Location: Tucson
Top Things to do in Tucson
Things to do in Tucson, Arizona (AZ): The Best Nature & Parks
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. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Hutch's Pool
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By tucsonsherwood - Tucson, United States
Hutch's is a 16 mile round trip to a water oasis. 8 miles of the hike is on pavement OR you can take the Sabino tram to stop 9 and then it is only an 8 mile round trip hike. Not much elevation gain. Summer temps make it challenging so take plenty of water.
5. Tohono Chul
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,392 reviews
Cultivate your appreciation for the Sonoran Desert’s natural beauty and the impression it makes on everyone who explores our “Desert Corner”. Here, the seasons inspire wondrous events both in nature and culturally; Tohono Chul celebrates every opening, whether for an internationally known artist or an exquisite cactus flower. Wander the natural desert gardens—escape the noise of everyday. Engage in our sincere passion to evolve “The Desert Corner” as an integral crossroads of nature, art and culture.
Reviewed By MarshaW250 - Indianapolis, United States
We have been attending Holiday Nights at the park for several year. This year we will share in the experience with our friends and our daughter will be in town from Indiana next weekend. The park is always wonderful, but the holiday programs are especially wonderful to share with family & friends.
6. Tucson Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 993 reviews
Named one of the Top 10 Gardens in to visit in North America in 2017 by the Canada Garden Tourism Council and One of the Best Secret Garden in America by Reader's Digest, Tucson Botanical Gardens is an oasis in the heart of Tucson. Featuring seventeen specialty gardens, including the Barrio Garden, Zen Garden and Cactus & Succulent Garden landscaped with unusual rocks from the Harrison Yocum collection. Tropical Butterflies from around the world are featured in the Cox Butterfly & Orchid Pavilion which is open October 1st - May 31st. Experience seasonal art exhibits, The Gardens Gift Shop, year-round tours, delicious lunch at Cafe Botanica, and an outdoor garden railway. The Gardens is closed 5 days a year; Thanksgiving, Dec. 24 & 25, Jan. 1, and July 4.
Reviewed By CarolynJ472 - Anchorage, United States
Due to the pandemic, you have to reserve a time slot for your visit. It is easy to do online, as well as to purchase and download your ticket in the interests of a contactless experience. Enter the garden and be greeted by two horse sculptures wearing masks! The ceramic butterfly memorial comes next. There is a beautiful story about the memorial. I had no idea there are so many cactus varieties. I finally saw the origin of tequila: agave. The children's garden will fascinate even adults. The colorful metal sculptures of Mexican ladies are photogenic! Despite the heat, we had a very enjoyable stroll through the garden.
7. 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.
8. Reid Park Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,016 reviews
Reid Park Zoo is a hidden gem, nestled in the center of Tucson, and is the perfect place to enjoy time outside while discovering the wonders of wildlife.
Reviewed By paws0810 - Mesa, United States
I’m worried that the zoo would be crummy. But it was. Good. Clean. Animals were out despite the early morning cold weather. Not too expensive as a senior. Spent two hours.
9. King Canyon Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Popular hiking trail in Saguaro West.
Reviewed By World_Traveler_Food - Little Rock, United States
We did as recommended and got to the small parking lot before 9am - glad we did as lot was full when we got back around 2 pm. There are a few options for hikes coming out of the parking lot - best if you take the right fork and go up a few feet to look at the posted map unless you've downloaded one/brought one along. It can be a little confusing with the "split" at the beginning of the trail. Left takes you into the wash - beautiful/easy walking (some getting up rocks further up you go), while right keeps you up higher. Both offer nice views, but different experiences. If you want great views, head up the higher road (on the right out of the parking lot) towards Wasson Peak. The signs never say "Wasson Peak" until you are 1.2 miles from the top, so again, good to have a map. It's about 7.2 miles round trip from the parking lot to the peak, with great views the higher you go. Top of the peak has amazing 360 views of the valley and surrounding mountain ranges. Steady climb all the way up, with the last mile being the most strenuous. Good trail, but lots of loose rock and gravel really requires solidi footwear. Careful coming down to make sure and go back towards the King Canyon Trailhead - there are several others trails that lead to/from Wasson Peak, but the the trailheads are not close to one another.
10. Catalina State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 789 reviews
Catalina State Park sits at the base of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains. The park is a haven for desert plants and wildlife and nearly 5,000 saguaros. The 5,500 acres of foothills, canyons and streams invites camping, picnicking and bird watching — more than 150 species of birds call the park home. The park provides miles of equestrian, birding, hiking, and biking trails which wind through the park and into the Coronado National Forest at elevations near 3,000 feet. The park is located within minutes of the Tucson metropolitan area. This scenic desert park also offers equestrian trails and an equestrian center provides a staging area for trail riders with plenty of trailer parking. Bring along your curiosity and your sense of adventure as you take in the beautiful mountain backdrop, desert wildflowers, cacti and wildlife.
Reviewed By timmS3355PN
This State Park is a great location to go RVing. The park is very clean, the rest rooms are well maintained, the sites are easily accessed, there is plenty of hiking trails and amenities are nearby. Great park close to points of interest and Tucson is a nice city.
