Ultimate 3-Day Tucson Itinerary: Best Things to Do & See

Begin your Tucson journey at the breathtaking Saguaro National Park, home to towering saguaro cacti and scenic trails—try the easy Desert Discovery Nature Trail for iconic sunrise views and wildlife spotting.

Saguaro National Park

Head to El Charro Café for lunch, the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family, renowned for its carne seca and vibrant, historic décor.

El Charro Café

Stroll through Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum, a living history museum where you’ll experience Tucson’s Spanish colonial roots, blacksmith demos, and adobe architecture.

Presidio San Agustin del Tucson Museum

Experience Tucson’s creative pulse at Hotel Congress, an iconic 1919 landmark with live music, a buzzing bar scene, and the historic Cup Café—perfect for a classic cocktail or dessert.

Hotel Congress

Start your day at the remarkable Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a unique fusion of zoo, botanical garden, and art gallery where you’ll see native animals and brilliant desert blooms along immersive trails.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Wander the colorful adobe streets of Barrio Viejo, Tucson’s oldest neighborhood, and admire vibrant murals, historic homes, and the photogenic El Tiradito Wishing Shrine.

Barrio Viejo

Indulge in Sonoran hot dogs and local brews at the funky El Guero Canelo, a James Beard Award-winning eatery famed for its authentic Tucson street food.

El Guero Canelo

Catch a show or film at the beautifully restored Fox Theatre, a 1930s Art Deco gem and local favorite for live music, classic movies, and special events in the heart of downtown.

Fox Theatre

Visit the luminous Mission San Xavier del Bac, a 1797 Spanish Catholic mission known as the "White Dove of the Desert," with stunning baroque architecture and sacred murals.

Mission San Xavier del Bac

Take in panoramic city and mountain vistas from Sentinel Peak Park (A Mountain), a beloved Tucson landmark—drive or hike to the top for photo-worthy views and a glimpse of the giant hillside "A."

Sentinel Peak Park (A Mountain)

Enjoy a fresh, local lunch at Seis Kitchen, where the menu celebrates the culinary regions of Mexico—don’t miss the chilaquiles and aguas frescas.

Seis Kitchen

Marvel at the desert night sky at Kitt Peak National Observatory, where evening programs let you view planets and stars through world-class telescopes atop the Tohono O’odham Nation’s sacred mountain.

Kitt Peak National Observatory