Top 10 cultural & heritage things to do in Tucson

1. 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.

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Guided historic bike tour of Tucson

Two to two and a half hours cycling through Tucson's barrios — 8 flat miles at a leisurely pace with a local guide, small groups of up to 8 riders.

“A fantastic way to explore the historical sites of Tucson.”— adrianabE3683XQ

6. Classic Cave Tour at Colossal Cave Mountain Park

Forty minutes guided tour covering half a mile — explore geological formations and local legends about train robbers and ghosts.

“The guide was fantastic, and I learned a great deal. However, it may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges. The gift shop and food choices were excellent. I plan to come back and explore more of the nearby trails.”— Eric_S

7. Self-guided audio tour of Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway

Scenic driving route with audio narration covering history and nature—perfect for exploring Mount Lemmon at your own pace.

“We thoroughly enjoyed this experience and are eager to explore more options offered by Travel With Action. There were interesting insights we wouldn't have learned otherwise, enhancing the trip beyond a simple drive. A small suggestion for the narrator: please check your Spanish pronunciation, especially the "ll," which should sound like a "y." Additionally, "Ocotillo" and a few other words were pronounced as an "l."”— Debra128

8. Walking tour of downtown Tucson's murals

Seventy-five minutes by foot exploring iconic murals like 'Empowered Woman' and 'La Guitarrista', led by local guides through downtown.

“An enjoyable and straightforward method to learn about Tucson's history, complete with illustrations. It's appealing to both residents and tourists.”— Linda_W

9. Downtown Tucson food tour with six signature dishes

Two hours walking through downtown — sample six dishes from local restaurants while learning about Tucson's culinary heritage and culture.

“Sandra provided an excellent introduction to Tucson, a city that pleasantly surprised me with its diversity. The range of food was impressive, especially the Sonoran hot dog and possibly one of the best tamales I’ve ever had, and I’m from Texas! This was a fantastic way to explore a new place, and I highly recommend it.”— Scout1960

10. Haunted history walking tour of downtown Tucson

Two hours on foot — explore Tucson’s Wild West stories and local haunts with an engaging guide.

“I had an amazing experience exploring downtown Tucson. The tour combined fascinating ghost stories with historical insights and some wonderful mural art.”— samanthagh