Attractions
San Xavier Del Bac
San Xavier del Bac is a historic Spanish Catholic mission located about 10 miles southwest of downtown Tucson. Often called the “White Dove of the Desert”, it is a beautifully preserved example of Spanish Colonial architecture. Construction began in 1783 and took over 14 years to complete. With its thick white stucco walls and ornate baroque interior, it is considered one of the finest examples of Spanish mission architecture in the United States.
Old Tucson
Old Tucson is a movie studio and theme park that replicates an American frontier town from the late 1800s. It has served as the filming location for countless Western movies and TV shows over the decades. Visitors can experience live-action stunt shows, gunfight re-enactments, shops, restaurants, and explore the movie set buildings.
AZ Sonoran Desert Museum
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a unique zoo, aquarium, botanical garden, and natural history museum all in one facility focused on the Sonoran Desert region. In addition to exhibits on desert plants, animals, geology, and Native American cultures, it features numerous hiking trails through various desert habitats.
Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo is a traditional city zoo located in central Tucson that is home to hundreds of animal species, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and many others. It features themed areas like Giraffe Island and Reptile Showcase.
Titan 2 Missile Museum
The Titan Missile Museum is located at the last surviving Titan II underground missile site, offering a look at the technology and history of the Air Force’s nuclear missile program during the Cold War era. Visitors can go below ground to view the missile silo facilities.
Biosphere
Biosphere 2 is a massive enclosed science research facility located in Oracle, Arizona that was intended to simulate conditions for a sustainable closed ecological system. It consists of several distinct biomes like rainforest, ocean, savannah, and more contained within glass pyramids. It is now operated by the University of Arizona.
Tombstone
The town of Tombstone is famous as one of the best-preserved examples of an Old West frontier town, with wooden boardwalks, historical buildings from the 1800s, and daily Historical Reenactments of things like the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
Bisbee
Bisbee is an old copper mining town in southeast Arizona known for its quirky atmosphere, winding hilly streets lined with colorful buildings, and vibrant arts community. Key attractions include the Copper Queen Mine and Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum
Saguaro national monument
Saguaro National Monument consists of two separate park units located on either side of Tucson showcasing dense stands of the iconic large saguaro cactus thriving within the Sonoran Desert ecosystem along with a wide range of other desert flora and fauna.
Sabino Canyon
Sabino Canyon is a popular recreation area in the Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson known for its numerous hiking trails alongside the creek through a beautiful desert canyon. The shuttle service provides access into the canyon without needing to hike in.
Mt Lemon
At an elevation of 9,157 feet, Mt. Lemmon is the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains accessible by a winding scenic byway. At the top is the small village of Summerhaven along with trails, campgrounds, and facilities allowing visitors to experience a cooler pine forest environment.
Chiricahua Mountains
The Chiricahua Mountains in southeast Arizona are known for their dramatically sculpted rock formations and hoodoos created through millions of years of erosion. This “Wonderland of Rocks” is protected within Chiricahua National Monument.
UA Basketball Games
The University of Arizona men’s basketball team has been a major force in college basketball, appearing in numerous NCAA tournaments. Catching one of their home games at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson is a popular experience for sports fans.
Gem Show
Every year in late January through mid-February, Tucson hosts the world’s largest gem and mineral show and sale with numerous shows, exhibits, and vendor tents occurring simultaneously across the city for several weeks.