Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Tucson, Arizona

At the base of the black hill lies a city that is full of amazing surprises. Tucson is home to optics and design companies, arid lands, reptiles, wildlife, and arts.

Commonly known as the Old Pueblo, many holidaymakers visit the city every now and then because of their attractions.

If you are planning to book a Tucson vacation with your friends or family, here are the top 10 attractions in Tucson that you shouldn't miss out on.

Things To Do in Tucson

Table of Contents [Show]
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Mission San Xavier del Bac Saguaro National Park University of Arizona Campus Biosphere 2 Sabino Canyon Recreation Area Pima Air & Space Museum Catalina State Park Reid Park Zoo Old Tucson Studios

Affiliate links may be used in this post. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you use my affiliate link.

1: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

The Desert Museum offers various exhibits daily to promote geotourism in the area. In contrast to what most museums look like, this one has a natural setting, which gives most visitors mixed feels of the wild. Apart from various animals that can be seen here, there are different types of exotic plant species, fossils, mineral deposits and beautiful rock formations.

Address: 2021 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743

Website: www.desertmuseum.org

2: Mission San Xavier del Bac

The Mission San Xavier del Bac is among the favorite excursion spots of many Catholics around the world. It is named after Eugenio Kino, a Jesuit missionary who started preaching in the area around 1692. The church was built with touches of North-African and Iberian styles, which makes it unique and elegant.

Address: 1950 W San Xavier Rd, Tucson, AZ 85746

Website: www.sanxaviermission.org

3: Saguaro National Park

Hidden to the knowledge of most, the Old Pueblo is where the largest cacti in the US live. The giant saguaro found in here is often used in many product labels, movies and stories as a natural West American symbol. The Saguaro National Park offers one-of-a-kind escapades to nature lovers, adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts. Campsites are available within the vicinity so be ready with your tent and marshmallows if you are putting this place on your Tucson Travel list.

Address: 2700 N. Kinney Rd., Saguaro National Park, AZ 85743

Website: www.nps.gov

4: University of Arizona Campus

There are other things that you can do at the University of Arizona Campus on top of the Wildcat dance. Watch basketball and football games with your friends and family or tour the campus to know more about the activities that students engage into. At present, there are 10 University of Arizona graduate programs included among the top ranked courses in the US.

Address: Tucson, AZ 85721

Website: www.arizona.edu

Also Read: Top 15 Most Beautiful College Campuses in the USA

5: Biosphere 2

As the University of Arizona is committed in delivering high-standard education, they have established an Earth systems science research facility called the Biosphere 2. It aims to teach people about the Earth and its living systems using a man made ecological system. It currently has its own rain-forest, ocean with coral reef, mangrove, prairie grassland, fog dessert, agronomic system and an underground facility.

Address: 32540 S Biosphere Rd, Oracle, AZ 85739

Website: www.b2science.org

6: Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

The Sabino Canyon Recreation Area boasts spectacular canyons, mountains, mountain lions, wild plants, as well as exciting trails. The Southwestern desert canyons found in this area is a famous spot for tram rides, especially for those who want to take a break from the desert heat. For many locals and trippers, it's a cool place for hiking, trekking and mountain biking, too.

Address: 5900 N Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson, AZ 85750

Website: www.sabinocanyon.com

7: Pima Air & Space Museum

The largest aerospace in the world museum can be found in this city, too. It is right across the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and homes NASA's Boeing Super Guppy B-377. There are also World War II aircraft's and exhibits about the veterans, which is why it is among the favorite spots of history and aircraft fans locally and internationally.

Address: 6000 E Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ 85706

Website: www.pimaair.org

Also Read: Top 10 Space and Aviation Museums in the USA

8: Catalina State Park

The State Park of Catalina holds 5500 miles of canyons, streams and foothills where people can explore the nature. Visitors can also stay in their caravans for overnight stopovers, enjoy strolling around the park during daytime, and hold picnic lunches in the afternoon. Aside from the nice sceneries, many people commend the park for being well-kept.

Address: 11570 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85737

Also Read: 25 Best State Parks in the US

9: Reid Park Zoo

The chance to meet animals from different parts of the globe makes the Reid Park Zoo a haven for kids and animal enthusiasts. Here, zoo buffs can help the keepers name newly born animals, learn more about their different lifestyles and know how to preserve them. Visitors can also adopt some animals here, so be sure to drop by the Reid Zoo before going to your nearest pet shop if you are planning to have a pet soon.

Address: 3400 E Zoo Ct, Tucson, AZ 85716

Website: www.reidparkzoo.org

10: Old Tucson Studios

You don't need to go to Texas to experience the Wild West setting. The Old Tucson Studios is an old west town theme park that is used in many TV shows and films. You can even see live history presentations and tours here daily, which makes it a good place not only for movie-makers, but for families who want to know more about the city's past.

Address: 201 S Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85735

Website: www.oldtucson.com