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Fun Things to do in Tucson
Arizona
city guide
Nestled in the valley of four mountain ranges, Tucson shines as a vibrant gem in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. The city's breathtaking landscape is a unique blend of saguaros, barrel cactus, and prickly pear, offering visitors an immersive experience in the rugged beauty of the Southwest. While many are drawn to Tucson for its stunning outdoor attractions, the city also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, with a diverse community of artists, musicians, writers, dancers, and acrobats contributing to its creative energy.
Tucson's designation as a World City of Gastronomy is a testament to its culinary excellence, with a rich tapestry of flavors that extend beyond just restaurants to include coffee roasters and microbreweries. The city takes pride in its vibrant food scene, offering a delicious array of culinary delights that reflect its diverse cultural influences.
For those looking to immerse themselves in the best of Tucson, there are a plethora of activities to experience. From exploring the historic streets of downtown Tucson and browsing unique boutiques and art galleries to hiking the scenic trails of Saguaro National Park and marveling at the iconic saguaro cacti, there is no shortage of adventures to be had in this dynamic city.
To stay updated on the latest happenings in Tucson and discover the best things to do in the area, be sure to follow these social media accounts:
- Instagram: @VisitTucson
- Facebook: Visit Tucson
- Twitter: @VisitTucsonAZ
For noteworthy publications that offer insights into the vibrant culture and activities in Tucson, consider checking out:
- Tucson Weekly
- Arizona Daily Star
- Zocalo Magazine
Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or culinary delights, Tucson offers a rich tapestry of experiences that are sure to captivate and inspire visitors from near and far.
Best time to go
The best times to visit Tucson are from April to May and from September to October. These shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather and reasonable room rates. Winter's sunny skies and comfortable temperatures attract thousands of northerners in need of a thaw.
Fun city facts and activities
- Nestled in the valley of four mountain ranges, Tucson is one of brightest gems of the Sonoran desert. Many visitors stop by to explore the beautiful outdoorsa landscape of saguaros, barrel cactus and prickly pear that they have only ever seen before on the silver screen. But Tucson also teems with a whole lot of artists, musicians, writers, dancers and acrobats that add to the citys exciting art scene. Tucson wasnt named a World City of Gastronomy for nothingand this extends not only to restaurants but to our coffee roasters and microbreweries as well. Clearly, we love bragging about our town, and this list of best things to do in Tucson should make it very clear why.
Neighborhoods to explore
- Dunbar Spring
Civano
Downtown
Sam Hughes
Armory Park
Restaurants
Food Specialties
- In 2015 Tucson became a World City of Gastronomy thanks to UNESCO. The official designation confirmed what Tucsonans already knew: that the city knows how to feed its people and the city's people love to eat. After all, Tucsons agricultural history stretches back 4,000 years, the longest of any city in North America. Because of its unique positioning just 60 miles north of the US/Mexico border, the area features an abundance of Mexican fare but also celebrates the diversity of residents, who hail from all over the world and shape not only the culinary scene but the variety of things to do around town.
Tucson Offbeat activities
Free or cheap things to do
1. Go on a ghost tour of downtown Tucson.
2. Take a scenic drive up to Mount Lemmon.
3. Visit the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum.
4. Go on a hot air balloon ride at sunrise.
5. Spend the day at Biosphere 2.
6. Take a jeep tour of Saguaro National Park.
7. Visit the Kitt Peak National Observatory.
8. Go for a night sky viewing at the observatory.
9. Visit the Titan Missile Museum.
10. Explore the Colossal Cave Mountain Park.
Fun things to do in with kids
Free or cheap things to do
1. The Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium offers a room full of interactive exhibits that kids love, plus a theater with a variety of shows including one geared towards kids, Perfect Little Planet.
2. Let your kids make their own miniature project during the Kids Create program at The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures every 2nd Saturday. Its included in the price of admission and geared towards grade school kids.
3. Explore over 350 aircraft indoors and outdoors at the Pima Air and Space Museum. There is an outdoor playground perfect for little ones that need a break from exploring the grounds.
4. The International Wildlife Museum is a perfect destination for families to avoid the summer heat. Check out over 400 animals and insects in diorama habitats all indoors with air conditioning! This is more natural history museum vs zoo.
5. Get peek at the Cold War era and check out a real missile at the Titan Missile Museum.
6. The Childrens Museum Tucson main location downtown is perfect for kids up to age 12. Their satellite location in Oro Valley is geared towards the preschool set only.
7. Learn about the people and history of the Southwest at the Arizona State Museum.
8. Check out rodeo parade wagons and Tucson first garbage truck among other historical vehicles at the Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum.
9. Head to the Tucson Museum of Art on the second Sunday of the month for Second SundAZe for free admission and educational activities.
10. Explore Southwest artwork and architecture at Degrazia Gallery in the Sun, founded by of local Arizona artist Ted DeGrazia.
City data and FAQ
What is Tucson most know for?
Tucson is home to the University of Arizona. Central Tucson has many historic neighborhoods and barrios. A modern streetcar runs from the UA to downtown. Its surrounded by towering mountains, especially the Santa Catalinas to the north. Its the birthplace of Linda Ronstadt. Its also the home of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and until the 1980s was surrounded by silos containing Titan ICBMs, carrying Americas most powerful warheads. One silo is preserved as a museum.
Jon Talton - Lives in Seattle, WA
The University of Arizona. They have a good medical school and had a number of great basketball teams.
Observatories. Tucson has eight or nine observatories scattered about. Mount Lemon and Kitt Peak are the two best. Tucson isnt a huge city so the light pollution isnt bad, at least not yet.
Mexican Food. Tucson has some of the best Mexican food around. Places like El Sur, Guadalajara Grill, Penca, Seis Kitchen and many more.
My Aunt, Uncle and Cousins. Ok, maybe Tucson isnt know for them but Im glad theyre there!
Phil Quintana - Lives in Glendale, AZ (1981 Present)
Is Tucson worth visiting?
Its more of an outdoor vacation spot, so if you like all the restaurants, it may disappoint you, besides the Mexican food, which is amazing. The only concentration of restaurants is on 4th avenue and Congress St, and your options are limited to American and Mexican food. Tucson is a big college town with awesome scenery in my opinion.
Alex Lives in Phoenix (2010 Present)
Are two days enought to visit Tucson?
No. We tried to tour it once in one day. Barely enough to see Old Tucson and one of the Monuments. There are Lots of hi class restaurants, the Kitt Peak observatory, walking around the U of A, Mt. Lemmon,, Colossal Cave, Air and Space museum, The Titan missile site, Biosphere, ASARCO mine, and pecan groves, just a few miles south..
Curley
Not really but there are lots of cool things your could see. San Xavier Del Bac, Mnt.Lemon, The Arizona History Musuem , lots of historic parks, Saguaro National Park, etc_
Mack Greer Lives in Arizona
Landmarks in the city
Here is a list of some of the landmarks and tourist attractions in Tucson, Arizona:
1. Saguaro National Park: This park is known for its iconic saguaro cacti and offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
2. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: A combination of a zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum, this attraction showcases the diverse flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert.
3. Mission San Xavier del Bac: A historic Spanish Catholic mission, known as the "White Dove of the Desert," with stunning architecture and beautiful interior artwork.
4. Pima Air & Space Museum: One of the largest air and space museums in the world, featuring over 300 aircraft and spacecraft, including a variety of historic military planes.
5. Sabino Canyon: A popular natural recreation area with hiking trails, picnic areas, and a scenic tram ride that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape.
6. University of Arizona: Explore the campus of this prestigious university, home to beautiful architecture, museums, and cultural events.
7. Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway: A scenic drive that takes you up to the summit of Mt. Lemmon, the highest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains, offering stunning views and outdoor recreational opportunities.
8. Tucson Botanical Gardens: A peaceful oasis in the desert, featuring a variety of themed gardens, including a butterfly exhibit and a cactus and succulent garden.
9. Reid Park Zoo: A family-friendly zoo with a focus on conservation and education, home to a variety of animals from around the world.
10. Old Tucson: A Western-themed movie studio and theme park, where visitors can experience the Old West through live entertainment, historic buildings, and movie sets.
These are just a few of the many landmarks and attractions that Tucson has to offer. Each of these sites provides a unique and memorable experience for visitors to the city.