Tucson Activities, Events & Attractions
If you have just purchased a home in Tucson, you may be looking for something to do in the area. Tucson offers a wide array of attractions and something for everyone. There are Spanish missions, Old Western towns, major astronomical observatories, regional gardens and zoos, and research and education centers, many of which are world-renowned.
Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, the museum has living exhibits including more than 1,300 types of plants and 300 kinds of animals.
The 2,000-acre park highlights crystal-filled Colossal Cave and historic La Posta Quemada Ranch. Visitors may enjoy cave tours, a museum, western trail rides, and picnicking.
This Sonoran Desert retreat features the most complete collection of artist Ted DeGrazia’s works plus an adobe mission and home.
Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium
Star Theater planetarium has fun and educational programs for all ages. Numerous exhibits from hands-on science demonstrations to major, national mineral displays entertain guests. Sky shows for all ages including an introduction to Arizona Skies. There are also evening laser light concerts in the planetarium.
Features natural-history collections from around the world, hands-on exhibits, and a Wildlife Theater that shoes films hourly.
On this tour you will discover the role water has played in the creation of Kartchner Caverns. You will see some of the tiniest, most delicate formations found in the cave, as well as the largest column in Arizona. This tour includes an up-close look at the variety of formations and colors that makes this cave one of the top ten in the world.
Kitt Peak National Observatory
Explore your universe! The world’s largest collection of optical telescopes is located high above the Sonoran Desert. Kitt Peak, on the Tohono O’odham Reservation, is home to 22 optical and two radio telescopes representing dozens of astronomical research institutions. The National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO), funded by the National Science Foundation, oversees site operations on Kitt Peak
Acclaimed as the finest example of mission architecture in the U.S., the mission is Southwest of Tucson on the Tohono O’odham Reservation.
Old Tucson Studio is southern Arizona’s premier outdoor entertainment venue with a full array of live shows, thrilling stunts, saloon musicals, stagecoach adventures and fun for the whole family.
More than 250 aircraft representing America’s flight history.
Provides visitors a view of more than 500 animals from different continents. The zoo offers conservation, recreation and education for the entire family.
Experience the beauty of one of the most unique Southwestern desert canyons on a Sabino Canyon tram ride. Sabino Canyon is a natural desert oasis located in Tucson’s Coronado National Forest and is home to spectacular desert landscapes and abundant wildlife. A narrated, educational 45-minute, 3.8-mile tour into the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Daytime rides 365 days a year. Moonlight rides three times monthly April through December.
Descend into Titan II ICBM Site 571-7, the only publicly accessible missile complex in the world.
An authentic Old West atmosphere for almost 50 years, world-famous Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse, Savoy Opera House, stunt shows, a narrow-gauge train, distinctive shops, plus a vintage carousel.
An urban oasis of 5-plus acres with 15 specialty gardens that surround visitors with beauty and inspiration.
Southern Arizona’s interactive museum for children. Explore 10 exciting galleries of hands-on exhibits and participate in challenging activities. Guided tours for groups are available.
Tucson Museum of Art & Historic Block
The Tucson Museum of Art features a notable permanent collection as well as 10–12 changing exhibitions annually. The Historic Block features five restored homes of the historic El Presidio District.
Tucson offers such a plentitude of historic and amazing, they cannot simply all be listed here, but here are a few more…
- Opera, ballet, and symphony Concerts
- Annual mariachi band competition
- The 4th Avenue Street Fair
- The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show
- Mount Lemmon Ski Valley
- Posh resorts and world-renowned spas
- World-class golf all year round
- The Tucson Rodeo
- Consciousness Conference
- The University of Arizona
- The world’s largest privately owned collection of aircraft
- Saguaro National Monument
- Biosphere II
- Tucson Padres minor league baseball team
- NASCAR Racing
- Fiesta de Los Vaqueros