Tucson is a city located in the state of Arizona and the county seat of Pima County and has the famous University of Arizona. It is the second largest city in Arizona, only next to Phoenix. It is a southeast city in Arizona that provides perfect accommodation for the region’s natural friendly environment and the country’s history. This exceptional natural paradise is a sportsman’s and camper’s delight and a history lover’s treasure trove as it offers a diverse menu of events. No matter whether one’s passion is as big as Saguaro National Park or as old school as the ‘Old Tucson Studios,’ Tucson has lots of things to do that every traveler will love.
But it is not only the great opportunities for outdoor activities that contribute to the uniqueness of Tucson. This city offers some truly offbeat museums to titillate intellectual curiosity, let alone anything related to aviation, the ecology of the desert, and much more! Looking at the sunset when the day is done and seeing the colors of the sky at the backdrop of the vast desert is genuinely remarkable.  If you want a vacation full of exhilaration or complete leisure, relaxation, recreation, and rejuvenation, welcome to the sunny and vibrant city of Tucson.

What To Do In Tucson

Here are the Best Tucson attractions, Which include:

1. Saguaro National Park

Location: East and West side of Tucson
Things to do: Exploring iconic Saguaro, Hiking, exploring the beautiful desert landscape

Tucson is rich in several attractions and one preferred spot for most people visiting the city is Saguaro National Park. The park can be divided into two areas located around the city. Also, it is famous for its beautiful Saguaro, this park has stunning trails, drives, and photo spots. There are two self-guided auto-tour routes in the park; the first is The Cactus Forest Drive in the eastern part of the park, and the other is Bajada Loop Drive in the western part. Of course, it’s important not to miss the sunset here because it is one of the most beautiful in the desert.

2. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Location: 2021 N Kinney Road, Tucson 
Things to do: Explore the Botanical Garden and National History Museum, explore the Zoo

Tucson’s museums are abundant with art and culture. Contrary to the traditional museum concept, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a kind of Zoo, a botanical garden, art gallery, and an aquarium. Its collections include indoor and outdoor exhibits that look closely at the Sonoran Desert plants and animals. You can hike on trails through the desert and observe other wildlife creatures, including javelinas and mountain lions. You can also go through an underground cave in this place. It is an ideal spot for families and those who want to learn about the desert’s peculiarities.

3. Mission San Xavier del Bac

Location: 6000 E Valencia Rd, Tucson
Things to do: Exploring historic Spanish exhibits and architecture

Tubac Mission Church, also known as Mission San Xavier del Bac, is an old Spanish Catholic mission church established in the late 1700s. This place is frequently called the “White Dove of the Desert” because of its beautiful construction and quietness. In the interiors, you can explore some frescoes and statues. On the territory – there is a small museum where you can read the history of the mission.

4. Pima Air & Space Museum

Location: 6000 E Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ 85756
Things to do: explore exhibit collections, aircraft, and spacecraft

Aircraft lovers will love the Pima Air & Space Museum, considered one of the largest aerospace museums globally, which the government does not fund. There are more than 300 airplanes and air and space crafts in the museum such as World War Two bombers, the SR 71 blackbird, and even a copy of the Wright flyer of 1903. You can also join a guided tram tour of the outdoor exhibits. Planning a day at the Pima Air & Space Museum is one of the top things to do in Tucson.

5. Mount Lemmon

Location: Santa Catalina Mountains, North side of Tucson
Things to do: Hiking, Scenic Dives, Skiing, and other outdoor activities

If you are bored with the rocky desert landscapes, visit Mt. Lemmon. It is an area which is at the top of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The drive is scenic, with prosperous views of the desert area and the upward winding approach to the trees of pinewoods at a higher altitude. At the summit, people can wander through the network of trails, drive to the Summerhaven village, or even visit the Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley during the winter season. This is a beautiful relief from the hot conditions of the desert, and it is recreational throughout the year. You will definitely find that Mt. Lemmon is one of the things to see in Tucson.

6. Tucson Farmers’ Markets

Location: Udall Park, 7200 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715
Things to do: Explore a variety of foods and crafts

Tucson farmers’ markets are not only opportunities to buy groceries but also parts of a cultural and social experience that brings together the people of the city and the tourists to relish fresh produce from the local farmers and hand-crafted items. The markets give an insight into Tucson’s colorful and evolving culture in the kind of foods. You can also enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations, and children’s activities making such markets a perfect one-stop shopping for a family.

7. Sabino Canyon

Location: 5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd
Things to do: Hiking, Wildlife viewing, Tram ride and Creek Play

Sabino Canyon gives a touch of the natural surroundings in the desert area. This greatly visited recreational spot is situated in the Santa Catalina Mountains and has nice trails for hiking, Tramway rides, and wildlife. The tour is taken on a tram and covers the sightseeing of the area, or you can alight from the tram at any of the stops and walk around. In summer, water flows through it, then the riparian zone of the creek is an excellent place for a splash.

8. Reid Park Zoo

Location: 3400 E Zoo Ct, Tucson, AZ 85716
Things to do: Animal feeding, carousel, and Animal exhibits

Reid Park Zoo is a well-known zoo that visitors love as the place where everyone, especially children, can see animals from various continents. The Zoo has a rich collection – more than 250 species of animals, such as lions, elephants, and giraffes. The premised is not complicated, spacious with shades and features that offer a lot of chances for hands-on activities. Children will also enjoy the carousel and the possibility of feeding the giraffe. It is so ideal for a morning or an afternoon outing.

9. Old Tucson Studio

Location: 201 Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85735
Things to do: Watching live Stunt, explore film sets and historical exhibits 

Old Tucson Studios is a historical movie studio or theme park that gives a feel of the Old West. Over the years this site has been hired as the location for many Western movies or TV series. Regular stunt shows are performed; people can also go for a stagecoach ride and see the old-time saloons and shops. Another feature of the park is historical adventure; it is entertaining and informative for people of all ages and is related to the history of the American West.

10. Colossal Cave Mountain Park

Location: 16721 E Old Spanish Trail, Vail, AZ 85641
Things to do: Hiking, Explore Cave, Horseback Riding and Camping

Colossal Cave is located in the Rincon Mountains in the South of Tucson. This beautiful location combines the spirit of adventure with the wonders of nature. Apart from the cave, several beautiful trails, and a horse ride, enjoy a delicious meal beside dwarf cactus trees in the Arizonian desert. You can enjoy the place with prompting for wildlife watching, camping, and the park museum, a perfect location for lovers of wildlife and nature.

11. Catalina State Park

Location: 11570 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85737
Things to do: Hiking, horse riding, bird watching, camping, and exploring desert landscapes

Catalina State Park is a natural wonderland showcasing the Sonoran Desert’s raw beauty. Nestled at the base of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains, this park has been a favorite spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers for decades. You can hit the trails for epic hiking, camp under the starry desert sky, or keep your eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife that calls this place home. With more than 150 different types of birds fluttering around, the park’s tremendous biodiversity is one of its most notable aspects. People of all ages may get up close and personal with the distinctive ecosystems of the American Southwest at this ideal location.

12. Gaslight Theatre

Location: 7010 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85710
Things to do: Watching live melodramas, enjoying musical performances, and indulging in ice cream treats

The Gaslight Theatre has entertained tourists since the 1970s with its musical comedies, melodramas, Westerns, and sci-fi spoofs. It’s a family-friendly spot where you can relax and enjoy entertaining shows with your kids and loved ones. Between the fun shows, you’ll be served chilled beer, wine, soft drinks, ice cream, pizza, and free popcorn, among other kid-friendly eats. The shows contain catchy tunes, slapstick comedy, and plenty of corny jokes. Conveniently located about 10 miles east of downtown Tucson, the theater hosts nightly events. Tickets start at $27 for adults, $25 for seniors, students, and military members, and $15 for children 12 and under.