16 Things to do in Tucson, Arizona: Museums, Hikes, Scenic Drives & History

I grew up in Tucson, 1958-1969. When I say "Tucson es mi corazon", I mean it! 👍 Oh, yes; don't forget the submarine races on "A" Mountain! A favorite spot for high school students back in the day!

For the hipster in you... Don't forget Fourth Avenue. Groovy eats, bookstores and crafty stores galore!

That's it! I'm going to have to go back to Arizona now. I spent 3 months in Phoenix for work and I explored the area along with Sedona, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, Painted Desert, Monument Valley, and Page. I fell in love with those areas, but never made it to Tucson. I'm happy to have another excuse to go back.

You missed some VERY cool things: Tohono Chul Park, Tucson Botanical Gardens, Tubac, Tumacocori Mission (a bit south of Tucson), Saguaro National Park East, Catalina State Park. Not sure I'd recommend University of AZ unless there is an event to see as parking is impossible. And if you visit in January and February there's the Tucson Gem and Mineral show (largest in the world) and the Tucson Rodeo.

In 1966, when I was in high school, I did a summer program at the University of Arizona. We toured many of these same sites. I saw the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum when it was far smaller (been a member ever since), and toured the Titan missile base when it was still operational. Now, THAT was a tour! Unfortunately our transportation was an old school bus with no air conditioning, and when we were leaving (or trying to), they declared an alert as an exercise and sealed the base. We sat in the baking sun inside that bus for 45 minutes.

I live in Tucson in the Foothills at the base of the Santa Catalinas.The Sonoran desert is green and magical and the sunsets and sunrises never get old. Thanks for showing some love to my fair city.

The drive to Mt Lemmon is worth it for the view and to get away from the Tucson heat as it is like 75\80F up there during summer. A great humm bird feeding\ watching spot is the Santa Rita lodge parking spot and Madera Canyon for day\overnight hiking, when weather gets cooler. Southern AZ is nationally known for the migrant bird stop during winter. I also add Kartcher Cavern if you have an extra day stay.

Well, I’ve been here 13 years love it

Thank you, for posting such a thorough video. I am visiting Tucson for the first rime next month, I am so excited! I have always loved the southwest, I can't wait to start planning and researching. Cheers!

Thanks again for the amazing tour! You never disappoint your followers. I'll put this on our bucket list for this winter. We have visited 21 National Parks since the pandemic Bec of your amazing videos. You are such a great advocate. Nice to have a glimpse of the twins too!

Next time you're in Tucson, drive Campbell dr at night as far north as you can. Totally free spot to see Tucson lights at night. Very beautiful!

Next time you visit Tucson, check out Colossal Cave. It's East of the city.

Been feeling homesick. I used to live on the west side of the saguaro national park west. This list is pretty comprehensive. Old Tucson is reopening soon. Definitely add it on your next trip. Particularly if you have youngins.

The Sonoran dog is my favorite thing to get when I'm in town.

Wrote down every one! Thanks - can't wait to go.

Also worth mentioning is Arizona Zipline Adventures 1 hour north of Tucson via AZ 77

Two things. You forgot to mention that you can Summit Mt Lemmon by taking a ski lift to the top. It really is an incredible experience. Also you can’t go to Tucson without stopping in at Tombstone! It’s an incredibly iconic destination with the site of the most famous gunfight of all time!!

I haven't seen Arizona in a few years but, it was amazing! I miss it. If you decide to go, don't forget your sunglasses, hat and lots of water. It is hot. Hot, hot ,HOT. Did I mention it was hot? Late October is perfect. Like summer but not letscooksteakonthehood hot.

I'm going for the first time next month for 7 days. Thanks for all of the great ideas. I'll be definitely utilizing a great number if them 👍🏾

Wife and I want to thank you for these great videos of south western US. They are our go to videos for our current vacation through this area in our RV. We love all of them include those with your father. Keep them coming and we will keep watching.