Tucson, AZ
Tucson's cultural scene is just as dynamic, featuring historic adobe architecture, a thriving arts community, and a deep-rooted heritage evident in its museums and annual events. Visitors can immerse themselves in the city's history at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum or stroll through the eclectic shops and galleries of the Fourth Avenue district. The University of Arizona adds a youthful energy to the city, reflected in its diverse culinary offerings and lively nightlife.
Embracing a blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences, Tucson also boasts a delectable culinary scene, highlighted by flavorful Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine and a burgeoning craft beer and wine culture. Whether reveling in the colorful desert sunsets or exploring its artistic and outdoor offerings, Tucson promises an unforgettable Southwestern experience.
What to do in Tucson, AZ
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of the iconic saguaro cactus, a symbol of the American West. Divided into two districts - the Rincon Mountain District and the Tucson Mountain District - this national park boasts countless hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the diverse desert landscape, encounter unique wildlife, and witness breathtaking sunsets. Whether it’s a leisurely drive through the park or a more adventurous hike up one of the many trails, Saguaro National Park provides an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a world-renowned museum and zoo that showcases the diverse flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert. This outdoor experience offers a fascinating blend of botanical garden, zoo, aquarium, and natural history museum. Visitors can witness captivating animal presentations, explore desert trails, and admire the stunning array of desert plants, making it an educational and entertaining destination for visitors of all ages.
Mission San Xavier del Bac
Mission San Xavier del Bac, a historic Spanish Catholic mission, is a cultural and architectural gem located just outside Tucson. The mission, also known as the “White Dove of the Desert,” boasts a stunning blend of Moorish, Byzantine, and late Mexican Renaissance architecture. Visitors can explore the beautifully preserved interior, adorned with intricate religious artwork and learn about the mission’s rich history through guided tours. The surrounding grounds offer peaceful courtyards and a sense of spiritual tranquility, making it a must-see for those interested in history and architecture.
Pima Air & Space Museum
For aviation enthusiasts and history buffs, the Pima Air & Space Museum is a top attraction in Tucson. This vast museum is home to a remarkable collection of over 300 historical aircraft, including military planes, commercial jets, and unique experimental aircraft. Visitors can embark on guided tram tours to explore the extensive outdoor aircraft display and delve into the museum’s indoor exhibits, which highlight the evolution of aviation and space exploration. The museum offers an engrossing experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the marvels of flight and aerospace technology.
Old Tucson
Stepping into Old Tucson is like entering a time capsule that transports visitors back to the Wild West era. This living museum and western movie studio offers a variety of live-action stunt shows, musical performances, and historical reenactments, providing an authentic taste of frontier life. Visitors can wander through the dusty streets, explore the detailed movie sets, and enjoy thrilling entertainment, capturing the spirit of the Old West. With engaging activities for the whole family, including train rides and gold panning, Old Tucson promises an entertaining and immersive experience for anyone fascinated by the rugged allure of the Wild West.
Example Two-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Morning: Exploring Downtown Tucson Start your day with a visit to the historic downtown area. Take a stroll through the vibrant streets, exploring the architecture, art galleries, and boutique shops. Don’t miss a visit to the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum to learn about the city’s Spanish colonial history.
Afternoon: Saguaro National Park Head to Saguaro National Park to marvel at the iconic saguaro cacti. Take a scenic drive through the park, stopping at various viewpoints and short hiking trails to appreciate the unique desert landscape. Consider visiting the park’s visitor center to learn more about the region’s flora and fauna.
Evening: Sunset at Gates Pass As the day winds down, drive to Gates Pass for a breathtaking sunset view. This mountain pass offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding desert and is a popular spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Day 2
Morning: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Spend your morning at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a combined zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum. Explore the diverse exhibits showcasing the region’s wildlife, plants, and geology. Don’t miss the opportunity to see native desert species up close and learn about the area’s conservation efforts.
Afternoon: Mission San Xavier del Bac Visit Mission San Xavier del Bac, known as the “White Dove of the Desert.” This stunning Spanish colonial mission, dating back to the 18th century, features remarkable architecture and beautiful interior artwork. Take a guided tour or explore the mission grounds at your own pace.
Evening: Old Pueblo Trolley Night Tour Conclude your trip with a unique experience on the Old Pueblo Trolley Night Tour. This nostalgic streetcar ride offers a guided tour of historic and cultural sites around Tucson, including downtown, 4th Avenue, and the University of Arizona. Enjoy the city’s ambiance and vibrant nightlife as you take in the sights and stories of Tucson after dark.
Biking
With its sunny weather and scenic trails, Tucson is a haven for cyclists, offering mountain biking trails, road routes, and bike-friendly paths within the city.
Saguaro National Park East E-Bike Tour
We use Pedego Electric Bikes, the top ebike brand in America, to see more of the Sonoran Desert than on a traditional pedal bike. We utilize the beautifully maintained paved route that is laid out through the National Park. Our knowledgeable tour guides, ofter Pedego E-Bike owners and enthusiasts themselves, offer great insight into the picturesque desert landscape and all the critters that call Saguaro National Park their home.
The best part about using an electric bike? No more worrying about pedaling up hills, falling behind your group, or returning covered in sweat! Our e-bikes are equipped with a throttle and/or "pedal assist", making this ride easy, and relaxing, yet still so much fun for all - no matter what your ability is!
Book Today on Viator From $149.00
Historic Bike Tour in Tucson
Immerse yourself in vibrant barrios, from old forts to modern art. Cycle quiet adobe-lined avenues. Experience the best of historic, quirky, and bike-friendly Tucson on a 2 to 2½ hour guided bicycle tour. Ride about 8 flat miles at a relaxed place, in a small group (8 max), with a knowledgeable local.
DetailsBook Today on Viator From $73.00
Mural Bike Tour
Experience the Tucson art scene by checking out varied and vibrant murals. See about 35 of the finest. They are spread out and often tucked away, so a guided bike ride is the best way to do it.
See an amazing variety of murals: glossy new to old faded, small hidden gems to huge massive neighborhood identifiers, serious subjects to funny stuff, and from realistic to the surreal. Learn details about the various murals as you take pictures or get a better look.
The tour is approximately 8½ miles on flat terrain. Ride through a variety of neighborhoods too: bustling downtown, peaceful Dunbar Spring, art focused Armory Park, quirky 4th Avenue, and colorful Barrio Viejo.
Book Today on Viator From $73.00
Mount Lemmon Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
Discover Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway in Arizona, a journey through nature and history. Explore tales of the Native Tohono O'odham, marvel at the Sky Islands and Saguaro Cacti, and delve into the past at the Catalina Federal Honor Camp. By night, the Mt. Lemmon Sky Center dazzles, and fall, the Oktoberfest at Ski Valley awaits. Experience Arizona's condensed beauty.
Recommended: purchase one tour per car. Everyone can listen at the same time!
After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/wifi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there.
There is no expiration — the tour is available from the minute you book until forever!
This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check pandemic rules and opening hours before your visit.
Book Today on Viator From $16.99
Gastronomy
Explore Tucson's vibrant food scene, including a mix of Southwestern, Mexican, and international cuisines, with numerous restaurants, food festivals, and farmers' markets.
Tucson Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
Join Secret Food Tours on a food tour through downtown Tucson. You'll dine in a number of locally owned restaurants, trying some of their signature dishes.
Learn the story of a city that started with open spaces and rich agriculture and became an eclectic part of the southwestern United States. At the end of your Downtown Tucson food tour, you'll have sampled some of this city’s most delicious dishes and gained a better understanding of its culture and history.
Your Tucson food tour starts here as you imagine everything you’ll see and all the delicious dishes you’ll try. All the food will be served with water.
Book Today on Viator From $80.00
Fine Wineing - A Wine Tasting Experience in the vineyards of the Desert!
Taste the Wine of the high desert. Sonoita and Elgin are located in the Sonoran Desert, just north of Patagonia Lake and is scenic wine country. Experience the breathtaking views and sip on lush, desert varietals. Find out the miracle that happens when grapes grow amongst Cactus, Rattlesnakes, Gila monsters and Javelinas.
Breathe in the fresh Desert air and relax in the charming slow-moving pace of Arizona Wine Country...
Book Today on Viator From $165.00
Taco Bike Tour
Tucson is well known as a food town and bike town. We ride to where the best Mexican cuisine resides. If you are looking for the real deal, it’s south side or no side. Will the places you visit be trendy? No. Will they delicious? Sí.
Enjoy 4 authentic tacos from the best local spots: birria, pastor, fish or shrimp, rasurado and a Sonoran hotdog on top, they are a Tucson specialty.
The tour is approximately 10 miles on flat terrain. Enjoy cruising around the south side of Tucson, a unique area overlooked by many visitors. For the 6pm start time, lights and a reflective vest are provided.
Book Today on Viator From $99.00
Tucson Bar Hunt: Cacti and Cocktails
Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences. Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts are great as an everyday activity, or for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, corporate team building events and more! Each player chooses an interactive role, with challenges varying by person.
DetailsBook Today on Viator From $12.31
Historic Sites
Discover Tucson's history through its well-preserved historic sites, including missions, adobe buildings, and archaeological ruins that showcase its rich cultural past.
Historical Guided Tour in Tucson
A visit to the rugged, bold west! Hear the stories of the sometimes violent and storied past of Tucson.
Visit the historic Presidio, where a man named Hugo O'Connor, the Red Captain of the Spanish Military fathered and named the City of Tucson.
Find out how the University of Arizona almost didn't happen, but a Saloon owner and 2 gamblers saved the day!
Learn about the Apache Indians and their reputation as pirates of the desert, and their raiding, pillaging, ruthless ways.
View the exquisite White Dove of the Desert and see where the Dillinger Gang was captured in the 1930s and so much more!
Book Today on Viator From $65.00
Downtown Tucson Tour
Tucson's culinary scene has exploded with flavor and local restauranteurs dedicated to providing a fresh experience for consumers. While you could all dabble and try these places one at a time over the course of weeks or even months, we give you an intimate experience with them in just hours – with behind-the-scenes knowledge and tips from the restauranteurs themselves.
Rated Tucson's #1 tour activity and a great way to get a Taste of Tucson. We are Tucson's original walking food tour where you not only get a combination of delicious foods and beverages, but a little history of Tucson along the way. This tour is one of the "Top things to do in Tucson" and was designed to allow visitors, locals, foodies to sample some of the hottest local foods and drinks in the area. Even people local to Tucson will learn and taste new things that are unique to this wonderful city.
Book Today on Viator From $89.00
Hiking
Tucson is surrounded by beautiful desert landscapes and numerous mountain ranges, offering a plethora of hiking opportunities for all skill levels.
Tucson - Behind the Scenes Tour
WELCOME Winter and Gem show Visitors TO THE ORIGINAL WALKING HISTORIC TOUR!!
*Valentine’s Day Edition tour ending with tacos dinner*
CHECK OUT THE REVIEWS SECTION!
We will take a pleasant stroll in one colorful historic street admiring the desert plants and enjoying the features and architecture of a Tucson Historic barrio and stop at other historic landmarks.
We will explore Tucson's history and architecture that dates back to the early 1770s, we will be talking and admiring the beauty of desert plants. A tour filled with stories, fun facts and lots of learned filled with fun. If we are lucky we will get invited to a home tour or talk to local.
By the end of this tour you will be enchanted by Tucson's rich history and beautiful colorful neighborhoods.
We will drive to different locations (and light walking) tour.
* If you dont have transportation please message me*
Instagram: Tucson_behind_the_scenes
Facebook: Tucson Behind the Scenes
Book Today on Viator From $50.00
Mt. Lemmon Half Day Rock Climbing or Canyoneering in Arizona
Half Day Rock Climbing and Half Day Canyoning trips are an excellent way to add excitement to your vacation. Learn to rock climb, rappel down a waterfall, or test your skills if you already have experience.
Our trips range from 4 to 5 hours and are conveniently close to the city of Tucson and our gear is top of the line and in good condition. Gears are inspected for safety after and before every use. Come on an adventure with our great guides!
Book Today on Viator From $185.00
Saguaro National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
Explore scenic Saguaro National Park (East and West) with this driving tour, full of wild history, mountains, rich wildlife…. and of course plenty of iconic Saguaro cacti! Hear stories of greed and drama involving settlers, miners, and gangs as you cruise through forests of cacti and yucca! Discover breathtaking trails, learn about the ancient Hohokam people, and much more!
After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/wifi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there.
New, extra validity — now, it’s yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!
This tour does not include entrance to attractions along the route. Check pandemic rules and opening hours before your visit.
Book Today on Viator From $16.99
Saguaro NP and Mt. Lemmon Self Guided Driving Audio Tour Bundle
Discover desert beauty just outside Tucson with these self-guided driving tours of Mount Lemmon & Saguaro National Park! Explore a forest of saguaro cacti, where vast skies present the perfect opportunity to dig into history, snap the perfect photo, and tune into your cowboy side. Then cruise to the heights of Mount Lemmon, featuring mountain vistas, ancient forests, and plenty of fascinating stories along the way.
Recommended: purchase one tour per car. Everyone can listen at the same time!
Here's how it works: Within 30 mins, we'll send you a unique password and an app. Download the app, enter the password, and download the tour. When you arrive, go to the first stop, launch the app, and follow the instructions! Stick to our recommended route and speed limit for the best experience.
New, extra validity — now, it’s yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!
This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.
Book Today on Viator From $24.99