Tucson

Travel 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 neighbourhoods 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 jewellery 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, theatre, 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

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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
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Catalina

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

Catalina
Downtown Tucson

Downtown Tucson

3.5/5(13 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
Tucson Botanical Gardens showing a garden

Midtown

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

Midtown
Tohono Chul Park which includes 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
Old Tucson Studios showing tranquil scenes and heritage elements

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 CA $62 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $62
CA $76 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
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! (5,338 reviews)
"Love this property! I stay here every time I go to Tucson!"

Reviewed on Aug. 21, 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 CA $113 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
CA $113
CA $132 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,832 reviews)
"Just super cool and easy parking for me with my dog. Dog friendly and live music."

Reviewed on Aug. 20, 2025

Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tucson Airport

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tucson Airport

3 out of 5
7001 S Tucson Blvd, Tucson, AZ
The price is CA $89 per night from Sep 6 to Sep 7
CA $89
CA $105 total
Sep 6 - Sep 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Tucson. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,815 reviews)
"Decent rooms quite and friendly staff"

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tucson Airport
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! (762 reviews)
"Some of the best mountain views you can get from any resort in tucson. Quite lots of grass were you can set down and enjoy the views"

Reviewed on Aug. 4, 2025

Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge
Landing Apartments near Tucson Convention Center

Landing Apartments near Tucson Convention Center

4 out of 5
20 S Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Tucson. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Tucson Mall and El Centro Cultural ...
Landing Apartments near Tucson Convention Center
Family Fun Vacation, Heated Pool, Spa, Game Room, Sauna, Putting Green...

Family Fun Vacation, Heated Pool, Spa, Game Room, Sauna, Putting Green...

Tucson
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Tucson. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Saguaro National Park ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (75 reviews)
Exceptional Host and Perfect Family Getaway!
"Our stay at Larry's property was absolutely fantastic! From the moment we arrived, Larry went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and comfortable.The Property:The house was perfect for our family vacation - clean, well-appointed, and had everything we needed. The game room was a huge hit with ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 14, 2025

Family Fun Vacation, Heated Pool, Spa, Game Room, Sauna, Putting Green...
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.

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