Things to do in and around Tucson
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum - Sprawling over 98 acres and featuring an aquarium, zoo, botanical garden, natural history museum, and art gallery, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum can be found to the west of Tucson. The museum focuses on educating visitors regarding the various flora and fauna that can be found in the Sonoran Desert region, and houses of 200 species of desert animals and over 1,000 types of plants. This unusual museum is one of the most visited attractions in Arizona and attracts over 400,000 travelers per year, and is made up of different exhibitions that provide both historical and contemporary explanations of wildlife and plant life.
Pima Air and Space Museum - Housing more than 350 aircraft and spacecraft, this is one of the largest air and space museums in the world. Visitors see some of the most historic crafts, including an X-15A-2 (which set the altitude record when it reached the edge of outer space in the 1960s) and several Russian MiGs, which have been used by the Soviet and Russian army since the 1940s. For visitors interested in the history of the United States Air Force there is a historical tour through the ages, and there is even a replica of a control tower on site.
Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway - At over 9,000 feet, Mount Lemmon is the pinnacle of the Santa Catalina Mountains and is topped with an observatory that is used for research purposes. The mount is bisected by a highway that offers visitors unparalleled views for a scenic drive. For travelers wanting a more rugged approach, there is also a section of road named the ‘Back Side’ of the mount as it is positioned on the north side, and offers the chance to drive off road vehicles or motorcycles.
Sabino Canyon - Located just north of Tucson, the Sabino Canyon is nestled in the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Coronado National Forest. The canyon offers magnificent trails, majestic views, and hiking and trekking opportunities. Surprisingly, considering that the canyon is located in the desert, there is also Sabino Creek nearby which features waterfalls that can be admired and crossed by bridge. For visitors who prefer not to hike, there is a tram through the canyon that has nine stops along the way.
Mission San Xavier del Bac - Situated in downtown Tucson, San Xavier del Bac is a Spanish Catholic Mission that sits on the Tohono O’odham San Xavier Indian Reservation. The mission takes its name from a Christian missionary who is also hailed as the co-founder of the Jesuit Order, Francis Xavier. Built in the 18th Century, the site is often considered some of the finest Spanish colonial architecture in the United States. It is open to the public daily and attracts over 200,000 visitors a year many of whom consider the site a pilgrimage. Still run by Franciscan members of the Christian community, tourist can savor the serene atmosphere in one of the oldest European buildings in Arizona
The Gaslight Theatre - The Gaslight Theatre has a history of almost 4 decades of entertaining the locals and is popular for its musical drama shows including superhero drama, comedy classics and spoofs which will tickle your funny bone. If you are looking for no-brainer entertainment, grab a ticket here and see some of the funniest shows in Tucson.
Old Tucson - For movie buffs and fans of old school Westerns, a trip to Old Tucson Studios is not to be missed. The studios stand next to the Tucson Mountains and were built specifically as the location for the famous movies Little House on the Prairie, Gunfight at the O.K Corral, and Arizona. The studios have now also been developed into a theme park where visitors can take a tour complete with historical explanations and live action performances that include gunfights and stuntmen and women.
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum - DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum is best described an outdoor museum which features a range of exhibits and historic buildings dotted throughout the desert and founded by the architect Ettore DeGrazia. The buildings are of note due to their construction using traditional techniques and materials such as cactus flooring and visitors can explore the area and the various buildings such as a ceramics studio, a ghost house, a nun’s house, and many more. It is best to think of the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum as both a gallery and a museum, or simply as a large and unique art installation in the middle of the desert.
Franklin Auto Museum - The Franklin Auto Museum is a must-see for both car and history enthusiasts. Franklin Automobile Company produced vehicles from the early 1900s until 1934 and was responsible for many innovations in the automobile industry during that period. The Franklin Auto Museum has expanded over time to include representative examples of all Franklin automobiles, as well as a library of Franklin Company research materials.
Tucson Botanical Garden - An urban oasis of 5.5 acres with 17 residentially-scaled specialty gardens. The Gardens has a seasonal, live tropical Butterfly Exhibit, Butterfly Magic. Eclectic Gift Shop, Monthly Rotating Art Exhibits, Birdhouse Cafe,
Kitt Peak National Observatory - For those visitors who want to get closer to the stars, Kitt Peak National Observatory offers the perfect views of the night sky. An astronomical observatory sits atop Kitt Peak in the Quinlan Mountains and boasts the largest and most diverse astronomical equipment in the world that includes 24 telescopes. Depending on visitors’ interest levels in all things astronomical there is a choice of day or night tours, one featuring the history of the observatory and the invention of the telescope, and the other that commences at sunset and allows visitors to observe the cosmos through telescopes above the Arizona Desert.
Tombstone – Located about 1 hour outside of Tucson lies the town of Tombstone. While once a booming area as a result of an abundance of silver found at the site, Tombstone no longer enjoys such a run of luck but visitors can head over to see a real former ‘wild west’ location that used to be feared Apache territory. The town attached gunslingers and prospectors, and some of the old flavor still remains for those wanting to see a slice of the past.
The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures - Discover the magical world of miniatures at The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, where visitors are seemingly transported to different lands and times through the stories told by over 300 miniature houses and room boxes, expertly displayed in over 10,000 square-feet of state-of-the-art exhibit space. The Museum’s permanent collection boasts antique dollhouses dating to 1742, contemporary fine-scale miniatures and enchanting collectibles.
Tohono Chul - Wonderful themed gardens, nature trails, eclectic shops, art galleries, classes, creatures and a charming Garden Bistro. Named as one of the great botanical gardens of the world by Travel+Leisure.
Bisbee – Located about 2 hours south of Tucson, Bisbee has declined in size and vigor from its glory days as a thriving silver and copper mining town, but the decrease in population has not robbed the vitality from this historic center. A haven to artists, retirees and history buffs, Bisbee astounds visitors with vibrantly colored rock faces and picturesque houses hugging the edges of cliffs. Its history can be discovered in its numerous museums, historic staircases and a mine tour that leads deep into one of the remaining caverns.
Saguaro National Park - This 91,327-acre park pays tribute to the infamous saguaro (pronounced sa-WAH-ro) cactus, a common symbol of the American West. It's divided into two districts: The Rincon Mountain District, about 13 miles east of downtown, and the Tucson Mountain District, about 23 miles west of downtown. Each section features a visitor center, miles of hiking trails and, of course, hundreds of towering saguaro cacti.
Biosphere 2 - Visit Biosphere 2 today and find out why Time Life Books named it “One of the 50 must-see wonders of the world!” Three Themed Tours take you inside the world's largest living research center focused on future life of our planet. Experience the "Under the Glass" classic, amazing "30 Year History" or engaging "Family " tour. Highlights of this immersive experience include a feature movie, multi-media exhibits and a uniquely built indoor trail system with your tour led by a knowledgeable guide. Biosphere 2 is the size of 3 football fields and has a $200 million dollar replicated mini-world. Beneath 6,500 panes of glass lives a rainforest, million-gallon ocean, coastal fog desert, technology grid and much more.
Tubac - Located 45 miles south of Tucson at Exit 34 on I-19. Arizona’s oldest European settlement, Tubac was once the site of a Spanish presidio. It’s now a thriving arts community, known as the place “Where Art and History Meet.” The village features an eclectic mix of over 100 fine art galleries, artist studios and shops
Sun Link – A four-mile streetcar in downtown Tucson that connects four districts of dining, entertainment and artisan shopping options: University of Arizona, Main Gate Square, Historic Fourth Avenue, and Mercado San Augustin.
Titan Missile Museum - The Titan Missile Museum is the only publicly accessible Titan II missile site in the nation. At this National Historic Landmark site, visitors stand on the front line of the Cold War. Tour the underground missile site. See the three-ton blast doors, the eight-foot thick silo walls, and an actual Titan II missile in the launch duct. Visit the launch control center and experience a simulated launch!
Pima Air and Space Museum - Housing more than 350 aircraft and spacecraft, this is one of the largest air and space museums in the world. Visitors see some of the most historic crafts, including an X-15A-2 (which set the altitude record when it reached the edge of outer space in the 1960s) and several Russian MiGs, which have been used by the Soviet and Russian army since the 1940s. For visitors interested in the history of the United States Air Force there is a historical tour through the ages, and there is even a replica of a control tower on site.
Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway - At over 9,000 feet, Mount Lemmon is the pinnacle of the Santa Catalina Mountains and is topped with an observatory that is used for research purposes. The mount is bisected by a highway that offers visitors unparalleled views for a scenic drive. For travelers wanting a more rugged approach, there is also a section of road named the ‘Back Side’ of the mount as it is positioned on the north side, and offers the chance to drive off road vehicles or motorcycles.
Sabino Canyon - Located just north of Tucson, the Sabino Canyon is nestled in the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Coronado National Forest. The canyon offers magnificent trails, majestic views, and hiking and trekking opportunities. Surprisingly, considering that the canyon is located in the desert, there is also Sabino Creek nearby which features waterfalls that can be admired and crossed by bridge. For visitors who prefer not to hike, there is a tram through the canyon that has nine stops along the way.
Mission San Xavier del Bac - Situated in downtown Tucson, San Xavier del Bac is a Spanish Catholic Mission that sits on the Tohono O’odham San Xavier Indian Reservation. The mission takes its name from a Christian missionary who is also hailed as the co-founder of the Jesuit Order, Francis Xavier. Built in the 18th Century, the site is often considered some of the finest Spanish colonial architecture in the United States. It is open to the public daily and attracts over 200,000 visitors a year many of whom consider the site a pilgrimage. Still run by Franciscan members of the Christian community, tourist can savor the serene atmosphere in one of the oldest European buildings in Arizona
The Gaslight Theatre - The Gaslight Theatre has a history of almost 4 decades of entertaining the locals and is popular for its musical drama shows including superhero drama, comedy classics and spoofs which will tickle your funny bone. If you are looking for no-brainer entertainment, grab a ticket here and see some of the funniest shows in Tucson.
Old Tucson - For movie buffs and fans of old school Westerns, a trip to Old Tucson Studios is not to be missed. The studios stand next to the Tucson Mountains and were built specifically as the location for the famous movies Little House on the Prairie, Gunfight at the O.K Corral, and Arizona. The studios have now also been developed into a theme park where visitors can take a tour complete with historical explanations and live action performances that include gunfights and stuntmen and women.
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum - DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum is best described an outdoor museum which features a range of exhibits and historic buildings dotted throughout the desert and founded by the architect Ettore DeGrazia. The buildings are of note due to their construction using traditional techniques and materials such as cactus flooring and visitors can explore the area and the various buildings such as a ceramics studio, a ghost house, a nun’s house, and many more. It is best to think of the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum as both a gallery and a museum, or simply as a large and unique art installation in the middle of the desert.
Franklin Auto Museum - The Franklin Auto Museum is a must-see for both car and history enthusiasts. Franklin Automobile Company produced vehicles from the early 1900s until 1934 and was responsible for many innovations in the automobile industry during that period. The Franklin Auto Museum has expanded over time to include representative examples of all Franklin automobiles, as well as a library of Franklin Company research materials.
Tucson Botanical Garden - An urban oasis of 5.5 acres with 17 residentially-scaled specialty gardens. The Gardens has a seasonal, live tropical Butterfly Exhibit, Butterfly Magic. Eclectic Gift Shop, Monthly Rotating Art Exhibits, Birdhouse Cafe,
Kitt Peak National Observatory - For those visitors who want to get closer to the stars, Kitt Peak National Observatory offers the perfect views of the night sky. An astronomical observatory sits atop Kitt Peak in the Quinlan Mountains and boasts the largest and most diverse astronomical equipment in the world that includes 24 telescopes. Depending on visitors’ interest levels in all things astronomical there is a choice of day or night tours, one featuring the history of the observatory and the invention of the telescope, and the other that commences at sunset and allows visitors to observe the cosmos through telescopes above the Arizona Desert.
Tombstone – Located about 1 hour outside of Tucson lies the town of Tombstone. While once a booming area as a result of an abundance of silver found at the site, Tombstone no longer enjoys such a run of luck but visitors can head over to see a real former ‘wild west’ location that used to be feared Apache territory. The town attached gunslingers and prospectors, and some of the old flavor still remains for those wanting to see a slice of the past.
The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures - Discover the magical world of miniatures at The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, where visitors are seemingly transported to different lands and times through the stories told by over 300 miniature houses and room boxes, expertly displayed in over 10,000 square-feet of state-of-the-art exhibit space. The Museum’s permanent collection boasts antique dollhouses dating to 1742, contemporary fine-scale miniatures and enchanting collectibles.
Tohono Chul - Wonderful themed gardens, nature trails, eclectic shops, art galleries, classes, creatures and a charming Garden Bistro. Named as one of the great botanical gardens of the world by Travel+Leisure.
Bisbee – Located about 2 hours south of Tucson, Bisbee has declined in size and vigor from its glory days as a thriving silver and copper mining town, but the decrease in population has not robbed the vitality from this historic center. A haven to artists, retirees and history buffs, Bisbee astounds visitors with vibrantly colored rock faces and picturesque houses hugging the edges of cliffs. Its history can be discovered in its numerous museums, historic staircases and a mine tour that leads deep into one of the remaining caverns.
Saguaro National Park - This 91,327-acre park pays tribute to the infamous saguaro (pronounced sa-WAH-ro) cactus, a common symbol of the American West. It's divided into two districts: The Rincon Mountain District, about 13 miles east of downtown, and the Tucson Mountain District, about 23 miles west of downtown. Each section features a visitor center, miles of hiking trails and, of course, hundreds of towering saguaro cacti.
Biosphere 2 - Visit Biosphere 2 today and find out why Time Life Books named it “One of the 50 must-see wonders of the world!” Three Themed Tours take you inside the world's largest living research center focused on future life of our planet. Experience the "Under the Glass" classic, amazing "30 Year History" or engaging "Family " tour. Highlights of this immersive experience include a feature movie, multi-media exhibits and a uniquely built indoor trail system with your tour led by a knowledgeable guide. Biosphere 2 is the size of 3 football fields and has a $200 million dollar replicated mini-world. Beneath 6,500 panes of glass lives a rainforest, million-gallon ocean, coastal fog desert, technology grid and much more.
Tubac - Located 45 miles south of Tucson at Exit 34 on I-19. Arizona’s oldest European settlement, Tubac was once the site of a Spanish presidio. It’s now a thriving arts community, known as the place “Where Art and History Meet.” The village features an eclectic mix of over 100 fine art galleries, artist studios and shops
Sun Link – A four-mile streetcar in downtown Tucson that connects four districts of dining, entertainment and artisan shopping options: University of Arizona, Main Gate Square, Historic Fourth Avenue, and Mercado San Augustin.
Titan Missile Museum - The Titan Missile Museum is the only publicly accessible Titan II missile site in the nation. At this National Historic Landmark site, visitors stand on the front line of the Cold War. Tour the underground missile site. See the three-ton blast doors, the eight-foot thick silo walls, and an actual Titan II missile in the launch duct. Visit the launch control center and experience a simulated launch!