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If you’re looking for a weekend getaway in the desert, you can’t go wrong with the jewel of Arizona. Tucson is home to countless spas, luxury resorts, affordable hotels and motels, and it’s a great place to go golfing if you’re so inclined. It is also a must-visit for anyone who wants to try Southwestern cuisine. Most importantly, you can visit the Sonoran Desert or explore the surrounding mountains. The surreal beauty of Tucson’s landscape will stay with you for a long time. Here are some of the best attractions Tucson has to offer.
7 Best Things to Do in Tucson
If you’re not sure which attractions to start with, we have a few ideas!
1. Mission San Xavier del Bac
2. Bike Tours
If you’re aiming for an active holiday, why not book a bike tour? Tucson Bike Tours is a great option for first-time visitors (adults only). They’ll provide you with a bike and helmet, and then you can explore the city at a leisurely pace. Your guide will introduce you to Tucson’s best-known buildings and parks, covering the history of the area. The tour crosses Rattlesnake bridge, and you’ll get a great view of the Santa Cruz River.
3. Pima Air and Space Museum
A must-see for flight enthusiasts and military history buffs, this is one of the biggest non-government-funded space/aviation museums in the world. You can explore their display of US Air Force aircraft through the years, as well as a lineup of historical aircraft (including a Wright Flyer from the early 20th century). You can see and learn about the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and more. The museum has big expansion plans: the Tucson Military Vehicle Museum is currently being constructed across 77 acres of land.
4. Tohono Chul Park
5. Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium
Another great option for a family field trip. The Flandrau center is located on the campus of the University of Arizona (home to several museums and all-access educational centers). Flandrau’s mission is to make learning fun and accessible for all ages, and they do so with plenty of hands-on exhibits, puzzles, and natural science exhibits. But the Science Center’s main jewel is the planetarium theatre, an unforgettable multimedia experience. You and your kids or grandkids can sit back and enjoy the lightshow, learning about astronomy all the while.
6. Colossal Cave Mountain Park
Located only 22 miles outside of Tucson, this ancient karst cave is great for anyone looking for something unique. You can book a tour and go exploring the cave formations - some tours welcome children too. You can test your agility with underground rock climbing, and learn the basics of spelunking in the Ladder Tour. The history of Colossal Cave is fascinating: your tour guide will explain how it has been used across the centuries, and you’ll also hear a local legend or two. There’s a cafe and rest area in the park as well.
7. Saguaro National Park
More suggestions: The Top 10 Most Scary But Beautiful Remote Places, Best US Cities to Visit in December, and USA Travel category.
