The city of Tucson is located in southern Arizona, close to the US-Mexico border. Visiting this city once will leave you in no doubt that this is a fun city full of vibrant life. This city is heavily influenced by its location and its large and diverse population. There is something for everyone in this bustling city full of culture. If you’re looking for something to do today or planning a future trip to Tucson, check out our list of things to do in Tucson and discover something amazing.
Saguaro National Park
Wandering Saguaro National Park is our favorite thing to do in Tucson. This park highlights some amazing natural features that the southwest has to offer. The park is divided into two sections, one on each side of Tucson. You can easily spend the day exploring the hiking trails in the park and taking the scenic driving routes through the parks.
Learn more about Saguaro National Park entrance fees, things to do and more on their website.
Sabino Canyon
Explore the hiking trails at Sabino Canyon. Several hiking trails provide fun for all skill levels. There are several things to do in Sabino Canyon that could fill a day and will help you to see amazing scenery such as waterfalls, canyons and cactuses. A tram within the park also will take you to the trailheads and provide information about the canyon.
Enjoy the Local Cuisine
The influence of Mexican culture in Tucson can be clearly seen in Tucson’s cuisine. Try one of the amazing Mexican inspired restaurants in Tucson and enjoy the taste of the South. As Scott learned the hard way, beware of the heat, both under the desert sun and in the food.
Biosphere 2
The inspiration for the 90s comedy Biodome, Biosphere 2 is a massive science experience that you can tour. Back in the 90s, scientists lived for two years in this mini ecosystem that is reflective of the world in order to study how a closed ecosystem works. Now, you can take 1-hour tours of the dome that include information on the different ecosystems within the dome and the experiment itself.
Check out the Biosphere 2 website for more information on ticket sales and times.
Explore Downtown
Checking out the shops and restaurants downtown should be on your list of things to do in Tucson. Explore the downtown area by foot to find something truly fun to do, buy, or see. Exploring the downtown area by night will also give you a different perspective on this laid back town.
Pima Air and Space Museum
If you’re into planes or space, then the Pima Air and Space Museum is for you. There are hundreds of planes for you to see and several that you can climb aboard. There is also a section of the museum devoted to space exploration and the Air Force. It’s definitely worth a look and is a great place for the family.
For more information on the Pima Air and Space Museum including ticket sales and times, check out their website.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum pays homage to an array of desert flora and fauna. This attraction hosts an aquarium, natural history museum, art gallery, botanical garden and zoo. There is so much to see and do and something interesting for everyone.
Check out their website for more information on visiting the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
Remember there are both indoor and outdoor activities here so plan accordingly. This is on of the top things to do in Tucson simply because it contains so much to do.
Mount Lemmon
Taking the scenic drive up Mount Lemmon is a great thing to do on your trip to Tucson. The drive to the top of the mountain snakes its way up the side of the mountain and includes many scenic stopping points along the way. Enjoy stopping at all the viewpoints along the way and then exploring the charming town of Summerhaven at the top. There are also some lovely parks to stop at with great views of Tucson.
Tucson Botanical Garden
If you like botanical gardens, you shouldn’t miss Tucson’s. You can walk the many beautifully crafted gardens and learn about the amazing agriculture that Arizona offers. Additionally, you can also take a guided tour and learn about the species in the garden from one of the experts.
You can check out full information on the Garden on their website.
Old Tucson Studios
Old Tucson Studios will give you the wild wild west experience from the films. And that’s because this park was once the set of several old western films. Now it is a theme park giving visitors a sense of the wild west straight from the movies with reenactments, interactive shows and more.
See ticket information and times on Old Tucson Studios website.
Titan Missile Museum
The Titan Missile Museum is one of the most interesting museums we’ve ever visited. As the last Titan II missile site from the Cold war, this nuclear missile silo is an interesting thing to do in Tucson. Tours through the museum take you under the earth and into the heart of this missile silo and lets you step back in time. Visit the website to learn more about tour times and fees.
Kitt Peak National Observatory
Kitt Observatory is a great thing to do in Tucson for those of you with your mind off in space. You can visit during the day to learn about the science that happens at the observatory. Conversely, you can visit at night to see the stars. Whenever you decide to visit, you can learn more about the Observatory by visiting their website.
Check out a Brewery
There are some pretty amazing microbreweries in Tucson. If you consider yourself a fan of beer, then checking out a brewery should be on your list of things to do in Tucson. You can find a list of some fun Tucson breweries here.
Mission San Xavier del Bac
This beautiful church is a wonderful example of southwest architecture. This Mission is located in downtown Tucson. The doors are always open but the real treat is walking around the and viewing the architecture. Guided tours are offered to the public as well for people wishing to learn more about the history of the Mission.
With so many fun things to do in Tucson, start planning your trip today! It’s a great city to visit for a day, a weekend or a week. Stop in for a visit to find your favorite thing to do in Tucson!
Love this! I was just in Miraval, Tucson for Thanksgiving, but sadly was not able to tour the city. I was able to do a few hikes, though, and they were incredible. I will definitely check out your recommendations on my next visit. Thank you.
I’m glad you had fun! Even during COVID Tucson has so many fun outdoor things so I’m glad you got to enjoy them.