Tucson Attractions

Tucson's status as a mid-sized sunbelt city belies the number of attractions and things to do in the Old Pueblo. This Southwestern city represents perfectly the melding of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures, and still resonates with Old West traditions and history.

Tucson is also famous for the breathtaking beauty of the Sonoran Desert, which is preserved and celebrated at our number one pick, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Don't let the word "museum" fool you--there are no quiet halls or rarities hidden behind protective glass here. The Museum is an outdoor wonderland of lush desert gardens, meandering trails, and if you're lucky, sightings of coyote, mountain lion, and javelinas.

The Spanish legacy of Tucson fully comes to life the first time you come upon Mission San Xavier del Bac. The mission, just south of town on the San Xavier Indian Reservation, is known as "the white dove of the desert." This National Historic Landmark was founded as a Catholic mission by Father Eusebio Kino in 1692.

For a taste of how college students pass the time in Tucson, and to sample the city's strong hippie roots, you'll want to spend an afternoon strolling the shops and restaurants on Fourth Avenue, our number two pick. Tucson's quirky side also comes to life at the Mini Time Machine Museum, our number nine pick, a collection dedicated to the magic of all things miniature.

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