Tucson, AZ

Travel Guide

Tucson
Tucson featuring desert views and a sunset
Tucson showing desert views and wildflowers
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

#Trovember —Winter nightfalls in the Sonoran Desert; you can’t make this stuff up! Tucson sunsets are the best... #MyBackyard

Catalina Foothills

Nestled north of Tucson, this affluent community boasts upscale shopping at La Encantada and luxurious resorts along the resort corridor. Explore attractions like Sabino Canyon, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, and the scenic Santa Catalina Mountains.

Catalina Foothills
Downtown Tucson

Downtown Tucson

3.5/5(413 area reviews)

Theaters, river views, and live music highlight some of the noteworthy features of Downtown Tucson. Make a stop by Fox Theatre or St. Augustine Cathedral while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Downtown Tucson
View from the ropes course at Miraval Spa with the Santa Catilina Mountains in the background.

Catalina

Experiencing population growth, this rural community offers nearby attractions like Catalina State Park and Biosphere 2 for nature enthusiasts.

Catalina
Tucson Botanical Gardens featuring a garden

Midtown

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

Midtown
Tohono Chul Park which includes outdoor art and desert views

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
Old Tucson Studios showing heritage elements and tranquil scenes

Tucson Estates

While visiting Tucson Estates, you might make a stop by sights like Old Tucson Studios and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

Tucson Estates
3 Palms Tucson North Foothills
3 Palms Tucson North Foothills
3 out of 5
7411 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ
The price is ₩81,555 per night from May 21 to May 22
₩81,555
₩99,868 total
includes taxes & fees
May 21 - May 22
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Tucson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,576 reviews)
"It was in a very convenient location for our business trip to Tucson."

Reviewed on Apr 23, 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 ₩120,863 per night from May 5 to May 6
₩120,863
₩141,139 total
includes taxes & fees
May 5 - May 6
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Tucson. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,605 reviews)
"Staff were really friendly and the facilities were very clean. I am definitely staying there again."

Reviewed on Apr 22, 2025

Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine
Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa
Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa
4 out of 5
245 E Ina Rd, Tucson, AZ
The price is ₩216,711 per night from May 11 to May 12
₩216,711
₩295,575 total
includes taxes & fees
May 11 - May 12
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Tucson. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Everything you want is on-site. It's my favorite place to stay in Tucson"

Reviewed on Apr 22, 2025

Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa
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 WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (732 reviews)
"We arrived around noon, so too early to check into our room but had a tee-time at the golf course. We got access to the club's locker room to freshen up and change. Easy access to both courses from the hotel."

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2025

Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge
Tucson Home w/ Patio & Games < 1 Mi to Park Place
Tucson Home w/ Patio & Games < 1 Mi to Park Place
3 out of 5
Tucson
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Tucson. Enjoy free parking, patios, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Pima Air and Space Museum and Park Place Mall are ...
Tucson Home w/ Patio & Games < 1 Mi to Park Place
Pet-friendly Tucson Vacation Rental w/ Huge Yard!
Pet-friendly Tucson Vacation Rental w/ Huge Yard!
3 out of 5
Tucson
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Tucson. Enjoy free parking, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Saguaro National Park and B & B Cactus Farm ...
Pet-friendly Tucson Vacation Rental w/ Huge Yard!
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

Reviews of Tucson

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1781
5 - Excellent 37%
4 - Good
2150
4 - Good 45%
3 - Okay
747
3 - Okay 16%
2 - Disappointing
84
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
41
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nothing unique, passing through

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler

Tucson is beautiful with excellent weather which I love but now it’s become a complete dump! I want to move away from this place.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Amazing sunsets

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Tucson rocks and this hotel provided affordable accommodations in a prime location.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Lots of places to eat and shop. Busy roads and lots of construction.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I love Tucson.

Cities near Tucson