Tucson, also known as the “City of Sunshine,” offers a perfect blend of cultural and natural attractions that will keep visitors engaged. The warm and dry climate is the main attraction that draws tourists and snowbirds to the area. Whether it’s basking in the sun, playing golf in the winter or lounging by the pool at one of the luxury resorts, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Tucson.
The city is also home to several unique museums, historical sites, great shopping, and dining options. The surrounding mountains and desert provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, camping and scenic drives.
Additionally, Tucson makes an ideal base for day trips to nearby small towns like Tombstone, Bisbee and Tubac. Tombstone is a historic Western Town, Bisbee is a mining town and Tubac is an artists’ colony that is home to several art and trinket shops.
Here is a list of top tourist attractions in Tucson that you can consider visiting:
Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Explore the desert landscape of Tucson at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a unique family-friendly destination that combines a zoo, natural history museum, and botanical garden. Discover displays featuring native animals and plants, including endangered species such as the Mexican wolf, thick-billed parrot, ocelot, and more. Wander the paths and watch hummingbirds flitting from flower to flower, or explore the gem, mineral, and fossil collections. Don’t miss the live animal presentations, including the Raptor Free Flight, and unexpected features like a stingray touch tank and an aquarium showcasing desert aquatic life.
Drive Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway
Escape the city and take a leisurely drive on the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway, located just 15 miles outside of Tucson. This 27-mile one-way road winds its way up the Santa Catalina Range and offers a chance to experience different ecosystems and breathtaking views of mountains and valleys. Starting in the desert, the road will take you through cacti to towering pine trees, small streams, and beautiful lakes. At the top, stop in at the Mount Lemmon Cookie Cabin for a delicious treat. Along the way, there are campgrounds and hiking trails, and the road is perfect for road biking. Count on at least two hours for the drive, but an afternoon with a picnic lunch is ideal.
See the Desert at Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park provides a chance to see the Sonoran Desert, both east and west of Tucson. The park is home to the iconic saguaro cactus, the tallest species in North America, and offers hiking trails to spot wildlife such as Gila woodpeckers, cactus wrens, desert tortoises, jackrabbits, and Gila monsters. The park is divided into two sections: Saguaro East, which is easily accessible and has a scenic drive with short hikes, and Saguaro West, which is farther out and has longer and more rugged hikes. Gilbert Ray Campground is nearby for camping.
El Presidio Historic District
The El Presidio Historic District is one of the oldest inhabited sites in the USA, and has a rich history of Hohokam Indians, Spanish military fort and the city of Tucson. The district features a mix of Spanish-Mexican and Anglo-American architecture, along with beautifully restored adobe houses. The main attraction is Old Town Artisans, a restored 1850s marketplace with galleries and stores selling art, jewelry, crafts, home decor, and other items by artists from Tucson and around the state. Visitors can also dine at El Charo Café, the oldest continuously operating family-owned Mexican restaurant in the United States, and the birthplace of the chimichanga.
Explore the Trails in Tucson Mountain Park
Located just west of Tucson, Tucson Mountain Park offers 20,000 acres of Sonoran Desert landscape, including an extensive trail system for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. It is home to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and is adjacent to the west section of Saguaro National Park. Wildlife such as mountain lions and bobcats can be spotted in the park, and it also features the well-maintained Gilbert Ray Campground.
Pima Air and Space Museum
The Pima Air and Space Museum is the largest privately funded air museum in the world, with over 400 aircraft and spacecraft on display. Explore historical aircraft, advanced models and special exhibits like John F Kennedy’s presidential plane, a replica of a 1903 Wright Brothers Flyer, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Orbis DC 10 Flying Eye Hospital. Along with the aircraft, the museum also houses over 125,000 flight-related artifacts, including a moon rock. The planes are spread out over 80 acres and six hangars, and tram tours are led by knowledgeable guides, with an additional fee for the “Boneyard” tour. Plan to visit early in the day during hot months as the larger planes are displayed outdoors.
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Tucson offers a variety of outdoor and indoor activities for visitors to enjoy, from exploring the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert to delving into the rich history of aviation. Whether you’re visiting the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, taking a scenic drive on Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway, hiking the trails of Tucson Mountain Park, or exploring the exhibits at Pima Air and Space Museum, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. However, if you are a Tucson resident, it’s important to have your home’s glass in good condition. Accidents happen and if you need a Home glass repair Tucscan, it’s important to have a reliable service that can help you to have a clear view of the beautiful vistas that Tucson has to offer.