Location: Tucson
Top Things to do in Tucson
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10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day 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. Philabaum Glass Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
This is a gallery of contemporary art glass from artists across the country; the only all-glass gallery in Southern Arizona. One can shop for gifts, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind pieces of art for your special niche. Free parking on the street and in the rear. Lunch restaurants close by. Fall,Winter,Spring hours: 10-5. Summer hours: 11-4.
Reviewed By rdsm77 - Tucson, United States
Was planning on going to other museums and galleries downtown and only found out about this place when looking at Google maps. So glad I visited. They have lovely glass items on display and some are ridiculously intricate. Too bad they no longer have glassblowing demonstrations as that would make the visit perfect. Plenty of parking in the back. Very helpful staff. Everything is pretty pricey, but the tiki mugs are adorable and affordable.
2. Franklin Auto Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 142 reviews
For more than 40 years, the home of the late collector Tom Hubbard has been the center of Franklin Automobile history. Featuring more than 20 antique and classic Franklin automobiles, as well as a collection of prehistoric artifacts collected by archaeologist Alice Carpenter, the museum is located in a quiet subdivision in the center of Tucson. Open from mid-October to mid-May, Wednesday through Saturday; 10A to 4P. We open for the Fall-Winter-Spring 2019-2020 season on Wednesday 16 October 2019 at 10AM. Large groups are requested to call ahead. We are closed during the summer months.
Reviewed By N8231LHpablop
We had a private tour there, and Anthony was the greatest tour guide, got there.... it's a Tucson must, he also fixes old watches, a gem of man!
3. H. F. Coors
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By 919treys
H.F. Coors is one of those pleasant 'Tucson Surprises' that many of their own residents don't know about. This is a really interesting pottery and dinnerware factory that apparently is a top notch name, particularly in restaurants, colleges, etc. all over the U.S. I took a tour and saw their manufacturing process and their employees, all steadily working at a variety of stations, producing a lot of really unique lines of pottery and dinnerware that would eventually roll out the end of a very long kiln. VERY INTERESTING to just watch! They make a very DURABLE line of products, practically unbreakable. And are very proud to make '100% Made in America' products. They also have a lot of very unique, limited edition pieces and sets available in the gift shop - which is a tour in and of itself. Very nice. So if you are visiting Tucson, or even a resident that has never heard of H.F. Coors - look 'em up. You might want to check ahead for their tours and special events, but I'm sure their store is open every day. I had a great time, learned a lot, and hope to visit again when I am in town..
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. Etherton Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By 683michelley - Tucson, United States
Tucked away next to Downtown Kitchen, right by the Post Office, is this old, two story building that houses an eclectic collection of revolving artists and exhibits. The building itself is a work of art, and the rooms hold photos by a vast array of photographers from 19th century to modern day, encompassing every subject you can imagine. If you have ever taken a picture, of anything or anyone, you will find something here to give you pause, make you think, inspire you to dream. Mixed media exhibits by local artists, paintings, and sculptures that represent the region, every room is a feast. Excellent afternoon, and, get this, Free admission!!
6. Arizona State Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
The oldest anthropological museum in the region, the Arizona State Museum has been collecting and interpreting the cultures of the Southwest since 1893.
Reviewed By 251wesleyc - Tucson, United States
Located on the University of Arizona Campus near the Main Gate. A large section of the Museum (Paths of Life) traces the history of 10 indigenous peoples who lived in Arizona and Sonora, Mexico including the Tohono O'odham and Pascua Yaqui tribes which are still present in Pima County. The highlight of the Museum for me was the outstanding collections of Native American pottery & baskets. ASM has over 20,000 baskets and over 20,000 pottery items. Only a small fraction are on display -- the rest are in climate controlled vaults. Non-flash photography is allowed. There is no snack bar/cafe, but there is a very nice gift shop where you can buy authentic Native American art & crafts. Definitely worth a visit!
7. International Wildlife Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 317 reviews
The International Wildlife Museum is dedicated to increasing knowledge of and appreciation for the diverse wildlife of the world, as well as explaining the role of wildlife management in conservation. Founded in 1988, the museum has over 400 kinds of insects, mammals and birds from all over the globe. Some of the collections are more than 100 years old and all the species found at the museum were donated by various government agencies, wildlife rehabilitation centers, captive breeding programs, zoos and individuals. The museum features a collection of animals from all over the world, along with dioramas re-creating the natural environment in which these animals live. Your visit is an excellent opportunity to see animals up close and gain a better understanding of their size and adaptive characteristics. The museum has many touchable specimens on display. All exhibits are indoors and the facility is wheelchair accessible and air-conditioned.
Reviewed By BobKathy - New Orleans, United States
You couldn't ask for a better museum to learn about animals, birds and insects from around the world. The museum has 400 donated specimens that teach you about their color, diet and habitat. People of all ages will enjoy seeing them and learning about them. The dioramas make everything come to life.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 260 reviews
The Tucson Museum of Art was founded 1924. It is Southern Arizona's premier presenter of fine art and art education programs. The Museum features permanent and traveling exhibitions of Modern and Contemporary, Native American, American West, Latin American, and Asian art. The main Museum, a contemporary architectural gem, has nearly 20,000 square feet of exhibition space. The Museum's Historic Block of 19th and 20th C. adobe and Mission Revival-style buildings, encompassing an entire four-acre city block, includes the John K. Goodman Pavilion of Western Art, displaying the Museum's notable art of the American West collection, the national award-winning Museum restaurant Café a la C'Art, and additional exhibition spaces.
Reviewed By seb36 - Tucson, United States
We just visited the art museum after it re-opened following Covi19 closure. It was in the afternoon and there we only 2 other couples there and 2 singles. We never even got close to anyone! Of course masks and social distancing are required. We went to visit the opening of the new Kasser Latin American wing and the exhibits were really wonderful, as were the brief descriptions next to each display . Lot of ancient Peruvian art which was a treat for us. The new Southwest Art exhibit was incredibly interesting and fun. Very, very colorful and it is cultural as well as artistic. Again, the descriptions were terrific. Both of these 2 nre exhibits were on the entry level, along with a charming and varied gift shop full of unique items. There is a slowly declining ramp that goes down about two floors that is full of wonderful paintings, sculptures from the permanent collection.-- with lots of rooms at each level full of treasures. Since the space is huge, the objects are not crowded and the effect is impressive. Items are grouped by culture or style or artist so it all makes sense. We are members so we go fairly often, especially for new exhibits. It is always a treat and makes you think of new areas of exploration and thoghts. There is a link to the floor plan for your smartphone so you will know where you are during your tour.
