Chickery's Travels

Chickery's Travels logo. A blue-green Earth globe with continents surrounded by dots with an arrow denoting movement or travel and "Chickery's Travels" as part of the dotted circle. Next to this is a photo of their blue and white Arctic Fox 5th Wheel with the awning out.
  • Home
  • Campground Reviews
    • The Best U.S. National Park Campgrounds
    • 28 Must-See State Park Campgrounds You Can’t Miss
    • Alternatives To National Park Campgrounds: Discover Hidden Gems Just Outside the Park Boundaries
    • Best Luxury RV Resorts For All RV Types
    • Best Waterfront Campgrounds For Every Budget
    • Alabama
      • Gunter Hill Campground (Montgomery, Alabama)
    • Arizona
      • Best Campgrounds in Arizona
      • Aspen Campground (Payson, Arizona)
      • LazyDays KOA (Tucson, Arizona)
      • Lost Dutchman State Park (Phoenix, AZ)
    • Arkansas
      • Catherine’s Landing (Hot Springs, Arkansas)
      • Downtown Riverside RV Park (Little Rock, Arkansas)
    • California
      • Best Campgrounds in California
      • Crescent City Redwoods KOA (Crescent City, California)
      • Sea Breeze RV Park (Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station)
    • Delaware
      • Cape Henlopen State Park (Lewes, Delaware)
    • Florida
      • Best Campgrounds in Florida
      • Blue Angel Naval Recreation Area (Pensacola, FL)
      • Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Southeast FL)
      • LazyDays RV Resort (Tampa, FL)
      • MacDill AFB FamCamp (Tampa, FL)
      • Military Camping in Key West
      • Patrick AFB FamCamp (Cocoa Beach, FL)
      • Rainbow Springs State Park & Campground (Ocala, FL)
      • Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness (Orlando, FL)
        • Halloween at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
        • Chickery’s Travels Podcast Episode 5: Fort Wilderness Campground Review
    • Maryland
      • Cherry Hill Park (College Park, Maryland)
    • Michigan
      • Port Huron KOA (Kimball, Michigan)
    • Nevada
      • Best Campgrounds in Nevada
      • Las Vegas RV Campgrounds: Nellis Air Force Base and Lake Mead RV Village
      • Boondocking Near Las Vegas
    • New Hampshire
      • Lincoln / Woodstock KOA (New Hampshire)
    • New York
      • Round Pond Recreation Area (West Point, NY)
    • North Carolina
      • Outer Banks West / Currituck Sound KOA (Coinjock, North Carolina)
    • Oklahoma
      • Oklahoma City East KOA (Choctaw, Oklahoma)
    • Texas
      • Best Campgrounds in Texas
      • Alsatian RV Resort (Castroville, Texas)
      • Maverick Ranch (Lajitas, Texas)
      • Texas Wine Country Jellystone (Fredericksburg, Texas)
    • Tennessee
      • Camp Margaritaville (Pigeon Forge, TN)
      • Crossville I-40 KOA (Crossville, TN)
      • Midway RV Park (Memphis, TN)
    • Virginia
      • Complete Guide to Camping at Shenandoah National Park
      • Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA (Cape Charles, Virginia)
      • Fort Belvoir Travel Camp (Alexandria, VA)
      • Harrisonburg / Shenandoah Valley KOA (Broadway, Virginia)
      • Shenandoah Views Campground (Luray, Virginia)
      • Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA (Monroe, Virginia)
      • Shenandoah River State Park (Bentonville, Virginia)
    • Washington
      • Crescent Bar RV Resort (Quincy, Washington)
    • West Virginia
      • Harper’s Ferry KOA (Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia)
  • USA
    • Alaska
      • 5 Things You Can’t Miss On Your First Trip To Alaska
    • Arizona
      • Apache Trail: A Crazy, Scary, Beautiful Drive
      • Best of Tucson – 10 Unforgettable Activities
      • Complete Guide to Saguaro National Park
      • Lost Dutchman State Park (Phoenix, Arizona)
      • Phoenix Faves: Best Activities to Enjoy on Your Arizona Vacation
    • California
      • Complete Guide to Joshua Tree National Park
      • Complete Guide to Redwood National and State Parks
    • District of Columbia
      • Budget Friendly Fun in Washington D.C.
      • Favorite Hikes near Washington DC
      • Indoor Skydiving and TopGolf: Just Another Day of Family Fun!
    • Florida
      • Florida National Parks Road Trip Guide
      • Best Beaches in Florida’s Panhandle
      • Best Walt Disney World Festivals For Adults
      • Blowing Rocks Preserve – Jupiter Island, Florida
      • Bok Tower Gardens
      • Daytona Beach – The World’s Most Famous Beach
      • Enjoy the Best of Sunny Sarasota
      • Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
      • Gasparilla – Tampa’s Pirate Invasion
      • 3 Days on the Nature Coast 
      • Get Back to Nature in Tampa Bay
      • Florida Freshwater Springs on the Nature Coast
      • Halloween at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
      • Kennedy Space Center – Cape Canaveral
      • Island Hopping at Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island State Parks
      • Must See Sights in St. Augustine, FL – America’s Oldest City
      • Rainbow Springs State Park & Campground (Dunnellon, Florida)
      • Take Me Out to the Ball Game – Spring Training in Tampa, FL
      • Tarpon Springs – The Gulf Coast Town with Greek Flavor
      • The 5 Best Beaches in the Tampa Bay Area
      • Top 5 Things to Do on Florida’s Space Coast
      • What Not to Do When Kayaking on the Weeki Wachee River
      • Why We Love Tampa
      • Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure
    • Georgia
      • Visiting Atlanta? Don’t Miss These Civil Rights Museums
    • Hawaii
      • Everything You Need to Know About Camping in a Jeep Wrangler in Hawaii
    • Illinois
      • One Day In The Windy City – Chicago Itinerary
    • Maine
      • Coastal Maine Road Trip
      • Discover the Beauty of Monhegan Island, Maine
      • Acadia National Park: Highlights You Can’t Miss
    • Nevada
      • Explore Las Vegas – It’s More Than Just Gambling
    • New Hampshire
      • Experience the Magic of New Hampshire’s White Mountains
    • North Carolina
      • Complete Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
      • Uncover the Coastal Charm of North Carolina’s Outer Banks | A Guide for Visitors
    • Oregon
      • Navigating Oregon’s Natural Gems
    • Pennsylvania
      • The Best Things To Do In Lancaster Pennsylvania
    • Tennessee
      • Complete Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
      • Burgess Falls: 3 For 1 Waterfall Special
      • National Civil Rights Museum – Memphis, TN
      • Window Cliffs, TN – I’m Not Afraid of Heights, But I am Afraid of Falling!
      • WWII History in Tennessee
    • Texas
      • Best Restaurants in Fredericksburg
      • Enjoy a Bird’s Eye View of Texas Hill Country
      • Explore Nature’s Untamed Beauty at Big Bend National Park
      • Top 10 Activities in the Dallas – Fort Worth
    • Utah
      • Discover the Best of Zion National Park
    • Virginia
      • Explore Great Falls Park, Virginia
  • RV Resources
    • 3 Simple Steps to Find the Best RV Campgrounds
    • 5 Years Full-Time RV: Lessons Learned & Biggest Regret
    • Boondocking – What We Learned From Our First Dry Camping Experience
    • Tips for Boondocking Success
    • Essential RV Gear
      • Essential RV Gear Guide
      • DIY RV Power & Solar Upgrade
      • RV Must Have: Tire Pressure Monitoring System
      • RV SnapPads Product Review
      • RVLOCK Keyless Entry Door Handle Installation and Review
      • Shop “RV Local” With TechnoRV
      • Top RV Gadgets & Accessories
      • WeBoost Cellular Booster Review
    • Maintenance
      • DIY RV Power & Solar Upgrade
      • DIY Power Upgrade – “Solar Ready” Arctic Fox Fifth Wheel
      • An Easy Way to Protect Your RV Water Heater
      • Easy DIY Project to Protect Your RV Water System
      • How to Reduce the Likelihood of Tire Blowouts on your RV
      • Odor Free RV Black Tank Tips
      • RV Condensation: What It Is, What It Does, and How To Stop It
      • RV Roofs – What You Need to Know
    • Living in an RV
      • 9 Lessons From 2 1/2 Years on the Road
      • Dealing with my Biggest Full-Time Travel Struggle, Missing Family While Traveling
      • Downsizing: 3 Areas That Make The Biggest Impact
      • Full-Time RV: 2019 Year in Review
      • Full-Time RV: 2018 Year in Review
      • Full-Time RV Travel – 2017 Year In Review
      • How Full-Time RVers Celebrate the Holidays
      • Get Ready for Full-Time RV Travel
      • Internet Solutions for RV Travelers
      • The Ultimate Guide to Embracing the Full-Time RV Lifestyle
      • Living in a Tiny, Traveling Home
      • Making Friends (and reconnecting with old friends) While Traveling Full-Time
      • Pros & Cons of Full-Time RV Travel
      • RV Organization & Storage Ideas
      • Short-Term RV Storage: Leaving The RV Behind
      • Top 3 Lessons Learned & Biggest Regret: 3 Years Full-Time RV Living
      • What We Wish We Knew Before Full-Time RVing – Stories from the Road
      • What You Need To Know Before Selling Everything And Moving To An RV
      • Why We Are Traveling Full-Time In Our RV
    • Must Read Books Before Becoming A Full-time RVer
    • RV Organization & Storage Ideas
    • RV Remodel
      • Planning an RV Remodel
      • RV Kitchen Cooking Videos
      • Painting Your RV Interior
      • Update the RV Kitchen – Backsplashes & More
      • Updating Your RV Window Treatments
      • RV Bedroom Makeover
      • RV Remodel Costs with Before & After Photos
      • Vintage Camper Renovation
    • RV Holiday Tour – Decorating Our Small Space
    • RV Hurricane Evacuation
    • RV Misery Can Be Overcome By The Generosity Of Others
    • How Book Readers Can Space and Weight in the RV
    • Slow Travel
    • Small Kitchen Cooking
      • Eating Healthy on Travel Days
    • Staying Healthy
      • Traveling with Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, and Other Chronic Pain Conditions
    • Trip Planning
    • Traveling with Pets
      • RVing with Your Cat
      • Traveling with Restricted Breed Dogs
    • Why I Prefer RV Travel Over Flying
    • Your Guide To Planning The Best Family Vacation This Summer
  • Travel Finance
    • 5 Tips to Save on RV Travel
    • 5 Ways to Fund Full-Time Travel
    • Creative Ways To Save Money On Your Next Vacation
    • Full-Time RV Expenses
      • Annual Full-Time RV Expenses – The Big Three
    • Five Credit Card Strategies To Improve Travel
    • How Much Do Campgrounds Cost?
    • How Much Does it Cost to RV Full-Time?
    • How to Camp for Free
    • How to Earn Passive Income from Your RV (Without Doing Any Work)
    • How to Save Money on RV Fuel Costs
    • How to Save on Food While Camping
    • How to Start a Profitable Blog
    • How We Earn A Living While Traveling Full-Time (And How You Can Too)
    • How We Paid $139,000 of Debt in 2 Years While Full-Time RVing
    • Learn How to Finance Your Dreams
    • The Top 7 Ways to Save Money While Traveling Full-Time
    • RV Purchasing
      • RV Purchasing: Understanding RV Types
      • Benefits of Renting an RV: Try Before You Buy
      • Should I Buy A New or Used RV?
      • The Costs of RV Ownership
      • The True Cost of Financing an RV
      • Attend An RV Show – Even If You Already Own An RV | Exciting Reasons Why
    • Save Money Using the Public Library (On More Than Just Books)
  • Military Travel
    • Guide To Using Military Campgrounds
    • Health Care for Retired Military Full-Time RVers
    • Why Military Retirees Should Fly Space-A
  • About Us
    • RV Shows We’re Attending
    • Contact Us
    • Follow Us

5:02 pm by Julie Chickery Leave a Comment

Best of Tucson – 10 Unforgettable Activities

16 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

Last updated on April 4th, 2024 at 08:25 pm

To truly experience Tucson, you have to take advantage of all that this city has to offer. From rugged desert hikes to historic landmarks and unique cultural attractions, there is plenty to see and explore here. For tourists on the hunt for outdoor adventure and southwestern culture set among sunny skies, we’ve compiled a list of the top activities in Tucson that you can’t miss.

Table of Contents
  • Saguaro National Park
  • Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
  • Old Tucson
  • Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway
  • Catalina State Park
  • Tucson Loop Bike Path
  • San Xavier del Bac
  • Pima Air and Space Musuem
  • Where to Stay
  • Plan Your Trip Today

Saguaro National Park

Saguaro cacti in Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park

If you are visiting Tucson, don’t pass up the chance to visit Saguaro National Park. The breathtaking Saguaro National Park, home to the iconic saguaro cactus, offers some incredible scenic drives, nature walks, and hikes with stunning views of the desert landscapes and wildlife.

The layout of the park is unlike any that we’ve visited because it has two distinct districts (east and west) that are divided by the city. If you only have time to visit one part of the park, we recommend Saguaro National Park West which boasts the highest concentration of Saguaro cacti in the world. The Saguaro towers up to 50 feet tall and can live for over two centuries.

After a stop at the visitor’s center, the scenic Bajada Loop Drive is the best way to start your exploration of the park. It is an unpaved, graded dirt road that offers scenic pullouts and hiking trailheads in a 6-mile loop. Some of the best trails for an overview of the park include:

  • Valley View Overlook Trail – At just under 1 mile this easy trek offers a beautiful panoramic view from a small rise over the desert.
  • Wild Dog Trail – Beginning at the same parking area as Valley View Overlook, this easy hike is just under two miles and is a great add-on if you want to spend a little more time winding through the desert landscape. As you progress along the path, you will encounter several interesting rock formations.
  • Signal Hill Trail – This is another great out-and-back nature walk that comes in at just .3 miles. It’s a great opportunity to stretch your legs and walk through a sea of Saguaro and to see some petroglyphs.
  • Cactus Wren Trail – Beginning at the same parking area as the Signal Hill Trail, this is a great add-on that would result in a total of a 3.9-mile loop. Along the way, hikers can expect to see several species of birds, including the namesake cactus wren. The trail is fairly easy, but the west half of the loop gets pretty sandy which can provide a bit more of a challenge.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

A photo of a desert landscape with prickly pear and saguaro cactus. A great-horned owl sits on a low branch while Sean Chickery snaps a photo of it.

Nature enthusiasts and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of desert ecosystems will find plenty to explore and learn at this world-renowned museum. With over 85 acres of Sonoran desert habitat and trails, the museum showcases the region’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. Part-zoo, part-desert botanical garden, the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum has a range of interactive exhibits and live shows that showcase the essence of the desert’s ecosystem and its inhabitants. Our favorite live show is the Raptor Free Flight program, where you can see hawks, eagles, and falcons soaring overhead.

The Desert Loop Trail at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a 1/2-mile walking trail that winds its way through the museum’s outdoor exhibits. The trail offers visitors a chance to view and learn about the flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert. The trail is well-marked, and several interpretive signs along the way provide information about the plants and animals found in the area. Along the trail, you’ll encounter a wide variety of cacti, desert trees, and other vegetation. You’ll also get a chance to observe animals such as coyotes, javelinas, and tortoises.

If you’re interested in geology and the history of the Southwest, the Earth Sciences Center is not to be missed. Here, you can see stunning mineral specimens, learn about the geological processes that formed the Sonoran Desert, and explore the museum’s extensive collection of fossils.

The museum is also home to a world-class art gallery that showcases the work of regional artists. With rotating exhibitions that change throughout the year, there’s always something new to discover. From photography to sculpture to painting, the diverse collection of art at the museum reflects the beauty and diversity of the Sonoran Desert.

Old Tucson

Stage coach in front of a building in Old Tucson

Old Tucson has been a popular spot for tourists for more than 80 years, offering a glimpse into the olden days of the West. With a wide variety of attractions, shows, and activities, Old Tucson is a fun-filled theme park for all ages. This article highlights what to see and do at Old Tucson.

It’s been a filming location for many Western movies and TV shows like Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, Tombstone, The Three Amigos, and many others. Today you can take a walking tour of the Movie Set Museum to learn about the history of the movie industry and see original sets, costumes, and props used in famous Western movies.

Old Tucson also offers several live shows that recreate the Wild West era including gunfights, stunt shows, and musical performances. Don’t miss the High Noon shootout and the Can Can show, which are some of the most popular shows in the park.

Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway

View of evergreen trees and Tucson from Mount Lemmon

With its picturesque hairpin turns and stunning mountain views, the Mt. Lemmon or Sky Island Scenic Byway makes for an unforgettable 24-mile drive (each way). Beginning in the northeastern part of the city, this paved road will take you from the Sonoran Desert to the forested summit of the Santa Catalina Mountains.

At over 9,000 feet in elevation, Mount Lemmon is known as Babad Do’ag (or Frog Mountain) to
the Tohono O’odham, the Indigenous people of the area. On your drive up the mountain, you’ll encounter numerous scenic pull-outs, a visitor center, and trailheads to the over 250 miles of trails that weave across the Santa Catalina Mountain Range.

Due to the elevation, it provides a great way to beat the heat in Tucson. The temperature drops around 20 degrees from the base, so it is always a good idea to bring a jacket or sweater.

During the winter, you can ski or snowboard at Ski Valley on the summit. They operate their ski lift for scenic rides the rest of the year.

Catalina State Park

Mountain views and hikers in Catalina State Park

Another great option for nature lovers is Catalina State Park. It offers a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking, birdwatching, camping, and more. Located on the northwestern side of the city, Catalina State Park boasts over 24 miles of hiking trails, accommodating hikers of all skill levels. Start with the easy 1-mile Catalina Nature Trail or the 1.3-mile Catalina Birding Trail that goes along the river part of the way.

For a more challenging hike with gorgeous mountain views, try the Romero Canyon Trail to the Romero Pools. This 6.1-mile out-and-back hike climbs 1,318 feet in elevation so make sure you have plenty of water on hand and are acclimated to desert hiking. Also, be aware that if you go during the fall months, you won’t see much water at the pools.

Tucson Loop Bike Path

Man cycling Tucson Loop Bike Path

Tucson Loop Bike Path is one of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of Tucson while staying active. This 131-mile multi-use trail traverses the beautiful Sonoran Desert and is perfect for cycling, running, and walking. Most of the trail is flat and easy to navigate, making it a perfect option for those looking to get outside and move their bodies. It also links many cultural sites around the city providing you with an alternative means of travel.

San Xavier del Bac

Front facade of San Xavier del Bac in Tucson

This beautiful architectural masterpiece is about 10 miles south of downtown Tucson. San Xavier del Bac, also known as the “White Dove of the Desert,” was a Spanish mission founded by Father Eusebio Kino in 1692 to convert the O’odham people. Today, visitors can explore the history of the mission by touring the church, which boasts stunning Baroque architecture, and its surrounding grounds, which include the historic cemetery.

San Xavier del Bac is home to one of the finest collections of Spanish Colonial art in the country. Adorning the walls and ceilings of the church are original frescoes, which were painted in the 1700s by Native American artist, Juan Bautista de Anza. These murals tell the history of the area and the founding of the mission. Additionally, the mission houses a museum, which displays a collection of religious and cultural artifacts.

Pima Air and Space Musuem

Military aircraft at the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson

As Air Force veterans, we visit every air and space museum we encounter on our travels. We really enjoyed Pima Air and Space Museum’s impressive collection of over 350 historical aircraft and spacecraft. We took the guided tram tour and then spent the rest of the time wandering around looking at a diverse range of aircraft, including military and vintage civilian planes. Some notable aircraft on display include the SR-71 Blackbird, a high-altitude reconnaissance plane that holds the record for the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft, and a Boeing B-29 Superfortress, a massive bomber plane that was used during World War II. There’s also a lunar module and a replica of the Wright Brothers’ first successful airplane.

Where to Stay

Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Resort with mountains in the background

Located in Tucson’s Oro Valley, the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Resort has been recognized for its award-winning golf and tennis facilities. The resort has 3 golf courses, 31 lighted tennis courts, and 4 swimming pools. Featuring stunning views of the resort’s 500 acres and the surrounding Santa Catalina Mountains, this is the place to stay if you want to relax in luxury while visiting the area.

Two people having lunch in front of a Deluxe Cabin at the Tucson KOA.

Another great place to stay closer to the airport is the Tucson LazyDays KOA. It offers RV and tent sites, as well as deluxe southwest-inspired cabins so there is a place to stay for everyone. The campground also boasts a bar and grill, two swimming pools, and a fitness room.

Plan Your Trip Today

Tucson has plenty of fun, exciting, and amazing attractions to explore for tourists from all over the globe. These are just a few of the things to do and places to see that are not to be missed. Whether you’re into nature, art, history, food, or outdoor adventure, or just want to experience the city’s vibe, take time to enjoy some of the top picks listed above. Remember, by the time your trip ends, you’ll discover why Tucson is one of the fastest-selling tourist destinations globally and why it’s on everyone’s bucket list.

Sharing is caring! Feel free to share this article on social media or save the image below to Pinterest.

Collage of activities in Tucson including Saguaro NP, Old Tucson, and the Loop Bike Path

Related posts:

LazyDays KOA (Tucson, Arizona)

Lost Dutchman State Park (Phoenix, Arizona)

Filed Under: Arizona

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

RV technology gear images include TPMS, EMS, and wifi booster
RV LIFE Trip Wizard
Sidebar Text Ad for Rad Power Bike
RV Rentals from Outdoorsy. Images include van, motorhome, and travel trailer.
Image of RV driving towards mountains.

Signup to receive weekly updates and exclusive free content only available to subscribers!

Privacy Policy

Travel Schedule

Recently
Zion National Park, Utah

Currently
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Next Stops
Everglades National Park
Biscayne National Park

 

Notice

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

16 shares

Free RV camping guide with over 30 pages of tips and worksheets

Download Now

Never see this message again.