Tucson Travel Guide 2025

As one of the shining gems of Arizona, Tucson is surrounded by the Sonoran Desert and Catalina Mountains. It’s known as the Old Pueblo for its centuries of Spanish history, still evident in the adobe and Spanish Colonial architecture around the city. As the second-most populous city in the state, Tucson marries the rugged Wild West with a vibrant downtown area, modern eateries and shops and a buzzing outdoor recreation scene.

In this guide to Tucson, we’ll explore the abundant activities you can try, places to stay, where to find the best food in the city, as well as great spots for day trips and memorable photos. You’ll uncover the best time to visit Tucson for prime weather and events to make the most of your time in this scenic desert city.

iStockphoto.com / dardespot

From the free downtown streetcar and renting a car to taking a taxi or bus, there are several ways to explore Tucson on your terms when you visit. In the Downtown area many attractions are relatively easy to reach on foot. Take a look at what you can expect while you’re traveling around the city.

The best way to get around Downtown Tucson, the free Sun Link Streetcar makes 23 stops over its 4-mile route through the city’s best shopping, dining and entertainment districts: Downtown, Mercado San Agustín, Fourth Avenue, Main Gate Square and the University of Arizona campus. You can even load your bike.

For those looking for the most independence and freedom to travel within and beyond Tucson, renting a car is a great option. There are multiple agencies operating within the Tucson International Airport as well as around the city, whether you need a vehicle for day trips or to explore at your own pace.

The Tucson Sun Tran bus service operates 40+ routes throughout the city’s extensive downtown region and suburbs. There are 13 Sun Express routes, making the bus a reliable way to get around the city if you don’t mind waiting for the scheduled stops and traveling set routes.

If you need to travel somewhere not serviced by bus or streetcar, you can rely on taxis, rideshare services and public transportation vans and shuttles. The city’s Sun On Demand offers free, scheduled pick-ups in charter vans, while the Sun Shuttle gives passengers free rides to destinations in and outside the city (like the San Xavier Mission).

Courtesy of Visit Tucson

Overall, the best time to visit Tucson is between November and March, when the winter months bring beautifully mild weather, dry conditions and a host of fun events and activities that avoid the scorching desert heat of summer. Expect highs in the upper 60s to mid-70s with minimal rain during each winter month on average.

You’re in for some excellent events and festivals bringing the city to life this time of year, including:

The prime weather conditions and packed event schedule make Tucson busier than usual during the winter months, so prices on hotels may be slightly higher this season. Making reservations in advance is recommended. You can’t beat the atmosphere and the chance to enjoy hiking in nearby parks, exploring the Sonoran Desert and enjoying downtown strolls with mild weather this time of year.

Jennifer Broome / AAA

Tucson has an adventure to offer for all travelers, from culinary tours filled with southwestern flair to historical sightseeing and long-standing architecture in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Here are the best things to do in Tucson.

Jennifer Broome / AAA

Vibrant and blending present-day with historical charm, Downtown Tucson features mini-districts dedicated to shopping, food and entertainment in the heart of the city. Walkable streets, abundant venues for live music and drinks, as well as full service by the Sun Link Streetcar make the downtown area one of the best places to explore on your trip to Tucson.

Dive into the past with a Historical Guided Tour in Tucson to explore the district’s 300 years of storied Spanish history. From the Presidio District, where the city became a Spanish military fort in the 1700s, to old saloons and Apache Native American history, this tour is the best way to get in touch with Tucson’s roots. Turn the tables with a Tucson Walking Food Tour (public or private) to taste the flavors of Old Pueblo while you take in the sights. Try Sonoran dogs (bacon-wrapped hot dogs topped with tomatoes, pintos, onions and condiments), elote pizza, churros and local treats with Southwestern flavor.

The familiar setting of Old Tucson dates back to the 1860s and has been featured in hundreds of movies and TV shows as the quintessential Western setting. Today, it’s a theme park that hosts reenactments and Wild West-themed events, from gunslinging stunt actors and historic talks. You’ll tour the park and movie sets and trace the steps of stars like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood, ride the classic train through the streets and catch live music and plays during your visit.

Watch living history presenters engage in comedies and gun battles on the street. It’s a popular attraction, so booking your tickets in advance online ensures you score a spot on your preferred date.

Aviation and space flight buffs will enjoy visiting Tucson’s Pima Air and Space Museum, spanning over 80 acres with some of the nation’s most recognizable military aircraft and artifacts. Tour five indoor hangars and sprawling grounds, where you’ll see 125,000 pieces of aerospace history and 300 planes. Highlights include:

Admission to the Pima Air and Space Museum also includes entrance to the 390th Memorial Museum and the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame. Pick from a basic admission ticket to explore at your own pace or spring for a full tram tour of the grounds to learn about aviation and military history. Add a guided tour of the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group—known as “the Boneyard,” it’s the largest facility for aircraft storage and preservation in the world.

Courtesy of Visit Tucson

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Tucson, even if you’re not typically into history. Located just west of the city, this extensive 98-acre museum includes a botanical garden, zoo, aquarium, natural history museum and miles of scenic paths to walk and wander on the grounds. You’ll witness the desert biome in its full splendor, with giant saguaro cacti, 230+ animal species and thousands of plant species dominating the grounds.

Check out the walk-in aviary and hummingbird enclosure. Kids will appreciate the aquarium’s stingray touch pool along with wildlife-themed interactive exhibits in the Packrat Playhouse and birds of prey demonstrations. Explore the art gallery, then grab lunch at one of the two restaurants. If you’d like to stick closer to town, other museums in the area include the Presidio District’s Tucson Museum of Art and Congress Street’s Museum of Contemporary Art.

Before you leave the city, you should take a majestic Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Tucson. Riding in a hot air balloon emblazoned with an iconic saguaro cactus as you float up to 5,000 feet high is an experience like no other. You’ll get a birds-eye view of Tucson and the Sonoran Desert, marveling at the saguaro cacti that stand tall over the sand and scrubby plants with rings of mountains encircling your view.

The hot air balloon rides take place early in the morning, so you’ll get to witness a spectacular sunrise over the desert during your high-altitude tour. After drifting for up to an hour, you’ll get to enjoy a champagne toast and a full continental breakfast in the desert for an unforgettable way to start your day.

Omni Hotels

Traveling to Tucson is always a treat, but you can make your stay even more special by choosing one of the city’s best accommodations. From luxurious downtown locations to secluded spots perfect for a laid-back getaway, take a look at our top picks for the best hotels in Tucson.

Omni Tucson National Resort is situated on a championship golf course, but it’s not just a resort for golfers—with a heated outdoor pool, five top-rated restaurants, a full bar and activities like tennis courts, a spa and walking paths, anyone can find the perfect mix of rest, relaxation and recreation at this quiet resort on the outskirts of Tucson. Amenities like valet parking and room service combined with plush rooms and suites offering scenic views of the mountains make stays here unforgettable.

JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa offers dazzling facilities designed with luxury and upscale comfort in mind. Located in the hills beyond the bustling downtown district, the resort sits just steps from the 9-hole Palmer Course in a serene, mountainous setting. With a heated pool and hot tub, full bar, five delicious restaurants, cycling and walking trails and a full-service spa onsite, feel free to spend a day or two just soaking up the amenities at this top-tier resort when you need a break from hitting the pavement in town.

Nestled near the upscale La Paloma community, the The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa is committed to environmentally-friendly practices and boasts certification from the Arizona Green Lodging Program. Surrounded by the Sonoran Desert, your balcony or patio will have stunning views. Dip in the heated pool with a swim-up bar and waterslide, dine at six restaurants, relax in the sauna, spa or hot tub and play a round of golf or game of tennis.

Looking for a nice place to stay that won’t break the bank? Choose TownePlace Suites by Marriott, located on the East Side of the city, close to the Tucson Convention Center, the Williams Centre and the sprawling University of Arizona campus. Guest rooms are well-appointed with extras like free beer and wine in the lobby, a heated outdoor pool and an exercise room with picnic tables to enjoy a meal outdoors. Dining, shopping and entertainment are a short walk away.

If you want to be surrounded by the action, stay at Home2 Suites by Hilton Tucson Downtown. Just steps from your hotel, all the eateries, shops and attractions of Downtown Tucson are within walking distance. A heated rooftop outdoor pool, comfortable rooms and an exercise room make this affordable hotel great for short or extended stays.

Jennifer Broome / AAA

Tucson’s culinary scene is unmatched, packed with spicy flavors, earthy ingredients and unique twists on American classics that make every meal something special. Eat your fill of delicious Southwestern and global cuisine in the Old Pueblo when you dine at the best restaurants in Tucson.

Arizona Inn Main Dining Room is a classic upscale dining option in Tucson and has been a mainstay since it opened in 1929. Part of the historic Arizona Inn, this restaurant offers Sunday brunch and live music along with breakfast, lunch and dinner options all throughout the week. It overlooks the hotel courtyard and boasts a moody ambiance with dishes featuring beef, lamb and seafood studding the chef’s tasting menu with hearty flavors that are expertly prepared with local ingredients.

Nestled in a historic train depot in the west end of Downtown Tucson, Maynards Market & Kitchen has a casual-yet-elevated bistro atmosphere that includes a gourmet food market (offering custom charcuterie boards) and wine shop on the premises. French-inspired dinner menu items, like red wine braised short ribs and chicken roulade, change with the seasons and the fresh ingredients available in Tucson. Many items are organic and locally sourced.

Ranch-to-table cuisine is the star of the show at Charro Steak & Del Rey downtown, where entrées center around local ingredients sourced from nearby ranches to reflect the seasonal changes. Fresh seafood, hand-selected cuts of grass-fed, mesquite-grilled beef and a wide array of sides and specials make each dining experience at Charro different from the last. Enjoy dinner on the patio or inside and finish with a sweet dessert for the ultimate experience.

Tito and Pep serves authentic Southwestern food in a casual, bistro-like setting in Midtown Tucson. The surprisingly extensive menu includes offerings from crispy calamari and harvest vegetable posole to jerk-rubbed pork chops and chipotle-tomatillo steak skewers. Ingredients are locally sourced and fresh, so the menu changes throughout the year. Stay for dessert to enjoy the sinful dark chocolate ganache or rosemary and orange olive oil cake.

PY Steakhouse is a choice spot for an upscale dining experience in a vibrant casino setting at the Casino Del Sol. The menu features prime-cut, aged beef, fresh seafood and house-made pastas with crisp salads and innovative side dishes. An extensive wine list makes pairing a special glass with your meal a treat and signature drinks, desserts and wine cellar decor create an evocative atmosphere that feels high-end and worthy of a special event.

tonda / iStockphoto.com

Budding and professional photographers alike will find Tucson the perfect subject with its looming cacti, mountainous backdrop and historic architecture with clear Spanish influence. These spots around the city are ideal to capture your Tucson trip in photos.

1. The Flying Whales mural: Located at the intersection of Grant and Campbell St. behind a Starbucks, this interesting 5,000-square foot mural depicts whales in flight over the Sonoran Desert, all draped in sunset colors that make for a uniquely Tucson shot.

2. Old Spanish Trail viewpoint: At the old Webb’s Steakhouse (5400 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson), park and look east toward the Rincon Mountains for a stunning view of the cacti, mountains and desert stretching before you in Saguaro National Monument East.

3. Rattlesnake Bridge: This pedestrian and bike bridge over Broadway Boulevard is designed like a rattlesnake, featuring gleaming fangs and a rattler tail with the classic diamondback pattern. It makes for a great subject to photograph from a distance and while traveling across.

4. Barrio Viejo: Near the Tucson Convention Center, this historic neighborhood features colorful adobe homes, cantinas and bars along with a wishing shrine (El Tiradito). Take photos as you walk or drive through the neighborhood to capture the old soul of Tucson.

5. Mica View Trail, Saguaro National Park: Get a selfie or landscape shot of the multi-armed saguaro cacti on this easy, paved trail under a mile long in nearby Saguaro National Park.

Encircled by mountains, the vast Sonoran Desert and quirky, historic towns that carry on Wild Western traditions, you’ll find great places to take quick day trips from Tucson when you know where to look. These are the best day trips from the city.

1. Scenic Drives and Hikes in Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park is just a half-hour from Downtown Tucson, making it the best day trip if you’re hoping to get closer to the otherworldly desert landscapes around the city. Hiking and horseback trails, huge saguaro cacti, mountain views and chances to explore the 500+ square miles over two districts (Saguaro West and East) make it an incredible place to visit.

Take the Saguaro National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour as you drive the park’s 8-mile Bajada Loop Scenic Drive. You’ll learn about the trailheads you pass along the way, lookout points and park history from this audio tour.

2. Summit and Spelunk in Madera Canyon

Madera Canyon is situated in the hills and Santa Rita Mountains north of Tucson, offering trails to hike in the shaded oasis that overlooks a forested ravine. With excellent birdwatching, hiking and summit trails, stargazing at Whipple Observatory with ultra-dark night skies and fantastic views for photography, Madera Canyon is one of the best day trips to take from Tucson.

Nature lovers will appreciate over 100 miles of trails, picnic areas and campgrounds in the canyon. Nearby Kartchner Caverns State Park offers miles of underground caves to explore year-round.

3. Canyoneering and Trails in Catalina State Park

From canyoneering on the Canyon Loop Trail and Romero Canyon Trail to spotting the iconic saguaro cacti in the desert sands, both easy and challenging lead up into the stunning Catalina Mountains of Catalina State Park. Located just half an hour from Tucson, it’s the perfect place to spend a day outside the city immersed in where the desert meets the mountains.

4. Dive into the Wild West in Tombstone & San Xavier Mission

Take the Tombstone & San Xavier: How the West Was Won Tour to combine Tombstone, Arizona and the famous Spanish Colonial San Xavier Mission just outside Tucson into an action-packed day trip. Experience the serenity of the San Xavier Mission, dating back to the 1600s, with its white adobe bell towers and intricate design in the Sonoran Desert. Then, head to Tombstone for Wild West replicas of old saloons, homes and stores, as well as staged gunfights at the OK Corral that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Jennifer Broome / AAA

Make your trip to Tucson more affordable by keeping these budget-friendly tips in mind.

1. Visit during the summer. The hot summers in Tucson lead to drastically lower hotel costs—as much as 60% less than winter months.

2. Use your AAA membership to save. You’ll score big vehicle discounts, cheap tickets and exclusive deals at hotels.

3. Fly into Phoenix instead. Flying into Tucson is more expensive because the airport is smaller, but flights to Phoenix with a quick 1-hour, 45 minute drive in a rental car or shuttle could net you big savings.

4. Get a Tucson Attractions Passport. The Tucson Attractions Passport gives you substantial savings at 60+ attractions with deals like BOGO admission, discounts and more.

5. Book a hotel with free breakfast. Having breakfast included with your hotel rate means you’ll spend less to eat each day in Tucson and many hotels offer continental, buffet and a la carte breakfast options to fuel you up.

Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Tucson trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or à la carte options.