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Top Tucson Arizona Tourist Attractions
With Local Tips
Thinking of which Tucson Arizona Tourist attractions are around town?
Because you're beginning to plan your trip to Tucson, AZ? You're possibly in for a whole new experience!
As locals, we've explored our city's many interesting areas. And we're honored to show you around. In fact we love that opportunity, since we love where we live!
Whether you're a couple, a family, or a group of friends, Tucson offers a lot. Combined with the area's natural beauty, varied culture, foodie-love, and its history. Where you can visit unfamiliar places that make Tucson a vacation worth budgeting for.
See these top Tucson Arizona tourist attractions...
Our view, overlooking the City of Tucson from our home. Where we can easily access all the sights!Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
This has got to be about the best, true-to-life places for our local desert areas.
Put the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum at the top of your list. All around it's a number one pick for everyone, visitors & locals alike.
Because although called a "museum" it combines features of an aquarium, reptile viewing, desert botanical garden, hummingbird environment, and the area's natural history. And lots more!
Walk its trails and you'll enjoy the unique flora and fauna of this Sonoran Desert. It’s a natural learning experience we think you'll love.
You’ll see everything from mountain lions to hummingbirds, with lots of variety in between.
- Don't miss the raptor show (Amazing - they fly right over your head)!
- Walking from the desert "uphill" to the alpine environment in mountain Sky Islands.
- Docents give live animal interactions. See more about Tucson's Native Wildlife Here>
Docents get you up close to desert wildlife - Like this Western Screech OwlEntry Into the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
For families with young children, ages 2 & under are free. For kids 3-12 it's $20. Everyone older, $30. But there's a Senior Discount.
Plan ahead for the weather, especially in the warmest times of the year. Almost 9/10 of this natural attraction is walking outside on lined-out trails. Though on summer nights, they open Saturday evenings, when it cools down.
Take the brochure, containing a park map, plus safety precaution tips.
Located in Tucson Mountain Park, at 2021 N. Kinney Rd., West of the City.
I-10 South from town. Keep right for I-19 with a quick exit onto Ajo Road.Sabino Canyon
For nature enthusiasts, Sabino Canyon is a must-do in Tucson Arizona.
It's a real desert oasis with a running stream.
There are breathtaking hikes to try. Have an easy walk, or maybe you're up for more challenging trails. You might catch a glimpse of Bighorn Mountain Sheep!
A rocky cliff environment that Bighorn Sheep love!The tram ride has two different narrated routes. A nice way for families with young children to ride, while viewing some awesome scenery. But it's still a perfect trip for all visitors.
In fact it's an effort-saving way to get to the Seven Falls Trailhead. Provided by the US Forest Service as a Recreation area.
Late day shadows silhouette Saguaro Cacti on desert hillsides in Sabino Canyon
Arrive early in morning or be there later in the afternoon for a visual treat & an amazing photo opp. Those golden hours, when lower sunlight gives a red glow to the landscape.
We think it's one of the most popular Tucson Arizona tourist attractions. So be sure to make Advance Tram Reservations.
People love getting in the waterfall's pool.We took the trail to Seven Falls once, about 1998.
Well worth the effort!
Old Tucson Studios
Do you love watching old Wild West movies?
Or reliving that historical American era? Then Old Tucson is a Tucson Arizona Tourist Attraction for you! If you have kids, they're bound to love it.
Many old Western-themed movies & TV shows did some filming there. Now it features that film history. Plus it's a theme park, too.
Located down the road from the Desert Museum, at 201 Kinney Road.
Old western movie set at Old Tucson StudiosYou'll see live action shows & historical presentations representing old west history. Have a bite to eat & look into the shops.
You might even want to plan your trip for one of their events:
- Western Experience from January thru May.
- Yuletide, during the winter holiday season.
- Nightfall, an Exciting Halloween Themed Night ongoing from late November until just before Halloween.
We recommend getting there early, as at busy times it gets filled to capacity. You're best to reserve your tickets in advance. For details, 520-640-0010.
Colossal Cave Mountain Park
Colossal Cave Mountain Park is an interesting Tucson Arizona tourist attraction.
When first moving to Tucson, it was one of the first places we went to. It's been having a do-over in the past number of years - for the better.
Entryway to get a glimpse of the cave, its history and more!Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. It was a refuge for early Native American peoples & in the Wild West used as a hideout. Constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression.
You can have a guided tour today. Exploring it can be (literally) a cool way to spend part of your day.
But there's even more. Like hiking trails, horseback riding & a butterfly garden.
Directions: From Interstate-10, take Exit-279, go east on Colossal Cave Road. You'll see entry on the right. From in town, access it from East Old Spanish Trail, which connects to E.Broadway, E.22nd or East Golf Links Road.
Inside the CaveSaguaro National Park
Any trip to Tucson is incomplete without visiting Saguaro National Park.
It features the iconic saguaro cactus. Those very tall cacti with arms coming from the sides. There are two sections. It's advisable to Consider Posted Alerts, to avoid problems.
Saguaro National Park - East
At the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center, you'll learn the longevity of these cacti. They can reach over 200 years old!
A paved road, Cactus Forest Loop Drive takes you on a self-drive auto tour with excellent views of the saguaro's desert landscape. And the Rincon Mountains. Or take your bicycle through the drive.
There are other ways to see it all, like trails. Some very easy, and on up in difficulty.
Winter hours are 9am-5pm. Summer opens & closes one hour earlier. Be sure to have your water bottle, and remember your camera!
Sun glaring along the National Park desert tour roadway in Tucson AZSaguaro National Park - West
Another section of Saguaro National Park is on the west side of town.
The Tucson Mountain District. It's our favorite part of this unique national park.
Easily walked nature path in the Saguaro National Park West.Directions: One easy scenic option to get there is taking Ina Road exit off Interstate-10.
- Turn west and follow it out.
- Watch the turn/curve left onto Wade Road, soon becoming Picture Rocks Road.
- You'll drive into a large dip, and then up the hill where you'll note you've entered the park.
From there most are gravel/dirt roads into this rural park environment. The Visitor Center is off a paved road: 2700 North Kinney Road.
- Follow Picture Rocks Road out to the stop-sign, at a 4-corners business area.
- Make a left & continue on Sandario Road
- Turn left when you see North Kinney. Signs mark the turn.
Sunset view over a valley viewed in Saguaro National Park WestEven More Suggestions for
Tucson Arizona Tourist Attractions
See even more attractions in Tucson AZ. For family vacations, on romantic getaways, or having a trip with good friends. You'll see there's something for everyone. Here's some more to sample.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TODAY!
Tucson Museum of Art
Located in a historic downtown area. You'll see artist renderings of subjects like the American Southwest. Yet much more than that!
Entry to Tucson Museum of Art at 140 North Main Ave.Tucson's Famed Fourth Avenue
This popular Tucson street has an eclectic combo of boutiques, shops, and home-grown murals. You won't want to miss Checking Out the Restaurants. From Italian & Mexican to vegan & everything in between.
Vintage mural as seen along Tucson's quirky Fourth AvenuePima Air & Space Museum
Take in the best for aviation or history enthusiasts.
You'll view over 350 aircraft, in one of the largest aerospace museums, world-wide. Stay indoors, or walk the vast grounds. Guided tours add lots of inside information.
We've Been Here Several Times Cuz We Always Recommend It to Visiting FamilyKitt Peak National Observatory
Like stargazing? Go westward out Ajo Way until you're at the observatory left turn.
Home to the world's largest assortment of optical telescopes. Tours plus night-time stargazing programs are the best. Even the ride up to the mountain top is a scenic thrill!
Steep climb up to the top by car. Nice views, all courtesy of Tohono O'odham Nation.Tips for More Action With Local Tourist Attractions
We've got some quick tips for other attractions you can get involved with in Tucson Arizona.
Visit the San Xavier Mission
We recommend you include in your Tucson Trip Planning this historical stop: San Xavier Mission.
Downtown Tucson's Food & Entertainment Scene
Photographed as we were walking along Congress St. in downtown.Walking - Bicycling - By Streetcar - Driving
Don't miss the central district.
That's downtown Tucson. For the food, cultural looks, and getting with some Regular Local Events.
Front window for this historical venue. Still on today!
Cultural mural in this downtown restaurant. La Chingada Cocina.Best Time to Visit Tucson - See Our Local Tips
As residents for years and years, we've observed the time of year we like best in Tucson
As well as those we don't! May be helpful for you.
- Many say spring is a good time to visit Tucson. Because the weather is warming up just a bit. But we disagree.
- We think it's a nasty time of year because of constantly windy days.
- Fronts come off the Pacific bringing rain to northern states above AZ. Dragging wind to us.
- The air is more dusty, and it's just annoying. One spring we took relatives up to Sedona, and that gorgeous scenery was like peering through fogged-up glasses!
- Late Autumn into Winter is likely the ideal time for a visit, when thinking About Weather & Climate Here.
- The temperatures are often in the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit (15.6 to 21 Celsius).
- It's usually sunny, but an occasional (welcomed) rainstorm comes in off the Pacific.
- The actual timing for our nicest weather is about mid-November through February.
- Summer is a time people don't care for, even locals. However there are some benefits to a summertime trip to Tucson.
- When securing lodging in Tucson, you'll get bargain rates at the nicest place. A hotel with a cooling pool is a good pick. Even some vacation home rentals have pools.
- We take staycations each year for our anniversary in July. See our Review of Our Latest Staycation>
- There are also plenty of things to do indoors, as well as the option for a day trip up to cool Summerhaven, where temps can be up to 30oF/16.7oC lower. Or to Tombstone AZ where temperatures are typically 10oF/5.56oC lower.
Hope this helps your planning to see Tucson Arizona tourist attractions.
What is Tucson best known for?
What is Tucson best known for?
Probably it's best known for the National Park with abundant Saguaro Cactus forests. Yet people love its stunning scenery and sunsets.
What is the best time to visit Tucson?
What is the best time to visit Tucson?
We think it's through mid-November through February.
As locals we're always observing the different weather conditions throughout the year. Now I'm thinking about the times we'd come to Tucson, if we were visitors. See Our Whole Reasoning Here>
How many days should I spend in Tucson?
How many days should I spend in Tucson?
That's a question that varies for everyone.
As local residents, knowing all the Things to Do in Tucson, and all the Places to See in Tucson - we'd have to say one week minimum.
Less than that is doable, of course.
But you'll be Getting the Must See in Tucson only, while leaving out many excellent sights or fun things to do.
Is Tucson worth visiting in summer?
Is Tucson worth visiting in summer?
It would be. Depending:
- On if you prefer to visit when there aren't many crowds.
- On if you like the best budget-friendliness for Places to Stay Around Town.
Maybe you're doubtful if you could take the heat. That's understandable, as temperatures are often in the high 90sF/32+C range, to above 100F/37.8C. Yet we like suggesting ways to manage the heat.
Takeaways for Tucson Arizona Tourist Attractions
Tucson Arizona tourist attractions do offer something for everyone.
From natural wonders of Saguaro National Park & Sabino Canyon to the mystique of the past at Colossal Cave & Old Tucson. Fabulous memories will linger from your trip to Tucson.
Now, start your planning! Maybe to Coordinate With One of the City's Events? These Tucson Arizona tourist attractions fill a vacation worth every penny!