Location: Tucson
Top Things to do in Tucson
What to do and see in Tucson, Arizona (AZ): The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. White Stallion Ranch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By X8827FKcindym - Cincinnati, United States
This was my first dude ranch experience and I’m already trying to figure out a way to come back. I am an experienced rider and they gave me a horse with some giddy up which I really appreciated. They do a fabulous job of matching the person to the perfect horse for them. 2 people in my party were not riders at all and I really liked that there were activities for them of the non rider sort. The grounds were well kept and beautiful. The food was delicious. Anna Lisa at the front desk was wonderful and patiently answered every question we had.
2. Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,150 reviews
Reviewed By seb36 - Tucson, United States
We did this drive during the Covid 19 scare and just before the big fire. It was a perfect outing during the Covid 19 outbreak. You can stay in your car, or stop at various pull-off or trails and basically be all alone with few other visitors on this drive. It is a really educational and beautiful drive, staring out at the desert level and gradually going through multiple nature zones and changes of vegetation, trees, bushes, birds, etc until you get to the top, which is a high mountain zone with lots of green and trees and other nature -- just like mountain areas in Colorado or Canada. It makes us feel like we are on vacation, with all the changes in scenery and temperature. It was 98 degrees at the bottom and 67 degrees at the top. There couldn't be a better half day drive for those of us who have been feeling so very house bound. Actually we do this drive almost every season change and always marvel at the new things we see and feel. There is also a wonderful smartphone app that really helps you to understand the miraculous changes you are experiencing. Going down is like having different scenery even though it is the sam road, so the whole adventure is quit uplifting no matter when you go. Our batteries really get recharged and the trapped feeling lifts for quite a while.
3. 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.
4. La Casa Cordova
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
5. Cactus Forest Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
Eight-mile scenic drive in Saguaro East.
Reviewed By jd1701 - Orlando, United States
If you have a time crunch while in the area, head to the eastern portion of Saguaro National Park, pay your fee and enjoy views and vistas as you drive the 8 mile loop road. Plenty of places to get out and stretch your legs, breathe the air, too. I believe the cost to enter the park is about $15, but not sure as we were there during the government shutdown.
6. St. Augustine Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By Gypsy1102 - Boston, United States
When we are in Tucson, we always drop in here for a moment of silent and retreat from our daily business. It is a lovely place to recharge and refuel the soul. Visit this place .. take int eh quiet take in the peace and enjoy the elegant beauty of the building itself.
7. University of Arizona
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 586 reviews
Whether we are orbiting an asteroid or determining how we feed 9 billion people, Arizona Wildcats are continually looking to explore, experiment and expand. The campus is home to a variety of attractions to fill your day. From living laboratories to world-class fine art to cultural attractions there is something for everyone. We also have free, public tours available during academic year. See, play, explore, Arizona. Visit our website for more information: http://visitorcenter.arizona.edu/
Reviewed By jhunga530104 - Tucson, United States
The campus is very attractive and pleasant to walk through. They have a botanical garden, a fine art museum, a terrific collection of Ansel Adams and other photography, a poetry center, a giant mirror to study the stars, often an evening dance, music, or theater performance to attend, a large bookstore, and of course many athletic events.
8. Barrio Historico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By NicJBoston - Brookline, United States
Around Convent Avenue, and in South Tucson, are several typical neighborhoods in which to stroll and take photos.
9. Finger Rock Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By H8795PGjeremyb - Tucson, United States
It took me longer than 8 hours. I drank 5 liters of water. I’m beat, it was a great day! Signs are non existent yet it’s tricky to get lost because of the tens or hundreds of cairns that thoughtful hikers have left.... once you find the Finger Rock Trail split off. Definitely download a map and/or gps your way. I earned a burger and a bath today
10. Gates Pass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 932 reviews
Reviewed By scarter9 - Spring Hill, United States
This is a very scenic route with 1000's of cacti along the way. There are a few pull-outs as well to stop and take pictures. I hope to come back and see the sunset some day. You can see for miles away on a clear day.
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