How to have the ultimate weekend in Tucson, Arizona this fall

With rugged natural beauty, an artsy downtown core, a food scene that just won’t quit, and a tangible pride in its multiculturalism, the colorful desert town of Tucson is the perfect place for a weekend getaway.

And Tucson is a great fall pick – the scorching desert heat has backed off, the leaves have begun to change in the nearby mountains, and its dark skies are even clearer. So, go forth and use this two-day itinerary to immerse yourself in a weekend of engaging local art, stunning saguaro cacti, and all the mesquite you can handle (maybe with a dash of pumpkin spice for fun).

• When to arrive: Aim to arrive early on Friday to make the most of your desert escape. 

• How to get from the airport: Rideshares are the most common transport option to and from the airport, but there is also a bus that runs from the main terminal to downtown (Route 25).

• Getting around town: Tucson is spread out, so you’ll need a set of wheels for your stay, either via rideshare or a rental car.

• Where to stay: The Tuxon, for modern motel vibes; Hotel Congress for Tucson history; Hotel McCoy for budget-friendly digs.

• What to pack: Tucson is laid-back, so dress is generally desert casual. Temperatures vary wildly depending on the time of year, though, so check the forecast and pack accordingly. 

Day 1

Everybody needs a post-flight pick-me-up, so make a beeline to the lovely Talega Coffee Co for a caffeine boost in atmospheric digs.

How to spend the day

Spend the afternoon discovering what makes Tucson, well, Tucson. This city has a layered cultural history defined by Indigenous, European, Mexican, African and Chinese influences. Skip the traditional museum and take a guided tour of the Mission Garden, an incredible study of Tucson’s history via its plant and food culture. 

Tucson sits in the expansive Sonoran Desert that reaches all the way to the Gulf of California; to learn more about the city’s relationship to the surrounding desert, head to the beautiful Arizona Sonora Desert Museum – this outdoor museum/botanical garden is a great place to take in the view when the sun starts to sink in the sky. 

Dinner

Tucson is an official UNESCO City of Gastronomy thanks to its unique culture and the bounty of the Sonoran Desert, which means great dining choices abound. We’re keeping it casual tonight, so let’s dive into some down-home Sonoran options. Try the flat Sonoran-style enchiladas at Rollies or Mi Nidito, or head to El Guero Canelo for Sonoran-style hotdogs: franks wrapped in bacon, topped with beans salsa, and onions, and served in a bolillo bun.

After dark

The International Dark Sky Association is headquartered in Tucson, and the city is serious about preserving its dark skies, making this the perfect place to admire the cosmos without having to travel too far into the middle of nowhere. Tucson is surrounded by several recognized Dark Sky Parks – including Oracle State Park and Saguaro National Park – and the city itself has urban ordinances in place to limit light pollution. On top of that, nearby Mt Lemmon is home to the largest public telescope in the world. In early 2025, Tucson launched its official Astro Trail, which guides people through the city’s observatories, stargazing spots, and astro-centric museums.

Day 2

Morning

Rise, shine, and fuel up at Baja Cafe, a Tucson breakfast favorite slinging indulgent goodies like snickerdoodle pancakes and Coyote Benedicts, eggs benedict with hatch green chiles, jalapeño bacon and chipotle hollandaise. 

How to spend the day

You've got two options today depending on your interests. If you haven’t had enough of Tucson’s great outdoors, head out early to nearby Saguaro National Park, where you can commune with cactuses nearly 50ft tall. The park is divided into two sectors east and west of town, so you’ll find convenient entrance points no matter where you’re staying. If you don’t want to drive all the way into the park, the Tucson Mountain Park on the west side of town gives you a taste of the cactus-studded landscape, too. 

If you’re feeling more like a city dweller, have a slow morning and hit the town to check out the numerous shops and boutiques across Tucson. For the most bang for your buck, go to the boutiques in the lovely Mercado San Augustin and the shops along South Avenida del Convento. We particularly love Cero, a zero-waste boutique, and Petroglyphs for art-centric decor. Slightly further down you’ll find the MSA Annex, which is also home to a number of small gift shops, a bookstore, and some bars and restaurants with outdoor seating, perfect for a little happy hour sip.

On the other side of town, the 4th Ave corridor also offers some good stops. Pop into Del Sol Tucson for southwest-inflected home goods, or check out Pop Cycle or the Tucson Thrift Shop for sustainable fashion and collectibles. 

Dinner

Stick around downtown for the evening, starting off strong with food options. If you’re wanting a more high-end experience, you can’t beat BATA’s experimental takes on Tucson’s cuisine. Carnivores will love Charro Steak and Del Rey, while those looking for a bit of vintage romance with dinner will enjoy the Coronet. Another honorable mention is Bombolé, serving up inventive Indian-Mexican fusion for casual lunch and dinner – just make sure you stop in before it closes at 8pm.

After dark

Continuing the downtown theme, grab a cocktail at Juniper, Tucson’s only gin-focused bar and a go-to spot for experimenting with botanicals. Another great choice is the artsy R Bar, connected to the historic Rialto Theater. The bar itself sometimes hosts live music, but if not, head next door to the theater to see what’s on.

The historic Hotel Congress across the street also offers a great nightlife experience – for something low-key, check out its Century Room, a jazz club and mezcal lounge, and if you want to up the decibels, see what’s on at Club Congress, which hosts everything from house music to Americana acts.

Day 3

Morning

Spend your last morning filling up on your favorite tastes of Tucson. If you’re not tired of Hotel Congress, head back to dive into coffee and cafe at the delightful Cup Cafe. If you’d rather stay out of downtown, head over to Bobo’s for a short-order-style breakfast designed to absolve you of last night’s sins (and don’t skip the banana pancakes).