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
Tucson Botanical Gardens which includes a park

Midtown

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

Midtown
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
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 P2,650 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P2,650
P3,245 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (5,282 reviews)
A great stay
"Very nice clean room with a very comfortable bed."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 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 P5,129 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P5,129
P5,975 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
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! (2,820 reviews)
"Everything is effortless from check in to the pool and bar! Rooms are so dope and spacious! The staff are all amazing, friendly and ready to assist! The hotel is quiet with plenty of fun activities!"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 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
The price is P6,405 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P6,405
P7,405 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,906 reviews)
"This place was peaceful. The rooms are very spacious. Beds are comfortable and the towels are soft and fluffy. The pool is a little small and the room didn't have a microwave. The onsite restaurant food was great."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 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! (758 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
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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