This post was sponsored by VisitTucson. All opinions are my own.
Maybe a trip isn’t right around the corner, but we’re always planning our next destination. And sometimes – it’s returning to an area we’ve already visited and explored. And on our short list is Tucson. We spent a few days there over a Thanksgiving holiday a couple years back. But while we spent our time all in one location – we knew the city has so much more to explore and experience.
So as we plan some out our future trips, we’re looking to head back to Tucson. There’s so much to do there that we could spend a lot of time exploring and experiencing what the area has to offer.
If Tucson is on your list – what are some of the must do things in the area?
Explore Local Cultures
From live music to art museums, there is a lot to keep you busy while you’re in Tucson. The weather is perfect to head out and enjoy botanical gardens, art museums and more. If you’re looking for things to do to take in the local culture – here are few stops to add to your list.
- Tucson Botanical Gardens
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Tucson Museum of Art
- Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium.
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
Try New Restaurants and Cuisine
No trip is complete without trying out some of the local cuisine, and Tucson has you covered in this category as well. With a thriving food scene, the city has been named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. And for me, I always default to Mexican food when traveling – there never seems to be a bad time for it. And Tucson, has the best 23 miles of Mexican Food. Not only will you be able to get some of your favorite Mexican food items, but you will find new and experimental dishes to challenge your taste buds.
Relax and Reflect
With so many beautiful settings around Tucson, and the dry air – it’s the perfect place to go to retreat and relax. Tucson is home to several famous and high class spas like Canyon Ranch, Miraval and Hacienda Del Sol. Offering traditional spa services, lead meditation, and massages both focused in Western and Eastern practices, there’s a lot of different great options to help you heal and relax. Take an art class, guided meditation or learn more about a diet plan that could change your life. These spas will help you get on track to a healthier lifestyle over all.
Take a Photography Hike and Explore Nature
That landscape around Tucson – it will take your breath away. With rocky mountains, cactus and unique plants that you won’t find anywhere else – it’s a great place to take a photography hike and take some breathtaking photos. If you’re a professional photographer or just want them for your own wall, there are a lot of great photo opportunities along the way. Head out to the trail and get the shots you will remember always. But be on the lookout for javelinas and other animals you may not see at home.
Visit Historical Sites
If you’re like me and love to explore history while on your trip – Tucson is perfect for that. With Cathedrals, missions, original parts of the town and much more. The architecture and more will keep you exploring the city and fill up your camera photo roll quickly.
One location you will want to add to your list is San Xavier del Bac. The mission is an historic Spanish Catholic mission located just south of downtown Tucson. It has been serving the local communities since 1797, it was constructed of low-fire clay brick, stone and lime mortar, the entire structure is roofed with masonry vaults, making it unique among Spanish Colonial buildings in the area. The Baroque architecture style features playful dramatic elements such as theatrical curtain displays, faux doors, marbling, and overall sense of balance. It’s a great location to explore, learn and just reflect on the world around you.
Whatever is calling to you in Tucson, there’s more to explore each and every time you’re in the area. Take a trip to Tucson and find your own reasons to come back each and every time.
