Things to do in Tucson

1. Personalised hiking tour in the Sonoran Desert from Tucson

Guided hiking through the Sonoran Desert, tailored to your skill level and interests.

2. Self-guided scenic drive on Mt. Lemmon

Explore Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway, a self-guided driving experience offering stunning desert views and insights into local ecology and history.

3. True crime walking tour of downtown Tucson

Two-hour guided walking tour of true crime stories in downtown Tucson, featuring notorious figures and shocking events that shaped the city.

“The guide was knowledgeable and engaging, making for an intriguing walk through areas of Tucson that were new to me.”— Sheila S

4. Progressive dinner tour at Tucson's top locally owned restaurants

Three hours walking tour — enjoy multiple chef-crafted courses and curated drinks with a guide, all while exploring Tucson's culinary culture.

“This food tour company is fantastic and locally owned. We have participated in two food tours led by Karen, who is not only friendly but also incredibly knowledgeable about Tucson. We highly recommend her and even brought friends from out of town this year.”— aprilsS3575QM

5. Tucson food tour led by a professional chef

Three hours on foot — explore Tucson's culinary scene with a local chef, experiencing its unique Southwest flavors and stories behind the dishes.

“Caroline served as our guide and shared an in-depth and informative history of Tucson. This was the finest walking tour we've had in the last decade. The food options were excellent. Make sure to bring a hat if it’s warm.”— Explore25109674374

6. Admission to Tucson Desert Art Museum

Access to exhibitions on Southwestern art and culture, showcasing contemporary pieces and Navajo dye-making.

“There is a wide variety of art mediums to explore. Just be cautious of the steps and varying floor surfaces like stone and wood.”— 216loisk

7. City of Tucson guided tour with lunch

Six hours touring Tucson by van — visit historic sites, San Xavier Mission, and enjoy lunch at El Charro Café, with all entrance fees included.

“This was an incredibly meaningful experience. Mike possesses invaluable knowledge of Tucson's history, geography, and community. He eagerly answered my questions and showed great respect for the Tohono O'Odham nation, highlighting the distinctiveness of the five barrios. His interpretation of various Spanish words and signs enhanced my appreciation for Tucson. Additionally, Mike speaks fluent German, making him a great resource for German-speaking visitors. I believe both locals and tourists would greatly benefit from this opportunity.”— luciaeS5642WV

8. Self-guided audio driving tour of Mount Lemmon

Explore the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway — an audio-guided driving tour revealing ancient culture and stunning landscapes, with no expiry for offline use.

“The audio tour of Mt. Lemmon is excellent for providing insights about various stops and intriguing facts that we wouldn't have discovered alone. The drive itself is quite stunning, and the narration enhances the experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore and learn more about the region.”— Quest08439475869

9. Sushi-making workshop in Tucson with a 5-course meal

Two and a half hours of hands-on sushi making in a small group, featuring miso soup, California roll, spicy shrimp roll, and miso butter cookies.

“During our vacation in Tucson, we wanted to find an enjoyable activity and discovered Cozymeal with Chef Linda. The evening was filled with fun as we learned French cooking techniques, proper knife skills, and interesting historical facts. Chef Linda shared her extensive knowledge in a memorable way. We had a great experience and ended with a delicious meal.”— S3578FEjohnl

10. Hiking in Ventana Canyon and Sabino Canyon

Explore the rugged beauty of Ventana and Sabino Canyons with varying trails, featuring panoramic views and water crossings.

“Having a private guide for hiking in Sabino Canyon was an excellent choice. Christine was fantastic and chose a hike that suited us perfectly as a retired active couple. We enjoyed getting off the beaten path and soaking in the scenery without worrying about straying from the trail, which wasn't always clear due to the natural terrain. She provided insightful information about our surroundings, making it a pleasure to be guided by a local. Additionally, she was easy to reach during the planning process. We had to postpone our hike by a day because of an unexpected rainy day in February, but it worked out very well for us.”— 610ediec

11. Oasis tour of Tucson by van

Two-hour van tour of Tucson with air conditioning, audio commentary, and binoculars for mountain views.

“Having a driver for our trip to Mt. Lemmon enabled us to fully appreciate the scenery without the distraction of driving, making it well worth the cost. Mark provided an audio guide throughout the journey and also supplemented it with extra insights.”— GPM-Ohio

12. Pistoleros Wild West Show in Tucson

Thirty-minute outdoor stunt show — comedy, high-falls, and cowboy antics at Trail Dust Town, weekends only.

“Exceptional experience. It's unfortunate that we don't see more entertainment of this caliber these days. This show is perfect for families or adults. The performers were incredible, delivering a "Hollywood Plus" level of engagement. The intimate venue allows you to be up close to the actors, creating an authentic and thrilling atmosphere. It was a lot of fun, and we've recommended this fantastic show to everyone we encounter.”— EdG540