Things to Do in Tucson

Desert trails, mountain drives and a little culture between hikes.

Back to the Tucson guide

The six experiences we tell every guest about.

Don't leave without

West & East sides

Saguaro National Park

Foothills

Sabino Canyon

Tucson Mountains

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

About an hour up

Mount Lemmon

Steps from Hoff & Co

Fourth Avenue

Free to visit

Mission San Xavier del Bac

Golden hour

Where to catch a desert sunset

Drive up to Gates Pass in Tucson Mountain Park about 30 minutes before sunset and watch the saguaros turn gold. For a quieter view, take the Bajada Loop Drive in Saguaro National Park West, or head to the Catalina Foothills, where the mountains glow pink after the sun goes down. Bring a layer, because desert evenings cool off fast.

Great for a slow morning or a hot afternoon.

Museums, music & history

Downtown

Tucson Museum of Art

Downtown

Presidio San Agustín

Downtown

Rialto Theatre

Downtown

Hotel Congress

University

Arizona State Museum

University

Flandrau Science Center

University

Center for Creative Photography

East side

Pima Air & Space Museum

Fresh air without a big hike, and plenty for kids.

Easy outdoor days

Central

Reid Park Zoo

Central

Tucson Botanical Gardens

Oro Valley

Catalina State Park

Northwest

Tohono Chul

Citywide

The Loop

Sundays & Saturdays

Heirloom Farmers Markets

Easy day trips when you're ready to see more of Arizona.

Worth the drive

90 min southwest

Kitt Peak Observatory

North of Oro Valley

Biosphere 2

1 hr southeast

Kartchner Caverns

Southeast, near Vail

Colossal Cave

2026–27 season

Plan around these events

All Souls Procession

Nov 8, 2026

All Souls Procession

Tucson Gem & Mineral Showcase

Jan 27–Feb 14, 2027

Tucson Gem & Mineral Showcase

Tucson Rodeo

Feb 20–28, 2027

Tucson Rodeo

Tucson Festival of Books

Mar 13–14, 2027

Tucson Festival of Books

Near your home

Every pick on this page and a few more, sorted by where you're staying.

Downtown & Fourth Avenue

Barrio Flat, Iron Horse, Presidio Flat, The Copper Flat, The Rialto

Fourth Avenue · Rialto Theatre · Fox Tucson Theatre · Hotel Congress · Tucson Museum of Art · Presidio · Mercado District · Children's Museum · Sun Link Streetcar

University & Sam Hughes

Highland Haven, Highland Hide Away, Highland Villa, Broadway Casita

Arizona State Museum · Flandrau · Center for Creative Photography · UA Museum of Art

Central Tucson & Midtown

Soorya Guest House, Soorya Hacienda, Soorya Main House, Prana Hacienda, Casa Esmeralda, Casa Jay, Casita Rosa, Casita Azul, Casa Verde

Reid Park Zoo · Tucson Botanical Gardens · The Loop · Heirloom Market at Rillito Park (Sundays)

East Side

Casa Serena

Saguaro National Park East (Rincon Mountain Visitor Center, 3693 S Old Spanish Trail) · Pima Air & Space Museum · Colossal Cave

Catalina Foothills

Louis House, La Palmera

Sabino Canyon · DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun · Mount Lemmon · Mount Lemmon SkyCenter · Ski Valley (winter)

Northwest & Oro Valley

The Desert Preserve, Westminster Retreat

Catalina State Park · Tohono Chul · Tortolita Mountain Park · Heirloom Market at Steam Pump Ranch (Saturdays) · Tucson Premium Outlets

Tucson Mountains

Blue Ridge Estate

Desert Museum · Saguaro National Park West (Red Hills Visitor Center, 2700 N Kinney Rd) · Gates Pass & Tucson Mountain Park · Old Tucson (scheduled events only) · Mission San Xavier

Questions about visiting Tucson

Make Tucson your home base