Itineraries

If you have only one day in Tucson ...

Sonora Desert Museum – a zoo, museum, and garden all in one during the morning, then a self-guided walking tour of the downtown area, as it is rather compact with a number of attractions and excellent food options for the remainder of the day.

If you have only two days in Tucson ...

For the second day add Pima Air & Space Museum and/or Saguaro National Park.

If you have three days in Tucson ...

For your third day include a day trip to Bisbee, AZ, Kitt Peak National Observatory, or Tombstone, AZ.

Bisbee, AZ – Picturesque Cochise County seat turned urban hotspot, home of the famed Copper Queen Mine, hotel of the same name, and Brewery Gulch.

Kitt Peak National Observatory – Claim to fame: “The world’s largest collection of optical telescopes is located high above the Sonoran Desert under some of the finest night skies in the world.”

Tombstone – “The town too tough to die” features period architecture, shops, restaurants, The O.K. Corral, and Boot Hill.

Sites not be missed are:

Sentinel Peak or Tumamoc Hill for a grand view of the city and surrounding landscape.

Historic El Presidio of San Augustin del Tucson – the oldest neighborhood in Tucson, and one of the oldest in the U.S.

St. Augustine Cathedral – The cathedral is a place of architectural and cultural interest while also serving as a local parish that welcomes everyone to stop in for private reflection.

Mercado San Agustin – A public market featuring restaurants and shops.

Barrio Viejo National Historic District – The “Old Neighborhood” is the second oldest neighborhood in Tucson and has more territorial adobes than any other Tucson district.

DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun – The museum which the iconic artist Ettore “Ted” DeGrazia designed and built offers tours, a short biopic, six permanent art collections, and a gift shop offering reproductions. His place of burial is on the property.

Fourth Avenue Shopping District – Hip and funky shops prevail and various cafes and restaurants make this area near the University of Arizona a foodie’s paradise. There is a new streetcar route between it and the Presidio district.

Mission San Xavier del Bac – The White Dove of the Desert was established in 1692 by Fr. Kino, and remains an active parish, architectural and cultural treasure, and place of contemplation.

(Image copyright: schnepfclaudia / 123RF Stock Photo)