After just one visit, Tucson is one of my favorite cities in the Southwest United States! There are so many outdoor activities, the historic city center is beautiful, Saguaro National Park is close by, and the city is full of incredible rooftop restaurants.

10 Places To Visit in Arizona (That Aren’t The Grand Canyon)

So I’ve compiled the best activity, accommodation, day trip, and restaurant suggestions for you. I also highly recommend visiting Tucson as part of an Arizona road trip.

Here’s the ultimate guide for planning an awesome trip to Tucson!

When To Go

November – March is Tucson’s high season. This is when everyone from up north “snowbirds” down south. The weather is dry and cool – perfect for exploring this desert city. But these months have the highest hotel prices and tourist numbers, so book your accommodation and tours in advance.

April – May and September – October are the shoulder seasons, and these are the best months to visit Tucson. The temperature will be in the 80s and 90s, and your days should be bright and sunny. Rain is possible, especially in the Fall, so bring a rain jacket. Hotel prices and tourist numbers will also be less than in the winter months. 

June – August have temperatures in the triple digits. So you’ll need to hike early in the morning and explore the city early in the day or in the evening and at night. You can score some great hotel deals during these months, and you’ll want your accommodation to have a pool!

What To Do

Visit Saguaro National Park

Bike around the historic city center

See the views at Sentinel Peak Park

Drive the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway

Explore the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Do a self-guided craft beer tour – my favorite breweries are Crooked Tooth Brewing Co., Barrio Brewing, Ermanos Craft Beer and Wine Bar, Dragoon Brewing Co., and Iron John’s Brewing Company

Marvel at the Cathedral of Saint Augustine

Visit Mission San Xavier del Bac

Where To Eat

Rooftop Dining: The Moonstone (American, Southwest, $$), Playground Bar & Lounge (Sports Bar, $$), Sky Bar (Bar, $).

Mexican: Mariscos Chihuahua ($$-$$$), Eclectic Cafe ($$-$$$), Tucson Tamale Company ($), Guadalajara Grill ($$-$$$).

Brunch: 5 Points Market & Restaurant ($$), Baja Cafe ($$), Cup Cafe at Hotel Congress ($$).

Fine Dining: Vivace Restaurant (Italian, $$$), Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (Steakhouse, $$$$), The Grill at Hacienda Del Sol (American, $$$).

Pizza & Burgers: Scordato’s Pizzeria ($$), Rocco’s Little Chicago ($$), Monkey Burger ($$), Zinburger ($$).

My Favorites: The Parish (Southern-Style Cuisine, $$), Tito & Pep (Southwestern Bistro, $$-$$$), Noodleholics (Chinese, $$).

Where To Stay

Tucson has some incredible hotels for every budget and preference. From trendy boutique hotels to high rises with rooftop pools to desert resorts, I’ve rounded up the best hotels in Tucson.

If you’re bringing an RV or motorhome, I suggest Sentinel Peak RV Park or Rincon Country East RV Resort. Tucson also has some incredible vacation homes.

Best Day Trips

Saguaro National Park. This is one of my favorite national parks in the entire country, so it’s a must-visit when you’re in Tucson. Saguaro National Park is divided into the west and east side. You’ll want to spend half a day at each side of the park. I recommend spending two half-days in the park instead of one full day visiting both sides. You’ll want to arrive early in the morning to beat the heat (even in the winter). Saguaro is one of the best off-the-beaten-path national parks to visit!

Tombstone. The ominously named town of Tombstone is a beautiful example of the wild west heritage of the old frontier. Established in 1879 by silver miners, this town was known for its outlaws and the infamous gunfight at the OK Corral. When the mines dried out, Tombstone became almost a ghost town. But now tourism has revitalized this great Roadside America stop.

Sonoita Wine Trail. This wine region is home to the largest concentration of wineries and vineyards in Arizona. The Sonoita wine region is also considered to be one of the top wine trails in the country. You’ll love the local and refreshing wines, picture-perfect vineyards, and beautiful views on this wine trail. You can create your own wine tour using this website, or if you don’t want to designate a driver at each stop, you can book a guided wine tour with a local company.

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This post is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this guide for planning a trip to Tucson are entirely my own. Some of the links in this guide for planning a trip to Tucson are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.