Why Tucson Should Be on Your Weekend Radar: Things to See, Do, and Eat
Cruising south on Interstate 10 from Phoenix, you leave behind the busy sprawl of Arizona’s biggest city. Before long, you roll into Tucson the second-largest city tucked into the heart of the Sonoran Desert.
Right away, Tucson feels different. It’s got that old desert town vibe you don’t always catch in Phoenix. The landscape looks a little wilder, more natural. Homes lean into the adobe style, low and earthy, blending right into the desert around them. Even the landscape is more native looking. You can view thousands of saguaros. Suburbs swap grassy lawns for beautiful xeriscapes filled with native plants and rock gardens.
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Tucson, Arizona Overview
Most weekends, Phoenix folks tend to head north towards cooler pines and mountain towns. But if you haven’t made the trip south yet, you’re missing out. Tucson has a spirit all its own, and it’s packed with some of the best sights, flavors, and experiences in Arizona.
Although the metro area is home to more than 700,000 residents, it still retains a small southwestern town feel. Situated in the Sonoran Desert, the views in this city are stunning.
Things to do in Tucson
Tucson knows how to pack a punch when it comes to adventures. Whether you love hiking trails, unique museums, desert gardens, or old western towns, this city has something for everyone. Here are some of my favorites:
- Sabino Canyon
- Sonoran Desert Museum
- Saguaro National Park
- Mt. Lemmon
- Tohono Chul Park
- Old Tucson Studio
- Picacho Peak
- Largest Gem & Rock Show
- Museum of Miniatures
- Biosphere 2
- Gem & Mineral Show
Picacho Peak
If you’re visiting Tucson in the spring, don’t miss Picacho Peak! About 40 minutes (halfway between Phoenix and Tucson) before you hit downtown, you’ll see the rugged peak rising from the desert floor.In good rain years, this area absolutely explodes with bright yellow, orange, and purple wildflowers carpeting the desert.
Sabino Canyon & The Santa Catalina Mountains
If you love the outdoors, Sabino Canyon is calling your name. Nestled inside the Santa Catalina Mountains or “the Catalinas,” this spot is one of Tucson’s most loved escapes.
You can hop on a tram that winds through the canyon, getting off at several trailheads along the way. Hike to a seasonal waterfall, marvel at the giant saguaros, or just sit and soak in the incredible desert views.
Tucson is surrounded by mountains on every side. The Santa Catalina Mountains is the most prominent mountain range. Other mountain ranges include the Santa Ritas, the Rincons, the Tucson Mountains, and the Tortolitas. So wherever you go, you’ll have a rugged backdrop.
Visit the Sonoran Desert Museum
Part zoo, part botanical garden, part museum the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum is one of the top attractions in Tucson. Spread out over almost 100 acres, it gives you a true taste of the Sonoran Desert. I loved the hummingbird viewing area.
You’ll wander trails that show off the desert’s beauty, spot animals like mountain lions and coyotes in naturalistic settings, and maybe even catch a hummingbird zipping by at the special viewing area.
Scenic Drive or Hike through Saguaro National Park
There’s nothing quite like seeing a whole forest of saguaros stretching to the horizon. Saguaro National Park, surrounds Tucson on both the east and west sides. A forest of these giant symbols of the southwest is a must see.
If you can time your visit for late May or early June, you’ll catch the saguaros blooming. Whether you drive one of the scenic loops or hike among these gentle giants, you’re going to want your camera ready.
Mt. Lemmon
Ready for a change of scenery? Hop on the 25-mile scenic drive up Mt. Lemmon . This is the paved byway trail in the rugged Santa Catalina Mountains. As you climb higher, the desert gives way to tall pines and cooler mountain air.
Along the way, there are plenty of pull-offs where you can snap photos or just stop to breathe it all in. If you make it to the top, there’s even a small town called Summerhaven where you can grab a bite to eat, relax or take a hike.
Tohono Chul Park
Tucked away in the city’s northwest corner, Tohono Chul Park. feels like a secret garden. Spread across nearly 50 acres, it features nine distinct gardens including a hummingbird garden, a butterfly garden, and a Penstemon garden that lights up with color.
Keep an eye out for the rare Crested Saguaro! And if you’re lucky enough to visit in June or July, you might catch the Queen of the Night blooming a rare flower event that only happens once a year, after dark.
7366 N. Paseo Del Norte in Tucson.
Old Tucson Studios | Old West
Old Tucson Studios is pure western fun. Originally built in the 1930s as a movie set, it later transformed into a film studio and family-friendly attraction.
Today, you can watch live stunt shows, wander through old movie sets, and even catch a live gunfight re-enactment in this 1860’s replica town. It’s perfect whether you’re a fan of classic westerns or just love the idea of stepping into the “Wild West” for an afternoon.
It is located in Tucson Mountain park near the Tucson Mountains. If you like western movies (many were filmed here) or just want to see “the wild west” this is a fun place to go with or without kids. Old Tucson Studios has rides for the kids including a carousel, train rides,wagon rides, petting zoo area.
See live gunfights performed by actors and stuntmen as well as other shows throughout the day. View some famous western movie sets, film memorabilia and authentic items from the old west.
Historic Barrio Architecture
Tucson is home to some truly beautiful historic barrios where history and color come alive. Strolling through these areas, you’ll find charming Sonoran-style adobe row houses painted in bright, cheerful hues that make every street feel like a work of art. I’m a huge fan of historic homes, and love the gorgeous colors and subtle hues mixed in this historic neighborhood. Many of these homes were built between the mid-1800s and early 1900s, giving the neighborhoods an authentic, old-world feel that’s full of character and Southwest charm.
Largest Gem & Rock Show in the USA
Rockhounds, this one’s for you. The Annual Gem & Rock Show held every winter is attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. Hundreds of vendors set up shop all over the city, and it becomes a glittering, sparkling wonderland for anyone who loves geology, jewelry, or rare stones.
The main show is at the Tucson Convention Center, however, there are more than 40 vendors throughout the city. The entire city welcomes gem and mineral collectors, museum employees, dealers, retailers, researchers, and the public together for a week you won’t forget.
Bring your walking shoes, the convention center has more than 180,000 square feet of exhibits to explore.
Other Popular Tucson Area Attractions:
Tucson Eats
Tucson is a foodie city and UNESCO agrees. They gave Tucson the honor of being the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States. If you’re visiting Tucson you must try a Sonoran hot dog. For Sonoran food, visit El Charro Cafe. They are a historic restaurant in Tucson and are credited for introducing the chimichanga to us all.
Day Trips from Tucson
