Did we miss something? Add it in the comments at the bottom of the page!
Tucson, Arizona is unique in that you can find something to
enjoy no matter what your interests are. Many different
kinds of museums have their homes here along with great
natural wildlife, hiking trails and spectacular plant life
that grows only in our southwestern desert. Below you will
find over 100 places to visit during your stop in Tucson.
This is one of the most comprehensive lists of things to
do in Tucson! Many of the places are free, however others do charge. We
have not included pricing as that tends to change
frequently. We recommend you visit the websites or call the
listing for additional and up-to-date information. As a
disclaimer, anytime you have a list like this there is
always the possibility that something will change like
offerings, websites or phone numbers. A business will go out
of business. We've done our best to provide an accurate list
of things to do in Tucson, but if you find an error, change
or omission please bring it to our attention using the
comment form at the bottom of this page. Above all, enjoy
your visit to Tucson! Hike or ride the tram up and through Sabino Canyon. The
tram ends after about 4 miles, but then you can continue to
hike up to popular Seven Falls. On occasion the falls run
dry during rainless times in our desert. $5 per car to park.
The tram is about $9 per person.
N. Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson
520-749-2861
Take your pick of East or West Saguaro National Park. We
recommend East due to it's paved road and absolutely
gorgeous canyon. Keep an eye out for gilla monsters crossing
your path. However, West has more Saguaro cacti and you can
also view some 1,000 or so year old petroglyphs carved by
ancient Native Americans on Signal Hill. $15 per vehicle. Paying at one park will allow
you access to the other park for a week.
nps.gov/sagu/index.htm
7366 N Paseo Del Norte, Tucson
520-742-6455
The first inhabitants of the area lived at the base of
this small mountain in a village called "Cuk Son". The hill is now a park and offers a great
panoramic view of the city. The Army used the existing
Indian fortification on the hill to watch for raiding
apaches from 1775 until after the Civil War. The "A" is for
the University of Arizona and was placed in 1915. Be sure to
check the city website for times as there is a proposal to
limit car traffic to certain days and it's a difficult
uphill trek for flatlanders.
Congress St. west, left on Sentinel Peak Rd. Be careful to
follow the one-way signs.
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/parks/sentinelpeakpark
One of the earliest settlements in the area by Native
Americans was Tumamoc Hill. Now, as many as 1500 people a
day hike the same 1.5 mile trail these early natives walked
to enjoy some of Tucson's beautiful scenery. A phone app
narrates the interesting things you will see as you walk
along. Be advised, you will be walking UP a hill! Expect to
spend about two hours here.
Congress Street west (turns into N. Silverbell Rd.), bear
left onto W. Anklam Rd, left on Tumamoc Hill Rd.
Catalina State ParkHike, bike and drive through 5500 acres of the Coronado
National Forest looking for many of the 150 bird species
that call this wilderness their home. The park is about 40
miles north of Tucson at 11570 North Oracle Road.
azstateparks.com/catalina
A warm spring feeds a lake in this 100 acre park. Enjoy a
picnic lunch beside the lake.
12325 East Roger Road
520-877-6120
We mentioned it above, but Seven Falls is worthy of its
own entry. Hike 2.5 miles through Bear Canyon into the
Coronado National Forest to see these waterfalls in the
middle of the desert (although they occasionally do dry up).
The trailhead starts in Sabino Canyon and to reach it you
can either ride the tram or hike an additional two miles
each way. Medium difficulty hike.
Sabino Canyon
N. Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson
520-749-2861
Recommended! End your day with a breath-taking sunset from Gates pass
looking out over 40+ miles of Arizona desert. Drive out
Gates Pass Road until you come to the overlook on the right
side of the road. If you pass it, simply keep going to
another one a mile or so down the road, turn around to go back.
Speedway Blvd going west turns into Gates Pass Road.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park is a large man-made wetlands
(OK, it's really treated sewer water that is filtering back
into the ground, but it does not smell- really). Paved and
gravel trails wander between the different ponds. There is
always a selection of water birds as well as migratory
birds, frogs, an occasional animal and reptiles (that means
snakes too). We saw a huge rattlesnake here one evening.
I-10 west to Prince Road exit. Turn left, cross the
interstate and then right onto North Business Center Drive.
Turn right onto N. Commerce Drive and them left onto N.
Benan Venture Dr. Finally turn left onto W. Sweet water Dr
and the wetlands will be on the left.
Over one 140 species of birds and 80 species of
butterflies have been viewed from the pathways of The Oasis
of WOW Arizona! For a suggested donation of at least $10 per
person you can spend time in this nature conservatory that
has been 20 years in the making. We've heard that there's
something like 60 bird feeders around the property.
By appointment only. Call 520-907-8735
5494 East Edwin Road, Tucson (about 20 miles north of
Tucson)
There are literally dozens of trails all around Tucson
that locals and guests alike enjoy on a regular basis. Here
are a few that are less than 30 minutes or so driving from
downtown Tucson. It is extremely important to carry extra
water with you even during cooler temperatures. Many of the
trails will leave you without cell-phone service so make
sure someone knows where you are going and an expected
return time in the event of an emergency. Also, do your
due-diligence as many of our trails do not allow dogs.
Hiking locations mentioned under the category Outdoor
Scenery:
Saguaro National Parks
Tumamoc Hill
Catalina State Park
(North, easy to moderate)
This trailhead is easy to access with parking at the very
head. Total trail length is about 6 miles one way. A really
big Gila Monster has been spotted on this trail.
1610 E Magee Rd, Tucson, AZ
(North, moderate to difficult)
This trail will give you a workout. Like the Pima Canyon
Trail, this path heads up Mt. Kimball but from another
angle. And when we say “angle” we mean there are some spots
where you really want to you’re footing or you will return
with abrasions. This trail is not recommended for people who
are scared of heights.
7180 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ
An approximate 4 hour moderate difficulty guided hike
will take you through a Sonoran gully and up a mountain side
to hidden caves where native Americans painted the small
cave walls in years distant past. Usually this tour must be
booked in advance. $25 per person or $50 per group (maximum
6 people).
Call Tim for more information.
520-262-6437
(North, moderate)
Hike 2.5 miles through Bear Canyon into the Coronado
National Forest to see these waterfalls in the middle of the
desert (although they occasionally do dry up). The trailhead
starts in Sabino Canyon and to reach it you can either ride
the tram or hike an additional two miles each way.
Sabino Canyon
N. Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson, AZ
520-749-2861
(East, easy to moderate)
Part of Saguaro National Park but limited parking is
available outside the park so there is no entrance fee. Hike
about two miles to reach Bridal Falls where you can see an
actual waterfall if we’ve had enough recent rain. Watch for
horse droppings on the trail. 14300 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson,
AZ
(West, moderate)
This 6 mile (one way) hike takes you through lonely
stretches of desert and washes east of Tucson. Both ends of
the occasionally maintained trail hare easy to access with
parking areas. Most of the trail is level to small grades.
Be sure to stay on the main trail as the dozens of offshoots
may cause you to get lost.
Northern parking is located at 455 N. Camino de Oeste,
Tucson, AZ
Western Parking is on Gates Pass Rd just west of the Gates
Pass Lookout
(West, easy to moderate)
There is nothing really exciting about this trail except
that its easy to moderate difficulty makes it a good family
hike with quick access from a dedicated parking area.
1157 South Freeway, Tucson, AZ
Roads that go east and west in Tucson are called streets. Roads going north and south are avenues. So what do you call the thirty or so roads that go diagonally? Only in Tucson they're called "stravenues." Cherrybell Stravenue, the first stravenue, was created on 1949 to connect the main post office to 22nd Street near Kino Parkway.
This is not exactly a museum but it is an interesting
place to visit. Many of the giant telescope mirrors used in
observatories around the world are built here in Tucson
underneath the U of A football stadium. Be prepared to climb
some steps during this interesting tour.
527 National Championship Dr.
mirrorlab.arizona.edu
A rattlesnake sculpture acts as the pedestrian walkway
over Broadway Boulevard. Go past the fangs and through the
body as you cross above the busy road below.
Broadway Blvd at Barraza-Aviation Parkway.
Located on U of A campus
flandrau.org
Said to be the only Catholic shrine in the United States
to a "sinner" buried in unconsecrated ground. Here's the
short story: In the 1870's Juan Oliveras married a beautiful
young lady, but shortly after the wedding he was discovered
in bed with his mother-in-law by his father-in-law who
subsequently killed him. Within days the M-I-L and new bride
both committed suicide and the F-I-L was killed by Apaches.
420 South Main Ave
Watch thousands of bats take flight at sunset flying all
around you as they head out for their nightly feeding
frenzy. Contact Tim for the exact location. Try to arrive at
least 10 minutes before scheduled sunset time. One group we
took were able to watch nature in action as a hawk captured
its supper right in front of us!
520-262-6437
You will need to walk about ½ mile to reach the viewing
spot.
Bring your own gun to this 100 yard shooting range with
strictly enforced range rules but very helpful Range
Masters. Be sure to bring your own drinking water too.
$6/day.
8451 W McCain Loop, Tucson, AZ
520-883-4200
Three Tucson locations.
www.bisbeebreakfastclub.com
4131 W Ina Rd
Tucson, AZ 85741
4811 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 165
Tucson, AZ 85718
2936 E. Broadway Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85
Take Speedway and head west to the turn-out for a breathtaking sunset over mountain tops 40+ miles away.
Wild
West Pistolero ShowMany people may not think a wild west shoot-em-up show is
"theatre" but here in the old west it's down-right
entertaining! The Woods family has been performing stunt
shows in Tucson for more than 30 years and they know how to
make a gun-fight fun! This family entertainment is Friday
through Sunday evenings at Trail Dust Town on Tanque Verde
Rd. Check their website for the latest show!
6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd., Tucson
520-296-4551
http://WildWestStuntShow.com
Family friendly musical theatre. Highly recommended. Get
your tickets now because the Gaslight Theatre sells out
nearly every show. You will have a greater chance of getting
tickets during the week instead of weekends.
7010 E Broadway, Tucson
520-886-9428
thegaslighttheatre.com
520-624-0172
thedinnerdetective.com
5200 E St Andrews Dr, Tucson
520-861-4800
mysterydinner.theater
Centennial Hall
1020 E. University Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85721
(520) 621-3341
broadwayintucson.com
tucsonsymphony.org
520-882-8585
sasomusic.org
520-308-6226
1017 N Olive Rd, Tucson
music.arizona.edu
azopera.org
520-293-4336
This is where U of A drama students get to practice their
new careers.
theatre.arizona.edu
National and international performers
1111 Green Valley Recreation Dr
520-625-0288
gvrec.org
Third largest air museum in the world. You can easily
spend half a day or more here.
6000 E. Valencia Road, Tucson
pimaair.org
View an actual Titan II missile in its silo and take a
tour of the control room located deep underground.
1580 W. Duval Mine Rd., Sahuarita
520-625-7736
titanmissilemuseum.org
By far this is the most popular tourist destination in
Tucson. You will learn about the Southwest desert and can
view many of our native animals here.
2021 N. Kinney Rd., Tucson
520-883-2702
desertmuseum.org
Hundreds of stuffed animals and an awesome insect
collection gathered from all over the world. I personally
prefer the Wildlife Museum over a zoo because here you can
get within touching distance of some of earth's fiercest and
most awesome creatures.
4800 W Gates Pass Road, Tucson
thewildlifemuseum.org
520-629-0100
Catholic church built 1790 to 1800. An excellent example
of old Spanish architecture.
Closes at 5PM
520-294-2624
sanxaviermission.org
Miniature items and dollhouses, many of which are from
the 1800's and 1900's allowing a look back in time.
520-881-0606
4455 E. Camp Lowell Drive, Tucson, AZ, 85712
Closed Mondays. Tues- Sat 9 AM – 4 PM
Sun- 12-4 PM
2150 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson
520-326-9686
tucsonbotanical.org
Native American focus with an extensive collection of
potteries and baskets
1013 E. University Blvd (at Park Ave)
520-621-6302
statemuseum.arizona.edu
949 E. 2nd St.
520-628-5774
Spanish, Renaissance, 19th-century American, contemporary
and modernist works
1031 N Olive, Tucson
520-621-7567
Small pre-Columbian, Spanish Colonial and Latin American
folk art
140 N Main Ave, Tucson
520-624-2333
First synagogue building in Arizona. Focuses on 1850-1950
Jewish America history.
564 S. Stone Ave.
520-670-9073
A trip to Biosphere 2 would be in order if you want to
experience all of the world's major ecological regions
(except arctic areas) all in one day. You will see how
scientists are learning about our real-life world in this
mini-earth under glass the size of three football fields.
Biosphere two is about a half hour north of Tucson.
biosphere2.org
Where can you see famous outlaw John Dillinger's chewed
chewing gum? You will have to visit the exhibit to find out
why chewed chewing gum is included in this four story
building dedicated to pharmaceutical advancements dating
back to the 1880's. Free admission and only a couple hours
of your time makes this a Tucson "must-stop!"
Drachman Hall, U of A North Campus, 1295 N. Martin
pharmacy.arizona.edu/visitors/pharmacy-museum
Six thousand square feet of model trains will delight
young and old! The museum is free, but only open second and
fourth Sundays of each month except June, July and August.
3975 N. Miller Ave.
gpdtoytrainmuseum.com
Each February Tucson hosts the largest non-motorized
parade in the United States. You can view many of the wagons
used in the parade (up to 150) at this museum as well as
many artifacts from Tucson's earlier days. Open most
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays but we recommend checking
their website or calling ahead.
4823 S 6th Ave
tucsonrodeoparade.org
It's name says it all.
200 S 6th Ave
childrensmuseumtucson.org
Focuses on the railroad of the West. Saturday mornings
you can climb on an old steam locomotive and ring its bell.
414 N Toole Ave
Dedicated to the Franklin Automobile which was
manufactured from 1902 to 1934 in New York.
1405 East Kleindale Road
franklinmuseum.org
520-326-8038
Navajo and Hopi pre-1940's textiles and southwest
artifacts.
7000 E. Tanque Verde Rd, Ste 16
520-202-3888
tucsondart.com
Chronicles the contributions horses have made in our
armed forces.
6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd
520-722-2706
museumofthehorsesoldier.com
One of Tucson's most unique small museums!
920 N. 1st Ave.
520-623-6652
postalhistoryfoundation.org
The Army built this fort in 1873 designated it as the
regimental headquarters of the Sixth U.S. Cavalry but left
it in 1891. You can still see ruins of old mud brick
buildings and the museum is free on Saturdays.
Ft. Lowell Park, Craycroft and Ft. Lowell Rds.
Partial replica of an 11-acre Spanish fort originally
built in the 1700's.
tucsonpresidio.com
Built in the 1870, this home is one of the oldest
surviving houses in Tucson.
151 S. Granada Ave
This church's construction started in 1896.
192 S. Stone Ave.
http://staugustinecathedral.com
Follow a turquoise painted line for a 2.5 mile hike
around downtown Tucson to view many of the historical sites
(23 points of interest) that have put Tucson on the map.
196 N. Court Ave
http://tucsonpresidio.com/turquoise-trail
This is an active film stage where dozens of the classic old westerns were
filmed. Spend about four hours or a full day being
entertained by shows, gunfights and family fun rides.
201 S. Kinney Rd., Tucson
520-883-0100
http://oldtucson.com
Reid Park Zoo3400 Zoo Court, Tucson
http://reidparkzoo.org
520-791-4022
19th Century old town creation. Stop at Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse for a steak.
Opens at 4 PM.
At 7 and 8 PM Friday through Sunday there is a family
friendly shoot-em-up that's a lot of fun! (http://WildWestStuntShow.com)
6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd., Tucson
http://traildusttown.com
520-296-4551
35406 S. Mt. Lemmon Rd.
520-308-9350
http://ziparizona.com
221 E. Wetmore Rd. , Tucson
520-888-4653
Kart racing
11800 S. Harrison Rd.
520-245-5278
http://mhcircuit.com
NASCAR racing on 3/8 mile asphalt track.
11955 S. Harrison Road
520-762-1600
http://tucsonspeedway.com
6503 E. Tanque Verde Rd. , Tucson
520-885-3569
Ride an ATV along old mining trails in Box canyon which
is located about halfway between Tucson and Phoenix.
800-242-6335
http://azatvfun.com
Watch artisans create glass ornaments and house wares for
world-wide shipment and try hand-blowing your own glass
creation.
633 W. 18th St.
520-884-7814
http://sonoranglass.org
Boutique escape room.
2577 North 1st Ave, Tucson, AZ
303-562-4614
http://willyouescape.com
Rage room. Break lots of stuff. Actual rage is not
required.
5740 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ
520-286-2189
http://thebreakingpointtucson.com
Trampoline park.
330 S. Toole Ave, Tucson, AZ
520-624-5867
http://getairtucson.com
Spend from sixty minutes to three hours floating 500 to
2500 feet above the Sonoran desert with up to four of your
best friends or family. Available October 1 to April 1.
520-403-8547
http://fleurdetucson.net
Soccer, baseball, stadium football, concerts and more can
all be found at the Kino Sports Complex. Usually ticket
prices are pretty economical. Visit the website for a
calendar of events.
Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium
520-724-5466
2500 E. Ajo Way, Tucson AZ
http://kinosportscomplex.com
Daily activities for the entire family including
horseback riding through the desert.
9251 W Twin Peaks Rd, Tucson, AZ
520-297-0252
http://whitestallion.com
Tucson was the first U.S. city to be named a Capitol of
Gastronomy by Unesco. To be sure, it has hundreds of
restaurants and it would be impossible and beyond our scope
to name them all here, however we do want to point out a few
notable ones that are unique to our city.
Expect to
spend about $30 for the "Cowboy" mesquite grilled
steak. The restaurant opens at 4 PM. Wear a tie and join the
fun!
6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd., Tucson, AZ
traildusttown.com
520-296-4551
This establishment elevated its fame when President Bill
Clinton ate here in the ‘90s. While it is closed on Mondays
you can expect wait times of a half hour or more most other
days as many of the local Hispanics believe that this is one
of the best Hispanic restaurants in Tucson.
1813 S 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ
minidito.net
520-622-5081
Guillermo’s has been serving heaping Hispanic plates for
more than 60 years. Many of our guests have complimented the
food here.
1830 S 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ
520-792-1585
1421 W Pima Mine Rd, Sahuarita
asarco.com/about-us/our-locations/asarco-mineral-discovery-center/mine-tours
(website may not be working right now)
520-625-7513
Nine miles south of Benson on Hwy 90.
2980 S Hwy 90, Benson
azstateparks.com/kartchner
We recommend visiting the website and trying one of the
specialty tours. They are a little more expensive but you
get to crawl and climb your way through parts of the cave
you won't see otherwise while still getting to see the best
sites of the regular tour.
16721 E. Old Spanish Trail, Vail
colossalcave.com
Site of the O.K. Corral gunfight of legend and movie
fame.
We recommend the OK Corral, Courthouse, Silver Mine, Bird
Cage Theatre and Boot Hill Cemetery. Approximately 70 miles,
1 hour 15 minutes from Tucson.
Texas CanyonBalancing rock spires along I-10 near the New
Mexico/Arizona state line. Approximately 60 miles, 1 hour.
Highest peak near Tucson at 9,157 feet. Wonderful, cool
temperatures in the summer. Beautiful scenery. Approximately
50 miles, 1.5 hours.
Kitt Peak is about fifty miles southwest of Tucson and
provides visitors who pre-book nighttime tours of their
telescopes except during July due to monsoon season. Be sure
to take government issued identification for each adult
passenger as you will pass through a border patrol
checkpoint.
noao.edu/kpno
Mt. Lemmon's observatory is open year round, but you are
still better off to book in advance. Dress warm for the
chilly nights on the mountain top.
http://skycenter.arizona.edu/
Tucson's largest mall with 163 shops and stores.
4500 N Oracle Rd
Although smaller than Tucson Mall, Park Place Mall can
still keep you occupied for a couple of hours.
5870 E Broadway Blvd
7401 N La Cholla Blvd
An eclectic mix of shops and eateries entice visitors of all interests along 4th Avenue just north of Congress Street in Downtown Tucson.
Like 4th Avenue, this area of town from 800 to 998 E. University Square contains a mix of shops and restaurants. Nightlife buzzes here throughout its 30+ eateries.
Two levels of upscale shopping with famous brands.
2905 Skyline Dr.
laencantadashoppingcenter.com
5655 W Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ 85757
7350 S. Nogales Highway, Tucson, AZ 85756
777 E. Sabino Greens Dr
520-749-4089
aznational.com
600 S. Alvernon Way
520-791-4161
tucsoncitygolf.com/randolph
1400 W. Speedway Blvd
520-791-4229
tucsoncitygolf.com/el-rio
8251 E. Irvington Rd
520-791-2539
tucsoncitygolf.com/fred-enke
3600 N. Silverbell
520-791-5235
tucsoncitygolf.com/silverbell
955 W. Vistoso Highlands Dr.
520-797-9900
vistosogc.com
4746 E. Grant Rd.
sentinelpeakbrewing.com
245 S Plumer Ave #27
ironjohnsbrewing.com
1859 W Grant Rd #111
dragoonbrewing.com
3810 E 44th St
1055brewing.com
3895 N Oracle Rd
dillingerbrewing.com
Tucson's oldest brewhouse in continuous operation.
Seems to be a Guest Favorite!
800 E 16th St
barriobrewing.co
7401 N La Cholla Blvd
thundercanyonbrewstillery.com
115 E Broadway Blvd
pueblovidabrewing.com
209 N Hoff Ave
publicbrewhouse.com
119 E Toole Ave
borderlandsbrewing.com
228 E 6th S
crookedtoothbrewing.com
2045 N. Forbes Blvd #105
1912brewing.com
3850 E 44th St
nimbusbeer.com
1664 S Research Loop #200
blackrockbrewers.com
3669 E 44th St
6800 N Camino Martin Suite 160
buttonbrewhouse.com
3820 S Palo Verde Rd #102
harbottlebrewing.com
30 S Arizona Ave
theindependentdistillery.com
3455 S Palo Verde Rd
copperminebrewing.com
865 E University Blvd
gentlebens.com
309 E 7th St
Arizona Beer House
150 S Kolb Rd
arizonabeerhouse.com
1702 E Speedway Blvd
1702az.com
There are hundreds of churches scattered across our city of any denomination you can think of. Below is a list of churches we’ve been asked about or relate to the most guests we’ve hosted.
Traditional services
Sunday: 10 AM & 5 PM
1525 S Columbus Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85711
tucsonbaptist.com
Contemporary services
Sunday: 8 AM & 10:20 AM
8711 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85710
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