiences. Whether you prefer to explore the lively downtown scene or seek tranquility in the embrace of the mountains, Tucson caters to all preferences, allowing you to roam freely, recharge your spirit, or enjoy vibrant nightlife. It’s a city where you can liberate your soul and embrace the unique allure of the American Southwest.
The appeal of Tucson is undeniable, making it unquestionably worth visiting.
Exciting Things to Do in Tucson
Embarking on a journey to Tucson may render you reluctant to leave, as the city presents a mecca of outdoor adventures. Below, we present a curated list of top activities to do in Tucson, including dining recommendations, ideal accommodations, and enjoyable experiences for visitors of all ages, whether traveling with kids or without.
Lunch at BOCA Tacos
If you’re a taco aficionado, make BOCA Tacos your first stop in Tucson. Known for its street-style gourmet Mexican tacos, BOCA offers over 25 tantalizing varieties, complemented by a delightful array of rotating salsas. Don’t miss their vegetarian and vegan offerings, making it a great choice for those with dietary preferences.
Stay at Lodge on the Desert
Enhance your Tucson experience by staying at Lodge on the Desert, a charming 100-room boutique hotel set against the stunning backdrop of the Santa Catalina Mountains. This mid-town oasis caters to business travelers, leisure seekers, and families alike, with amenities like a heated swimming pool and whirlpool spa.
Enjoy Craft Beers at Barrio Brewing Co
Take a leisurely drive to Barrio Brewing Co, a popular local brewery with a cozy atmosphere and an impressive selection of craft beers. Pair your choice of ale with delicious snacks, like spinach and artichoke dip or cilantro wings, and revel in the relaxed ambiance.
Visit the Mission San Xavier Del Bac
Immerse yourself in history and culture at the Mission San Xavier Del Bac, a well-preserved Spanish Colonial architectural gem founded in 1692. Learn about the fascinating story behind this Catholic mission while admiring the beautiful frescoes and artwork inside.
Explore the Pima Air & Space Museum
Venture into the world of aviation at the Pima Air & Space Museum, one of the largest non-government-funded aviation and space museums globally. With over 360 aircraft on display across 80 acres and six air-cooled hangars, this museum offers a captivating experience for aviation enthusiasts.
Dine at El Charro Café
Indulge in delectable Southwest cuisine at El Charro Café, the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant operated continuously by the same family since 1922. Enjoy their extensive menu, including a dedicated selection for vegan and vegetarian diners, making it a perfect choice for families.
Go Hiking in Sabino Canyon
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Sonoran Desert at Sabino Canyon, a popular hiking destination with soaring mountains, deep canyons, and majestic saguaro cacti. Explore the numerous hiking trails, take a tram tour, and revel in the glorious Tucson weather.
Drive the Gates Pass Scenic Drive
Take a scenic drive along Gates Pass, an enchanting route offering mesmerizing views of saguaro cacti, a quintessential symbol of the Southwest. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness a spellbinding sunset from this vantage point.
Explore Old Tucson Studios
Step back in time at Old Tucson Studios, a historic site that has been the backdrop for over 300 films and TV shows, featuring the spirit of the Old West coming alive. Enjoy live-action stunt shows, gunfights, and musicals, and savor the authentic Western atmosphere.
Visit Trail Dust Town
Discover the historical artifacts of Tucson at Trail Dust Town, a unique outdoor shopping center with a vintage Allan Herschell merry-go-round and a slim-gauge railway train. Embrace the Old West ambiance as you explore saloons and restaurants adorned with Western memorabilia.
Spend the Day at Old Tombstone Western Theme Park
Embrace your inner cowboy at the Old Tombstone Western Theme Park, an amusement park renowned for its gunfights, stunt shows, and shooting gallery. Wander through saloons and restaurants decorated with Western memorabilia and immerse yourself in the allure of the Wild West.
Marvel at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Embark on a journey through the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, an outdoor natural history museum spread across 98 acres. With more than 230 animal species and 1,200 varieties of plants, this museum promises an awe-inspiring experience for nature enthusiasts.
Explore Saguaro National Park
Embark on an adventure at Saguaro National Park, a haven for wildlife and native plants, featuring the iconic saguaro cacti. This national park boasts petroglyphs of the ancient Hohokam people, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history.
Have a Picnic at Tucson Botanical Gardens
Discover the wonders of native plants and flora at Tucson Botanical Gardens, a 5.5-acre oasis boasting mature trees and specialty gardens. Stroll through the Cactus and Succulent Garden, the Barrio Garden, and the Herb Garden, and savor a picnic amid natural beauty.
Take the Kids to Reid Park Zoo
Enjoy a family-friendly outing at Reid Park Zoo, home to an array of captivating animals, including giraffes, elephants, zebras, grizzly bears, and lions. This fun and exciting zoo promise a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Be Amazed at The Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium
Unleash your inner scientist at The Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, a delightful destination for space and science enthusiasts. Engage in interactive exhibits and watch captivating planetarium shows, enriching your knowledge about the cosmos.
Saving Money on Tucson Attractions
To optimize your Tucson adventure while saving on expenses, consider acquiring a Southern Arizona discount pass. This pass grants you access to over 90 attractions in Tucson and surrounding areas, including Mount Lemmon Ski Valley, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Colossal Cave Mountain Park, Biosphere 2, and the Titan Missile Museum. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or thrilling experiences, the discount pass ensures you can explore to your heart’s content.
Tucson is a city that reveals much more than meets the eye, offering a vibrant atmosphere, captivating nature spots, scrumptious Mexican-inspired cuisine, and fascinating museums. As evident from our list, there is an abundance of activities in Tucson to suit any type of traveler, whether visiting with family or embarking on a couple’s retreat.
So, pack your bags, prepare to be dazzled, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant wonders of Tucson, Arizona.
