Tucson
©Kris Davidson/Lonely Planet
Overview
A college town with a long history, Tucson (too-sawn) is attractive, fun-loving and one of the most culturally invigorating places in the Southwest. Set in a flat valley hemmed in by snaggletoothed mountains and swaths of saguaro, Arizona's second-largest city smoothly blends American Indian, Spanish, Mexican and Anglo traditions. Distinct neighborhoods and 19th-century buildings give a rich sense of community and history not found in more modern, sprawling Phoenix. The eclectic shops toting vintage garb, scores of funky restaurants and dive bars don't let you forget Tucson is a college town at heart, home turf to the 45,000-strong University of Arizona (UA).
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Tucson
Saguaros (sah-wah-ros) are icons of the American Southwest, and an entire cactus army of these majestic, ribbed sentinels is protected in this desert…
Tucson
Home to cacti, coyotes and palm-sized hummingbirds, this 98-acre ode to the Sonoran Desert is one part zoo, one part botanical garden and one part museum …
-
Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
Tucson
Divided into the Enchanted Realm, Exploring the World and the History Gallery, this delightful museum of miniatures presents dioramas that are fantastical…
Tucson
The dazzling white towers of this mission rise from the dusty desert floor 8 miles south of Tucson – a mesmerizing structure that brings an otherworldly…
Tucson
Linking historic downtown and the university, lively 4th Ave is a rare breed: a rough-around-the-edges, alt-flavored strip with not a single chain store…
Tucson
An SR-71 Blackbird spy plane and a massive B-52 bomber are among the stars of this extraordinary private aircraft museum. Allow at least two hours to…
Tucson
Sabino Canyon, a lush, pretty and shaded mini-gorge, is well worth a visit in fine weather. Narrated hop-on, hop-off tram tours along the Sabino Canyon…
Tucson
The Tucson Museum of Art is part of this low-key neighborhood, bounded by W 6th St, W Alameda St, N Stone Ave and Granada Ave, and embracing the site of…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Free Things to Do
If you're looking for free things to do in Tucson, we have nine of the best attractions to start with, from hikes to historic neighborhoods.
Read articleArticles
Latest stories from Tucson
Food and Drink
Local Flavor: the best places to eat and drink in Tucson, ArizonaJun 4, 2024 • 5 min read
- Art and CultureUnexpected beauty: 5 things to see in Tucson’s timeless Sonoran Desert
Dec 17, 2021 • 4 min read
Health & WellnessWhy you should spend a wellness weekend in Tucson’s Catalina FoothillsDec 17, 2021 • 3 min read
- Food and DrinkTouring Tucson by taste: Best bites in the sun-drenched city
Dec 17, 2021 • 5 min read
in partnership with getyourguide