Explore Tucson's Hidden Gems on a Budget

Discover Tucson's wonders without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Experience the unique southwestern charm of Tucson without breaking the bank. Explore the historic downtown area, with its vibrant arts scene and locally owned shops and restaurants. Take advantage of the many free outdoor activities, such as strolling through the beautiful desert landscape in Saguaro National Park or hiking in the nearby Catalina Mountains.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Tucson's Local Gems

  • Check into Stay Tucson Inn & Suites for affordable comfort
  • Start the morning with a hearty breakfast at 5 Points Market featuring their famous breakfast burrito
  • Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum to see flora and fauna unique to the region
  • Stop by Mercado San Agustin, a vibrant marketplace filled with local artisan shops and eateries
  • Take a guided tour of the historic Mission San Xavier del Bac, known as the "White Dove of the Desert"
  • Finish off the day with some authentic Mexican food at Mi Nidito, a local favorite known for their carne asada
Day 2

Adventures in the Great Outdoors

  • Fuel up with a breakfast of champions at Nhu Lan Vietnamese Food truck
  • Drive up to Mount Lemmon for breathtaking views and a scenic hike
  • Take a dip in the cool waters of Sabino Canyon
  • Visit the Saguaro National Park for a chance to see the towering saguaro cacti
  • Catch a sunset at Gates Pass, a popular spot for its picturesque views of the Tucson skyline
  • End the trip with a dinner at The Little One, a no-frills diner with huge portions of tasty Mexican food
  • Tucson may be a smaller city, but it's certainly not lacking in attractions. From experiencing the local culture to exploring the great outdoors, there's something for everyone in this charming southwestern town.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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.

Destination

Tucson

Welcome to the land of cacti, cowboys, and quirky art scenes. Just don't forget your sunscreen, because it's hot enough to cook an egg on a sidewalk.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

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