Every year, Tucson, Arizona, attracts an eclectic range of travelers thanks to it’s wide variety of things to see and do.
Curious about what some of the other must-see attractions are in Tucson? Keep watching to see what Viewcation thinks are the Best Things To Do In Tucson, Arizona.
Saguaro National Park
Comprised of two separate regions that lie on either side of Tucson, the genuinely gorgeous Saguaro National Park is home to some of the most dramatically sublime desert landscapes you’ll ever see. The park is named for the massive cacti scattered throughout the sparse terrain. There are dozens of fantastic trails to hike, bike, or ride horseback through. There are also quite a few scenic drives to experience as well.
The federal government established the park in 1933. It protects not only the Sonoran Desert but also the Rincon and Tucson mountain ranges that run directly through it. While there are miles of wilderness to explore, the real standout attraction is the collection of thorny saguaros that tower up to 40 feet tall. They have long been an iconic symbol of the American Southwest.
Trail Dust Town
This unique outdoor shopping area can be found in the northeast corner of the city. It’s rumored to have once been a Hollywood movie set, but regardless of it’s true origin story, Trail Dust Town is a place that features Wild-West-Themed shops and dining establishments. Other attractions to be on the look out for include a charming old carousel, miniature train, and Ferris wheel.
Trail Dust Town was opened to the public in 1961. Ever since then, this pint-sized town has been a popular tourist attraction. Visitors from all over come out to sample the grub at the Pinnacle Peak restaurant and watch lively Wild West stunt shows. You can even try your hand at panning for gold if you’re looking to have an authentic Wild West experience.
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Mission San Xavier del Bac
This Mission is undoubtedly one of the most historically significant sights in Arizona. It can be found just to the south of the city center. Affectionately dubbed the ‘White Dove of the Desert’, this ornate white Baroque building shows off some of the most exemplary Spanish Colonial architecture remaining in the country.
The mission was constructed between 1783 and 1797. In addition to being quite remarkable on it’s own, it’s actually one of the oldest examples of European architecture in the state. It’s detailed facade and distinct features make it a popular stop for tourists and locals alike to explore.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Don’t be put off by the word museum. This attraction has a lot more going for it than just exhibits and artifacts. Here you can find animals, a botanical garden, a full-fledged aquarium, and an adjacent art gallery. In fact, it would probably be better to classify this attraction as a zoo than a museum. The vast majority of what you’ll see and experience when visiting this attraction involves walking, so be sure to dress and plan accordingly.
The site is home to more than 230- animal species sprawled out over 98 acres. A few of the creatures that you can see up close and personal include sting rays, coyotes, and several colorful species of hummingbirds. The grounds also host more than 1,200 local plant species.
The ‘museum’ has over 2 miles of hiking trails to explore. Visitors can get acquainted with the desert landscape and wildlife though a series of exhibits that faithfully document the local plant and animal life found throughout the region.
If you work up an appetite, the museum features three dining establishments – each of which offers guests stunning views of the surrounding desert countryside.
Tucson Mountain Park
Spanning across a large swathe of sun-seared Sonoran Desert is the ever-amazing Tucson Mountain Park. The park can be found just a few miles west of the city. Aside from being home to some truly breathtaking scenery, this beautiful park and it’s looming peaks offer visitors a large range of outdoor activities to participate in.
The park is popular with outdoorsy types and nature buffs alike. It was established in 1929 with the aim of protecting the remote range. Throughout the park, you can get lost in the splendor of the majestic saguaros while tasking in awe-inspiring views of the terrain. Be sure to bring your camera and plenty of water to drink – especially if you’re planning on tackling any of the hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails that are dispersed throughout the park.
Mount Lemmon
With stunning views in every direction, Mount Lemmon offers visitors a serene outdoor escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. This 9,171-foot tall giant is one of many peaks found in the Coronado National Forest. It’s, in fact, the tallest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains.
During the wintertime, Mount Lemmon is a very popular ski destination. This winter wonderland has 22 trails perfect for skiing, sledding, tubing, and snowboarding.
By driving along the 26-mile Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway, visitors can take in countless views that will take their breath away again and again. There are also more than 2,000 rock climbing routes as well as several top-rated hiking trails such as the Butterfly Peak or Meadow Trail. If you’re looking for a spot to park an RV or set up a tent for the evening, the area has five campgrounds to choose from.
To access many of the sights in this area, it’s worth noting that you’ll need to obtain a Coronado Recreational Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass.
Sabino Canyon
Situated in the Northeast portion of Tucson, this stammeringly beautiful scenic area is a must-see for all nature lovers. Tucked away in the Santa Catalina Mountains, Sabino Canyon is a destination that is in close proximity to the city. It’s also a very popular spot for locals and tourists to picnic and engage in a wide variety of outdoor activities.
You can find everything here, from cacti to waterfalls, wildlife, and bubbling creeks. Besides hiking, biking, and horseback riding, visitors can also hop aboard the Sabino Canyon Tram, which makes stops at several trailheads, vista points, and perfect picnic spots.
Old Tucson
Old Tucson is a fantastic place for families looking for a little taste of Old West action to visit. It’s been called ‘Hollywood of the Desert’, and as a former film studio, it’s now a pretty stellar Wild West theme park complete with exciting attractions, shoot-out and stunt shows, and period-appropriate architecture.
Old Tucson was built in the 1930s. Over the years, it was used as a set for more than 400 films and television shows, including El Dorado and Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. In addition to touring the saloons, jails, ranch houses, and railroad station, guests can also watch dramatic reenactments of gunfights before letting loose on a few amusement rides.
Madera Canyon
Just a 45-minute drive south of Tucson’s city center is this spellbinding natural attraction. Madera Canyon is nestled within the Santa Rita Mountains. It’s bursting with flora and fauna and is known for being one of the best birdwatching spots in the country.
Owing to it’s remote, rocky, and serene setting, dozens of species of migratory birds enjoy stopping by this craggy canyon to take a rest along their journey. More than 250 species of avian creatures have been spotted here to date. The canyon is also a wonderful place to go hiking as many trails take you alongside peaceful creeks and through swathes of ponderosa pines on their way out to awe-inspiring vista points.
Tucson Botanical Gardens
One of the most peaceful places to visit in Tucson is this botanical garden. It’s just a short drive from downtown and is a colorful oasis for hundreds of species of flowers, succulents, cacti, trees, and other flora.
It was once the private property of the Potter family, but in the 1970s the historic home and it’s surrounding grounds were transformed into a publicly accessible botanical garden. In the decades since, it has expanded to include things like an herb garden, children’s area, zen garden, and butterfly greenhouse.
We wish we had just a bit more time to gush about all of the things we love about Tucson, but we think we did a pretty decent job at covering the must-see attractions in and around town. What are you most excited to see on your upcoming trip to Tucson, Arizona? If you’ve already had the pleasure of visiting, what are some of your favorite attractions and things to do in the Tucson area? Let us know in the comments.
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