11 Best Things to Do in Tucson

For those interested in learning about the fascinating flora and fauna of a desert environment, The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum provides a unique experience. Through indoor and outdoor exhibits and daily educational lectures, visitors can observe a wide variety of plant and animal species.

Founded in 1952 and sprawling over 98 acres, this combination of a zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum offers an immersive experience that will entertain and educate guests of all ages. It is easy to spend a day here, and visitors can take a break at the restaurant, cafe, or picnic area. It is important to note that 85% of the museum is outdoors, so appropriate attire is recommended.

Saguaro National Park, named after the iconic saguaro cactus that dominates its landscape, is a popular destination for those seeking to experience the natural beauty and unique ecosystem of the American Southwest desert. Located only 14 miles from downtown Tucson, the park spans a remarkable 91,000 acres and features over 150 miles of designated trails.

The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including coyotes, bobcats, and desert tortoises. Visitors can explore the park by driving, hiking, or biking while enjoying breathtaking views of the Sonoran Desert landscape. The type of pass required to enter is determined by the method of arrival: vehicle, bicycle, motorcycle, or on foot. As food and drinks are not available within the park, visitors should pack their own provisions.

The Mission San Xavier del Bac is a stunning 18th-century church located nine miles south of Tucson on the Tohono O’odham San Xavier Indian Reservation. This Catholic mission, designated a National Historic Landmark, has a rich history dating back to the late 1700s and is considered one of the finest examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the United States.

Visitors can step back in time and enjoy the tranquillity of the interior, which is filled with original statues, murals, and carvings from the 18th century. Entry to the mission is free, but donations for ongoing renovations are welcome.

The Pima Air & Space Museum is one of the largest non-government-funded aviation museums in the world, making it an ideal destination for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike. It features approximately 400 aircraft and spacecraft from various eras, including a Wright Flyer, World War II fighters, and commercial airliners such as the 787 Dreamliner.

The museum spans 80 acres and includes not only vast outdoor hangars but also six indoor exhibits that display an array of aviation and space-related artefacts, models, and interactive displays for visitors to explore. It is essential to note that the last entry to the museum is approximately 2 hours before closing time.

Barrio Viejo, also known as the Old Neighborhood, is a historic district of Tucson located just south of downtown. The neighborhood is famous for its colourful and charming adobe homes and buildings, which date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Today, the Barrio is a vibrant commercial and residential community in the heart of Tucson.

Visitors can stroll through the neighbourhood and admire the vibrant murals, wrought-iron gates, and flowering cacti that adorn the streets. Many of the historic buildings in this well-loved area have been restored and are now used as private residences, art galleries, and shops.

The Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway is a gorgeous drive that winds through the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson. The road spans 27 miles and climbs over 6,000 ft, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains, canyons, and forests. Along the way, visitors can stop at several pull-outs and overlooks to admire the dramatic scenery and take photos.

The drive takes you through different ecosystems, from the desert at the base to an alpine forest at the top. Mt. Lemmon is the tallest peak in the Santa Catalina Range. At the summit, a small village sits amid conifers and aspen trees. You will also pass the Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter, a research and education facility that offers guided tours.

Besides being a peaceful retreat for visitors, the Tucson Botanical Gardens host many events, concerts, educational programs and exhibits throughout the year. The 5.5-acre oasis has various themed gardens, including a pollinator garden, a cactus and succulent garden, a Zen Garden, and a bird garden.

The Gardens' mission is to provide a beautiful sanctuary that will inspire people to live in harmony with nature and to educate them on the fascinating varieties of plants, flowers, insects, and birds. Visitors can enjoy a menu of Southwestern flavours at Edna's Eatery, located on the site.

Old Tucson Studios is a film studio and theme park that was constructed in 1939 for the Western film "Arizona" and has since been the filming location for over 300 films and TV shows. The studio has been open to the public since the 1960s and showcases historic buildings and sets, including a western town, Mexican village, and Native American village.

Visitors can step into the Old Wild West and explore the sets, watch live stunt shows and gunfights, take a train or horse-drawn carriage ride, learn to pan for gold, and enjoy many other themed attractions. The park has on-site restaurants that offer Southwest cuisines such as a cowboy burgers, brisket, pulled pork, and nachos, as well as traditional Mexican food.

Located about an hour outside of Tucson, in the Quinlan Mountains, Kitt Peak National Observatory offers a chance to see the night sky like never before. This world-renowned astronomical observatory features the largest and most diverse astronomical equipment in the world.

Visitors can visit during the day or at night and participate in different tours or events depending on their level of interest. You can learn about the history of the observatory, and the invention of the telescope, take a guided tour of the observatory, or attend stargazing or moon observation sessions.

The Tucson Museum of Art is a lively cultural institution that contains a diverse collection of art and cultural artefacts from the American Southwest and other parts of the world. It features permanent and rotating exhibits that showcase a wide range of artistic styles, including Latin American, American Western, modern, contemporary, and Asian art.

Situated in downtown Tucson, the complex occupies an entire city block, providing visitors with opportunities to explore galleries or participate in tours, educational programs, and studio art classes. There is also a Museum Store that engages and enlightens visitors, as well as a café that serves brunch and lunch.