Discover Tucson

Tucson can be explored through a wide range of themes: nature, aviation, visual arts, local history, and cultural events. There is also a streetcar route through several historic entertainment districts. When planning your trip, it’s worth considering which places and experiences you want to shape your stay.

Nature and getting your bearings in Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park has two districts: the Rincon Mountain District and the Tucson Mountain District. The city of Tucson separates them. So when planning a visit to the park, go by the name of the district you want to visit. This will help you keep track of which of the two park areas you have in mind. Check the latest information about your destination before your visit.

Aviation and art

Historic aircraft take center stage at the Pima Air & Space Museum. The collection includes about 400 aircraft, among them a Wright Flyer and a 787 Dreamliner. These two examples give an idea of the collection’s range. The exhibition spaces also vary: the outdoor exhibits cover 80 acres, while the indoor exhibits occupy 250,000 square feet of hangar space. When planning your visit, you can consider these two areas separately: outdoor exhibits and displays in the hangars.

The University of Arizona Museum of Art offers year-round exhibitions, programs, and events for visitors of all ages. This makes it a cultural option for trips at different times of year. However, individual exhibitions and events change. If a particular program is important to your trip, check in advance what’s on during your dates.

Local history and architecture

Barrio Viejo is a National Historic Landmark and is home to one of the largest collections of 19th-century adobe buildings in the United States. Its historic designation and extensive collection of adobe buildings give the neighborhood a clear architectural and historical focus. For travelers interested in architectural history, this combination of recognition and building stock offers a specific point of reference.

The San Xavier del Bac Mission was founded in 1692 by Jesuit missionary Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, SJ. The year it was founded and Kino’s role offer another historical point of reference. At the Tucson Presidio Museum, guided tours cover a century of history along a scenic mile-long route. If you enjoy learning about history on a walking tour, this option combines a guided perspective with a clearly stated distance. Since visitor programs may change, check the tour dates in advance.

Cultural events in October

Tucson Meet Yourself takes place every October and celebrates the vibrant traditional arts of Tucson’s diverse ethnic and folklife communities. The free event lasts three days. The program includes hundreds of craftspeople, home cooks, dancers, and musicians, as well as special exhibitions. This makes attending the event different from visiting a museum program: it brings together a variety of artistic contributions in a multi-day format. Since the annual schedule and program should be checked before your trip, find out the current dates in good time.

Getting around on the Sun Link Streetcar

The Tucson Sun Link Streetcar lets you travel between several historic entertainment districts. These include Main Gate Square, the University of Arizona, Downtown, Fourth Avenue, and Mercado San Agustín. The route is 3.9 miles long and has 23 stops. This gives you a clear idea of both the destinations listed and the size of the route. The route offers a way to travel between the districts; route details may change. So check the latest route information before you ride.

Explore more destinations: Redington Estates, Marana, Avra Valley, Sasabe, Casas Adobes, Ajo, Drexel Heights, Arivaca.

For the broader travel overview: Pima.