This submit might comprise affiliate hyperlinks. We might obtain a small fee, for free of charge to you, for those who make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.
Is a getaway to America’s Southwest calling you? Then you definitely could be contemplating spending a while in Tucson Arizona, the second largest metropolis within the state.
Tucson is the gateway to the Sonoran Desert, and is dwelling to a number of the greatest Southwestern delicacies. However for those who don’t know what to do in Tucson, then you definately’ve come to the fitting place.
Tucson is a superb year-round vacation spot, with attractive climate one year a yr which lets you expertise out of doors recreation, plus there’s loads of historical past, arts, tradition, and wonderful meals!
There are a ton of cool issues to do in Tucson for all ages and pursuits, however for those who’re unsure what sights so as to add to your itinerary, check out our record beneath.
Is Tucson Arizona Price Visiting?
You could be on the fence about visiting Tucson, however permit me to elucidate to you what you may count on from this atmospheric metropolis.
Being dwelling to over 500,000 individuals, together with the 45,000-strong College of Arizona, you may guess there’s a college-town ambiance with funky bars and vibrant nightlife available. Tucson has a fun-loving historical past, to say the least.
Nevertheless it’s not all about leisure and nightlife, enjoyable Tucson actions embody climbing within the wilderness, horseback using, mountain biking, {golfing}, scenic drives, snow snowboarding, exploring fascinating museums and studying in regards to the Spanish Catholic mission, and consuming presumably the most effective Mexican meals north of the border to feed your soul.
Within the winter months, its location within the Sonoran Desert has created a snowbird vacation spot resulting from its legendary year-round sunshine.
Set in a flat valley, there are mountain ranges in all instructions and swaths of saguaro cactus – an emblem of the American Southwest. Tucson provides a laid-back ambiance and genuine Southwestern experiences.
It’s like an enormous little metropolis with the liberty to roam or unplug and chill out and recharge, or paint the city purple if you wish to. From the vigorous downtown ambiance to the tranquil mountains, you may free your self in Tucson!
For these causes, it’s completely value visiting Tucson.
Issues To Do In Tucson
Watch out in Tucson, when you immerse your self on this out of doors mecca, you might by no means need to depart. I do know I’ll be again once more with all of the household.
Under are my tips about what to do in Tucson, together with the place to eat, the place to remain, and all of the enjoyable issues to do in Tucson AZ (with or with out youngsters!)
1. Have Lunch at BOCA Tacos
- Hours: Open 11am-10pm Mon-Sat and 11am-8pm Solar
- Tackle: 533 N 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705
I’m a taco fan, and from my analysis on locations to eat in Tucson, one taco place that saved displaying up with good opinions on-line was BOCA Tacos.
It additionally got here really helpful by former locals and our group on-line, two assets I at all times go to for meals suggestions.
After touchdown at Tucson Worldwide Airport, I instantly jumped in a automobile and headed straight to downtown Tucson for lunch at this taco restaurant on Historic 4th Avenue.
BOCA is thought for its street-style gourmand Mexican tacos, serving up over 25 forms of tacos, and for its rotating salsas created recent each day.
However probably the greatest issues about BOCA for me on the menu was the vegetarian and vegan choices.
While I waited for my order of two Cauliflower tacos (grilled recent cauliflower tossed in curry cilantro and orange oil), and a Veggie taco (sautéed mixture of mushrooms, onions, serrano peppers, cilantro, and melted cheese), I used to be served up 4 forms of salsa to strive starting from least spicy to spicy!
For those who’re trying to pair your domestically made tacos with native craft beer, BOCA provides as much as 30 varieties plus 40 tequilas, vodkas, scotches, whiskies, and Mexican beers to get pleasure from.
Flying in from winter in North Carolina and sitting within the Tucson solar out on their patio was the right begin to my Tucson journey!
If you wish to strive Sonoran tacos within the coronary heart of Tucson, come to BOCA. I discovered them flavorful and filling.
In addition to lunch, think about coming for pleased hour or dinner, and also you’re proper downtown on occurring Historic 4th Avene.
2. Keep at Lodge on the Desert
My dwelling for my two-night keep in Tucson was Lodge on the Desert, a 100-room boutique lodge in mid-town Tucson with the Santa Catalina Mountains offering an imposing backdrop.
Though touring solo on this journey, I might see this lodge interesting to enterprise vacationers, leisure vacationers, and households like mine – I do know my youngsters can be laborious to pull out of the heated swimming pool and whirlpool spa!
To not point out the complimentary Sonoran scorching breakfast buffet that includes a number of breakfast meats, potatoes, recent seasonal fruit, yogurt, and extra.
Its Midtown location on a significant thoroughfare (N Alvernon Approach) proved to be handy and central for my go to and attending to and from Tucson Airport (15-20 minute drive), to downtown Tucson (10-minute drive), and for those who’re on the town to go to the College of Arizona campus, it’s roughly an 8-minute drive away.
It additionally has 103 visitor rooms and suites, a health heart, free parking, and quick WiFi.
I even had dinner on the onsite restaurant, Cielos, which focuses on Southwest delicacies regionally sourced with modern twists.
You’ve gotten a selection of sitting within the out of doors personal patio underneath the celebs, or by the four-sided fire for optimum year-round al fresco eating, or contained in the intimate eating room with floor-to-ceiling home windows that brings the skin in.
To enrich the meals menu you could have an inventory of basic craft cocktails that includes native spirits and an in depth wine record.
Think about Cielos as a setting for a romantic dinner, or an informal pleased hour with associates on the bar.
3. Take pleasure in Craft Beers at Barrio Brewing Co
- Hours: Open each day from 11.00am – 10.00pm (11.00pm on Weekends)
- Tackle: 800 E sixteenth St, Tucson, AZ 85719
For those who’re like me, you could be questioning what to do in Tucson on a Sunday afternoon?
Properly, contemplating I arrived on a Sunday, aka NFL Sunday, and I really like my soccer and it’s not usually I get to go to a brewery kid-free, searching for out a spot to observe the sport while sampling a number of native craft brews was laborious to withstand.
Barrio Brewing got here with good suggestions, so I jumped in an Uber for the 10-minute drive from my lodge.
While situated in an industrial a part of downtown Tucson, don’t let first impressions scare you off, and as soon as inside you’ll discover a cozy ambiance and attentive employees at this widespread neighborhood brewery.
To go along with my chilly Copperhead Pale Ale, I had the tastiest spinach and artichoke dip I’ve ever eaten – the cilantro wings sounded nice too!
I don’t suppose you’d be disillusioned taking the time to drop in right here, with a beer choice to fulfill most palettes.
4. Test Out The Mission San Xavier Del Bac
- Hours: Mondays – Saturdays, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm.
- Tackle: 1950 W San Xavier Rd, Tucson, AZ 85746
Nicknamed “The White Dove of the Desert”, I discovered Mission San Xavier del Bac one of the vital fascinating locations to go to in Tucson.
Based in 1692 by Father Kino and inbuilt 1783, this Catholic mission is taken into account one of many best-preserved examples of Spanish Colonial structure in the US.
Inside, you will note fantastically painted frescoes and paintings, and on the skin, the facade resembles one thing you would possibly see in Europe.
It stands within the heart of a Papago Indian settlement alongside the banks of the Santa Cruz River, about 10 miles south of Tucson.
As a nationwide historic landmark and the one remaining intact mission in southern Arizona, the Mission stays a working parish for the Tohono O’odham individuals, a lot of whom nonetheless reside close by.
I jumped on a free 45-minute docent-led tour (donations inspired) and was blown away by the inside and exterior, and studying in regards to the story of the church provides up an interesting perception into the historical past of this area.
This may be probably the greatest issues to do in Tucson for historical past lovers.
5. Get Misplaced In The Pima Air & Area Museum
- Hours: Open: 7 Days a Week, 9AM – 5PM. Final Admission at 3PM, closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day.
- Tackle: 6000 E Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ 85756
Interested by visiting museums in Tucson? This is likely one of the hottest Tucson sights.
Pima Air & Area Museum is likely one of the largest non-government-funded aviation & house museums on this planet.
In case you are massive into aviation, you can in all probability spend half a day right here at this museum that encompasses a show of 360+ plane unfold out over 80 acres and 6 indoor air-cooled hangers.
It appears there’s something right here for everybody together with 3 hangars of World Conflict II planes, the SR-71, world’s smallest biplane, and lots of different distinctive personal, navy, and business air & spacecraft documenting the evolution of flight.
Plus there’s a flight simulator Boeing 720 cockpit, and the Ladies in Flight Gallery.
In case you are brief on time like I used to be, soar on the 45-minute tram tour ($6) that takes you thru the museum’s 80 acres on a 1.5-mile circuit to view greater than 150 planes within the assortment.
These tram excursions are narrated by passionate and skilled aviation individuals, and I discovered their private tales in regards to the plane on show and the historical past of the planes very fascinating – together with “Freedom One” which flew the American hostages dwelling after 444 days in Iran, presidential crafts, and planes that launched astronauts.
Need extra aviation historical past?
Pima Air & Area provides unique bus excursions of the two,600-acre “Boneyard”.
This U.S. navy and authorities plane storage facility has 4,000+ plane from the U.S. Air Pressure, Navy-Marine Corps, Military, Coast Guard, and several other federal businesses together with NASA in various levels of storage, being regenerated or recycled – 16-day superior reservations required.
Admission for the Boneyard Excursions cowl:
- The Principal Hangar (3 hangars mixed into 1: Hangar 1, Spirit of Freedom & Flight Central)
- 3 World Conflict II Hangars (Hangars 3, 4 & 5)
- The Dorothy Finley Area Gallery
- The Arizona Aviation Corridor of Fame
- The 390th Memorial Museum (a separate museum on our grounds)
- 80 acres with greater than 150 airplanes
- 45-minute tram excursions further $6
6. Take pleasure in Lunch at El Charro Café
- Hours: 11.00am – 8.30pm each day
- Tackle: El Charro Tucson has 4 areas: downtown, Oro valley, Ventana, and the airport.
This café was shortlisted on my itinerary as probably the greatest Mexican eating places in Tucson.
As somebody who chooses to eat largely a plant-based and gluten-free weight-reduction plan about 80% of the time, I used to be delighted to see that El Charro Café has a devoted plant-based menu possibility.
So I jumped on the probability to have lunch right here, and it seems that El Charro is a well-known and historic chain within the Tucson space and is The Nation’s Oldest Mexican Restaurant in steady operation by the identical household, based in 1922.
Due to their terrific plant-based menu for vegan and vegetarian diners, plus a child’s menu, I stay up for bringing my complete household to dine right here subsequent time!
7. Go Climbing in Sabino Canyon
- Hours: Customer Heart hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm, seven days per week. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Tackle: 5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson, AZ 85750
As quickly as I knew I used to be visiting this metropolis, some Tucson hikes and nature experiences have been excessive on my want record.
In case you don’t know, Tucson is well-known for its lively residents and nice climbing alternatives, and probably the greatest locations to go climbing in Tucson is in Sabino Canyon.
On provide are hovering mountains, deep canyons, and the distinctive vegetation and animals of the Sonoran Desert area.
Climbing right here is likely one of the hottest issues to do in Tucson AZ. Over 1,000,000 vacationers a yr make their solution to the Sabino Canyon Recreation Space within the Santa Catalina Mountains, and I discovered it an exquisite place to spend three hours.
I did a 3-mile out-and-back hike that took within the Esperero Path (rated reasonable) that ascends into the excessive peaks of the Pusch Ridge Wilderness, then picked up the Rattlesnake Path (rated reasonable) and is a low elevation and rocky desert path, then onto the Bluff Path (rated straightforward) a desert path with rocky terrain that overlooks Sabino Creek.
Lastly, I switched to the Sabino Lake Path (a simple loop path) to take me again to the guests heart.
Oh, and the way about that Tucson climate in the course of winter – I used to be climbing in 72F-degree climate in a t-shirt. What’s to not love?
There’s a lot to do in Sabino Canyon for an extended go to. It’s crammed with climbing trails, saguaro forests, riparian creeks, waterfalls, and swimming holes
One other widespread factor to do is soar on the tram shuttle service which provides a narrated audio tour alongside a 3.7-mile route into Sabino Canyon with a number of stops alongside the route offering entry to trailheads for climbing.
Tram routes present entry to Sabino and Bear Canyons. Alongside the route, you might be free to get off at one of many 9 shuttle stops, perform a little climbing, have a picnic, or spend time alongside one of many many swimming pools and cascades that grace Sabino Creek.
8. Dine at Charro Del Ray
- Hours: 3.00pm – 9.00pm each day
- Tackle: 188 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85701
Rising up in Australia I’ve a pure style and starvation for seafood and was pleased to find that Charro Del Ray is likely one of the greatest eating places in Tucson that serves up sustainable seafood flown in each day from the Pacific Northwest.
Positioned in downtown Tucson, it’s set inside a 100-year-old classic constructing crammed with lovely native and Mexican artwork.
A Charro is a standard horseman from Mexico, and Charro del Rey provides a menú of basic and scrumptious Charro Household takes on seafood and prime dishes.
The restaurant comes full with a uncooked bar showcasing recent and seasonal oysters, crab legs, and ceviches. And for drinks, you’ll discover considered one of Tucson’s most vital champagne collections, plus a pleasant number of spirits and native craft beer.
For those who want a ranch-to-table steakhouse, proper subsequent door is Charro Steak!
Different downtown eating places really helpful to me by different vacationers, former Tucson residents, and my Uber driver embody:
9. Pattern The Tucson Nightlife on 4th Avenue
As a university city and is the night time of the School Soccer Last between LSU and Clemson, I used to be on the lookout for a bar to soak up the sport.
Downtown was quieter than I anticipated, however it was a Monday night time and the scholars have been nonetheless coming again to city after the Christmas break, the College of Arizona is extra of a basketball faculty than a soccer.
However for those who’re on the lookout for nightlife, one of many enjoyable issues to do in Tucson Arizona on the weekends, or when faculty is in full swing, is head to Historic landmark, 4th Avenue and also you’ll discover loads of bars.
However as not all bars have been open being a Monday, I didn’t get an in-depth expertise to supply an excessive amount of of an opinion, however I imagine the youthful faculty college students find it irresistible for that enjoyable, funky vibe that it has.
Over the length of the sport, I largely discovered myself at Hello Fi Kitchen & Cocktails, a well-liked indoor/out of doors tavern with American pub grub and big-screen TVs amid rock-&-roll decor.
I additionally caught my head into the historic Resort Congress for a fast take a look at probably the most well-known of locations in downtown.
Generally known as an city, historic, rock ‘n’ roll lodge it was inbuilt 1919 and is the cultural landmark that anchors Downtown Tucson.
Classically renovated and up to date, and apparently, they serve nice bloody Marys on Sundays of their restaurant. This lodge can be the place John Dillinger was captured – some fascinating historical past right here!
I checked in with a buddy who used to name Tucson dwelling, and in addition requested my Uber driver about what to do in Tucson after darkish, that is what they suggest:
10. Eat Breakfast at Prep & Pastry
- Hours: 7.00am – 3.00pm each day
- Tackle: 2660 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719
For those who’re on the lookout for locations on the town for breakfast, then strive Prep & Pastry.
From all experiences this was one other one of many widespread locations to eat in Tucson, particularly busy on the weekends with a wait time – benefit from the waitlist button on their web site.
They describe themselves as a “Fashionable American Eatery,” serving breakfast, lunch, and brunch. All meals and drinks are ready with recent components and sourced domestically.
Upon coming into, the impression is considered one of a cool and classy institution, and by chance for me being a Tuesday morning I used to be seated instantly
For these on the lookout for a pastry, the choices on show appeared delish.
Prep & Pastry might be a spot to go along with associates, household, and even by your self like I did.
11. Drive the Gates Cross Scenic Drive
A beautiful scenic drive alongside the crest of the Tucson Mountain district is Gates Cross, simply west of Tucson.
At an elevation of three,172ft, Gates Cross Highway is lined with scenic overlooks with magnificent views of saguaro cacti. These majestic vegetation, discovered solely in a small portion of the US, are protected by Saguaro Nationwide Park to the east and west of town of Tucson.
Gates Cross is properly generally known as probably the greatest sundown spots within the outer metropolis space.
Positively put this drive in your Tucson issues to-do record. It must be probably the greatest free issues to do in Tucson!
One other widespread scenic drive in Tucson is the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway.
12. Discover Outdated Tucson Studios
- Hours: 10.00am – 5.00pm each day
- Tackle: 201 Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85735
A go to to the Outdated Tucson Studios was the right attraction in Tucson to discover on a sunny day.
It’s been dwelling to greater than 300 movies and TV reveals together with a few of Hollywood’s largest Westerns, and as they are saying, it’s the place the spirit of the previous west comes alive!
Outdated Tucson provides historian-guided studio excursions, Wild West leisure, genuine Southwestern BBQ, and purchasing for everybody.
You possibly can watch live-action stunt reveals, a gunfight, and musicals, and there are classic rides for the children.
You in all probability want longer than the 2 hours I had accessible to soak up all this Tucson attraction has to supply – particularly for the wild west film buffs!
13. Go to Path Mud City
- Hours: 5.00pm – 9.00pm each day
- Tackle: 6541 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715
Are you on the lookout for distinctive issues to do in Tucson? Then you definitely would possibly get pleasure from this buying heart. Sure, a shopping mall. Nevertheless it’s not simply any buying heart, Path Mud City is a historic out of doors buying heart that also accommodates historic artifacts.
You possibly can journey an vintage Allan Herschell merry-go-round, which was manufactured in 1954 and options its authentic horses and benches, or journey the slim-gauge railway prepare alongside The Path Mud City Railroad.
For those who’re visiting on the weekend, you’ll want to try the Pistoleros Wild West Present, a slap-stick comedy stunt present that pays homage to town’s wild west days.
14. Spend the Day At Outdated Tombstone Western Theme Park
- Hours: 10.15 am – 4.30pm each day
- Tackle: 339 S 4th St, Tombstone, AZ 85638
Persevering with with the Wild West theme, one other prime factor to do in Tucson that pays homage to its cowboy historical past is to go to the Tombstone Western Theme Park, an amusement park that’s well-known for its gunfights, stunt reveals, and capturing gallery.
Trip the trolley across the historic park and embrace your inside cowboy as you wander by way of the parks saloons and eating places adorned with western memorabilia.
This tour to Tombstone leaves from Tucson.
For those who don’t have a automobile, and are coming from Pheonix, you may be a part of this tour. Tombstone is about 61 miles southeast of Tucson. You possibly can see rental automobile costs right here.
Watch our video of Tombstone Arizona
15. Marvel on the Wonders of Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- Hours: 8.30am – 5.00pm
- Tackle: 2021 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743
Discover the out of doors pure historical past museum of Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, a 98-acre zoo, aquarium, and pure historical past museum multi functional.
The museum was based in 1952 and covers an space of 21 acres.
It has two miles of strolling path, taking you previous enclosures with greater than 230 animal species and thru gardens dwelling to 1,200 styles of vegetation.
16. Discover Saguaro Nationwide Park
- Hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm each day
- Tackle: Tucson, Arizona
Positioned within the Rincon Mountain District is the Saguaro Nationwide Park, well-known for its wildlife, and native vegetation and fauna, together with the massive saguaro cactus.
For anybody trying to get out and luxuriate in nature, a visit to Saguaro is unquestionably well worth the effort. It surrounds town of Tucson and is dwelling to the petroglyphs (a picture created by carving into rock) of the traditional Hohokam individuals.
These might be discovered on the Sign Hill Path within the Tucson Mountain District. Right here you will note an space of dozens of petroglyphs which are lots of of years previous.
There are 21 identified petroglyphs within the Tuscan space, some relationship way back to the early 850 AD.
17. Have a Picnic at Tucson Botanical Gardens
- Hours: 8.30am – 4.30pm each day
- Tackle: 2150 N Alvernon Approach, Tucson, AZ 85712
Be taught in regards to the native vegetation and flora of Tucson on the Tucson Botanical Gardens. This 5.5-acre backyard options an oasis of mature bushes, and specialty gardens such because the Cactus and Succulent Backyard, Barrio Backyard, and Herb Backyard.
The gardens additionally hook up with a historic Porter property which holds an artwork gallery, in addition to courses and occasions.
You possibly can see distinctive species of butterflies and orchids within the COX Butterfly & Orchid Pavilion.
18. Take the Youngsters to Reid Park Zoo
- Hours: 8.00am – 2.00pm in the summertime, 9.00am – 4.00pm within the winter
- Tackle: 3400 E Zoo Ct, Tucson, AZ 85716
For those who’re on the lookout for enjoyable issues to do in Tucson with youngsters, then you may’t go fallacious with a visit to the zoo.
See animals from world wide, together with giraffes, elephants, zebras, grizzly bears, and lions at this enjoyable and thrilling zoo.
Reap the benefits of their academic applications, pack a picnic, and luxuriate in a enjoyable time out surrounded by the world’s most unique wildlife.
19. Be Amazed at The Flandrau Science Heart & Planetarium
- Hours: 10.00am – 5.00pm each day
- Tackle: 1601 E College Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85721
For those who’re on the lookout for enjoyable issues to do in Tucson for adults, then The Flandrau Science Heart & Planetarium is a superb place for adults to chill out and brush up on their science and house data.
It belongs to the College of Arizona and is known for its planetarium theater which has a 15.2-meter dome display screen and might home 146 individuals.
How To Save Cash On Tucson Sights
For those who’re desirous about including a number of of those actions to your record of issues to do in Tucson however you’re frightened about the fee, don’t fear, as a result of it can save you cash by getting a Southern Arizona low cost go.
The go means that you can save on entrance to over 90 sights in Tucson and surrounding areas in Southern Arizona.
Lots of the sights listed on this information are included on the low cost go, in addition to Mount Lemmon Ski Valley (nice for climbing, biking, and mountain climbing in the summertime), Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Colossal Cave Mountain Park, Biosphere 2 and Titan Missile Museum.
Some sights you may also need to go to which are not included on the low cost go are Flandrau Science Heart, Kitt Peak Nationwide Observatory, Catalina State Park, The Franklin Auto Museum and Sentinel Peak.
Last Ideas on Issues to Do in Tucson
Tucson was a shocking place that supplied. a lot greater than I initially thought. It has a vibrant ambiance, some unimaginable nature spots, scrumptious Mexican-inspired delicacies and interesting museums.
As you may see from this record, there are tons of issues to do in Tucson for any sort of traveller, whether or not you’re visiting with your loved ones or as a pair. You possibly can learn our tips about what to do in Tucson with youngsters.
Nevertheless you select to spend your time in Tucson, we hope you could have a tremendous time.
Disclaimer: This journey was in partnership with Go to Tucson, although all of the concepts and opinions expressed on this information are our personal. For extra tips about issues to see in Tucson, try the official Tucson tourism web site.
Video: 36 Hours in Tucson, Arizona
Click on play to see extra of my go to to Tucson
Save In On Pinterest:
Supply: Breaking Travel News
