Things to do in Tucson

This article is all about the best things to do in Tucson. Tucson is a city situated in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert surrounded by a number of mountain ranges, which includes the well-known Santa Catalinas. It is home to the University of Arizona. Tucson has many student-friendly traditional shops, restaurants, and nightclubs on Fourth Avenue close to the campus. There are numerous places to roam around in Tucson. Downtown attractions include Hotel Congress, Art Decor Fox Theater, Radio Theater and many more. So check out the list given below to know the more fun things to do in Tucson.

Best Things to do in Tucson:

1.) Carnival of Illusion

This major attraction is the “Refreshing Magic Show” by combining their international theme with all the Vaudeville-inspired road show. This old-world magic is at three places, exclusive, up-close and boutique theater. The very best Show in Tucson has become quite famous. This carnival justifies its tagline – “Magic, Mystery, and Oooh La La”. It also has a theater in Phoenix and Scottsdale. It is the great and perfect venue for date nights, anniversaries, celebrations and special nights out.

2.) Amerind Foundation

The Amerind Foundation is named by mixing the two words “American” and “Indian”.  Originally, it was home to an amateur anthropologist and archeologist in the beautiful Dragoon Mountains. It is 60 minutes away from Tucson. Now, it is a research center and museum that focus on the preservation of Native American cultures and history. The collection in the museum is similarly as amazing as its stunning location. This can be one of the best things to do in Tucson. So, pack your eatables as there are no restaurants around and plan a beautiful picnic on the benches under the trees.

3.) Rodeo Parade Museum

This is not the big new museum that a big city generally have. Instead, this museum is an  example of the vintage era. The museum houses to oldest airport hanger and the largest gathering of horse-drawn buggies, coaches, carriages, and wagons. Most of these are perfectly restored with the original  look and linked historically to Tucson. The place is also the first airport in the United States. It was dedicated by the famous Charles Lindbergh.

4.) Perfect Sunset View

At the Speedway Boulevard as you start heading West of the desert, this picnic area, and hiking spot has the expansive Saguaro National Park. It is the best spot for the view of the world renown Arizona sunsets which sets over the Tucson horizon. As parking is limited and busy, especially on weekend evenings, try to arrive at least an hour before sunset. Grab a nice spot and sit silently as the sun sets over the desert. And, since you’re in the desert, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to wear a hat and watch out for rattlers either. This is the perfect place to capture the view in your lens.

5.) Night Out at The Meet Rack

Tucson has a lot of good bars. But there is nothing that can compare to The Meet Rack. It is the mother of all dive bars. If you want to mingle with some of the city’s most happening barflies, visit this colorful bar. The names of the cocktails itself will make you feel dizzy. This is the perfect place to hang out with your friends. You can have a complete tour of “The Meet Rack”. The bar is well known for its “Sex Room” and outstanding decor on the walls. This bar will take your breath away with its unique serene.

6.) The Gaslight Theater

Musical theater has always been an exciting spot of entertainment. If you are a theater lover then indulge yourself into the fantasy world of musical plays. The performances have always been known to be original, unique, hilarious and family oriented shows. It is situated in a shopping place across a busy road. But the theater also seeks a steady attention of locals, who visit for the party music and dance numbers.

7.) Time for shopping at Park Place Mall

Park Place Mall is a two-story mall in middle town Tucson. The mall constitutes more than 100 stores which include – Macy’s, Dillard’s, Sear’s, Abercrombie & Fitch, Charlotte Russe, Charlotte Russe, Chico’s, and many more. The mall also includes a movie theater name Century 20, a play area for children and big food court. There are a number of famous restaurants that are also located nearby the mall.

8.) St. Philip’s Plaza

The Spanish-style courtyard at St. Philip’s Plaza is very beautiful and inviting. Its gorgeous tile decor, rose gardens, bubbling fountains and sculptures make this one of the loveliest places to visit. So plan a trip to Tucson. You can also enjoy a retail therapy in the Old Pueblo. The midtown Tucson shopping complex includes an eclectic mix of high- class shops, boutiques, spa. This shopping place regularly organizes jazz concerts, “Tango in the Plaza” nights, and a weekly market.

9.) Biking in Tucson

Catalina State Park is located northeast part of Tucson while heading lower down on the scenic Santa Catalina Mountains. The park includes especial features more than 5,500 acres of canyons and foothills. This is a very famous spot for hiking and biking. There are more than 150 types of birds that survive in the park. During springtime, Catalina State Park is a best tourist attraction for wildflower. Park facilities provide an area for camping and picnic too. There is also an amazing concession for horseback riding through the park. Catalina State Park also organizes Fest, concert series, the sky at a glance and other unique events. It is one of the coolest things to do in Tucson.

10.) Colossal Cave Mountain Park

This dry cave is located in the Rincon Mountains. Along the east of Tucson’s dry cave, it offers tours that cover the widespread and colorful history of the cave. This tour is especially famous during the hot summer season. It’s due to the cave’s cool environment, providing a relief from the desert heat. This can be one of the fun things to do in Tucson with kids as you can try a trail adventure ride on horseback. If you are with kids you must visit the place to learn more about the wildlife, such as ring-tailed cats and bats. A butterfly garden and desert tortoise exhibit are other good tourist attractions that can be a fun thing to do in Tucson.