Best Things to Do in Tucson, Arizona
For several travel enthusiasts, Arizona is one of the best vacation spots in the world. It is packed full of tourist spots and must-see places that offer unique features to the visitors yearning for a refreshing vacation. That said, knowing what to do when you’re there can be hard since there are many options, and unless you’re a local, you’re going to have limited time.
Tucson has the reputation for being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the United States, so it comes as no surprise that there is much to do in this stunning desert metropolis. Often referred to as the “City of Sunshine”, Tucson has much to offer – from challenging trail runs in the Sabino Canyon to the flora and fauna of Tucson Botanical Gardens.
Let’s take a look at the best things to do in Tucson, Arizona.
Attractions in Phoenix
The Arizona Desert Museum
The Desert Museum in Arizona offers various exhibits to bring attention to geotourism in the area. Compared to what other museums may look like, this museum sits in a natural setting that gives the visitors of this museum a mixed feeling of being in the wild while staying in touch with modern society.
Apart from the several animals you’re going to see here; there are different kinds of exotic plants, rock formations, mineral deposits, and fossils.
The Saguaro Park
While several people (even some locals) don’t know about this spot, the Saguaro Park in Arizona has the largest cacti in America. As the name may suggest, the Saguaro cacti found in this park are often used for several product labels, stories, and movies. Quite simply, the Saguaro has become the symbol for the natural western parts of America, and on most occasions, people often relate a photo of a cactus with the west.
The Saguaro Park in Arizona offers visitors a unique escape unlike any other they’ve seen before. If you’re an adventure-hungry, thrill-seeking wildlife enthusiast, you’ll think Saguaro has been your true calling all along. You’re also going to find campsites nearby, so make sure you come with your marshmallows and tent. Trust us; Saguaro has to be on your itinerary.
The Sabino Recreational Area
This spot has large canyons, exciting trails, mountains, wild plants, and mountain lions. The western canyons that you’re going to find in this desert are popular for tram rides, particularly those trying to take a break from the desert heat. For several tourists and locals, this is a cool spot for hiking, mountain biking, and trekking, too.
The Reid Zoo
Reid Park Zoo is one of Tucson’s oldest and most recognized attractions with a wide collection of rare animals. Visitors can watch lions, tigers, giraffes, bears, and other beasts of the jungle room about in their natural habitat. The zoo is arranged in a large loop interspersed with three smaller loops including the Tropical Trail, Expedition Tanzania, and Lee H. Brown Family Conservation Learning Center.
One of the most memorable experiences are the “Daily Activities” including Giraffe Counter where visitors can interact with giraffes for a small fee. Other attractions are the wet play area, and the Reid Park Zoo Express Train that travels around the stunning Gene C Reid Park pond.
The Tucson Studios
Did you think you had to go all the way to Texas to experience the Wild West? That won’t be necessary! The Tucson Studios is a western-town-themed park in Arizona used in several films and TV shows. Trust us; you won’t be able to tell the difference.
In the park, you’re also going to witness live history presentations, and tours that are held daily. Not only does this make the park a great place for tourists, but this also makes it a pre-built set for movie directors and producers. Why invest in a set where one already exists in Arizona? That said, families can also visit this location if they’re trying to know more about the rich history of Arizona.
Catalina Park
The state park of Catalina is a sight to behold. It has 5,500 miles of canyons, foothills, and several streams that give tourists a chance to immerse themselves in a truly natural experience. The visitors to this park can also spend time exploring nature or stay in their caravans for an overnight sleepover in the woods.
Most people enjoy walking around in the park during the daytime and having lunches in the afternoon. Apart from the park’s beautiful sceneries, visitors often appreciate how well-kept the park is.
The Pima Space Museum
You’ll also find the largest aerospace in Arizona. It’s right across the Monthan Air Base, the resting spot for NASA’s Super Guppy 377. You’ll also find several aircraft used in World War II and ample history about the veterans who fought the war. Fans often visit this spot to pay their respects to the men who fought for their country. In other cases, you may also find budding engineers visiting the museum to study the impressive architecture on display.
The Biosphere
From the time it was built, the University of Arizona has spent extensive time trying to deliver quality education to its students. One of the facilities the university uses is an established system that studies different aspects of our planet. Named Biosphere 2 aims to educate people about the different organisms living on planet earth by using an artificially-built ecological system.
At the moment, this location has its own rainforest, an underground facility for further expansion, an agronomic system, an ocean with a coral reef, a fog desert, a mangrove, and prairie grassland. The first time you see it, it can be hard to believe that everything you see was built by man and is not another artwork of Mother Nature.
University of Arizona
Whether you’re watching a basketball game, a football game, or taking your family to tour the campus of this university, as a tourist, it can be interesting to see how the highest level of the American education system operates. With enough interaction, you’ll know the activities students engage in and have an insightful experience altogether!
Tohono Chul
It may not be as well known as some of the larger gardens in Tucson, the Tohono Chul is definitely worth checking out. Sprawling over 49 acres of land, this botanical garden is home to over 500 different collections of plants from the Sonoran desert meticulously arranged for display. Don’t forget to check out the Cereus plant that only blooms at night.
A quick stroll through the garden can also provide visitors with glimpses of lizards, jackrabbits, birds, and the occasional bobcat. The park is home to a dining bistro and a gift shop so you can buy a souvenir for your loved ones. Tohono Chul Park also hosts special events and training sessions – make sure to check them out during your visit.
Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway
Located just one hour from Tucson’s city center, Mount Lemmon Byway is regarded as one of the most scenic locations in Arizona. It takes travelers to Mount Lemmon and the Santa Catalina range. Aside from the awe-inspiring views, the nearly 60-mile round-trip byway offers visitors the much needed respite from Tucson’s heat.
Driving around the byway will take you from an arid desert with cacti to hulking trees, small lakes, and beautiful streams. The byway is laden with several helpful campgrounds to help visitors refresh and rejuvenate. Thankfully, the roads built on the byway are well-constructed and there are several lookouts with parking spots at strategic locations.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Tucson, Arizona. Every activity is full of entertainment to the brim, and we’re sure your trip to Arizona is going to be unlike any other you’ve taken before. We hope this list gives you a good starting point!
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