Tucson Attractions

Tucson's status as a mid-sized sunbelt city belies the number of attractions and things to do in the Old Pueblo. This Southwestern city represents perfectly the melding of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures, and still resonates with Old West traditions and history.

Tucson is also famous for the breathtaking beauty of the Sonoran Desert, which is preserved and celebrated at our number one pick, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Don't let the word "museum" fool you--there are no quiet halls or rarities hidden behind protective glass here. The Museum is an outdoor wonderland of lush desert gardens, meandering trails, and if you're lucky, sightings of coyote, mountain lion, and javelinas.

The Spanish legacy of Tucson fully comes to life the first time you come upon Mission San Xavier del Bac. The mission, just south of town on the San Xavier Indian Reservation, is known as "the white dove of the desert." This National Historic Landmark was founded as a Catholic mission by Father Eusebio Kino in 1692.

For a taste of how college students pass the time in Tucson, and to sample the city's strong hippie roots, you'll want to spend an afternoon strolling the shops and restaurants on Fourth Avenue, our number two pick. Tucson's quirky side also comes to life at the Mini Time Machine Museum, our number nine pick, a collection dedicated to the magic of all things miniature.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

expert pick

2021 North Kinney Road

Celebrating the Sonoran Desert...
Read more

Fourth Avenue

Fourth Avenue & Fifth Street

Tucson's favorite eclectic shopping, dining, and people-watching district...
Read more

Saguaro National Park

user rating

2700 North Kinney Road (Westside)
Heidi Schewel 3693 South Old Spanish Trail (Eastside)

Forests of saguaros...
Read more

Mission San Xavier del Bac

user rating

expert pick

1950 W. San Xavier Rd

The Jewel in Tucson's Crown...
Read more

Sabino Canyon

user rating

5600 North Sabino Canyon Road

Trams, tours and hikes in the desert...
Read more

Tucson Museum of Art

expert pick

140 N. Main Ave

More than a museum...
Read more

Pima Air and Space Museum

user rating

expert pick

6000 E. Valencia Rd

The "boneyard" for flying machines...
Read more

DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun

user rating

expert pick

6300 N. Swan Rd

Tucson's most famous artist lived here...
Read more

Center For Creative Photography

user rating

expert pick

1030 N. Olive Rd
(Speedway and Park Avenue, Building 103, University of Arizona campus)

Gallery, archive, and research center for some of the world's best photography...
Read more

Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures

4455 E Camp Lowell Dr

Tiny treasures in a big museum...
Read more

Sanctuary Cove

user rating

expert pick

A quiet desert retreat...
Read more

Gates Pass

user rating

expert pick

Gates Pass Road

A spectacular view of Tucson...
Read more

Tucson Botanical Gardens

user rating

expert pick

2150 N. Alvernon Way
(Just south of Grant & Alvernon intersection)

16 gardens, one great escape...
Read more

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

user rating

expert pick

2021 North Kinney Road

A glimpse of the Sonoran Desert...
Read more

Trail Dust Town

user rating

expert pick

6541 East Tanque Verde Road
Tanque Verde near Grant

Relive the western experience...
Read more

Santa Catalina Mountains

user rating

expert pick

Miles of hiking trails...
Read more

Tohono Chul Park

user rating

expert pick

7366 N. Paseo del Norte
1 block west of the corner of Ina and Oracle rds. in Tohono Chul Park

An oasis from the desert and the city...
Read more

Reid Park Zoo

user rating

expert pick

1030 S. Randolph Way
At 22nd St. between Country Club Rd. and Alvernon Way

Polar bears in Tucson...?...
Read more

Golf N'Stuff Family Fun Center

user rating

expert pick

6503 East Tanque Verde Road

Mini golf with arcade...
Read more

"Rocky Point Rides" Shuttle Service

user rating

expert pick

N/A

Door-to-door shuttle service to Puerto Penasco from Tucson, Arizona. Shuttle owner, Eduardo says, "If I have to work to get to the beach that is fine - because when you love what you do you do your best work!"...
Read more
Contact   ·   Privacy   ·   Terms