A few weeks ago, I decided to make the journey south from Phoenix to Tucson. This was not my first time in Tucson. As a native Arizonan, I had visited this southwest city countless times over the years. While I was there, I decided to revisit some of my favorite places and discovered a few hidden gems along the way. Arizona visitors often overlook Tucson, spending their time exploring its larger neighbor, Phoenix. However, Tucson has much to offer. That is why I created a three day itinerary of highlights for those planning a visit.
Day One
On your first day in Tucson, get an early start and head over to Saguaro National Park. Saguaro National Park gets its name from the saguaro cactus. This cactus only grows in the Sonoran desert. It is the largest cactus found in the United States, growing over 12 meters in height. Saguaro National Park is split into two parts, which are located on opposite sides of the city. Tucson Mountain District lies west of Tucson, while Rincon Mountain District is located east of the city. Rincon Mountain District, the larger section of the park, is known for its mountain views and its plethora of hiking trails. Tucson Mountain District is lower in elevation and has a higher concentration of saguaro cacti. If you have limited time, I suggest visiting Tucson Mountain District to have a better opportunity to view saguaro cacti in the Sonoran desert landscape. Entrance to the park is $25 per vehicle. I recommend making your trip to Saguaro National Park early in the day to avoid crowds. If you are visiting in the summer, this is also the time with the most pleasant weather. Expect to spend several hours exploring the park. Pack a picnic and remember to bring plenty of water. Take one of the park’s many hiking trails or simply drive around and stop at the lookout points.
Following your visit to Saguaro National Park, check out Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. This highly rated museum is located next to Saguaro National Park’s Tucson Mountain District and is one of Tucson’s best attractions. The natural history museum boasts over 200 species of animals and over 1,000 species of plants. Here you can learn about the Sonoran desert and its neighboring ecosystems through interactive exhibits that are fun for all ages. The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum has an aquarium, walk-in aviaries, a reptile and invertebrate exhibit, two miles of walking paths through the Sonoran desert, and so much more. The museum is open daily from 7:30am – 5:00pm in the summer and from 8:30am – 5:00pm in the winter. Admission is $23.95 for adults, with discounts for children (under 12), seniors, military, and Arizona residents. The museum suggests visitors allow two hours to properly explore the displays. Spend the afternoon exploring the different exhibits and be sure to take a stroll along the outdoor walking paths. Keep a lookout for wildlife!
After a long day of walking around in the sun, you’ll want to relax. End your day by heading to one of Tucson’s many breweries for dinner and drinks. I highly recommend Borderlands Brewery in downtown Tucson. Order the AZ beer tour to try out a selection of local beers and pair it with some of the brewery’s signature tacos. You won’t be disappointed.
Day Two
Begin your second day in Tucson at San Xavier Del Bac Mission. San Xavier Del Bac is a Spanish Catholic mission and is the oldest example of European architecture in Arizona. This stunning baroque-style piece of Spanish Colonial architecture was built in 1797. The interior features frescos and sculptures, with a mix of New Spanish and Native American art influences. The church has become an iconic symbol of Tucson with over 200,000 visitors a year. San Xavier Del Bac Mission is located just off I-19 on the Tohono O’odham Nation reservation. It is open to visitors daily from 9:00am – 12:00pm and is free to enter. Spend some time wandering the grounds and taking in the beauty of this mission.
Next, head to the Pima Air and Space Museum. Pima Air and Space Museum is one of the largest non-government funded aerospace museums in the world, with a collection of over 400 aircraft and 125,000 artifacts spread across 80 acres. The museum consists of a main hangar, along with three additional hangars, dedicated to World War II aircraft and memorabilia. Admission includes access to the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame, the Dorothy Finley Aerospace Gallery, and the 390th Memorial Museum. Pima Air and Space Museum is open seven days a week from 9:00am – 5:00pm, with last admission at 3:00pm. Tickets to the museum cost $16.50 for adults, $10 for children (under 12), and $13.50 for Pima County residents, active military, and seniors. The Pima Air and Space Museum is one of the most impressive aerospace museums I have ever seen. It has an incredible collection of aircraft on display and is definitely worth a visit.
If you are feeling hungry, be sure to try a Sonoran hotdog. This Tucson specialty is a hotdog wrapped in bacon and topped with beans, onions, tomatoes, green salsa, and mayonnaise served on a bun. My favorite spots for Sonoran hot dogs are El Guero Canelo, El Perro Loco, and El Sinaloense.
End your day in downtown Tucson. Downtown is broken into different districts, each with its own character. Explore the streets of Tucson’s Fourth Avenue District in search of the many murals or simply check out quirky shops and restaurants. In neighboring Presidio District, is the Tucson Museum of Art. This historic district is known for artisan shops and authentic Sonoran-style Mexican food. While you are there, be sure to stop by the beloved El Charro Cafe, which has been in continual operation since 1922. Congress Street District is located in the epicenter of Tucson and is known for its old-meets-new style. Here you will find the Fox Tucson Theater, a popular venue for live music and theater. Just up the street is the Cathedral of Saint Augustine, a Catholic church built in the late 19th century. Take your time walking around downtown Tucson. Explore the sites and get dinner at one of the UNESCO City of Gastronmy’s many local restaurants.
Day Three
On your final day, head to Kartchner Caverns State Park. Kartchner Caverns State Park is located about an hour southeast of downtown Tucson and is known for its large system of living limestone caves. Admission to the park is $7 per vehicle, however, this does not include entrance to the caves. In order to visit the caves, you will need to make a reservation for a tour. There are four different tours in operation: Photo Tour, Rotunda/Throne Tour, Big Room Tour and Saturday Helmet & Headlamp Tour. The Photo Tour is the most expensive at $125 (this is the only tour where you are allowed to take pictures). The Rotunda/Throne Tour is $23 for adults, $13 for children ages 7-13, and $5 for children under 7. During this tour, you learn about cave formation and can see Kubla Khan, the largest column formation in the state. The Big Room Tour is $23 for adults, $13 for children ages 7-13, and shares information about the discovery of Kartchner Caverns. It should be noted that the Rotunda/Throne Tour and Big Room Tour are seasonal. The Saturday Helmet & Headlamp Tour is $30. Participants wear helmets and are guided by the light from their headlamps. The tour goes through either the Rotunda/Throne or Big Room, depending on time of year and which cave is currently open for viewing. Of the tours, I recommend the Saturday Helmet & Headlamp Tour, which duplicates the experience of early cave explorers.
Next, make the hour drive west to the Titan Missile Museum. The museum houses an inert Titan II Intercontinental ballistic missile in a silo along with its launch facilities. This is the last remaining Cold War era Titan II missile in the United States. The Titan Missile Museum is open daily from 9:45am – 5:00pm. Summer has reduced hours–the museum is only open from 9:45am – 3:00pm. Tours of the site are $13.50 for adults, $10 for children ages 5-12, $1 for children under 5, and $12.50 for seniors, military and Pima County residents. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and takes participants 35 feet underground into the missile complex. On the tour, guides brief visitors on the history of the Cold War and the missile site. Guests view the missile’s control room, where they experience a simulated missile launch, then get an up-close view of the Titan missile. After the tour, visitors can explore the surface of the complex. This is one of the most unique museums I have ever visited and should not be missed. End your day by heading back to Tucson.
Tucson has much to offer. I have compiled a short list of some of my favorite attractions in Tucson and the surrounding area. However, there are many more sites worth visiting. If you have extra time, I recommend visiting Biosphere 2, the Tucson Botanical Gardens, and the Arizona State Museum. I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip and enjoy your stay!
