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 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 park

Midtown

If you're spending some time in Midtown, Arizona Stadium and Centennial Hall 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$89 per night from 29 July to 30 July
NZ$89
29 July - 30 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! (5,111 reviews)
"Always enjoy my stay"

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 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
The price is NZ$181 per night from 24 July to 25 July
NZ$181
24 July - 25 July
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,789 reviews)
"Beautiful artwork, super great staff. Was worried about the area but it was great, I felt safe and comfortable."

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 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$183 per night from 28 July to 29 July
NZ$183
28 July - 29 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! (1,035 reviews)
"The room was great. We had a great time by the resort pool and hot tub. The restaurant we ate at was okay."

Reviewed on 18 Jul. 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! (753 reviews)
"Rooms very clean with new furniture. Several areas are being remodeled. Golf courses are in great shape, unbelievable how soft the fairways and greens are in such great shape with 100+ temperatures."

Reviewed on 14 Jul. 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! (140 reviews)
Trip to Tucson 2025
"The Casita was perfect. Clean, great space for the two of us. Well decorated. Loved the yard full of cacti. We visit Tucson regularly and will stay here every time if available."

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2025

Private Southwestern Style Casita with Lush & Fully fenced Lush Yard**
NEW Beautiful, Spacious Tucson OASIS 4BD/2.5BA, 11 Guests

NEW Beautiful, Spacious Tucson OASIS 4BD/2.5BA, 11 Guests

Tucson
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Tucson. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Saguaro National Park and Gaslight ...
10/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
Our Stay
"Excellent property! Even better than described. Very clean. Amenities very well-thought-out. Perfect for hosting our Tucson family for meals and relaxation. Something on the premises to keep all ages engaged and entertained. Thanks Victor!"

Reviewed on 27 Jun. 2025

NEW Beautiful, Spacious Tucson OASIS 4BD/2.5BA, 11 Guests
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.

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