Tucson: A Two-Day Family Adventure in the Wild West

Tucson: a desert adventure awaits the whole family!

19 July 2023

Experience the vibrant city of Tucson, USA, on a family friendly trip filled with exploration and fun. Discover the Sonoran Desert and its abundant wildlife by embarking on guided hikes or jeep tours. Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, where kids can marvel at desert animals and enjoy interactive exhibits, followed by a trip to the Tucson Children's Museum to engage in hands-on science and art activities.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

The Wild West Adventure

  • Check into the Hacienda Del Sol, a charming hacienda-style hotel nestled in the Catalina Foothills.
  • Start your day with a visit to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, where you'll encounter native wildlife, including the elusive javelinas and spiky-adorable cacti.
  • Indulge your inner cowboy/girl at Old Tucson, a movie studio turned theme park. Dabble in some gunfights, saloon shows, and ride a mechanical bull like a rodeo champion.
  • Stroll through historic downtown Tucson, where you'll find vibrant art galleries, quirky boutiques, and mouthwatering Mexican street food. Don't forget to try a Sonoran hot dog!
  • Hop aboard the nostalgic Tucson Streetcar and take a leisurely ride to 4th Avenue. This bohemian neighborhood is bursting with funky shops, vintage treasures, and enough hipster vibes to satisfy your Instagram cravings.
Day 2

Nature's Playground

  • Start your day with a hike in Sabino Canyon. The breathtaking views of steep cliffs and cascading streams will leave you feeling like you're in an adventure movie.
  • Explore the stunning Saguaro National Park, home to the iconic saguaro cacti. Be sure to bring your camera; these majestic giants make for an unforgettable backdrop.
  • Take a break from the desert heat and cool off at Reid Park Zoo. Watch the playful antics of otters, marvel at the grace of giraffes, and pretend to be a meerkat spy.
  • Treat the family to a visit to the Children's Museum Tucson. From interactive exhibits to a kid-sized grocery store, this place will keep even the littlest ones entertained for hours.
  • End your day at the Pima Air & Space Museum, where you can marvel at the size of aircraft, ride a flight simulator, and touch the moon rock. Unleash your inner explorer!
  • Now, go forth and adventure, fellow travelers! Tucson awaits with its quirky charm, natural wonders, and a trail of memories just waiting to be made.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to reach Tucson, United States by plane is to fly to Tucson International Airport, which is located about 8 miles from the city center with several major airlines providing service to the airport including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, Southwest and more.

Car

Driving is a popular way to reach Tucson, particularly if you are traveling from within Arizona or neighboring states. Tucson is easily accessible from the north and south via I-10 and from the east and west via Route 86 and Route 60. It takes about 2 hours to drive from Phoenix to Tucson and about 3 hours from Las Vegas.

Train

There is no direct train service to Tucson, United States. The closest railway station is located in Maricopa, which is about 100 miles away from Tucson. From Maricopa, you can transfer to a bus or take a taxi to reach Tucson.

Boat

There is no way to reach Tucson, United States by boat as the city is located inland and has no access to a major body of water.

Bus

Taking a Greyhound bus is a convenient and affordable way to travel to Tucson. Greyhound operates daily services to Tucson from different cities across the United States. There are two bus stations in Tucson — the Tucson Bus Station and the Tucson Int'l Airport Bus Station.

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A romantic trip to Tucson, United States is a perfect getaway for couples looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation. This charming city offers scenic hiking trails, historic sites, and cultural experiences, all set against a stunning desert backdrop. After a busy day exploring, couples can unwind in cozy accommodations and indulge in delicious Southwest cuisine.

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Tucson Unleashed: A 4-Day Family Adventure on a Budget

Tucson, located in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, offers a fantastic family-friendly trip with its vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and exciting attractions. Explore the stunning Saguaro National Park, home to giant cacti, go hiking or biking in Sabino Canyon's scenic trails, or embark on an awe-inspiring underground adventure at Kartchner Caverns State Park. Indulge in delicious southwestern cuisine, visit the Tucson Children's Museum, and enjoy the warm hospitality that Tucson is known for.