Traveling to Tucson?
10 experiences you don’t want to miss!
On my first visit to Tucson, I stayed a month. I was very quickly impressed with the views, the food, and the endless opportunities for good hikes. Once I discovered how underrated it was, I knew I’d return to it time and time again — I have!
Here are 10 of my favorite Tucson Recommendations:
- Treat yourself to a scenic drive up Mount Lemmon
Tucson is really spread out. If you are flying in, I recommend renting a car (or motorcycle if that strikes your fancy). However you find yourself riding around, make your way to the winding roads up Mount Lemmon.
This experience pairs best with a couple of snacks, a playlist curated to your tastes, and an ongoing impulse to pull over and enjoy the view. If you’re really feeling adventurous, pack a tent! I camped here one time; the sky at night here is incredible.
2. Explore Sabino Canyon
Sabino Canyon is not too far from Mount Lemmon. Try to go on the same day or while you’re staying in that area. Sabino Canyon has tons of hikes ranging from super easy to impressively intense. It’s an $8 fee to go for the day. The visitor center has lots of helpful people and information. If you haven’t already, sign up for an account on All Trails. You can browse by length, difficulty, popularity, etc.
3. Sample the Local Brews
Tucson has a great local beer scene! As a motorcycle enthusiast, I am partial to Moto Sonora (website link), but there are lots of delicious options to choose from. You can get a sample of the options by creating your own little brewery tour. Just do a search of the area MVPs and save them in your Maps with an easiest-to-get-to-next route. Find a designated driver or become besties with an Uber driver for maximum results.
4. Meander around La Encantada & grab a drink at Blanco Tacos + Tequila
Okay, I know what you’re thinking: why would I go to the mall on vacation? Or maybe that’s just what I’m thinking — but hear me out. The mall La Encantada has a really cool layout, good restaurant options and a lot of great stores, including my personal fave, Madewell. It’s a leisurely break from the blood sweat and tears one may put into their 10 mile out-and-back (or brewery tour planning). The Blanco Cocina + Cantina restaurant is vibey as hayell (website link).
5. Stay at Hotel McCoy or a Red Butte Tucson property (on Airbnb)
I loved my first long stay at an Airbnb at the base of Red Butte, so when the property manager launched a cute little Glamper (website link), I was one of the first to book. I was back again in weeks.
My most recent trip to Tucson was supposed to be to Sedona and things did not go as planned. I ended up staying at Hotel McCoy.
It was a truly redemptive mood booster. Local art is central to each space, facilities include a pool, a fitness room, a ping pong table, an in-house food truck, a bar, free breakfast, and just terrific friggin’ vibes. I cannot brag on this place enough (website link).
6. Eat All the Tacos!
DO NOT search for “The Best Mexican Restaurant in Tucson” and expect to find the best Mexican food. Ask the locals. Ask people who care about you. Ask Mexican-Tucsonans. Ask people who have made the mistake of going to the “most highly reviewed” places. Sometimes the internet will do you dirty. Shout out to @theclassyalcoholic, @castlemaker.creative and @randomguyatbar for the direction:
Here are three Mexican restaurants that have excellent street tacos that will be worth the trip by themselves
Tacos Apson (website link)
El Rustico (website link)
Rollies Mexican Patio (website link)
7. Spend a Few Hours at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Great place to learn about the Sonora! They have lots of great interactive exhibits, desert animals, a little bookstore/café, and a trail to be enjoyed. The best time to go is spring when the cacti are in bloom! They’ve created some exceptional desert gardens that are interesting all year and pretty epic when in bloom.
8. Hike in Tucson Mountain Park & West Saguaro
Tucson Mountain Park and West Saguaro are on the opposite side of the city from Mount Lemmon and Sabino Canyon and they’re really close to each other. You’ll want to do both. Like Sabino, tons of great hikes await you, here. West Saguaro is just a prickly pear or two away from the desert museum.
9. Watch the Sunset at Gate’s Pass
Sunsets in Tucson are some of the most epic I’ve seen anywhere. It depends on the day, of course. Regardless of the day, Gate’s Pass is a perfect spot to scramble for a view of the sunset.
It’s a popular attraction so I recommend getting in an hour or so before the sunset and climbing a short way with a picnic pack or a book.
10. Play Photographer at San Xavier del Bac Mission
One of the main architectural attractions in Tucson is the Mission Xavier church. I ended up getting in too late to check out the interior of the building. I am sure I missed out on the educational, historic piece. But I did get to play photographer and encourage you too, as well.
Tucson has so much to offer. Every time I leave, I have a list of new things to see, do, and eat waiting to try next time. Local Tucsonan? Fellow Traveler? I would love to hear your thoughts. Head on over to IG for discussion @naomidornfeld
Note: No one is paying me for the recs — I just want to share!
