Location: Tucson
Top Things to do in Tucson
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10 Free Things to do in Tucson That You Shouldn't Miss
Although Tucson's fantastic weather, national parks and forests and desert provide the perfect environment for tons of outdoor recreational activities, this city of half a million people also has its share of history and culture. With a history that goes back much further than many of its southwestern neighbors, Tucson boasts turn-of-the-century architecture, historic neighborhoods, museums and the Mission San Xavier del Bac, a still-functioning 18th-century mission considered one of the most beautiful in the U.S. Mexican and Native American influences are pervasive, and the city has a distinctly Western flavor. There's also a college-town atmosphere, thanks to the University of Arizona, which has its own share of museums and a science center. Whether golfing at a world-class golf resort, horseback riding, hiking in the wilderness, discovering desert flora and fauna at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum or exploring pre-Columbian and other art at the Tucson Art Museum, you'll have a mind-boggling array of things to do.
Restaurants in Tucson
1. Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,150 reviews
Reviewed By seb36 - Tucson, United States
We did this drive during the Covid 19 scare and just before the big fire. It was a perfect outing during the Covid 19 outbreak. You can stay in your car, or stop at various pull-off or trails and basically be all alone with few other visitors on this drive. It is a really educational and beautiful drive, staring out at the desert level and gradually going through multiple nature zones and changes of vegetation, trees, bushes, birds, etc until you get to the top, which is a high mountain zone with lots of green and trees and other nature -- just like mountain areas in Colorado or Canada. It makes us feel like we are on vacation, with all the changes in scenery and temperature. It was 98 degrees at the bottom and 67 degrees at the top. There couldn't be a better half day drive for those of us who have been feeling so very house bound. Actually we do this drive almost every season change and always marvel at the new things we see and feel. There is also a wonderful smartphone app that really helps you to understand the miraculous changes you are experiencing. Going down is like having different scenery even though it is the sam road, so the whole adventure is quit uplifting no matter when you go. Our batteries really get recharged and the trapped feeling lifts for quite a while.
2. B & B Cactus Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By jodiwaddell - Flowood, United States
My husband and I went on vacation to celebrate our anniversary. I discovered a fascination with cactus plants. This prompted me to check out B&B Cactus farm. The selection is amazing and the prices were great. The staff were very informative and extremely friendly. They were able to answer all of my questions about the different types and the proper care of the cacti we purchased. They also packaged the cacti to where they would not be damaged on the long trip back home ( we live in Mississippi). Loved the experience and we will definitely stop there again when we make another trip out.
3. Sweetwater Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By richandtrudi - Colorado Springs, United States
This was a great place to hike with our dog. In March, it was not too hot. The are is very well signed with some great views of Saguaros. Make sure to keep your dog on a leash - lots of painful things to poke their noses in.
4. Gadsden-Pacific Division Toy Train Operating Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
THE MUSEUM IS CURRENTLY CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. Please check our Website GPDtrains.org. Open House SUNDAYS, September thru May. Indoor Toy operating Train Layouts located in our 6,000 SF building , "G" Scale to "Z". Children's Wooden Train Table layout, the ever-favorite Kid operated "Thomas the Tank Engine" layout. Outdoor Displays include our Rio Grande Caboose and 7.5" Ride-on-Train (weather & Staffing permitting) Browse the Gift / Hobby Shop with Train themed merchandise and new & used model trains and accessories. All volunteer operated, Not For Profit organization. Admission. Donations are Appreciated. Check Our new Website, Facebook & Twitter for Updates & info.
Reviewed By 251wesleyc - Tucson, United States
Most kids my age had a Lionel toy train set growing up -- This place will bring back all of those fond memories! The Museum is run by dedicated, enthusiastic volunteers, so it's only open afternoons on the 2nd & 4th Sundays each month (check their website to verify the hours of operation). Admission is free. There is a nice giftshop and there were some food trucks on the side of the street. The trains, of course, are the main attraction and they cover almost every inch of a large warehouse and an outside garden. There's a small train ride which circles the grounds and a full-size Caboose which you can tour. If you have kids/grandkids or want to relive your own childhood, this is the place!
5. Wasson Peak
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By darwinmoore - Spring, United States
A very rewarding hike. We did it from the King's Canyon parking lot, up to the peak and then back on the Hugh Norris trail. The first part of the hike is not that scenic, but it gets increasingly better as you go. As others have described, the 360 view at the top is fabulous and worth the effort, but the descent down the Norris trail stays great for most of the way, too. Yes, there's elevation gain, but if you can persevere and handle switchbacks, there's nothing that hard; no mountain goat trails or rock scrambling. We benefited from blue skies and moderate temps, but I bet this could be a scorcher at the wrong time of year.
6. Mission San Xavier del Bac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,326 reviews
Built in the 1700s, this recently restored white adobe church, representing a wonderful example of Spanish colonial architecture, is beautiful inside and out, with colorful frescoes, sculptures and carvings.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
The Mission San Xavier del Bac is an historic Spanish Catholic church located about 10 miles south of downtown Tucson, Arizona, on the Tohono O'odham Nation San Xavier Indian Reservation, along the Santa Cruz River. Founded in 1692, the original church destroyed during a Apache raid in 1770. The mission that survives today was built between 1783 and 1797 and is the oldest European structure in Arizona. An outstanding example of Spanish Colonial architecture, it features an elegant white stucco, Moorish-inspired exterior with an ornately decorated entrance with massive, carved mesquite-wood doors. The interior features paintings, carvings, frescoes and statues with a rich ornamentation that mixes New Spain and Native American artistic motifs. The floor plan of the church resembles the classic Latin cross with a main aisle separated from the sanctuary by the transept, which has chapels at each end. The dome above the transept is 52 feet high and supported by arches and squinches. The church is considered to be the finest example of Spanish mission architecture in the United States. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. The mission made a cameo appearance in Willa Cather's 1927 novel Death Comes for the Archbishop when it was described as "the most beautiful church on the continent." Today, it continues to be actively run by the Franciscan Order and continues to serve the native community.
7. DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 573 reviews
On the National Register of Historic Places, this legendary landmark of Southwestern art and architecture was designed and built by acclaimed Arizona artist Ted DeGrazia. The 10-acre foothills site includes the adobe gallery with permanent and rotating exhibits, mission with interior murals, gift shop, cactus courtyard, the artist’s home, and his grave. Open daily 10-4, closed on these days: New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Plenty of parking and handicap accessible. Admission Fees – $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for ages 12-18, under 12 are free. An annual individual membership is $25.00, with two buddy passes or an annual family membership is $55.00, with four buddy passes.
Reviewed By Kkoleary - Scottsdale, United States
This museum was well laid out. Each room represented a different theme for the artist. I had never heard of DeGrazia so really appreciated all the interesting details of his life along with seeing and hearing his views of his work. You really need to explore the compound to fully appreciate this museum. There is a nice courtyard where you can wander amount the cacti with a fountain. To the left of the museum is a church, little space for visiting artists, and his original house tucked in the back. If you plan to watch the video (recommended) this should take 1.5 to 2 hours.
8. Tucson Mountain Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 391 reviews
A 20,000-acre desert natural preserve that accommodates many outdoor activities.
Reviewed By Cheriontheroad
A beautiful area west of Tucson with lots of hikes that range from easy to challenging. Truly a desert experience with great views of Tucson.
9. St. Augustine Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By Gypsy1102 - Boston, United States
When we are in Tucson, we always drop in here for a moment of silent and retreat from our daily business. It is a lovely place to recharge and refuel the soul. Visit this place .. take int eh quiet take in the peace and enjoy the elegant beauty of the building itself.
10. University of Arizona
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 586 reviews
Whether we are orbiting an asteroid or determining how we feed 9 billion people, Arizona Wildcats are continually looking to explore, experiment and expand. The campus is home to a variety of attractions to fill your day. From living laboratories to world-class fine art to cultural attractions there is something for everyone. We also have free, public tours available during academic year. See, play, explore, Arizona. Visit our website for more information: http://visitorcenter.arizona.edu/
Reviewed By jhunga530104 - Tucson, United States
The campus is very attractive and pleasant to walk through. They have a botanical garden, a fine art museum, a terrific collection of Ansel Adams and other photography, a poetry center, a giant mirror to study the stars, often an evening dance, music, or theater performance to attend, a large bookstore, and of course many athletic events.
