A first-time guide to Tucson

18.11.2024 - 22:23 / lonelyplanet.com

Nov 18, 2024 • 6 min read

Tucson has it all – stunning desert landscapes, a rich Native American heritage and a flourishing arts scene. Tucked in the Sonoran Mountains, Arizona’s second-largest city boasts plentiful outdoor adventures and laid-back vibes. Also, Tucson enjoys more than 350 days of annual sunshine.

Okay, it can get hot in Tucson. Like, record-setting hot. But with some clever planning – early mornings outside, afternoons in air-conditioned museums – Tucson shines as the ultimate desert destination. Relaxing poolside while soaking up stunning cacti-filled views is another favorite pastime on warm days. Here’s a guide for first-time visitors to Tucson.

Tucson's arid desert climate means scorching summers, with days that often top 100°F. But you know, it’s a dry heat, so it can feel somewhat less oppressive. Off-season hotel deals are also plentiful in the summer, and crowds are light. Just be ready to slather on the sunscreen and spend lots of time in the pool.

Late fall (October-November) and early spring (March-April) are the sweet spots for plenty of sunshine and comfortable 70-85°F weather. Fall brings postcard-perfect sunsets and clear nights for stargazing, while spring brings desert wildflowers in full bloom. Winters are mild and pleasant, kicking off Tucson’s tourist season. This is also when the snowbirds come to town.

A long weekend gives you plenty of time to hit Tucson’s major attractions, like the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Pima Air & Space Museum and Saguaro National Park. If you can stretch your trip, add on a couple of extra days to get outside of town to explore Chiricahua National Monument and the Willcox Wine Country where 70% of the state’s grapes are produced. Home to more than a dozen wineries and vineyards, Arizona’s wine scene is surprisingly impressive.

Just 10 miles from downtown, Tucson International Airport receives non-stop flights from 19 major US cities, including Seattle, Denver and Atlanta. Unfortunately, there is no subway or light rail service, though there is a public bus service called Sun Tran, which has two routes that stop at the airport. Most travelers rely on a taxi, rideshare or rental car to reach their hotel or Airbnb.

The Sun Link streetcar system makes it easy to navigate around town. Tucson is also very walkable and bike-friendly, thanks to dedicated bike lanes and paved paths, including the 137-mile Chuck Huckelberry Loop (“The Loop”). For exploring further afield, a rental car is your best option for flexibility with your itinerary and for getting to as many of your must-sees as you can while in Tucson.

This isn’t your average museum. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a 98-acre blend of zoo, botanical garden and natural history exhibit.