Tucson

Travel 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 neighborhoods 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 symbolize 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 jewelry 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, theater, 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 St. Augustine Cathedral 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

Visitors highly recommend Casas Adobes for its abundant dining options, and you can make a stop by Catalina Golf Course while you're in town.

Casas Adobes
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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
Old Tucson Studios showing tranquil scenes and heritage elements

Tucson Estates

If you're spending some time in Tucson Estates, Old Tucson Studios and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Tucson Estates
3 Palms Tucson North Foothills
3 Palms Tucson North Foothills
3 out of 5
7411 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ
The price is €72 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
€72
includes taxes & fees
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Tucson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,438 reviews)
"Clean, modern and a big tv"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2025

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 €96 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
€96
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Tucson. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,545 reviews)
"Cute little hotel. Amanda at front desk was exceptional. Recommended local attractions and dining. She was patient and very kind."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2025

Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine
Super Inn Tucson
Super Inn Tucson
1.5 out of 5
1031 E Benson Hwy, Tucson, AZ
The price is €61 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
€61
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this motel in Tucson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.2/10 (1,418 reviews)
Dangerous be warned.
"No towels, no accommodations other than a bed a non working AC box, locks on door were held down by faulty screws. The door obviously has been kicked in before. Not safe at night."

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2025

Super Inn Tucson
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 WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (718 reviews)
"Staff was very friendly. Beautiful property. Peacefully e we uiet"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2025

Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge
Private Southwestern Style Casita with Lush & Fully fenced Lush Yard**
Private Southwestern Style Casita with Lush & Fully fenced Lush Yard**
Tucson
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Tucson. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Kino Sports Complex and Tucson ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (126 reviews)
Decent stay for the price
"The outside was super cute, in a quiet neighborhood. a bit of a strange layout. I wish the interior was as nice as the exterior. It was just ok. Decor was random and sparse, the bed was a metal frame on wheels. Both the pillow shams and the comforter were obviously worn with a few visible holes and ..."

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2025

Private Southwestern Style Casita with Lush & Fully fenced Lush Yard**
5THAV928 · Jaw dropping historic bungalow
5THAV928 · Jaw dropping historic bungalow
Tucson
Stay at this vacation home in Tucson. Enjoy patios and air conditioning. Popular attractions Tucson Mall and Arizona Theatre Company are located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
Quick Trip to Tucson
"This place was the perfect house for a little weekend getaway. The bed was very comfortable. The decor was just as pictured in the listing. It had everything we needed. This place is great and I would book again."

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2025

5THAV928 · Jaw dropping historic bungalow
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

Things to do

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.