Tucson Explore Local With RVshare

When it comes to Arizona, you might be thinking Phoenix, Flagstaff, or even Winslow… but Tucson is something of an unsung gem. This city, tucked close to the state’s southern border, is the gateway to Saguaro National Park and home to a huge array of things to eat, see and do in its own right — which is why we’ve written this guide to help you explore Tucson, even if you’ve called it home for decades.

*Note: Some of the suggestions may not be doable due to coronavirus closures, but keep this list handy for when things start opening back up more! Be sure to check individual pages for specific operation details.

One of the very best ways to explore Tucson, Arizona is to explore the many beautiful wilderness areas that surround it. From sky-high saguaro to stunning fields of sand, there’s so much to stand in awe when you visit the state and national parks in Tucson, AZ.

• Catalina State Park is tucked just north of the city proper, nestled into the foothills of the Catalina mountains. It’s home to a wide variety of unique desert plant and wildlife, including more than 5,000 saguaro cacti.

• Oracle State Park is named after the adjacent town of Oracle, which is in turn, according to local lore, named after the ship on which the first settlers sailed from Maine to the west coast of the U.S. — Arizona’s landlocked position notwithstanding. It offers trails, campsites, and night skies renowned for their starry-specked light through the darkness.

• Patagonia Lake State Park requires a bit of a road trip; it’s situated an hour south of Tucson very close to the U.S./Mexico border. Its namesake lake covers 250 acres and is the perfect place for swimming, paddling, and fishing.

• Pichaco Peak State Park is situated about halfway between Tucson and Phoenix, and its namesake peak has served as a waypoint for travelers for centuries. The summit stands more than 3,300 feet above sea level, and the surrounding desert landscapes bloom with multitudes of flowers in the springtime.

• Saguaro National Park is one of the most unique of the more than 60 national parks in the country register, with rolling hills dotted with these one-of-a-kind plants for as far as the eye can see. Along with traipsing through the cacti, visitors to Saguaro National Park can also enjoy dedicated hiking trails, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and more.

All that outdoor exploration got your appetite worked up? No worries — Tucson is chock full of wonderful things to eat. Here are some of our favorite restaurants in Tucson, whether you’re looking for steak, seafood, or something a little bit more exotic.

Boca Taco

You can’t visit the desert southwest without enjoying some serious Mexican-inspired flavors — and if you’re in the mood for a taco, we highly recommend heading to Boca. Founder and owner Chef Maria Mazon, who has appeared numerous times on the Food Network, prides herself on putting together thoughtful, fresh, authentic flavors… and given that she was born in Tucson and raised in Sonora, Mexico, she certainly knows how to make a taco.

Indian Twist

While there aren’t a superfluity of Indian restaurants in Tucson, there are some opportunities to get your hands — and taste buds — on authentic eastern eats. Indian Twist serves up modern, but classic Indian foods like tikka masala, tandoori chicken, and a range of biryani, not to mention several gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Charro Steak

If you’re looking for a steakhouse with a bit of a twist, stop by Charro Steak: it serves up classic cuts with a backdrop of Mexican-inspired flavors, which makes sense given how close to the border you are. If you can, try to leave some room for an order of prickly pear albondigas before your meal — or at least take some home for later!

Senae Thai Bistro

You may be miles away from Asia, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get an authentic taste of Thailand while you’re in Arizona. Senae Thai Bistro offers diners classic dishes like Pad Thai, Pad See Ew and a wide range of curries, all in a comfortable and casual modern atmosphere.

Vivace Restaurant

Considered one of the best Italian restaurants in Tucson, Vivace offers more than just dinner: it’s a dining experience. Start with fresh burrata served two ways before moving onto a refreshing salad, but be sure not to fill up before your main plate arrives. Choose from freshly-made pastas, carefully crafted risottos or meat-based dishes including osso buco.

Don’t get us wrong, you could probably spend a lifetime wandering around this unique desert landscape and then eating to fuel up for more adventures.

But there’s plenty to see and do in town, too! Here are some of our favorite fun things to explore in Tucson, whether you’re bringing along the whole family or looking for an opportunity to (re)kindle some romance.

For Couples

Want to get cozy with your sweetheart? Here are some Tucson hot spots not to miss.

Tucson Botanical Gardens

You probably know by now that, despite the rumors, the desert is anything but deserted; it’s an oasis for a wide variety of plant and animal life. If you want to get up close and personal with a wide array of desert flora without necessarily spending days hiking, biking, or driving, heading to the Tucson Botanical Gardens is a great start. Along with viewing local plants in a curated setting, you can also wander through a cloud of tropical butterflies in the orchid garden if you visit the gardens in the summer. There are also shopping and dining options on-site!

Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway

Sometimes, there’s nothing more romantic than a long drive, just the two of you — particularly if you’ve got some beautiful scenery to take in while you’re at it. The Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway is also known as the Catalina Highway or the Sky Islands Scenic Byway, and it runs from the northeast edge of town to climb 27 winding miles to the top of Mt. Lemmon (which sits at 9,157 feet). There are definitely plenty of photo opps!

The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures

Depending on your general attitude toward museums, you may think they’re anything but romantic — but the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures is not your average museum. There’s something about viewing these dioramic displays in miniature that brings a smile to just about anyone’s face, and it’s a wonderful place to spend an afternoon with your sweetheart.

For Kids

Bringing the whole family along for the fun? There are plenty of places to enjoy family fun in Tucson.

Biosphere 2

Shimmering in the rural desert landscape on the outskirts of Tucson, Biosphere 2 is something of a mystery even after you’ve enjoyed the tour — which will take you through a variety of unique indoor ecosystems including a rainforest, a desert, a savannah, and even an ocean. It’s a great way to get the kids interested in ecology and sustainability, and it’s fascinating for adults, too… and by the way, for an extra dose of insight once you get home, check out the documentary about the project, Spaceship Earth.

Reid Park Zoo

A day at the zoo is a classic family activity for good reason. Kids will enjoy visiting elephants, tortoises, giraffes and everything in between — and it’s also a prime location for events like birthdays. If you’re local, you can also take advantage of Reid Park Zoo‘s volunteer programs to help aid first-hand with conservation measures.

At Night

What’s up in Tucson after dark? So glad you asked. Here are some suggestions.

The Gaslight Theater

Offering musical comedy melodramas six nights a week, with five different shows per year, The Gaslight Theater is a perfect entertainment option fit for the whole family — and you get free popcorn, to boot!

Stargazing

Tucson itself may be a relatively big city, but it’s in a state with a whole lot of wide open spaces — which means it’s got great opportunities for stargazing. Kitt Peak is home to an observatory and it’s just an hour outside of town, making it a great option that’s close by enough to be readily accessible.

On the Weekend

There’s plenty to see and do in Tucson all week long, but if you’re wondering what to do on Saturday and Sunday, here are some suggestions.

Old Tucson

Want to take it back to the wild wild west? Old Tucson is a movie-studio-cum-outdoor-park set up to look like Tucson from the late 1800s, complete with saloons, eateries, and attractions fit for the whole family. Once you’re done wandering, head home to sit on the couch and watch one of the many movies that was filmed here — whether you laugh it up with “Three Amigos” or sink into the classic drama of “Tombstone.”

Heirloom Farmers Market

There’s nothing quite like a farmers market for bucolic weekend wandering, and luckily, the Tucson area has several to choose from.  Heirloom holds farmers markets across the area, with options in Rillito Park, Green Valley, Steam Pump Ranch and more. Swing by for fresh produce, delicious prepared foods and a generally festive atmosphere!

Spas in Tucson

Who couldn’t benefit from some R&R? After days spent exploring in the hot desert sun, head to these top spas in Tucson to get some well-deserved pampering.

Hashani Spa

Considered one of the best day spas in Tucson, Hashani Spa is tucked inside the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort. From classics like massage and facials to more detailed bodywork, like body wraps and eye treatments, you can find everything your heart and skin desires at this upscale spa location.

Spa Solai

With two locations in Tucson, Spa Solai offers both beautifying and rejuvenating services in an undeniably beautiful atmosphere. They also employed an infectious disease expert in their quest to provide a highly sanitized experience after the COVID-19 outbreak, so you can rest assured that you’re in the safest hands possible.

Best Gyms & Yoga Studios

Keeping up with your daily routine is important for both your physical and mental health. Here are some of the best gyms in Tucson to help you get grounded, gritty, and ready for action.

Prestige Fitness

One of the most highly regarded gyms in Tucson for a reason, Prestige Fitness offers everything you need to make real changes in your physical fitness routine, including a free one-on-one consultation with a trainer. Once you’re a member, you’ll have access to a wide range of equipment and classes to help you do the work to get stronger.

Undisputed Tucson Gym

Interested in going mano-a-mano with your fitness goals? Undisputed Tucson Gym is a one-stop-shop offering a variety of mixed martial arts classes as well as a fully equipped gym for cross-training. Go for a class or just to spend half an hour on the treadmill; either way, you’ll be making your way toward a stronger self.

Tucson Yoga

Whether you’re looking for a gentle flow, a restorative yin class, or something more challenging, Tucson Yoga likely offers a practice that will fit your needs — and each class takes place in a warm, welcoming, friendly environment.

Tucson itself is awesome, but there are also some great places to check out in the nearby vicinity, too!

Bisbee

This historic copper mining town is now a thriving community of artists and musicians, and its walkable downtown area is as beautiful as it is fascinating. The remains of Queen Mine itself are also visible from the highway, and private tours of the mine are available.

Tubac

A desert town established all the way back in 1752, you can still see the ruins of the original Spanish fort constructed at Tubac. Over the years, the town has been abandoned, destroyed, and resettled, and is these days filled with artists and bohemians who ventured into the desert to live a different sort of life.

Tombstone

I mean, how can you go this far south in Arizona without making a trip to Tombstone? Established back in 1879 by silver miners, Tombstone has captured the imagination of Americans — and film makers in particular — for decades. See it for yourself; it’s only a little over an hour outside of downtown Tucson.

As a final reminder, some of these activities may need to wait until businesses fully reopen from coronavirus closures. However, there is still much to see and experience in Tucson that you can enjoy today! What are your favorite spots in Tucson? Send them our way to [email protected] or by tagging us on Instagram @rvshare and using the hashtag #rvsharelocal.