Select a Category

Top Rated Attractions in Tucson

Search Radius (Miles)

This institution is totally dedicated to the preservation of the history of flight, be it commercial, military, or even interplanetary. The museum opened in 1976 with just 75 aircrafts and has now grown to have more than 250 on display. A recent addition is the Northrop F-5B "Freedom Fighter." Be prepared to spend the entire day if you, or someone in your party, is a aircraft buff. The exhibits on the floor here rotate, and special events and conferences are scheduled regularly.

Free

Mission San Xavier del Bac

The Mission San Xavier del Bac is perhaps Tucson's best-known historic landmark. Established in 1692 by the Spanish missionary Father Kino, 16.09 kilometers (10 miles) south of what is now downtown Tucson on the Tohono O'odham Indian reservation, San Xavier del Bac is considered one of the finest examples of Mexican folk baroque architecture. The mission's spotless whitewashed walls are embellished with the contrasting colors of the ornately handcrafted mesquite-wood entrance that adds a tinge of old-world finesse to the structure. The mission that stands today is, in fact, the second mission built between 1783 to 1797, and yet is the oldest European building in the state of Arizona. The parish is still active and holds mass every week.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

This world-famous museum is also a zoo that displays the creatures of the surrounding desert in their natural habitats. Located in the middle of the Sonoran desert about a half an hour drive from Tucson's city center, it also provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The gift shop has an excellent selection of Sonoran desert souvenirs. This is a must for any visitor staying in Tucson for more than just one day.

Mount Lemmon

At 9,159 feet (2,792 m), Mount Lemmon is the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains. The mountain is part of the Coronado National Forest, where giant Saguaro cacti tower and a variety of desert vegetation blooms year around. The mountain is also home to the Mount Lemmon Observatory, which is used by the University of Arizona. Crowned by the dainty town of Summerhaven, this mighty mountain is traversed by a tapestry of windblown roads as well as the serpentine Catalina Highway. A hiking and camping wonderland, Mount Lemmon proudly watches over the enchanting desert landscape that unfolds along its lap. The Seven Cataracts and Windy Pointe Vista are some of the best vantage points on Mount Lemmon, offering incredible panoramas of Tucson.

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

Of all the natural attractions in and around Tucson, Sabino Canyon is certainly one of the most popular. This large chasm in the Santa Catalina Mountains is where ancient Hohokam people built irrigation dams while mammoths roamed the ground. Access is free, but there is a charge for parking. The canyon and its surrounding area is a beautiful natural oasis thriving with desert flora and fauna, including a variety of cacti, butterflies and flowers, along with clear pools of water. You can reach the canyon via a picturesque hike or opt for the tram which offers spectacular views of the forest along the way.

Tucson Botanical Gardens

Tucson Botanical Gardens is a major tourist attraction in the city that's not meant just for plant lovers. Apart from a rich collection of cacti and desert wildflowers, the gardens offer an educational walk around the history of the native Tohono O'odham Indians and the efforts of local scientists to preserve native seeds. Don't miss the wonderful Nuestro Jardin, the traditional Mexican-American neighborhood garden, or the shaded restaurant patio.

More Attractions

Lionel Rombach Gallery

1031 North Olive Road, University of Arizona Museum of Art, Tucson, AZ, United States, 85721

Like the Joseph Gross Gallery, Lionel Rombach is part of the University of Arizona Art complex, featuring works of art students both from U of A and university art departments nationally. There are always juried student exhibits there, mostly exploring new paths in a variety of media. Call or check the gallery website for dates and times. You cannot buy the art directly, but the staff will put you in contact with the artists if you are interested.

Old Pueblo Archaeology

5100 West Ina Road, Building 7, Tucson, AZ, United States, 85743

Want to try some hands-on archaeology? Here is a non-profit organization encouraging visitors to participate in digs at the Sabino Canyon Ruin in the Catalina Mountains foothills. You can actually do the digging for pots buried in a mock archaeological site, then make your own American Indian artifacts. Call in advance. Reservations are required.

Trail Dust Adventures Inc.

1665 South Craycroft Road, Tucson, AZ, United States, 85711

Trail Dust Adventures specializing in jeep trips to the Tortolita Mountains and the Reddington Pass east of the Catalina Mountains. These are ecology tours run by very knowledgeable tour guides concentrating on the flora-fauna and people of the mountains and deserts of Tucson. Water and soda are provided and special arrangements can be made for barbecues and picnics.

Santa Fe Square & Galleria

E Tanque Verde Road & N Sabino Canyon Road, Tucson, AZ, United States, 78741

This pleasant shopping area on Tucson's east side, designed in Santa Fe adobe style and surrounded by a cobblestone road, offers several galleries and gift shops, most of them specializing in Southwestern art and accessories. Also featured is an upscale restaurant and a playhouse. If you're tired of noisy, sterile shopping malls and want to see beautiful architectural design, then Santa Fe Square and Galleria is an inspiring environment to do your souvenir shopping. Most businesses here take all major credit cards.

Hummer Tours of Tucson

12200 East Tanque Verde Road, Tucson, AZ, United States, 85749

Hummer Tours of Tucson is here to provide you with a fun and unique way to see and explore beautiful Southern Arizona. Whether you are visiting the area, or call the Sonoran Desert home, Hummer Tours of Tucson can find an adventure perfect for you. They offer many different trails to choose from ranging from easy trails to take in the scenery to some of the most rugged terrain that will put your Hummer and its off road capabilities to the test.