Tucson Travel Guide

Tourist 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 neighbourhoods 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 symbolise 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 jewellery 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, theatre, 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

Default Image

Catalina Foothills

If you're spending some time in Catalina Foothills, St. Phillips Plaza and La Encantada are top sights worth seeing.

Catalina Foothills
Default Image

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
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
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
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
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 ฿1,421 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
฿1,421
฿1,740 total
13 Aug - 14 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Tucson. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (5,266 reviews)
Great hotel
"Great front desk staff. Very friendly and accommodating. Nicely renovated rooms, best prices in Tucson"

Reviewed on 10 Aug 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 ฿2,923 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
฿2,923
฿3,404 total
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Tucson. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,813 reviews)
Artistic, Vintage, New Age Amenities
"The property has a vintage look and feel with unique one of a kind art everywhere you look. When you drive through the archway, you go back in time. Every wall has local artists' work. The check in office, bar, gym, gaming area, pool, and each room are all filled with one of a kind art pieces. It ..."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine
Lodge on the Desert

Lodge on the Desert

4 out of 5
306 North Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ
The price is ฿4,045 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
฿4,045
฿4,662 total
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly resort in Tucson. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,901 reviews)
"Given a free breakfast for anniversary, room was clean quiet and comfortable. Stayed in the room with the hot tub, perfect for two people and relaxing. Good staycation."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Lodge on the Desert
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (758 reviews)
"Some of the best mountain views you can get from any resort in tucson. Quite lots of grass were you can set down and enjoy the views"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge
Landing Apartments near Tucson Convention Center

Landing Apartments near Tucson Convention Center

4 out of 5
20 S Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Tucson. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Tucson Mall and El Centro Cultural ...
Landing Apartments near Tucson Convention Center
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