Top 10 BEST Tourist Things to Do in Tucson AZ

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If you just have a limited time visiting Tucson, the question we are always asked from tourists is “what are the best things to do in Tucson?” So here’s our insider perspective to our out of town friends. Now Tucsonans, don’t get up in arms about the order. We love them all and had to put them in some kind of list! These are the places we have on our “things to do” check list to take our family and friends. Of course, it’s just our opinion but if you’d like to add some of your favorites, please comment below to share them with future Tucson tourists. Please have fun visiting our beautiful city and what the 1,000,000 locals already know as the best city in America.

10 – Amerind Foundation Combining the words American and Indian, the Amerind foundation was originally the home of a serious amateur anthropologist /archaeologist among the monolithic boulders in the spectacular dragoon mountains, one hour east of Tucson. This museum and research center today is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Native American cultures and their histories. The location is stunning and the collection is up-close and beautiful. The best thing to do is be sure to bring a sack lunch and water and plan on a picnic behind the property while there.

9 – Hotel Congress Originally built across the street from the railroad depot and in conjunction with the Rialto theater, this hub of downtown Tucson is now a historic property housing a hotel, restaurants, and multiple music venues. Best known for being the site of the capturing of the famous outlaw John Dillinger, the hotel is now famous for being the cool hangout for hipster locals and artists. The thing to do once there is count the pennies on the restaurant floor.

8 – Mission San Xavier Founded in 1692, this “white dove of the desert” rises out of the desert floor near the Santa Cruz River south of town. Originally the Mission was known as the “place where the water appears,” as there was once natural springs nearby which have since dried up. So today, the thing to do is bring your water bottle and walking shoes as you experience this jewel of Moorish, Spanish, and Native American motifs in this still functioning catholic church and mission.

7 – Campbell Avenue Bat Colony Hidden between the concrete rafters of the bridge on Campbell Avenue spanning the Rillito river, houses a colony of 40,000 Mexican free-tailed bats. Leaving anywhere from two hours to 30 minutes before sunset, have patience and the thing to do is move on the side of Campbell in the direction the colony is departing. The colony is one of several in town formed when females migrate north following the scent of the Saguaro flowers. They make bridges home for birthing and raising their young before heading south back to Mexico.

6 – Vivace and Cafe Poca Cosa Definitely our two favorite restaurants to send tourists and out of towners. Vivace is an Italian style dinner that’s simple and delicious. Not heavy and fancy sauces, instead, it’s simplicity and flavor. The seafood lasagnette isn’t made from hard dried noodles, instead layers of crepes. The fun casual thing to do is eat at the bar. For Mexican, don’t leave Cafe Poca Cosa without a house margarita and the special plate of the day. The chips and salsa are also the best in Tucson. This is not a taco and burrito place, both are casual elegant. For a more ethnic and street feel, try your Spanish at Mariscos Chihuahua on Grande. (The thing to do is NOT eat as much as this guy!)

5 – Rodeo Parade Museum This is not the big fancy new museum you big city folk are used to. Instead this is a super quaint old airplane hanger that now houses possibly the largest collection of horse drawn buggies, coaches, carriages, and wagons. Most of these are impeccably restored to the original detail and connected historically to Tucson. The property is also the first municipal airport in the United States and was dedicated by the famous and heroic aviator Charles Lindburgh. The “history on display” museum is not open all year so the thing to do before visiting is check their website for hours.

4 – Gate’s Pass Sunset View – At the summit of Speedway Boulevard as it heads out to the desert, this picnic area and hiking spot overlook the expansive Saguaro National Park West and is the best spot to watch the world renown Arizona sunsets set over the Tucson horizon. Parking is limited and very busy especially on weekend evenings, so arrive at least an hour before sunset. The things to do is grab a nice spot and sit silently as the sun sets over the desert. And if you’re walking in the desert, it wouldn’t be a bad thing to wear a hat and watch out for rattlers either.

3 – Tucson City Wide Festivals – In January/February we have the Gem Show which is a world more than gems. It’s like a city wide Turkish bazaar selling teapots to carpets, rings to dinosaur bones (really!) The thing to do in February is the Rodeo Parade which is the largest non-motorized parade in the United States. If you’re here in March, the thing to do is visit the Festival of Books on the University mall and celebrate reading. Unofficially known as Tucson Eat Yourself, Tucson Meet Yourself celebrates the ethnic diversity of our city through the cultural spectrum of inhabitants. The thing to do in November is Dia de los Muertos, or the Tucson version of the day of the dead celebration and remembrance.

2 – We’re still debating this one so you’re going to have to go straight to #1.

And the #1 thing to do while visiting Tucson is (drum roll please)…

1 – Carnival of Illusion!!! We would definitely take our friends to see the show. (Yes we’re a bit cheeky about putting it on this list but it’s true!) Carnival of Illusion has been hailed as “The Best Show in Tucson” and has sold out hundreds of performances to thousands of guests. The performers are often traveling for corporate and private events and the show is generally closed in summer for their national tour, so check show and ticket availability here. Shows always sell out so tickets are highly recommended to be purchased in advance. The thing to do for special events such as birthdays and anniversary celebrations is upgrade to exclusive front row seats.

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