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 €100 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€100
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 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! (4,376 reviews)
Great hotel
"Its a nice hotel. Upgraded & clean."

Reviewed on 11 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 €108 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
€108
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 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! (2,521 reviews)
"perfect getaway. the heated pool was nice on a chilly day"

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2025

Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tucson Airport
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tucson Airport
2.5 out of 5
7001 S Tucson Blvd, Tucson, AZ
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €86 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€86
includes taxes & fees
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Tucson. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,703 reviews)
It was ok
"We stayed for a week looking for a home to purchase in the area. We were hoping for a Keurig in the room, it had the old outdated tiny pot, the bathroom was very dated, the bed was awesome, the room itself was very quiet which was amazing. There were two of us in the room and they only gave you one ..."

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tucson Airport
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! (729 reviews)
"Everything was very good with spacious rooms and great pool, pickleball and tennis. The only issue was the tree/bushes growing up next to our balcony that blocked the view of the mountains and golf course. I talked with 2 people and the general manager and they could not get it trimmed for the ..."

Reviewed on 6 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 Tucson Mall and Tucson Botanical ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (124 reviews)
Our Adventure in Tuscon, AZ
"We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived at our pretty casita in Tuscon. It really is a charming place. The bed was very comfortable and the kitchen had a few items to help with meal making. There is plenty of shopping in the area and great markets to go to. We had wonderful weather and took ..."

Reviewed on 18 Feb 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 Southside Presbyterian Church are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
Adorable, funky, and cozy!
"My husband and I stayed here for 4 nights and enjoyed every minute. Super cute place, with all the necssary amenities. The owner was fantastic at communicating and met all of our needs. The area around the apartment was quiet and safe. I HIGHLY recommend this cozy home for your next Tucson ..."

Reviewed on 24 Feb 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.