Photo: John Diebolt / Public domain
Our 10 Best Things To Do In Tucson, Arizona takes a look at the second biggest city in the state of Arizona from a population standpoint. It is second only to the city of Phoenix. The city rises over twenty six hundred feet above sea level. It is surrounded by five mountain ranges making for some spectacular sights. There are basically two seasons in Tuscon, Arizona. There is a very hot summer with temperatures ranging usually around 100 degrees during the daytime and a nice mild winter. The best time to visit Tucson, Arizona is in the fall or the spring for the best weather.
# 10 – Reid Park Zoo
We open up our 10 Best Things To Do In Tuscon, Arizona with a recommendation for travelers to take some time out while. visiting Tuscon to stop by the Reid Park Zoo. This great zoo features four specific areas filled with over five hundred animals from all areas of the world. Visitors may explore the African Animals zone filled with lions, giraffes and many other wonderful animals from the African continent. One can visit the other side of the world in the South America zone filled with exotic animals. First opened in 1965, the Reid Park Zoo has been a place enjoyed by tourists and locals for almost 60 years.
# 9 – Old Tucson Studios
If you ever were a fan of the legendary television show Little House on the Prairie, you will definitely want to take out some time during your visit to Tucson Arizona and visit Old Tucson Studios. It’s like taking a trip into your old television set. This place is awesome. Some of the most legendary motion pictures of all time have been filmed there including the classic John Wayne film Rio Bravo, Big Crosby’s The Bells of St. Mary’s and the classic film Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Tucson studios also presents year round simulations which are a lot of fun for the family to enjoy. Highly recommended.
# 8 – Kitt Peak National Observatory
When traveling in Tucson or even on the outskirts of Tucson, a visit to the Kitt Peak National Observatory is a must. The Kitt Peak National Observatory is one of the largest observatories in the United States and all of North America. This is not just a single telescope building. The grounds at the Kitt Peak National Observatory host over twenty telescopes in multiple buildings This is pure heaven for fans of astronomy and those who are just a little bit curious about what lies within the stars. There are classes, tours and so much more to enjoy at Kitt Peak National Observatory.
# 7 – Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is one of the most action packed stops one could make when looking for something to do in Tucson Arizona. We say that because the Museum is far more than just a single museum. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum host not only a wonderful natural history museum, but also a beautiful botanical garden, an aquarium, a zoo and even a art gallery. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is very targeted towards one specific area as the entire focus on the museum is based on the animal and plant species of the Sonoran Desert.
# 6 – Pima Air and Space Museum
Are you a fan of the movie Top Gun? Are you into Star Wars or Star Trek. Or do you just love history that’s focused on the United States Air force or Nassa’s Space Program? If you answered yes to any of these three questions you will love the Pima Air and Space Museum. Located directly across form the Davis–Monthan Air Force Base and just south of downtown Tucson, Arizona the Pima Air and Space Museum is filled with over 300 vintage aircraft and bombers from all time periods. If your curios abut the Cold War, there is so much to see in detail. This place rocks, or should we say soars……..
# 5 – Tohono Chul Park
While in Tucson Arizona, one place we would highly recommend to visit would be the beautiful Tohono Chul Park Botanical Gardens. But don’t just take our word for it, because the Tohono Chul Park Botanical Gardens was also voted by Travel & Leisure Magazine as being one of the greatest botanical gardens in the world. Although the greatest we have ever seen was located in the Bronx. Nonetheless, if you a lover of all sorts of vegetation, flowers and the beauty of nature , don’t miss the chances to visit the Tohono Chul Park Botanical Gardens.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGweV13OYSs
# 4 – Cathedral Of Saint Augustine
As we continue our 10 Best Things To Do In Tuscon, Arizona article, we turn to The Cathedral of Saint Augustine. The Cathedral of Saint Augustine was originally built in 1868, just a few years after the end of the Civil War. Since then it has been rebuilt multiple times due to various reasons. However if your a lover of Mexican baroque architecture, then a visit to Cathedral of Saint Augustine will be a wonderful experience. Additionally if you love visiting all types of cathedrals, we highly recommend the Cathedral of Saint Augustine. Its interesting to compare Cathedrals on a world wide basis. From the grand Gothic Middle Age style enormous cathedrals like the Cologne Cathedral in Germany to the Cathedral of Saint Augustine in Tucson Arizona, the feeling of warmth when stepping inside is the same no matter where you are in the world. Its just wonderful to get a sense of the history of the region when visiting these places of worship.
# 3 – Colossal Cave Mountain Park
One of the most popular tourist destinations just south of Tucson, Arizona is the amazing popular tourist destination, Colossal Cave Mountain Park. What was once a refuge and shelter for people over thousands of years is now basically a tourist attraction. What we love most about Colossal Cave Mountain Park is the excellent tour guides to take you through the cave. There are various times to book tours throughout the day. You do not want to explore a cave like this on your own. You need a tour guide to lead you through. This amazing tourist destination is highly recommended. There are points where it is completely pitch black and other points where the beauty of the rocks and the amazing stalactites and stalagmites are just so overwhelming.
# 2 – Sentinel Peak
You want one of the most breathtaking views you will ever see in your life but you must stop at at Sentinel Peak. This wonderful Peak also known as “A,” mountain stands at almost 3,000 feet. There are some sensational hiking trails and places to stop while you explore this wonderful Mountain. Once you get to the peak you won’t want to leave. Make sure to have your camera ready because this is a view you will want to capture.
# 1 – Tombstone
Our number one destination on this 10 best things to do in Tucson Arizona list is the great town of Tombstone. Step into history of the old American Wild West. This will knock your socks off. There are so many things to see in the town of Tombstone. Make sure you take a walk down to Historic Allen Street, catch a reenactment of a gunfight and don’t miss the Birdcage Theater. You may even want to take a walk over to Boot Hill Cemetery. And of course you must visit the Tombstone Courthouse. If you love the history of the American Wild West, then you must visit Tombstone.
