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Your Must See in Tucson Arizona

What you must see in Tucson Arizona is on your planning mind, we see! As a welcoming local, I'm so glad you're thinking about planning a vacation to Tucson.

The first time we came to Tucson, it was a "scouting" vacation - to see if we wanted to move here. While checking that out, we included seeing some of Tucson's highlights. We figured out that some are an absolute must see.

Those we think are a must see in Tucson Arizona are placed here in order of Must-See importance.

Since you may be visiting for a long weekend, a week or even more. We don't know, so we want to be sure you won't miss the amazing essentials.

Let's now get to those sights in Tucson, which you will always remember!

#1: Arizona Sonora Desert Museum

When we first toured the Desert Museum (as locals call it), we were awed! That's why we're showing it to you as numero-uno! A must see in Tucson Arizona.

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum combines a locally-centered zoo, terrariums (filled with snakes, amphibians & lizards!), an aquarium, a botanical garden, & an exploratory natural history museum.

It's an outstanding, fun place you won't regret seeing. 

From the parking lot heading to the entrance to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.Desert Museum Entry - A Must See in Tucson Arizona.

Since we've lived here & first visited, they've made wonderful changes and improvements.

You can personally discover desert habitats & have up-close meet-ups with captivating desert animals.

an outdoor museum display about the habits of vulturesChecking Out Vultures & Their Habits
  • As you roam outdoor Sonoran Desert paths, you'll see the unique flora here. Labeled to learn the names & some details. Because as you roam around town, you're sure to see them everywhere.
  • Another experience is "climbing" from the desert floor to the tallest mountains. Although your trek along this "climb" is maybe about 50yds/46m! It's an experience to see the changes as you increase your elevation. (We'll recommend the REAL EXPERIENCE next.)
Sign teaching about Mountain IslandsMountain Islands
They're Unique Land Features Here

You'll love experiencing the Hummingbird House.

All kinds of hummingbird species whiz by you, as you're walking through or sitting on a bench. We absolutely love it - and think you will, too.

If you have kids along, they're sure to be excited and/or spellbound. 😃

Sign on entry building to access a hummingbird enclosureEntry Sign for Their Wonderful Hummingbird Experience

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a matchless place to get to know Tucson's environment. As well as the desert plants & animals found here!

Getting to the Desert Museum Tucson

Located on Tucson's west side

  • Go into Tucson Mountain Park, which is directly south of Saguaro National Park West.
  • Address: 2021 N Kinney Road.
  • Phone for more particulars:  (520) 883-2702
  • Or Email Them for your advance planning information: info@desertmuseum.org

#2: Trip Up Mount Lemmon

Now take that true-life drive from the desert floor to a Mount Lemmon town called Summerhaven, in the Santa Catalina Mountains. Why?

For one thing, it's definitely a must see in Tucson Arizona!

view of the Santa Catalina Mountains in TucsonThe Santa Catalina Mountains Border the North Side of Tucson.
This View is From the Northwest Side of the City.

That small village, Summerhaven, averages 8,000ft/2400m above sea level. That's near the top of Mount Lemmon, at 9,171ft/2,795m tall.

By driving up Catalina Highway, aka Mount Lemmon Highway, you'll start having some immediate looks at why it's so loved by the people of Tucson.

view near the top of Mount Lemmon in ArizonaOnce You Reach the End of Mount Lemmon Highway

As the town is called, it is a haven here. From the summertime Weather in Tucson.

  • Your first stop for panoramic photos of the area, is the Babad Do'ag Scenic Overlook on the right-hand side. Large enough parking area.
  • Elevation markers are all along the way, as well as pullouts to let any zooming traffic go by.
  • You'll discover many more overlooks.
Man with backpack looking from a mountain top into a valley below.One of the stops, on the right, overlooks the next valley. Our Son-In-Law takes in the view.

You won't miss the gradual change in vegetation as you go from the desert with tall cactus, to a pine forest. Picnic areas & other stops are along the way.

#3: Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park is a pretty unique feature of the southwest U.S. And especially for seeing the Tucson Arizona desert up close! Easily gotten to from the East and West sides of town. Because there are two sections.

Two people riding on horseback through a desert trailA Dude Ranch Near Saguaro NP Has Horseback Riding
Taking You Into the Park

Eastern Section of Saguaro National Park

As you enter Saguaro Park East, the Visitor Center is right there.

Continue to begin Cactus Forest Drive, a loop road to see all the sights. Convenient stopping points for taking your stunning photographs.

Roadway travels near a hill in Saguaro National Park EastA View Along the Scenic Saguaro NP East's Loop Drive

You'll drive by many trails accessing the Rincon Mountains. Nearing the end, watch for the Cactus Forest parking, adjacent to an easy trail.

Get A Download Map for the Trails>

Getting to Saguaro National Park East

From the West side, or even midtown...

  • Take Broadway going East. 
  • After passing S/N. Pantano Road, stay in the right lane to soon make a right turn onto E. Old Spanish Trail (the road where we secured our first apartment when moving to town).
  • It's mostly a pleasant drive that takes you right by a left turn entrance.

Anywhere near the I-10 Freeway...

  • Get to Exit 275, to go north on S.Houghton Road.
  • Take a right at East Escalante Road.
  • At it's "T" end, go left onto S.Old Spanish Trail
  • Watch for the right turn into the park.

Saguaro National Park West

Back awhile we lived near the park's Western Section. We believe that section is the best for truly seeing the natural Sonoran Desert up close. Some of the adventures are...

  • Taking an easy walk along the Desert Discovery Nature Trail. A paved path with signed plant-life.
  • The Red Hills Visitor Center, features a short film about the Saguaro Cactus, its historic uses and its May Flowering.
  • Follow Bajada Loop Drive (Hohokam Rd.), going through a Saguaro Cacti forest. When we bring our visitors here, they're awed by it. One comment was "Wow, I've never seen anything like this!"
  • Places to see ancient petroglyphs, like on Signal Hill
Girl leaning a a fence in a desert settingOur Granddaughter Resting Before Going to See the Petroglyphs

You may even encounter some of the local wildlife!

Desert tortoise being held by a girl rescuing itWhile Driving Through Saguaro NP West, we Spotted a Young Desert Tortoise
Another of our Granddaughters Rescued it From the Roadway, Returning it Into the Desert

Finding Tucson Saguaro National Park West

There's no easy direct access. But on your way, it's a scenic drive! Well worth it. The main options:

  • Follow the directions to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, but drive on past it. You'll soon see the Visitor Center on the right.
  • Take the W.Ina Road I-10 Exit (#248), head west, straight past the traffic light.
  1. Go up the hill to a left turn/curve, swing around another curve, head into & up out of the huge road dip & up the hill again!
  2. The park's panorama comes in view at the hilltop.
  3. Follow this winding road until you're out of the park, continue to the Stop Sign.
  4. Make a left onto Sandario Rd. & follow this over 3 miles, watching for your left turn onto N.Kinney.
  5. The Visitor Center is shortly on the left.

#4 Don't Miss a Dazzling Tucson Arizona Sunset

This one will be easy, as it happens every evening!

As the sun lowers the mountains start to glow red.

You'll hope there may be clouds near the mountains and/or along horizons! Because that's when a Tucson Arizona sunset is the best. The clouds begin turning varied shades of purple, dark red, pinkish & lots more!

But even when there aren't clouds, the sky surrounding the sinking sun turns vivid red & pink.

vivid sky behind a mountain at sunsetSunset View Taken From Our Daughter's Backyard

Photos are great! But they often don't do it justice. But we recommend having your camera ready for shot after shot!

Look for an open spot with saguaro cactus in view. To get the cacti contrasted against the sunset.

Also, the sunrise can be equally spectacular, if you are an early-bird. 😊

colorful Arizona sky when the sun rises in the eastWe Were Up Early Capturing This Sunrise!

#5 So Many, so little time?

We have more suggestions. And I guess these will depend on your own interests & tastes. So we have a short list:

  • Pima Air & Space Museum - Off I-10 Exit 267, go east on E.Valencia Road. Historic planes galore to see here. It's inside & outside. Go your own route, or order up a tour.
  • Sabino Canyon Recreation Area - Dwelling into the Santa Catalina Mountain, is a desert oasis. Have a Tram Tour, or hike to Seven Falls.
  • Love Historical Sights? Then don't miss Mission San Xavier. From 1692 it's been a favored spot for imagining early Tucson.

Must-Do for Those With Kids

Have children with you? Get them some special things to do. Let's see a few to fit into your trip.

Tucson Children's Museum - The original is downtown, off Broadway/Congress, turning south onto S.6th Street. No parking on-site, but street parking is available (meters at $1/2-hours). Plus a pay-lot across the street. However on the north side of town, there's another:

  • The Oro Valley Section is located at 7366 N.Paseo Del Norte, near the Ina/Oracle Intersection. It's within Tohono Chul>

Takeaways for Must See in Tucson Arizona

Getting around Tucson is easy and convenient. The city has a well-maintained public transportation system, including buses and a streetcar. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.

Yet, renting a car is a great option for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace.

Tucson offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and urban excitement. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, you're sure to find it in the Sonoran Desert's heart.

Start planning your trip today and get ready to experience the magic of Tucson, Arizona!