What to Do in Tucson AZ

What to do in Tucson AZ? Tucson isn’t just desert, it’s full of activities indoors and outdoors.

Whether you're a vacationer, a business traveler with a few hours of spare time, a newcomer exploring around, or a resident discovering more options you hadn't yet known about.

We'll give you plenty of ideas, whatever your need or interest. Scan our Table of Contents below to see what rings your bell!

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Tucson's Best Outdoor Activities:
A Guide for Hikers, Bikers, and More

Tucson is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with a wide range of activities to explore.

Hiking in Tucson Arizona

Tucson offers a variety of trails for all skill levels.

  • Sabino Canyon is a popular choice. The tram route makes trail access easier. A Plus: numerous water crossings along the way.
  • Tumamoc Hill is a local favorite. Every evening people gather to escalate this paved, steep trail. The reward? Fantastic city views! And for sunrises & sunsets.
  • Catalina State Park provides stunning views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Its trails range from easy nature walks to more challenging hikes. 
trail inside Catalina State Park in Tucson AZTrail Option at Catalina State Park.

Bringing Your Bicycle to Tucson?

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Paved trails or mountain biking - Tucson has it.

  • The Chuck Huckelberry Loop has 131-miles of paved trails. It circles & winds through the city. Perfect for leisurely or family riding. 
  • Tucson is a favored Mountain Biking destination. We have 2 Suggestions:
  1. Sweetwater Preserve Trailhead, in the Tucson Mountain foothills. Shared with hikers (they have right of way). Every trail loop can be combined for a great ride. Desperado is best for beginners. Red Canyon has great scenery. Wildfire Ridge has tricky descents good for experienced. (Sound interesting? - Here's More Detail>) And Here's A Fantastic Stay nearby.
  2. Fantasy Island Tucson - North. Multiple loops making it suitable for beginners to experienced for a fabulous desert ride. Location: I-10 exit 275, head north on S.Houghton Rd., left onto E.Irvington, left into parking opposite S.Harrison Rd.
map of a biking or hiking trail in the Tucson desertMountain Biking Trail Map

Golfing in Tucson Arizona is a Dream!

Golfing fiends can tee off at some amazing Tucson courses.

  • Arizona National Golf Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., is a top-rated public course with stunning desert scenery.
  • The Fred Enke Golf Course is budget-friendly, yet offers unique challenges. It's a municipal course well-known for its desert-styling. Exciting challenge to create strategic shots in the natural terrain.
  • Ventana Canyon Golf Club is at This Luxury Resort. Two Tom Fazio-designed championship courses wind through Santa Catalina foothills.
Grassy gold course amidst trees overlooking a cityscape.City views from the course at Ventana Canyon

Where to Bird in Tucson AZ

Birders will love Tucson. But we have a few special birding places to recommend.

  • Sweetwater Wetlands is a must-visit for birdwatchers. With its reclaimed water ponds, over 200 species of birds have been recorded in the area.
  • Agua Caliente Park, is a gorgeous desert oasis. Its historic, perennial warm spring creates ponds that attract many bird varieties.
palm trees surround a small lake in the desertOur local oasis, in wonderful Agua Caliente Park.

Can You Fish in Tucson?

Yes, you can! Who would've thought - fishing lakes are scattered around Tucson!

  • Christopher Columbus Park is close to our home. We like ambling along Silverbell Lake. We hear it's wonderful for fishing, especially from a small boat.
a lake on a cloudy day with trees and hill in the backgroundLooking across Silverbell Lake in Christopher Columbus Park on the West side of town.
  • Other city parks with fishing are Kennedy Lake, and Lakeside Lake.

Try angling for rainbow trout, largemouth bass & sunfish. Short term, nonresident licenses also available. Get a License Here.

Plan Your Tucson Trip today!

Top Indoor Family Fun in Tucson: 
Beat the Heat with These Activities

Great options when days are too hot or the rare occasion it rains all day!

Tucson's Escape Rooms & Games

Family with looks of puzzlement, apprehension and interest on their facesFamily puzzling over escaping from this room!

For a gripping challenge, Tucson has several popular escape rooms.

  • Ace of Escape - Add this downtown caper to your list of downtown fun. Three levels: Novice, Experienced, Expert. 406 N. Church Ave.
  • Mystery Escape Room - Bundled or two people experiences. Try this award winning adventure. Location: Tucson Mall, 4500 N Oracle Rd., corner of Wetmore.
  • Fox in a Box Tucson - Corner E.University Blvd. & Park. 2-6 people for each escapade.
  • Escape Rooms @Grant® - We pass here all the time, but haven't tried it. One of 3 challenge rooms. Escape within 1-hour. Then Tell Us About It>

Live-gaming experiences are cool for lasting memories.

Bowling & Ice Skating in Tucson

Isn't it classic?

Taking the Family Bowling. Fun date for couples, too. Tucson has several bowling alleys.

  • Lucky Strike Bowl, 32 Lanes at 4015 E.Speedway, East of Alvernon. 520-327-4926
  • Bowlero, 32 Lanes at 114 S.Camino Seco, just South of Broadway. 520-298-2311.
  • Pinz, 40 Lanes at 501 W.River Rd., just West of Oracle Rd. 520-887-2695.
  • Roadies Lanes + Games, 4811 E.Grant Rd., corner of Swan. Some fun twists in this total entertainment venue. Bowling like you've never seen! 520-209-2728.

Ice Skating in Tucson??

Well, not exactly. But at certain times of the year the City has it.

  • The Tucson Convention Center hosts a seasonal rink.
  • You can use it. See when by Checking the Schedule>
  • BUT WAIT! Literally - as Mosaic Quarter Iceplex is in the works. Opening scheduled in 2027.

Museums & Bookstores

Sometimes amidst the rush of a trip, a quiet afternoon is what's in order! Here's some ideas:

  • Bookmans Entertainment Exchange is Tucson home-grown. Browse a vast collection of used books, music, and movies. Family friendly, relax in one of their comfy chairs while choosing your best read. Our favorite Bookmans is at the SW corner of Speedway & Wilmot.
  • Tucson's Children's Museum provides hands-on, experiential learning exposure. Fun for all.
  • The Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium brings a thrilling space & science journeys. Get Tickets Now>

Best Shopping in Tucson AZ

👉 Some people love a shopping jaunt on vacation. Seeing what's what. Many also love the browsing, the window shopping. Either way, what to do in Tucson AZ is choose your own shopping style.

Best Malls & Major Shopping Centers in Tucson AZ

Three sides of town have their own temptations. We've enjoyed each one of these:

  • Park Place on the East Side is an experience! From fashion to culture to fun.
  • El Con Center is centrally located at 3601 E.Broadway. Lots of choices for yum eats.
  • Tucson Mall at the corner of Wetmore & Oracle (northwest). It's the biggest mall in Tucson. Traverse its two levels for all kinds of shopping. Plenty of parking. Get your Shopping Experience Done before setting out for The Must Sees - by Staying in This Nearby Choice Value!
three boys riding on stuffed animals in a mallAt the Tucson Mall, our two grandsons lead their friend on a fun mall tour ride for kids!

Boutiques, Vintage Shops & Outlet Shopping
in Tucson AZ

Unique boutiques are scattered around town, but 4th Avenue is Tops.

  • 4th Ave is an exceptional starting place. Most are between E.6th & E.8th Streets. 
  • Everything from Tucson Thrift Shop to Hippie Gypsy (everything us old hippies love!) to the surprising Antigone Books to Del Sol Tucson & Creations Boutique.
a woman is looking over a rack of dresses outside a boutique

Spirit’s Child Metaphysical Gift Store is actually in Marana, just outside Tucson. But highly recommended.

  • 3870 W.River Rd Ste-120, Corner of Orange Grove. Around the corner from Sprouts Food Store.
  • Open daily 10am-6pm.
  • Their themed "Mystery Bag" is cool as a one-of-a-kind gift.

Tucson Premium Outlets is also in Marana. Just up the road north to I-10 Exit 244 & head north to 6401 Marana Center Blvd, Tucson. 68 stores including...

  • Clothing stores like American Eagle, Ann Taylor and Lucky Jeans.
  • Shoe stores like Adidas Outlet, Crocs and Famous Footwear.
  • Food court options like Wetzel's Pretzels, Sbarro and Red's Tacos & More.

Many more stores - it'll make your head swim with so many choices & great bargains.

Markets & Local Tucson Goods

St. Philip’s Plaza is a fun place to explore.

  • Located at the corner of Campbell & River Rd.
  • Three restaurants circle the bandstand. Choose to have Reforma Mexican, Artisanal Pizza or Union Public House (Americana) cuisines. We've eaten in all three and definitely recommend them - especially the pizza! 
  • But in between more interesting eateries fill in. And check out the boutiques, mini-spas & fitness options.

For fresh produce, treats & local gifts you can't beat Tucson's farmers' markets.

Indoor & Outdoor Sport & Recreation
in Tucson AZ

👉 Going for active fun beyond hiking? Here you go!

Fitness & Gyms

Already have a reciprocal membership for use anywhere? How about one of these:

  • Anytime Fitness - Locations on every side of town:
  1. 2500 N.Silverbell Rd., just north of Grant Rd - central location, 4-miles northwest of downtown. 520-999-8282.
  2. North side, 7937 N.Oracle Rd., Oro Valley, corner of Magee, SW side. 520-622-2514.
  3. 8868 E.Tanque Verde Rd., far East side. 520-760-1200.
  4. 4784 E.Sunrise Dr., Catalina Mountain foothills. 520-577-4607
  • Planet Fitness - Many areas of town. Here are two toward the South side.
  1. 4755 S.Calle Santa Cruz, 520-495-4200. Take I-19S Irvington exit, turn right, 2nd light make right.
  2. 1125 E.Tucson Marketplace Blvd, off S.Park Ave. 520-867-6888
a row of young men working out at a fitness gym while a woman looks onWorking out at Planet Fitness.

Shooting Ranges & Ax Throwing

Outdoors at Tucson Mountain Park - Scenic shooting area, with nearby archery range.

Indoors at 520 Tactical Shooting Range - For pistol & rifle target practice.

The Latest Thing - Axe Throwing:

  • St. Hubert’s Hatchet House has been in town awhile. 908 W Prince Rd. Appointment Needed: 520-349-8434
  • Axe Throwing at Roadies at Grant & Swan. Check It Out Here>
Entry to an entertainment facility fronted by two palm trees and view of mountains in the backgroundEnter into Roadies' eatery for Ax Throwing.

Tennis & Pickleball Courts in Tucson AZ

Some courts need reservations, and may require fees. City park fees are very reasonable.

Robson Tennis Center - At the edge of the University campus, 900 N.Martin Ave., off Campbell. Open sunrise to 10pm. 5 for tennis, 1 for pickleball. Check the layout here> This one is first-come first-served. No fee.

Fort Lowell Park - What to do in Tucson AZ here? There's a great many things here, from history to splash pads & of course - tennis courts. 2900 N.Craycroft Rd.. north of Grant. 520-791-4873.

  • 1-1/2 hour usage rates:
  1. Adult resident-$2.50 | nonresident-$3.00
  2. Kids under 19 years old, resident-$1.00 | nonresident-$1.25
  3. Seniors (age 60/+) resident-$2.00 | nonresident-$2.50
  • OR $10/court, flat rate, choose day or night.

Where to Roller Skate or Skateboard
in Tucson

Roller Skating - Tucson's major skating facility is called Skate Country. Location: 7980 E.22nd St. 3-miles north of Kolb Rd.

See All Its Details Now>

Skateboarding - Several Tucson City Parks, scattered around the city, have Skateboarding Opportunities.

Unique Tucson AZ Experiences

👉 We're highlighting Tucson's culture and identity.

For visitors interested in local flavor, for business travelers with little time for a city vision, and for newcomers looking to establish roots.Food Tours & Culinary Experiences

Tucson is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. And the Abundance of Quality Restaurants shows us that, up close! Instead of your head swirling with all the choices, why not Take a Food Tour to sample it all!

Art Walks & Galleries

For Art Enthusiasts, Walk Downtown, on 4th Avenue, or around Barrio Viejo to view Tucson's culturally-styled murals. Amidst it all Step Into History, or a gallery or two.

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Cultural & Historic Centers 

Discover Tucson's connection with Tohono O’odham cultural ties. Visit Mission San Xavier del Bac, where old meets new.

Arizona History Museum and others, shed light on the Tucson story.

Seasonal Festivals & Events - Upcoming with All Souls Procession in early November, or the Tucson Rodeo in February. See Our Calendar of Events>

FAQ for what to do in Tucson AZ

What is the #1 thing to do in Tucson AZ?

When first evaluating what to do in Tucson AZ, we first thought that may be difficult to answer, because there are so many great places to go.

But actually, the most beloved thing to do for locals and visitors alike is to take a trip To the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. It's the best! It's been called one of the top 10 museums in the whole United States.

Why is that? Its a one-of-a-kind experience. It combines a zoo, a desert garden, trails, amazing up-close animal experiences, and a natural history museum. And more!

What can you do in Tucson at night?

Are you asking...

  • As a Visitor looking for a fun evening?
  • Or as a newcomer or local discovering regular options?
  • Or a business traveler looking for an easy unwind?

Tucson has an awesome entertainment & nightlife scene.

  • Downtown Live Music Venues are a regular thing at Hotel Congress, the Rialto or Fox Theatres.
  • You have your choice of sensational Bars & Craft Breweries.
  • Then there are Stand-Up Comedy venues, and the Gaslight Theatre for amusing looks at the world.
  • See More Entertaining Options in Our City>

What are free things to do in Tucson AZ?

Our city has wonderful City Parks that are lots of fund to visit. But you'd be happy to figure out what to do in Tucson AZ by considering these too:

  • The University of Arizona has a beautiful campus you can roam without charge! Its Mall is lined with gorgeous plantings & historic buildings, many open to visitors.
  • Madaras Gallery is a favorite around town. View southwest art by local artists. The gift shop is amazing! 3035 N.Swan Rd.
  • Ignite Sign Art Museum features something really different.
  • The Presidio area is rich in Tucson history. A walkable, photogenic district in the heart of downtown.
  • Try these Family Budgeted Ideas.

What is Tucson most famous for?

That's some question alright. We've discussed Many Things Tucson is Famous For - but the most famous could be the unique Sonoran Desert landscape with its forests of giant Saguaro Cacti.

What to do in Tucson AZ - The Takeaways

What to do in Tucson AZ is a no-brainer for you! Whether you’re a first-time visitor, newly arrived or longtime local, or just have an evening free.

Also don't miss even more around town:

There is always a great variety of outdoor or indoor activities. Whether you're here with the family, a loving couple, or a solo traveler. These activities will enthrall you with quick activities or all-day excursions.

For a more personalized look at what to do in Tucson AZ, Get Your Free 3-Day Itinerary.