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 neighbourhoods 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 symbolise 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 jewellery 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, theatre, 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
Downtown Tucson

Downtown Tucson

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

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

Downtown Tucson
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
Tohono Chul Park showing desert views and outdoor art

Casas Adobes

Casas Adobes is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Tohono Chul Park and Catalina Golf Course while you're in town.

Casas Adobes
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Tanque Verde

Tanque Verde is noteworthy for its golf courses, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Saguaro National Park and Coronado National Forest.

Tanque Verde
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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
3 Palms Tucson North Foothills
3 Palms Tucson North Foothills
3 out of 5
7411 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ
The price is ₹4,991 per night from 23 Dec to 24 Dec
₹4,991
₹6,111 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Dec - 24 Dec
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Tucson. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,031 reviews)
"Great location Great property Great staff"

Reviewed on 21 Dec 2024

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 ₹8,417 per night from 23 Dec to 24 Dec
₹8,417
₹9,771 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Dec - 24 Dec
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Tucson. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,364 reviews)
"Everything was great … that’s why when I go through Tucson I always stay there .."

Reviewed on 20 Dec 2024

Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
4.5 out of 5
7000 N Resort Dr, Tucson, AZ
The price is ₹14,368 per night from 1 Jan to 2 Jan
₹14,368
₹19,340 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Jan - 2 Jan 2025
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Tucson. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"We have been several times at Ventana Canyon and every time our experience get better! Fantastic costumer service, amazing settings, and everybody does their best to help us in whatever we need. This time Brett did our checked in and he went over the top to give us the best upgrade room ever and ..."

Reviewed on 18 Dec 2024

Loews Ventana Canyon 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (697 reviews)
"I love it"

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2024

Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge
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

Reviews of Tucson

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
7
" "5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
6
" "4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

IAN

Amazing University and Planetary Science facilities including observatories and the Mirror Lab.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We visited the Gaslight theatre which was outstanding fun!! The cast were very entertaining and committed

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I loved the Desert Museum and the drive through the pass to get there

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Tucson has lots to offer any visitors. We hve visited many times. Old tucson, san xavier del bac, mount lemmon, the sonoran desert museum, pima airspace and many more local attractions. It is also a short drive to bisbee, tombstone and mexico.

Cities near Tucson