Tucson

Travel Guide

Tucson which includes desert views
Tucson
Tucson
Tucson featuring desert views
Titan Missile Museum which includes heritage elements

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

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Catalina Foothills

If you're spending some time in Catalina Foothills, St. Phillips Plaza and La Encantada are top sights worth seeing.

Catalina Foothills
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Catalina

Catalina is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Catalina State Park and Catalina Neighborhood Park.

Catalina
Downtown Tucson which includes night scenes and a city

Downtown Tucson

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
Tohono Chul Park showing 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
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Tanque Verde

Tanque Verde is noteworthy for its golf courses, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Agua Caliente Park and Arizona National Golf Club.

Tanque Verde
Tucson Botanical Gardens which includes a park

Midtown

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

Midtown
3 Palms Tucson North Foothills

3 Palms Tucson North Foothills

3 out of 5
7411 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ
The price is P2,473 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
P2,473
P3,028 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
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! (5,201 reviews)
"ooo"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 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 P5,257 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
P5,257
P6,124 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
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! (2,798 reviews)
"loved the art, and the fact that they pffered a kitchen that came stocked with everything you needto cook a meal. Except the food"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine
Lodge on the Desert

Lodge on the Desert

4 out of 5
306 North Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly resort in Tucson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,896 reviews)
"Loved it! Very nice place, very accessible. Restaurant was delicious"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Lodge on the Desert
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! (757 reviews)
"Beautiful place and lovely room - only downfall was that they had construction early in the morning"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 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
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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