30 Unmissable Things to Do in Tucson, According to a Local

I’m a born-and-raised local, and in this guide, I cover the best things to do in Tucson.

This list is the result of a lifetime of exploring the Old Pueblo, so look no further for the ultimate guide to Tucson! I’ll help you discover popular attractions, plus local secrets, including my favorite hiking areas and can’t-miss events.

Be sure to also bookmark my guide on where to stay in Tucson, as you’ll want at least a few days to see the sights.

Best Things to Do in Tucson

Saguaro National Park

Hike through forests of saguaro cacti in the Sonoran Desert surrounding Tucson.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 733-5153 | Website | Hours: 24/7 | 👉 Saguaro National Park E-Bike Tour

Saguaro National Park is the ultimate Tucson destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Go on a desert hike, watch the electric sunset over Gate’s Pass, and take a scenic drive through thousands of saguaro cacti.

There are two sides of the park, West and East, located in the Tucson Mountains and Rincon Mountains. Both are equally beautiful but feature slightly different geography and wildlife.

Saguaro National Park is the best spot to observe the iconic saguaros, the signature feature of the Sonoran Desert region. It’s also a great place to explore ancient Hohokam petroglyphs, most prevalent on Signal Hill on the West side of the park.

Though the Tucson skyline is visible from parts of the park, it’s a peaceful escape from the city amid beautiful desert scenery.

📚 Related Reading: Best Things to Do in Phoenix, Arizona

San Xavier del Bac Mission

Visit this famous Spanish Catholic mission, the oldest European structure in Arizona.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 294-2624 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm daily | 👉 San Xavier & Tombstone Tour

San Xavier del Bac Mission is a must-see when you visit Tucson. You’ll feel like you stepped into a time machine the moment you walk through the entryway. Intricately painted murals with gilded finishes cover the walls and ceilings of this stunning church. It’s a sight that will leave you in awe.

This historic landmark along the Santa Cruz River has played a massive role in Arizona’s cultural development since the 18th century. History buffs, families, couples — all kinds of travelers will appreciate the fine details of this beautifully-preserved structure.

The church hosts incredible events during the holiday season, so make sure to check the calendar on its website before visiting.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Explore everyone’s favorite outdoor, live-animal museum in Arizona.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 883-2702 | Website | Hours: varies seasonally, see website | Entrance: $29.95 adults, $24.95 youths ages 3-12, free under 3 

There isn’t a soul in Tucson who doesn’t recommend the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum to visitors. Nearly 100 acres total, this local favorite is a zoo, aquarium, art gallery, and natural history museum all rolled into one. It’s a magical place, especially for the little ones who have seldom experienced desert wildlife.

See condors soar in an expert bird demonstration as you enter the museum. Continue down the 2-mile outdoor path to watch bighorn sheep navigate steep mountain cliffs. Wrap up your day by getting up close and personal with a majestic mountain lion and ocelot. 

Note that 85% of the museum is outdoors. Wear sunscreen, bring a hat, and a water bottle. Check the website for further accessibility inquiries.

👉 Pro Tip: Arrive before noon to make the most of the outdoor weather and wildlife movement.

Tucson Botanical Gardens

Surround yourself with local flora amid 16 unique desert gardens.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 326-9686 | Website | Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm daily | Entrance: $19 adults, $15 students/seniors/military, $10 youths 4-12, free under 4 

The Tucson Botanical Gardens are the perfect place to take your special someone on a romantic date. This attraction is also great for a family outing, especially at the COX Butterfly and Orchid Pavilion (open from October to May), which features around 100 butterfly species throughout the season!

Each of the 16 unique gardens displays a variety of incredible desert cacti, trees, and flowers. There’s even a zen garden!

The gardens put on special events throughout the year, so make sure to check the calendar on their website before visiting. During the winter, the grounds are aglow from the LightsUp! Festival of Illumination. I highly recommend attending this enchanting event to get into the holiday spirit.

Tucson Rodeo

Cowboys and cowgirls from around the world give the Wild West performances of a lifetime in South Tucson.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 791-4873 | Website

The Tucson Rodeo is one of those classic Arizona events you simply can’t miss. Barrel racers, bucking broncos, cowboys, and clowns abound. Hoot for brave riders as they’re tossed to and fro atop spirited bulls while you sip a beer in the bleachers. I promise you’ll never experience anything like it.

The rodeo parade is the biggest non-motorized parade in the country, powered by horses and people alone. It’s an impressive sight to see! Don’t miss showing off your two-step at the barn dance when the parade and rodeo end.

The whole family will revel in the spirit of the Southwest at this incredible Tucson tradition. Note that the rodeo only happens for two weeks in February, so plan accordingly!

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

Traverse the most famous hiking trails in Tucson, some of which feature raging waterfalls.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 749-8700 | Website | 👉 Guided Sabino Canyon Rappelling

Welcome to the true Sonoran Desert. Sabino Canyon Recreation Area is located at the base of the southern Santa Catalina Mountains and is home to some of the best hikes near Tucson.

Take a jog through the park’s paved pathway, which stretches from the parking lot to the Esperero trailhead just 0.5 miles away. Or take to the desert rocks by scaling Blackett’s Ridge, a steep yet short hike with views that will blow your mind.

My top recommendations for hikes here include Seven Falls, but only after the monsoon season, so you can experience the raging waterfalls. Also, check out the easy and scenic Sabino Lake Loop, along with Blackett’s Ridge, my favorite hike for views. Just know it’ll kick your butt.

🛎️ Need a Hotel? Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is the prettiest place to stay in Tucson, in my opinion. It’s located less than 10 minutes from the Sabino Canyon parking lot!

The Loft Cinema

Watch everything from blockbuster hits to local documentaries at this beloved nonprofit movie theater.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 795-0844 | Website

The Loft Cinema provides the ideal movie experience. Cozy velvet seats, classic posters on the walls, and an undeniable appreciation for film that will warm any cinophile’s heart. The Loft shows everything from student-made films to indie documentaries to brand-new blockbusters. It even hosts sing-alongs, which make for a hilarious family outing.

There are five screens at the Loft, including an outdoor theater perfect for spring and fall nights. Ticket prices are comparable to those of any major movie theater. Grab your popcorn and your favorite people and settle in for the perfect movie night at the Loft.

Reid Park Zoo

Enjoy a day of family fun on the wild side of Tucson.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 791-3204 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm daily | Entrance: $12 adults, $10 senior 62+, $8.50 youths 2-14, free under 2 

Take the kiddos and the rest of the family to the Reid Park Zoo for a day of laid-back fun and exciting animal sightseeing! The zoo is a local favorite in Tucson. It’s not a very large attraction, and it’s super easy to navigate in just a few hours.

The zoo features over 500 animals, a favorite of which is the African Elephant. In 2014, the zoo proudly welcomed the first elephant born in Arizona! Stroll past the wide variety of exhibits, then enjoy lunch at the cafe before heading home. Make sure to check out the baby ducks at the ponds in Reid Park on your way back to the car!

McKale Memorial Center

Cheer for the University of Arizona Wildcats at this famous sports center.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 621-2200 | Website | Entrance: Ticket Prices Vary

McKale Memorial Center is the home of the Arizona Wildcats basketball, volleyball, and more teams. Grab your tickets, a heaping plate of nachos, and a tallboy, and enjoy the U of A’s fantastic sports programs. 

This is one of my favorite things to do in Tucson with family or a small group of friends. It’s a blast to be around the electric energy inside McKale, even if you aren’t a huge fan of sports. Wildcats fans don’t mess around!

Don’t miss out on a game during the fall and winter if basketball is your forte. Tickets can be as cheap as $10, and even if you’re in the nosebleeds, you’ll have a great time. The men’s and women’s basketball teams are phenomenal. Bear down!

👉 Pro Tip: Uber or park early in one of the free lots around campus so you don’t get stuck in the parking garage after the game.

Catalina State Park

Hike to natural pools or take a peaceful stroll alongside mountain streams.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 628-5798 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: $10 – $20 per vehicle | 👉 Guided Horseback Ride at Catalina

Catalina State Park is one of my favorite hiking destinations in Tucson. The park is at the base of the western side of the Santa Catalina Mountains, and the wildlife here is unparalleled compared to the more central hiking spots. Expect to see coyotes, rattlesnakes, quail, mule deer, and even mountain lions! 

The main loop trail is best if you want to take a light stroll with magnificent views of the park. This trail winds through several washes, so you might want to wear your waterproof hiking boots to avoid soggy socks. 

Looking for a challenge? Romero Pools is a demanding but very rewarding hike to some of the prettiest natural pools in the greater Tucson area!

Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch

Hand-feed an array of eclectic animals, from 250-pound birds to flapping stingrays, at this incredible roadside attraction.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 466-3658 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $12 over 5 years old, $15 including stingray food 

There is no doubt in my mind that this is the most unique thing to do near Tucson. Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch is located 40 miles north of downtown Tucson via I-10 beside Picacho Peak State Park. It’s home to ostriches, deer, goats, desert tortoises, stingrays, parakeets, and more. A visit here is sure to be a core memory, especially for the youngsters.

Grab a cupful of feed upon entering this roadside attraction. You’ll giggle like a toddler when the donkeys and deer nibble treats from your palm. Get up close and personal at the goat kissing booth, then feed the tortoises asparagus and offer the rainbow lorikeets a sip of nectar. This place is such a delight!

The staff are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. They’ll be more than happy to tell you about the animals they raise and rescue at the ranch. Take your time perusing all of the exhibits, and don’t forget to say hi to Marley, the ranch dog, before you go. You’re guaranteed a major serotonin boost when you visit this eccentric Arizona gem.

Madera Canyon

Trek rugged, wooded trails or camp for a night under starry skies.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 281-2296 | Website

Madera Canyon is one of those places that makes you feel like you’re in a fairytale storybook. The road to the canyon provides incredible views of the Santa Rita Mountains. The notable Mount Wrightson juts into the sky against rolling tendrils of morning fog.

Magnificent trees form a canopy over the road as you approach the trailhead at the end of the highway. You can expect to see wild turkeys and mule deer roaming through the green woods on either side of the street. This area is world-renowned for bird watching, so keep an eye out for the Elegant Trogon, among other rare species.

You can camp under the stars here, or rent a bed and breakfast in the tiny section of residential cabins. My favorite is a gorgeous A-frame built into the boulders alongside the main drag. There’s a visitor’s center and a gift shop in Madera Canyon, but other than that, it’s quiet and unpopulated. 

If you plan to hike, summiting Mount Wrightson is a commendable accomplishment. This nearly 10,000-foot peak is not easy to tackle!

🚗 How to Get There: Take I-19 south toward Nogales from downtown Tucson. Then take the Continental Road exit in Green Valley and follow the signs east to the canyon.

Mount Lemmon

Scale the state’s best climbing routes, hit the ski slopes, or simply take a scenic drive from the desert to the forest.

📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Mount Lemmon Rock Climbing Tour

A trip to Mount Lemmon is a must if you’re looking for outdoor activities that embody local life in Tucson. Hiking trails become overgrown with gorgeous greenery and wildlife following summertime monsoon rains. Rock climbing is unmatched on the jagged granite rock faces throughout the mountain range. 

Mount Lemmon Ski Valley (the southernmost ski resort in the United States) is open for business in the winter. The slopes are limited to just a handful of runs, but it’s fascinating to ski or snowboard with a view of the Arizona desert below.

Located in the Coronado National Forest, Mount Lemmon is a testament to Tucson’s beauty year-round. Summerhaven, the tiny town at the end of the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway, offers several charming restaurants and bakeries.

There is also a great spot for chili and hot cider at the Iron Door Restaurant just outside of the ski slopes. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, don’t miss out on a trip to this local favorite haven.

Pima Air and Space Museum

Wander through the history of aviation among over 300 aircraft.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 574-0462 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $22.50 adults, $19.75 seniors 65+, $16 youths 5-12, free under 5 

Don’t skip the Pima Air and Space Museum if you’re a history buff or have an affinity for airplanes. It is one of the largest non-government aerospace collections in the nation. Peruse over 300 aircraft and over 1,000 artifacts ranging from presidential planes to old war relics.

Note that there are 5 indoor hangars to wander, but the majority of this museum is outdoors. I recommend visiting during any season except the summertime.

Colossal Cave Mountain Park

Surround yourself with incredible underground rock formations.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 647-7275 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 4 pm daily | Entrance: $24 adults, $22 military, $14 youths 5-12, children under 5 not permitted | 👉 Classic Cave Tour

Colossal Cave Mountain Park offers an unforgettable underground experience. Schedule a tour online before arriving, then take in the magic of the world below Tucson. 

While the greater Tucson area is riddled with caves, none compare to the grandeur of Colossal Cave. This network of underground chambers is several miles long, and the details of the formations are exquisite. You’ll wander through stalagmites and stalactites with your jaw on the floor for the duration of the tour!

Spelunking not up your alley? The park offers multiple above-ground excursions as well. Take a horseback riding tour through the Sonoran Desert or enjoy a peaceful stroll through the butterfly garden. No matter what you do, you’ll have a gleeful time in Colossal Cave Mountain Park.

🌄 Read Next: Best Day Trips from Tucson

Sentinel Peak (“A” Mountain)

Get a bird’s-eye view of the entire city of Tucson.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 791-4873 | Website | Hours: Sunrise-Sunset daily

Driving up Sentinel Peak is one of the easiest things to do in Tucson. You can take Congress Street west until it curves into Silverbell Road. At the turn, you’ll find the obscure signs for Sentinel Peak. Make your way to the top of the city within 3 minutes from the base of the mountain. Enjoy overlooking downtown, the U of A, and the surrounding mountains.

The iconic “A” painted into the hillside signifies your arrival at the top of this Tucson symbol. You can walk from the base to the summit instead if you want to get a workout. This hike is quick, but you’ll feel the burn in your calves! 

The top of “A” Mountain is very calming. It’s my favorite place to escape the noise of the city, and it’s an instant cure for a cluttered mind. Check it out if you need a moment of peace on your trip!

University of Arizona Campus

Tour my alma mater, the beautiful campus that makes Tucson such a special college town.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 621-2211 | Website

The University of Arizona campus is a wonderful place to stroll with a coffee in hand. Set out a blanket on the grass by Old Main if you like to people-watch. Students, Tucson locals, and tourists alike make their way across the sprawling campus.

You’ll find energetic college bars, pizza joints, bakeries, and boutique shops along University Boulevard. You can easily spend a day on this strip alone. The campus is a great meeting point if you’re looking to travel around the city. It’s in the heart of Tucson, so you can get virtually anywhere within 20 minutes.

🛎️ Need a Hotel? The Graduate Tucson is a great hotel located just off University Boulevard. Their rooftop pool has unparalleled views of the mountains surrounding Tucson.

Rialto Theatre

Get up close and personal with your favorite touring artists at this intimate concert venue.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 740-1000 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 5 pm Tues – Sat, Closed Sun – Mon

The Rialto is my all-time favorite music venue in Tucson. Some of the best up-and-coming artists in the nation perform here, and tickets are rarely more than $50.

Whether you’re a T-loc or a visitor, check out the upcoming artists at the Rialto for an intimate concert experience. You’ll be a front-row spectator to one of your favorite performers if you get in line early enough!

Mountain Biking

Get a killer leg workout while exploring the beautiful mountains surrounding Tucson.

🚲 Website | 👉 Guided Mountain Biking in the Sonoran Desert

Mountain biking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Tucson. Every surrounding mountain range offers exciting trails. The Sonoran Desert is a gorgeous place to explore on two wheels, and it’s one of the best ways to access beautiful sites that can’t be reached by car.

Just make sure you know what you’re getting into before you hit the trail. Some mountain biking areas are extremely treacherous and should only be accessed by advanced riders. Don’t worry, though. There are plenty of beginner trails near Tucson, too. You can take a guided tour for your first go at it. Don’t forget to wear a helmet!

Arizona History Museum

Connect to Arizona’s exciting past.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 628-5774 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 3 pm Tues – Sat, Closed Sun & Mon | Entrance: $12 adults, $11 seniors/military/students, $6 youths 7-13, free under 7 

The Arizona History Museum is the perfect place for history buffs on the hunt for the story of this great state. Learn all about the people who built their lives here, the industries that shaped Arizona, and the culture that created the spirit of Tucson. 

The Arizona History Museum features thousands of artifacts. These include Geronimo’s rifle, Native American tools, and Spanish battle relics. You’ll have hours of browsing to do in this impressive exhibit.

Tucson Children’s Museum

Let little ones enjoy educational fun at this local favorite museum.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 792-9985 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Tues, Wed, & Fri – Sun, 9 am – 7 pm Thurs, Closed Mon | Entrance: $12 per person, free under 1 

The Tucson Children’s Museum holds a special place in my heart. It’s a wonderful little spot just south of downtown. The museum is filled with educational exhibits featuring local artwork and interactivity. 

The museum focuses on developmental learning and hands-on creativity, so your kiddos will never get bored. You can easily spend hours here, and your children will never forget their time at the museum (I sure didn’t!).

Fox Tucson Theatre

See a show or a classic film at Tucson’s most historic downtown venue.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 547-3040 | Website | Entrance: Ticket prices vary

See a classic film, a play, live music, or a comedy performance in this nearly 100-year-old theater in downtown Tucson. The Fox has a long history with Tucson, including a 25-year stint of sitting empty before being rehabilitated and reopened in 2006. Its revival has attracted thousands of loyal patrons and performers to its stage.

Just over 1,000 guests can enjoy a myriad of events at the Fox. Check out what’s happening here on its website during your visit to Tucson. You never know which performers — well-known and up-and-coming — will make an appearance on this famous local stage!

Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures

Check out history on a tiny scale.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 881-0606 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Tues – Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: $15 adults, $13 students/seniors/military, $9 youths 4-17

The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures is an enchanting place with fun exhibits that will thrill the whole family. The museum displays over 500 antique dollhouses and other miniature structures and figurines. 

It also presents rotating displays of new miniature artwork, ranging from tiny model cars to itty-bitty holiday towns. Kids will love the engaging art gallery, and adults will be fascinated by the intricate designs.

Trail Dust Town

A small Wild West theme park on the east side of town.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 296-4551 | Website | Hours: 5 pm – 9:30 pm daily

Trail Dust Town is the ideal place to bring your kids for an evening of family fun. The short trail of Tombstone-like buildings features restaurants, ice cream shops, theme park rides, a mini train, and thrilling stunt shows. The little ones will love the Wild West theme, and parents can easily relax with a beer in this collection of bars and stores.

Golf N’ Stuff is right next door. Make sure to visit this exciting mini-golf attraction before you head to Trail Dust Town for dinner!

Tucson Meet Yourself

Celebrate the culture and food that make southern Arizona so special.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 621-4046 | Website

Tucson Meet Yourself is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Try the best of Tucson cuisine and peruse hundreds of local vendors’ shops. This massive street party occurs annually in October and draws thousands of locals and visitors to downtown Tucson.

Wear your stretchy pants and comfy shoes to this event. Tucson Meet Yourself brings together music, dance, food, crafts, and more from all residents around the world. This is one of the best events to connect to the spirit of the city. Everyone comes together to get to know each other and cherish what makes us both similar and different.

Arizona Stadium

Get loud for the University of Arizona football team.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 621-2200 | Website | Entrance: Ticket Prices Vary

If you’re a football fan, there is nothing quite like an Arizona Wildcats game. Before each game, the mall (the green lawn that stretches the length of the campus just north of the stadium) fills up with tailgaters. Thousands of locals and visitors party together before heading to the big game.

When it’s time for kickoff, enjoy a thrilling game of football in the historic Arizona Stadium. The Wildcats have been improving lately, so hope for an exciting showdown! Don’t forget to bring a ball cap and lots of sunscreen so you don’t burn in the strong Arizona sun.

Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson

Tap into your inner zen in this picturesque collection of gardens.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 303-3945 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm Thurs – Sat, 12 pm – 5 pm Sun, Closed Mon – Wed | Entrance: $15 adults, $12 seniors/students/military, $6 youths 3-15, free under 3 

⚠️ Temporary Closure: Due to construction, the gardens are currently closed and aim to reopen in fall 2026.

Need a quiet moment in the midst of the city? Yume Japanese Gardens, located beside the Tucson Botanical Gardens, is one of my favorite things to do in Tucson. Take a journey to Japan in the heart of the desert. 

You’ll likely be one of the only people there if you visit during the week. Become one with nature and find inner peace among five unique Japanese gardens. I could sit beside the elegant koi pond for hours!

La Encantada

Fine-dine and shop luxury brands at this high-end outdoor shopping mall.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 299-3566 | Website

Avid shoppers flock to La Encantada. This outdoor shopping center is in the Catalina Foothills, one of Tucson’s top neighborhoods. It’s well-known among locals as “the boujee mall.”

It’s obvious why — the directory includes every luxury brand you can imagine, from Apple to Tommy Bahama and Pottery Barn. The shopping here soars well above typical Tucson standards.

I recommend visiting La Encantada when the weather is nice so you can fully enjoy exploring the outdoor courtyards and shops. I also encourage lunch on the patio at some of the best restaurants in Tucson, like Ra Sushi or North Italia.

Tohono Chul Botanical Gardens, Galleries, and Bistro

An oasis of Sonoran Desert flora and fauna, plus local art galleries and a delicious restaurant.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 742-6455 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm | Entrance: $20 adults, $15 seniors/military, $10 youths 4-17, free under 4 

Take in the beauty of the Sonoran Desert at this hidden gem in the Casas Adobes area. Tohono Chul features themed gardens filled with native plants, birds, and other wildlife, as well as local art exhibits. The Garden Bistro offers an extensive menu of flavorful dishes and drinks, my favorites of which are the prickly pear cocktails.

This is one of my favorite places to bring people on their first trip to Tucson because the gardens perfectly embody the rich culture and gorgeous natural life of the Sonoran Desert. Don’t skip the gift shop before you go. This is one of my top Christmas shopping spots in town!

Gaslight Theatre

Experience the best of the Tucson theater scene.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 886-9428 | Website | Entry: Ticket prices vary

The Gaslight Theatre is one of the most beloved establishments in Tucson. Both locations (East and Northwest) feature excellent live performances from local and renowned actors, musicians, and comedians.

My parents bring every single visitor to the Gaslight. It’s a guaranteed good time where everyone gets to revel in live talent, great food, and the joy of the performing arts.

Center for Creative Photography

Admire the work of some of the most famous photographers in America.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 621-7968 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4:30 pm Tues – Sat, Closed Sun & Mon

Calling all photographers! The Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona contains the archives of some of the most famous photographers in America. My favorite is Ansel Adams, the black-and-white landscape photographer famous for his images of the American West. The center holds all of his known existing negatives.

This research facility and museum displays thousands of incredible photos year-round. It also presents seasonal exhibits. Check out its website when you’re near campus to learn more about current and upcoming exhibitions. You just might get to see a collection of your favorite photographer’s work!

All Souls Procession

A celebration of life and culture in a historic neighborhood of Tucson.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 312-1448 | Website | Hours: First Weekend of November

This Dia de Los Muertos-inspired event is one of the biggest community gatherings of the year. Locals and visitors gather to mourn, remember, and celebrate those they’ve lost. From beloved pets to friends and family members, there’s no limit or condition to who can be a part of this celebration of life.

Some attendees get completely dressed up in intricate outfits and full-blown face paint. Others simply go to observe the beautiful procession. I especially love the storytelling aspect of this event, as people share fond memories of those they miss. Enjoy live music, great local food, and a powerful sense of community at this enlightening procession.

👉 Next Up: Watch or listen to our Day of the Dead episode on the Travel Lemming Podcast to learn more about this cultural celebration.

Centennial Hall

Enjoy a Broadway show on the University of Arizona campus.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (520) 621-3341 | Website

Are you a fan of the theater? Centennial Hall is the best place in Tucson to see a play or musical. This place has been a source of fond memories ever since I was a little girl. In fact, my high school theater days were inspired by my love for shows like Annie and Phantom of the Opera at Centennial Hall!

It’s located on the University of Arizona campus, so hit up multiple Tucson hotspots within an evening. Grab dinner on University Boulevard, wander the beautiful campus, then enjoy an entertaining show. This is one of the best and most unique date spots in Tucson!

Gem and Mineral Show

Welcome to the largest gem and mineral show in the world.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Late January – Early February

People travel from every corner of the world to attend the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show — no exaggeration. Vendors come from the middle of Africa, the tip of South America, the mountains of Europe, and everywhere in between. 

They bring their finest gems, most precious minerals, and fossils to this impressive show. Up to 250 retailers set up shop at this one exhibition. Pop-up tents appear all along I-10, and every popular area of Tucson becomes a shop full of sparkling jewelry, intricate sculptures, and more.

You can buy bracelets and rings from the other side of the globe for super cheap. Or you can invest your savings in a unique statue carved out of a rare stone from another continent. The possibilities are endless! If you visit Tucson from late January to early February, you simply cannot miss the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.

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Now you’re set for your trip to the Sonoran Desert! Make sure to check out my article on the best places to visit in Arizona for more travel insights in my home state.