Things to do in Tucson

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Tucson
Tucson featuring desert views and a sunset
Tucson showing desert views and wildflowers
Tucson
Titan Missile Museum

Tucson Attractions

With copper-hued deserts, multiple mountain ranges, and nearly 350 days of sunshine a year, the city of Tucson has long inspired the creative and the unconventional. For decades, free-thinkers and free spirits have been drawn to the region’s authentic vibe and famous southwestern light, as well the captivating history that’s reflected in landmarks like its colorful adobe houses. As home to the University of Arizona, Tucson caters to its trendy college students with a vast selection of shopping, dining, and entertainment options—with many eateries, nightclubs, and galleries housed inside warehouses that once served trains during the reign of the railroad. Whether you want to dive into the history of the Wild West, soak in views of the desert on horseback, or savor the unmistakable flavors of the southwest, this breathtaking oasis offers something for everyone.


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Most popular activities in Tucson

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What to do in Tucson

Free Things to Do in Tucson

Heading to Tucson on a budget? The following can be experienced for nothing.

Downtown History Museum - Bring the whole family and embark on a journey of discovery through history with one another.

Pinery Canyon Loop - Make this place your first stop for a bit of fun during your break.

Pima County Courthouse - Be wowed by the originality and design of this impressive example of modernistic architecture.

Stevens House - Amble through this historic attraction and uncover a few secrets from days gone by.

El Presidio Park - Find out for yourself why locals and travelers alike are in love with the vibe of this place.

El Centro Cultural de las Americas - Dig out your guidebook and find out why this place is worth a spot on your itinerary.

St. Augustine Cathedral - Stop for some quiet contemplation and find out a thing or two about this site's religious importance.

Sentinel Peak - Appreciate the stark difference between the big city and nature's splendor at this beautiful location.

Pinery Canyon Loop - Grab your blanket, pack some nibbles and find a shady area to be at one with nature.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Tucson

Downtown

Though Tucson’s downtown has been the hub of the city’s activity for well over a century, the neighborhood has seen a rebirth in recent years, with new shops, an array of bars, and some of the city’s top-rated restaurants. A unique blend of urban chic, western nouveau, and hip and artsy, the “centro” is broken up in 5 distinct districts, all connected by the Sun Link Streetcar.

4th Avenue

The epicenter of Tucson’s offbeat culture, 4th Avenue is where to go if you’re in search of something weird, loud, eccentric or crazy. Here, find artisans selling selections of vintage clothing, artwork, and hard-to-find books, alongside an eclectic mix of eateries, tattoo parlors, bike shops, and bars. Since 1970, the district has been known for its biannual 4th Avenue Street Fair, a legendary festival celebrating local art, culture, and food.

Congress Street

On and around the cultural hub of Congress Street is where hip meets history, urban dwellings sit next to colorful barrios, and funky art houses share the street with award-winning restaurants. The district buzzes throughout the year with events at venues like the Rialto Theatre, the Tucson Music Hall, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Main Gate Square

Connecting the rest of downtown to the University of Arizona, Main Gate Square is the center of collegiate culture in the city. Find a range of international cheap eats, sports bars playing the latest Wildcats game, and shopping that runs the gamut from UA gear to name-brand denim.

Presidio

History comes to life in Presidio, one of the oldest inhabited neighborhoods in the United States. Inside the block of adobe shops called the Old Town Artisans, uncover authentic Mexican cuisine, Latin American handicrafts, and a stunning Spanish-style courtyard where you can kick back among regional flowers and trees.

Sentinel Peak

To the west of Congress Street on the edge of downtown is Sentinel Peak, an iconic location for enjoying panoramic views of the city. At the base of the peak sits the Mission Garden, a spectacular cropland that recreates Tucson’s 4,000-year agricultural history. Experience this heritage for yourself at nearby Mercado San Agustín, the city’s premier public market and dining destination.

Eastside

Largely uninhabited and untouched, the eastside of Tucson boasts an unmatched combination of otherworldly desert beauty and anthropological history. Dive deep into the region’s wonders at Colossal Cave Mountain Park, where you can spend the day exploring the largest dry cavern in the world.

Westside

Home to the picturesque mountains that bear the city’s name, Tucson’s westside is filled with dusty desert trails, towering cacti, and ancient petroglyphs dating back to the prehistoric Hohokam. In the center of the park is the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which houses more than 230 animals and thousands of native plants. On the southside of the park is where you’ll find Old Tucson, an homage to the days of the Wild West and the setting used in some of the most famous Westerns to ever grace the silver screen.

What to See in Tucson

Soak in the jaw-dropping views of the desert with a trip east into the Rincon Mountains. Start the day with a stop at Colossal Cave Mountain Park, a 2,400-acre (971-ha) ranch featuring rugged hiking trails, majestic summits, and crystal-filled caves. After exploring the geological and anthropological history in the subterranean depths, embark on a horseback ride deep into the mountains at sunset. Leave the world behind as you trot through chalky forests of cacti while gazing out upon fiery shades of red, purple, and orange.

Sightseeing in Tucson

For History Buffs

Mine Tucson’s past and present with a guided walking tour of downtown’s Turquoise Trail. Begin with a look at the Paleo Indians who first settled in Arizona nearly 12,000 years ago, and meander through a prehistoric site in the awe-inspiring Presidio district. As you travel forward in time, see structures that were built beginning during the boom of the mid-1800s, uncovering how the city has grown and changed over the last 150 years.

For fans of the Wild West, a visit to historic Old Tucson is just what John Wayne ordered. Experience the iconic era as if you lived it yourself with an array of attractions including stunt shows, gunfights, saloon musicals, and stagecoach rides. Enjoy all the time you want to explore the streets of this incredible setting that’s been used in more than 400 film, TV, and commercial productions since 1939.

For Nature Lovers

Head south out of downtown for a day in the wild landscape of the Santa Rita Mountains, where sweeping views await you at the summit of Mount Wrightson, the highest peak in the southern part of the state. At the base of the mountain is the Madera Canyon, one of the region’s most popular spots for hiking. Embark on a trek through a range of life zones that span desert grassland to mountain forest, keeping your eyes peeled for any of the hundreds of species of bird that’ve been recorded here.

For Foodies

With it’s location just 70 miles (117 km) north of the border, it’s no surprise that Tucson is famous for its authentic Mexican flavors. However, it’s become particularly known for its Sonoran-inspired cuisine, a style seldom found outside of Arizona. Unlike Tex-Mex, New Mexican, and Baja styles of cooking, Sonoran cuisine emphasizes wheat instead of corn, beef over chicken and pork, and hearty simplicity over a wealth of ingredients. Tantalize your taste buds with a tour to discover the city’s most delectable Sonoran-style eats, paying a visit to beloved, family-owned eateries in the adobe buildings south of Congress Street.

Things to Do in Tucson with Kids

If you're going away with the young ones, you'll find plenty of fun things to do together in Tucson. These family friendly experiences will put wide smiles on faces both young and old:


 

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Discover the most popular places to visit in Tucson

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Tucson

#Trovember —Winter nightfalls in the Sonoran Desert; you can’t make this stuff up! Tucson sunsets are the best... #MyBackyard

Catalina Foothills

Nestled north of Tucson, this affluent community boasts upscale shopping at La Encantada and luxurious resorts along the resort corridor. Explore attractions like Sabino Canyon, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, and the scenic Santa Catalina Mountains.

Catalina Foothills
View from the ropes course at Miraval Spa with the Santa Catilina Mountains in the background.

Catalina

Experiencing population growth, this rural community offers nearby attractions like Catalina State Park and Biosphere 2 for nature enthusiasts.

Catalina
Downtown Tucson

Downtown Tucson

3.5/5(413 area reviews)

Historic architecture and traditions are integrated seamlessly into the city’s hip, cosmopolitan urban center, which is connected to other Tucson areas by a streetcar route.

Downtown Tucson
The desert is #green in April... Southern #Arizona's mountain canyons, especially around #Tucson, are full of hiking possibilities... #oasis #SonoranDesert #SantaCatalinaMountains

Tanque Verde

Tanque Verde is noteworthy for its golf courses, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Agua Caliente Park and Arizona National Golf Club.

Tanque Verde
Tohono Chul Park which includes outdoor art and desert views

Casas Adobes

Visitors highly recommend Casas Adobes for its abundant dining options, and you can make a stop by Catalina Golf Course while you're in town.

Casas Adobes
Tucson Botanical Gardens featuring a garden

Midtown

If you're spending some time in Midtown, Arizona Stadium and Centennial Hall are top sights worth seeing.

Midtown

 

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Popular day trips from Tucson

Frequently asked questions

Is Tucson worth visiting?
Tucson offers a unique mix of attractions, local charm and culture. Whether you're into outdoor activities, history or regional cuisine, there are many things you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Tucson?
Once you've checked off major attractions like Pima Air and Space Museum and Reid Park Zoo, spend the rest of your day enjoying Tucson's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Tucson?
Pima Air and Space Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Tucson and deserves a spot on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Tucson?
Three days in Tucson is enough to visit the city's main attractions. Many travelers stay for two days on average. Reid Park Zoo, Rialto Theatre and Fox Theatre are top-rated sights. Like to see more? Hang around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots like Casas Adobes.
Is Tucson a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you plan to do and see in Tucson. Several sights, including Rialto Theatre and Fox Theatre, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Tucson's neighborhoods, Midtown is 3 miles away from downtown, while Menlo Park is 1 mile away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Tucson with kids?
Planning what to do in Tucson with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're taking a trip with toddlers or teenagers, there are many family-friendly activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Tucson for adults?
4th Avenue and Historic Pima County Courthouse are just a couple of the things to do in Tucson. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Tucson?
From enjoying parks to strolling around hip neighborhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Tucson. If you need inspiration, get some tips from a local tour guide. St. Augustine Cathedral is a must for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing activities.