Tucson Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Tucson
Tucson
Tucson
Tucson
Titan Missile Museum

Arizona’s second-largest city is known for its desert landscapes, mountainous regions, science scene and cosmopolitan culture. 

Tucson is a modern city and thriving science hub set amid the sparse Sonoran Desert landscape and enclosed by five mountain ranges. The warm, dry climate, national parks, hiking trails and wildlife attract over a million outdoor lovers every year. Dubbed “Optics Valley,” the city is a world leader in optics manufacturing and astronomical research.

The roots of the cultural heritage that has shaped Tucson can be seen in Native American arts and crafts, old Hispanic neighborhoods and 19th-century American architecture. Tucsonans embrace their desert surroundings and celebrate nature and the outdoor lifestyle.

Explore the scenery with a hike through Saguaro National Park. The large, fleshy cactus has come to symbolize the American West. Tucson has the country’s largest population of saguaro cacti. Learn about native flora and fauna at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. A visit to Tohono Chul Park and Tucson Botanical Gardens will also immerse you in the beauty of the desert’s plants.

Visit Biosphere 2 to see how Tucson was at the forefront of one of the most ambitious experiments of recent times. Eight people lived for two years under glass domes in the desert. Tour the facility to see how it contributes to our understanding of climate change. Visit Pima Air & Space Museum with aircraft and spacecraft revealing 100 years of aviation history.

Head into the city to experience Tucson’s artistic and cultural scene. Visit art galleries, bookstores and jewelry shops. Art aficionados will enjoy the Tucson Museum of Art, which covers an entire city block in the El Presidio Historic District in the downtown area. The institution is devoted to art from the last 3,000 years. Stay downtown to watch dance, theater, music or film performances at the Fox Tucson Theatre, a restored movie palace from the 1930s.

Tucson has a good public bus system called Sun Tran and the downtown area is easily explored on foot. If you want to travel outside the city limits and explore the desert scenery you will need to rent a car.

Where to stay in Tucson

Default Image

Catalina Foothills

If you're spending some time in Catalina Foothills, St. Phillips Plaza and La Encantada are top sights worth seeing.

Catalina Foothills
Default Image

Catalina

Catalina is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Catalina State Park and Catalina Neighborhood Park.

Catalina
Downtown Tucson

Downtown Tucson

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Theatres, river views and live music are some highlights of Downtown Tucson. Make a stop by Fox Theatre or St. Augustine Cathedral while you're exploring.

Downtown Tucson
Tohono Chul Park showing desert views and outdoor art

Casas Adobes

Visitors highly recommend Casas Adobes for its abundant dining options, and you can make a stop by Catalina Golf Course while you're in town.

Casas Adobes
Default Image

Tanque Verde

Tanque Verde is noteworthy for its golf courses, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Agua Caliente Park and Arizona National Golf Club.

Tanque Verde
Tucson Botanical Gardens which includes a park

Midtown

If you're spending some time in Midtown, Arizona Stadium and Centennial Hall are top sights worth seeing.

Midtown
3 Palms Tucson North Foothills

3 Palms Tucson North Foothills

3 out of 5
7411 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ
The price is £38 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
£38
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Tucson. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (5,181 reviews)
"Second time I have stayed there and I will stay again in the future. Great hotel for the price."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

3 Palms Tucson North Foothills
Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine

Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine

3 out of 5
720 W. Silverlake Road, Tucson, AZ
The price is £79 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
£79
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Tucson. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,804 reviews)
Great place to stay!
"Great location right off I-10, super clean. Staff was very friendly and offered food recommendations in the area. Loved the vibe at Hotel McCoy! Definitely want to check out their other locations now or return to this one and spend more time there."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine
Lodge on the Desert

Lodge on the Desert

4 out of 5
306 North Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly resort in Tucson. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,917 reviews)
"I LOVE staying here!!! Feels like home and is a true Tucson experience :)"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Lodge on the Desert
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge

Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge

4 out of 5
6200 N Club House Ln, Tucson, AZ
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Tucson. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (756 reviews)
"Beautiful place and lovely room - only downfall was that they had construction early in the morning"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge
Private Southwestern Style Casita with Lush & Fully fenced Lush Yard**

Private Southwestern Style Casita with Lush & Fully fenced Lush Yard**

Tucson, AZ
Stay at this golf holiday home in Tucson. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a water park and a garden. Popular attractions Tucson Mall and Tucson Botanical Gardens are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (140 reviews)
Trip to Tucson 2025
"The Casita was perfect. Clean, great space for the two of us. Well decorated. Loved the yard full of cacti. We visit Tucson regularly and will stay here every time if available."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

Private Southwestern Style Casita with Lush & Fully fenced Lush Yard**
NEW Beautiful, Spacious Tucson OASIS 4BD/2.5BA, 11 Guests

NEW Beautiful, Spacious Tucson OASIS 4BD/2.5BA, 11 Guests

Tucson, AZ
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Tucson. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a garden. Popular attractions Saguaro National Park and Gaslight Theatre ...
10/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
Our Stay
"Excellent property! Even better than described. Very clean. Amenities very well-thought-out. Perfect for hosting our Tucson family for meals and relaxation. Something on the premises to keep all ages engaged and entertained. Thanks Victor!"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

NEW Beautiful, Spacious Tucson OASIS 4BD/2.5BA, 11 Guests
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Tucson