Tucson

A college town with a long history, Tucson (too-sawn) is attractive, fun-loving and one of the most culturally invigorating places in the Southwest. Set in a flat valley hemmed in by snaggletoothed mountains and swaths of saguaro, Arizona's second-largest city smoothly blends American Indian, Spanish, Mexican and Anglo traditions. Distinct neighborhoods and 19th-century buildings give a rich sense of community and history not found in more modern, sprawling Phoenix. The eclectic shops toting vintage garb, scores of funky restaurants and dive bars don't let you forget Tucson is a college town at heart, home turf to the 45,000-strong University of Arizona (UA).

Although colorful historic buildings, great bars and restaurants, and quirky shops are half of Tucson's charm, the other half lies outside of town. With the beautiful Saguaro National Park, the rugged Santa Catalina Mountains and the world-class Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, you won't regret exploring beyond the city limits.

Explore Tucson

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Tucson.

  • National Park

    Saguaro National Park

    Saguaros (sah-wah-ros) are icons of the American Southwest, and an entire cactus army of these majestic, ribbed sentinels is protected in this desert…

  • Museum

    Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

    Home to cacti, coyotes and palm-sized hummingbirds, this 98-acre ode to the Sonoran Desert is one part zoo, one part botanical garden and one part museum …

  • Museum

    Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures

    Divided into the Enchanted Realm, Exploring the World and the History Gallery, this delightful museum of miniatures presents dioramas that are fantastical…

  • Historic Building

    Mission San Xavier del Bac

    The dazzling white towers of this mission rise from the dusty desert floor 8 miles south of Tucson – a mesmerizing structure that brings an otherworldly…

  • Street

    4th Avenue

    Linking historic downtown and the university, lively 4th Ave is a rare breed: a rough-around-the-edges, alt-flavored strip with not a single chain store…

  • Museum

    Pima Air & Space Museum

    An SR-71 Blackbird spy plane and a massive B-52 bomber are among the stars of this extraordinary private aircraft museum. Allow at least two hours to…

  • Museum

    Arizona State Museum

    To learn more about the history and culture of the region's American Indian tribes, visit the Arizona State Museum, the oldest and largest anthropology…

  • Museum

    Tucson Museum of Art

    For a small city, Tucson boasts an impressive art museum. There's a respectable collection of American, Latin American and modern art, and the permanent…

  • Film Location

    Old Tucson Studios

    Nicknamed 'Hollywood in the Desert,' this old movie set of Tucson in the 1860s was built in 1939 for the filming of Arizona. Hundreds of flicks followed,…

  • Public Art

    Tucson Portrait Project

    This wall-to-wall mosaic of about 7000 Tucsonian faces is a simple yet powerful testament to the diversity of the city's population. It's in the underpass…

  • State Park

    Catalina State Park

    With a day-use area, campgrounds and plenty of hiking, biking and horse trails, this state park in the Santa Catalina Mountains northeast of Tucson is one…

  • National Forest

    Coronado National Forest

    This 2781-sq-mile national forest includes the Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains, north of Tucson.

  • Canyon

    Sabino Canyon

    Sabino Canyon, a lush, pretty and shaded mini-gorge, is well worth a visit in fine weather. Narrated hop-on, hop-off tram tours along the Sabino Canyon…

  • Museum

    Arizona History Museum

    For an engaging look at highlights from Arizona's past, spend an hour at this family-friendly museum near the University of Arizona. You can walk though a…

  • Zoo

    Reid Park Zoo

    At the compact Reid Park Zoo, a global menagerie – including grizzly bears, jaguars, giant anteaters and pygmy hippos – delights young and old. Cap a…

  • Area

    Barrio Histórico District

    This compact neighborhood was an important business district in the late 19th century. Today it's home to funky shops and galleries in brightly painted…

  • Science Center

    Richard F Caris Mirror Lab

    Astronomers can get their geek on during 90-minute tours of this laboratory – it's where the world's largest telescope mirrors are made. The entrance is…

  • Museum

    Center for Creative Photography

    The CCP is known for its ever-changing, high-caliber exhibits. It also administers the archives of Ansel Adams – perhaps the best-regarded landscape…

  • Museum

    University of Arizona Museum of Art

    Founded in its current building in the 1950s, the university's impressive museum showcases 500 years of European and American creativity. The permanent…

  • Museum

    Tucson Children's Museum

    Parents sing the praises of the Tucson Children’s Museum, which has plenty of engaging, hands-on exhibits – from the Discovery Garden to Pet Vet and…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Tucson.

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