Tucson is considered a fascinating place to explore by many of the people who had a chance to visit it, so we have decided to mention some of the most interesting places to see once there.
Tucson is set in the scorching Sonoran Desert and there are mountain ranges rising nearby, so you would be able to get pleasure from stunning scenery.
Besides countless outdoor activities to do in Tucson, this city is home to the University of Arizona, meaning that it exudes youthful energy.
This is the state’s second-largest city which can boast an arts and culture scene, beautiful botanical gardens, and historic neighborhoods relating to the Wild West.
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Trail Dust Town
Trail Dust Town is located in the northeast of the city.
This is a unique outdoor shopping center full of Wild West-themed shops, as well as a quaint old carousel, Ferris wheel, and miniature train.
The place was opened in 1961, and since then, it has been a popular tourist attraction.
People are attracted by the sizzling steaks at Pinnacle Peak, they like to watch a Wild West stunt show and try their hand at looking for gold.
Tucson Mountain Park
Tucson Mountain Park is spread over a large part of the desert of Sonora, and it has to offer breathtaking scenery which can be explored while doing some of the outstanding outdoor activities.
So, it is not unusual that the place is best known among nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The park has been existing since 1929 and the aim was to protect the remote range.
Its wonderful wilderness can be explored if you try hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding on its 100 kilometers long trails.
University of Arizona Campus
The University of Arizona Campus takes the majority of the city center.
The lovely and youthful feel of this place is credited with the considerable student population.
There are beautiful old buildings for you to explore as this is one of the most prestigious universities in the States, which dates back to 1885 and its buildings date to the early 20th-century.
Besides excellent architectural styles that you can admire, visitors tend to stop by the excellent Arizona State Museum and the magnificent Museum of Art.
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum
The DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum is set in the northeastern parts of the city.
The DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum was opened in 1951 and since then it has developed into an incredible National Historic District.
It is due to the stunning collection of artworks.
The place was designed by acclaimed Arizona artist Ettore DeGrazia, and it consists of a series of beige buildings.
Its most important feature is its permanent collection of paintings which represent and preserve from oblivion the history of the native cultures of the American Southwest.
Gaslight Theatre
The Gaslight Theatre can be found in the east of the city on Broadway Boulevard and it is a paradise for people who would like to enjoy unforgettable performances of melodramas and musical comedies.
The performances range from wild Westerns and Christmas specials to sci-fi shows.
The place was opened in 1977, and since then, this theater has been popular with both locals and tourists.
Watching a show in the wonderful Wild West-themed theater is not the only thing you can do there, as you can also enjoy a meal, drink, and popcorn.
Tucson Botanical Gardens
The Tucson Botanical Gardens is located a short drive from the city center and this is an ideal location for people who urge calm and tranquility.
Its gorgeous gardens are full of orchids, bromeliads, and succulents as well as a myriad of cacti and palms.
The place used to be the private property of the Potter family, but later on, it was turned into a beautiful botanical garden.
Since the 1970s, it has expanded to contain everything from herb, barrio, and children’s gardens to even a serene Zen section and butterfly greenhouse.
Madera Canyon
Madera Canyon is set just 45 minutes drive south of Tucson.
It is considered majestic due to the fact that it is set amidst the soaring Santa Rita Mountains and has outstanding fauna and flora.
Madera Canyon is considered by many people as one of the best places to go birdwatching in the States.
Due to its tranquil and quiet setting, innumerable migratory birds stop in this canyon to rest and over 250 species have been spotted so far.
Madera Canyon is ideal for outdoor activities, as it possesses lovely hiking trails alongside a charming creek and through patches of ponderosa pine.
Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo is relatively small, but that does not diminish its value.
This place is home to a number of animals and it attracts both locals and tourists.
It is located in the east of the city center and boasts everything from grizzly bears and jaguars to giraffes, elephants, and tigers.
Reid Park Zoo was founded in 1965, and it consists of four zones that visitors can explore.
These zones include Asia and Africa, as well as South America.
People come here to learn more about the animals and their natural habitats.
The zoo has various displays and demonstrations, but visitors can try hand-feeding giraffes and splash about in its wild water park if they wish.
Old Tucson
Old Tucson boasts ceratin spectacular shoot-outs, stunt shows, and saloons to visit.
According to many visitors, Old Tuscon offers a great day out for the whole family.
The place is nicknamed ‘Hollywood in the Desert’, being that there was the film studio which is now transformed into a wonderful Wild West theme park that has exciting attractions and entertainment options.
Old Tucson was built in the 1930s, and it was used for the filming of more than 400 films and TV shows.
Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and El Dorado are the films that are the most famous of all.
There is a superb studio, county jail, ranch house, and railroad station for visitors to explore, combined with amusement rides that they can go on.
Catalina State Park
The Catalina State Park is set half an hour’s drive from the city and it boasts jaw-dropping canyons and dazzling streams, not to mention its woodlands and wildlife.
Everything that is found there attracts many people to come and explore the surrounding.
The park is actually located at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, meaning that it offers its visitors a chance to hike, mountain bike, or horseback ride while enjoying the eye-catching landscape.
Tohono Chul
The Tohono Chul is an attractive location set on the way to Catalina State Park.
The Tohono Chul is both a botanical garden and cultural museum, meaning that it is home to the awe-inspiring art, nature, and culture of the Sonoran Desert region.
The name literally means ‘Desert Corner’, in the local indigenous language and the place was founded in 1985.
Once there, you will be amazed by its gorgeous gardens covered with wild and native flowers, bushes, and trees.
There is also an art gallery with the presentation of sculptures and folk art from around the American Southwest.
Mission San Xavier del Bac
The Mission San Xavier del Bac is considered one of the most important historic sights in Arizona.
This attractive tourist location can be found in the south of the city center and it is famous as the ‘White Dove of the Desert.’
This nickname is due to the white Baroque building which is one of the rare examples of the finest Spanish Colonial architecture in the country.
The Mission San Xavier del Bac was built between 1783 and 1797, and it is definitely the oldest European structure in Arizona.
It is famous for its wonderful features and façade, as well as its elegant entrance and interior decorated with frescoes, paintings, and statues.
Saguaro National Park
The Saguaro National Park consists of two separate sections.
It is situated in Tucson and is famous for its dramatic desert landscapes.
The place is named after the gigantic cacti and a number of amazing trails to hike, mountain bike and horseback rides are on offer there.
You should not miss enjoying the splendid scenic drives, too.
The Saguaro National Park was finished in 1933, and it was built with the aim to protect not only the Sonoran Desert but also the Tucson and Rincon mountain ranges.
Besides the dazzling wilderness to explore here, the most famous sight that you cannot miss here is the spiny saguaro that is up to 12 meters tall.
Pima Air and Space Museum
The Pima Air and Space Museum belongs to the largest aerospace museums in the world.
It can be found just 15 minutes drive to the southeast of Tuscon.
In its hangars, you will be able to see more than 400 historic aircraft and spacecraft.
The Pima Air and Space Museum was opened in 1976, and since then, it has been developed a lot.
Nowadays, its collection includes civilian planes alongside military bombers, missiles, and unmanned spacecraft.
Sabino Canyon
Sabino Canyon is located northeast of Tucson.
The jaw-dropping scenery is something that characterizes Sabino Canyon which is set amidst the Santa Catalina Mountains.
Being that it is very closer to the city, this is a place covered with tourists and locals.
It has to offer various outdoor activities and majestic views and you will be able to find everything for every kind of person.
The canyon boasts creeks and cacti, waterfalls, and wildlife, but you are highly suggested to hop onto the Sabino Canyon Tram and go on an unforgettable tour of the canyon.
Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
The Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway is frequently described as one of the most scenic drives in the southeast of the state.
The Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway stretches over 40 kilometers in length, and if you take a drive, you will be taken up to the summit of the mighty mount.
Some of the natural sights you will see are enjoyable desert scenery with lakes and streams.
Once you reach the peaks of the Santa Catalina Mountains, you will get the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views over Tucson and the Sonoran Desert.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum should be definitely visited if you wish to learn more about Arizona and the Sonora Desert.
This museum is one of the most popular places to visit in Southern Arizona as it includes a botanical garden and zoo, not to mention its art gallery, aquarium, and natural history museum which are outstanding.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum was established in 1952, and since then, it has been offering its visitors an opportunity to see coyotes and cougars in their natural habitat.
This amazing Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is located just a 20-minute drive to the west of Tuscon.