Tucson Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Tucson
Tucson
Tucson
Tucson
Titan Missile Museum

Arizona’s second-largest city is known for its desert landscapes, mountainous regions, science scene and cosmopolitan culture. 

Tucson is a modern city and thriving science hub set amid the sparse Sonoran Desert landscape and enclosed by five mountain ranges. The warm, dry climate, national parks, hiking trails and wildlife attract over a million outdoor lovers every year. Dubbed “Optics Valley,” the city is a world leader in optics manufacturing and astronomical research.

The roots of the cultural heritage that has shaped Tucson can be seen in Native American arts and crafts, old Hispanic neighborhoods and 19th-century American architecture. Tucsonans embrace their desert surroundings and celebrate nature and the outdoor lifestyle.

Explore the scenery with a hike through Saguaro National Park. The large, fleshy cactus has come to symbolize the American West. Tucson has the country’s largest population of saguaro cacti. Learn about native flora and fauna at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. A visit to Tohono Chul Park and Tucson Botanical Gardens will also immerse you in the beauty of the desert’s plants.

Visit Biosphere 2 to see how Tucson was at the forefront of one of the most ambitious experiments of recent times. Eight people lived for two years under glass domes in the desert. Tour the facility to see how it contributes to our understanding of climate change. Visit Pima Air & Space Museum with aircraft and spacecraft revealing 100 years of aviation history.

Head into the city to experience Tucson’s artistic and cultural scene. Visit art galleries, bookstores and jewelry shops. Art aficionados will enjoy the Tucson Museum of Art, which covers an entire city block in the El Presidio Historic District in the downtown area. The institution is devoted to art from the last 3,000 years. Stay downtown to watch dance, theater, music or film performances at the Fox Tucson Theatre, a restored movie palace from the 1930s.

Tucson has a good public bus system called Sun Tran and the downtown area is easily explored on foot. If you want to travel outside the city limits and explore the desert scenery you will need to rent a car.

Where to stay in Tucson

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Catalina Foothills

If you're spending some time in Catalina Foothills, St. Phillips Plaza and La Encantada are top sights worth seeing.

Catalina Foothills
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Catalina

Catalina is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Catalina State Park and Catalina Neighborhood Park.

Catalina
Downtown Tucson

Downtown Tucson

4/5(3 area reviews)

Theatres, river views and live music are some highlights of Downtown Tucson. Make a stop by Fox Theatre or St. Augustine Cathedral while you're exploring.

Downtown Tucson
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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 showing desert views and outdoor art

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 which includes a park

Midtown

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

Midtown
3 Palms Tucson North Foothills
3 Palms Tucson North Foothills
3 out of 5
7411 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ
The price is NZ$73 per night from 7 July to 8 July
NZ$73
7 July - 8 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Tucson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,969 reviews)
"Nice staff"

Reviewed on 30 Jun. 2025

3 Palms Tucson North Foothills
Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine
Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine
3 out of 5
720 W. Silverlake Road, Tucson, AZ
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Tucson. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,738 reviews)
"Was a little concerned by the industrial area when I drove up. Was completely surprised by the level of service and fun nature of the location. Ended up buying a t-shirt to commemorate my stay."

Reviewed on 30 Jun. 2025

Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine
Casino Del Sol Resort
Casino Del Sol Resort
4 out of 5
5655 W Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ
The price is NZ$180 per night from 8 July to 9 July
NZ$180
8 July - 9 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Tucson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Excellent experience. Staff was courteous"

Reviewed on 29 Jun. 2025

Casino Del Sol Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge
Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge
4 out of 5
6200 N Club House Ln, Tucson, AZ
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Tucson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (746 reviews)

Reviewed on 12 Jun. 2025

Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge
Private Southwestern Style Casita with Lush & Fully fenced Lush Yard**
Private Southwestern Style Casita with Lush & Fully fenced Lush Yard**
Tucson
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Tucson. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Tucson Mall and Tucson Botanical Gardens are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (138 reviews)
"Great VRBO if you want to experience an historic Tucson casa. We loved it!"

Reviewed on 8 Jun. 2025

Private Southwestern Style Casita with Lush & Fully fenced Lush Yard**
Canyon Ranch Hacienda is next to Canyon Ranch Resort & residence
Canyon Ranch Hacienda is next to Canyon Ranch Resort & residence
Tucson
Stay at this vacation home in Tucson. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Sabino Canyon and Arizona National Golf Club are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"It was an incredible stay, very good communication, the house was in perfect condition, clean, when we arrived everything was ready. I loved spending my birthday in this house, I thank you so much to my host."

Reviewed on 16 Jun. 2025

Canyon Ranch Hacienda is next to Canyon Ranch Resort & residence
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Tucson

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 33%
4 - Good
4
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 22%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Easy place to drive in.Visited the Pima Aircand Space Museum.Had dinner at the RnR Bar at the Sheraton 4 points which used to be the Best Western Airport International and I stayed there in 2008

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I often travel via Tucson to my end destinations. I always enjoy visiting this part of the USA

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

The Pima Air Museum is a must see. Boneyard May be interesting but the museum is wxcellent

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