Tucson Activities That Will Make You Fall in Love With the Desert

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The image captures an aerial view of Tucson, Arizona, showcasing a beautiful panoramic scene under a clear sky with small, white clouds. In the background, hills add depth to the landscape.

Nestled in the Sonoran Desert and surrounded by stunning mountain ranges, the city of Tucson, Arizona, is a vibrant city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. This popular southern Arizona city is an activity hub for the Grand Canyon state, making it a great place for Arizona locals and tourists to visit throughout the year.

From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, Tucson offers a plethora of attractions and activities to suit every interest. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or food enthusiast, here are some of the must-see attractions and things to do when visiting Tucson this year.

Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park Forest, featuring approximately ten tall cacti within the frame. The environment appears arid, typical of desert landscapes. The sky above is clear.
Image Credit: Sarah McDonagh.

Home to towering saguaro cacti and diverse desert wildlife, this national park is one of my all-time favorites in the country. There are tons of trails to hike, or you can just take a scenic drive to enjoy breathtaking views of the desert landscape.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Sonora Desert Museum in Arizona, USA, featuring a simple yet welcoming signboard. The sign prominently displays the museum's name, "Arizona Sonora Desert Museum," against a clear sky backdrop. Surrounding the sign are typical desert vegetation, including bushes and cacti, reflecting the arid landscape of the Sonoran Desert region.
Image Credit: Sarah McDonagh.

At the edge of the park’s entrance is an amazing museum that combines a zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum, offering you a unique opportunity to learn about the desert’s flora and fauna. If you have the time, this is worth a stop on your way out of the park.

Beofre you go, make sure to check the hours for the day, as they can vary depending on the day and the season.

Old Tucson

Old Tucson, Arizona, USA, wooden buildings stand prominently against the desert landscape. These buildings are characterized by their two-story structure, reflecting the traditional architectural style of the region. The color palette of the buildings is primarily earthy, blending with the natural tones of the arid surroundings.
Image Credit: Sarah McDonagh.

Step back in time at Old Tucson, a Western film studio and theme park that recreates the spirit of the Old West. You can explore the movie sets, watch live entertainment, and experience fun Wild West reenactments. This is fun for the entire family, and a tour of the set will cost you and your family about $17 per person.

Mission San Xavier del Bac

Mission San Xavier del Bac, located in the Tohono O'odham Nation Indian Reservation near Tucson, Arizona, USA. The mission stands out with its distinctive Spanish colonial architecture, characterized by adobe walls, red clay roof tiles, and intricate details.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Another great stop is the “White Dove of the Desert,” a stunning Spanish colonial mission located about 10 miles outside of Tucson. Admire the intricate architecture, beautiful frescoes, and rich history of this historic landmark. It is Arizona‘s oldest European structure and a masterpiece of Spanish Colonial architecture, and a true piece of the state’s history.

Admission to the church is free, but donations are always accepted.

Tucson Botanical Gardens

Tucson Botanical Gardens in Arizona. It features an open gate with a green metal arch bearing the inscription "Tucson Botanical Gardens."
Image Credit: Sarah McDonagh.

At the Tucson Botanical Gardens, you and your group can stroll through the themed gardens, including a butterfly garden and a cactus and succulent garden, and enjoy tranquil ponds and winding pathways. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon if you want to see some beautiful desert plants but need something more leisurely than a hike.

Mount Lemmon

Mount Lemmon in Tucson, Arizona, under a sky filled with gray clouds. The mountain appears rugged and rocky, typical of the desert landscape in the region. Its color scheme includes earthy tones such as browns and grays, accentuated by patches of vegetation where possible.
Image Credit: Sarah McDonagh.

On the hotter summer days, elevation is your best friend, and Mt. Lemmon is the perfect escape from the desert as it’s the highest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains. A venture up the mountain offers cooler temperatures and breathtaking views as you drive through a number of different biomes as you climb the mountain.

When driving the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway, the winding road begins in the desert, and at the top, you’re met with towering pine trees and sometimes snow. There’s even a ski hill at the top of the mountain for those looking for some snow sports in the desert.

Pima Air & Space Museum

Pima Air & Space Museum, showcasing numerous planes on display. Visitors are seen inspecting the aircraft. Some planes are suspended on cables at a height.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Aviation enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Pima Air & Space Museum, one of the largest air and space museums in the world. At this museum located just north of Tuscon, you can find over 300 aircraft on display, including historic warplanes, vintage helicopters, and even a retired Air Force One.

Tucson Mountain Park

Saguaro Cacti in Tucson Mountain Park, depicting a typical arid desert landscape. Numerous cacti are scattered across the terrain, with some prominently rising on a hill.
Image Credit: Sarah McDonagh.

Located west of the city, this park is perfect for experiencing the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert at Tucson Mountain Park.

Hike, bike, or horseback ride on miles of scenic trails, and keep an eye out for desert wildlife, including javelinas, coyotes, and desert bighorn sheep. If you’re out in the summer, make sure you’re drinking enough water and only venturing out when the temperature is bearable.

Tucson Museum of Art

Tucson Museum of Art in Tucson, Arizona. The sign simply displays the words "Tucson Museum of Art" on the building's wall.
Image Credit: Sarah McDonagh.

The southwest has a rich artistic heritage, and the Tucson Museum of Art is a great place to delve in and explore exhibits featuring works by local and regional artists, as well as pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial art.

General admission is about $15 per person, but it’s important to check for any discounts before you go.

Sabino Canyon

Southern Arizona at Sabino Canyon. It features abundant greenery and bushes surrounding a body of water. Large stone boulders are scattered near the water's edge.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Located in the Coronado National Forest, you can take a tram ride or hike along the canyon floor, surrounded by towering cliffs, lush desert vegetation, and seasonal waterfalls. It’s a fun alternative to hiking or driving, especially if you’re looking for an activity to awe your young kids.

Reid Park Zoo

The image depicts a Baby African Elephant strolling within its enclosure at Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona. The elephant appears small in comparison to adult elephants.
Image Credit: Sarah McDonagh.

This is another great activity to do if you’re visiting Tuscon with young kids. Spend a day with the animals at Reid Park Zoo, home to over 500 animals representing 200 species from around the world. Explore exhibits featuring elephants, lions, giraffes, and more, and if you have kids who love to learn, there are tons of educational programs and interactive experiences.

Tucson Food Tours

This image features a serving tray containing spicy fries and a cheeseburger sandwich. The fries appear golden-brown and seasoned, while the burger is assembled with a juicy patty, cheese, and condiments.
Image Credit: Sarah McDonagh.

For all the foodies, Tucson Food Tours allows you to embark on a culinary adventure where you can sample delicious local cuisine and discover the city’s vibrant food scene. From traditional Sonoran Mexican dishes to innovative farm-to-table fare, Tucson offers something to satisfy every palate.

Tucson is also a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, which isn’t a title bestowed on anyone. The food you can find throughout the city dates back over 4,000 years, combining the tapestry of Mexican and Native American traditions as told through food.

Fourth Avenue

The image depicts Tucson, Arizona, USA, specifically focusing on the Historic Fourth Avenue neighborhood. In the scene, the afternoon sun illuminates the neighborhood, casting a warm glow on the buildings and streets. The architecture consists of charming, low-rise structures.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Tucson’s eclectic Fourth Avenue is a lively street lined with funky boutiques, vintage shops, art galleries, and eclectic eateries. Here, you can browse unique gifts, listen to live music, and soak up the bohemian atmosphere of this vibrant neighborhood.

Tucson Symphony Orchestra

Tucson Symphony Orchestra in performance, featuring musicians on stage with various musical instruments and a conductor at the center.
Image Credit: Sarah McDonagh.

Experience the magic of live music with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, which offers a diverse range of performances throughout the year. From classical concerts to pop and chamber music, there are tons of events to enjoy regardless of your taste.

Make sure you check their events calendar before your trip.

Biosphere 2

The image depicts the exterior of the University of Arizona Science campus, specifically highlighting Biosphere 2 in Oracle, Arizona. The structure appears modern and sleek, with a combination of glass panels and metallic elements. The color palette consists of neutral tones, blending harmoniously with the desert surroundings typical of Arizona.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

If you have time and are renting a car or drove your own car to Tuscon, I highly recommend venturing out to the Biosphere 2, an iconic research facility located north of Tucson. You can take a guided tour of this unique structure, which was designed to replicate Earth’s ecosystems, and learn about ongoing research on climate change and environmental sustainability.

Titan Missile Museum

The image depicts the Titan II Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) standing tall within its missile silo in Sahuarita, Arizona.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Another historical stop, the Titan Missile Museum is a step back into the Cold War Era as it is home to a preserved Titan II missile silo. The museum offers guided tours of the underground facility, where you can learn about the history of nuclear deterrence and the role of the Titan II missile in America’s defense strategy.

Tucson Ghost Tour

Tucson, Arizona, featuring a dark moon and a cactus at the center. The overall image is predominantly dark, with the moon providing the primary source of illumination. The cactus is silhouetted against the night sky, highlighting its distinctive shape.
Image Credit: Sarah McDonagh.

You may not immediately think of Tucson as being haunted, but the city has quite a history of paranormal activity. Taking a Tucson Ghost Tour is a fun way to explore the city’s haunted history, hear chilling tales, and visit historic hotels and eerie cemeteries. It’s a more unique way to explore the town if you are up for it!

El Presidio Historic District

The image depicts the inscription "Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum" crafted in brown sienna stonework.
Image Credit: Sarah McDonagh.

The historic El Presidio neighborhood is where you’ll find beautifully restored adobe homes, charming courtyards, and vibrant murals depicting Tucson’s multicultural heritage. Visit the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum to learn about the city’s Spanish colonial history or just walk around the area and enjoy a nice brunch.

Tucson Craft Beer Scene

Several glasses of beer arranged on a table, each displaying different colors. The colors of the beers range from light golden hues to darker amber tones.
Image Credit: Sarah McDonagh.

Tucson has a booming craft beer scene with many local breweries and taprooms. Sample a variety of beers, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, and experience the creativity and craftsmanship of Tucson’s burgeoning craft beer scene. Barrio is my favorite, so make sure to stop in there at a minimum!

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