Thrilling Tucson: A 3-Day Budget Adventure

Experience the beauty of Tucson without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Enjoy the rich culture and beautiful landscape of Tucson without breaking the bank. Stay at affordable hotels like Motel 6 or Super 8 and enjoy free activities such as hiking in the beautiful Saguaro National Park or visiting the Arizona State Museum. Indulge in budget-friendly authentic Mexican food, or visit the weekly farmers market for fresh and local produce.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Desert Delights

  • Start your day with breakfast at The B-Line restaurant, try the Cheddar and Green Chile quiche!
  • Visit the Saguaro National Park and go for the Cactus Forest Loop Hike, it's an easy 2.5-mile trail.
  • Lunch at the renowned Mi Nidito Restaurant, you must try their delicious Carne Seca.
  • One of the must-visit places in Tucson is the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, explore and learn about the desert's flora and fauna.
  • End your day with dinner at Cafe Poca Cosa, the Guacamole with pomegranate seeds and plantain fritters are to die for.
  • Stay at: La Quinta Inn Tucson Downtown, affordable and comfortable with an outdoor pool.
Day 2

Cultural Exploration

  • Breakfast at Bobo's Restaurant, a classic diner serving generous portions of pancakes, eggs, and bacon.
  • Take a walk around the University of Arizona campus and visit the University of Arizona Museum of Art.
  • Have lunch at El Charro Cafe, an iconic restaurant since 1922, serving authentic Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine.
  • Explore the historic Mission San Xavier del Bac, a beautiful example of Spanish Colonial architecture.
  • Afternoon coffee and treats at the charming Exo Roast Co., their pastries are heavenly!
  • For dinner, try out the family-owned Guadalajara Original Grill. Their Pollo Fundido and margaritas are amazing!
  • Stay at: The Downtown Clifton Hotel, a funky boutique hotel with a lively atmosphere.
Day 3

Outdoor Adventure

  • Begin your day with breakfast at the hip 5 Points Market & Restaurant, their avocado toast is superb.
  • Go for a hike at the Sabino Canyon Recreational Area, the Seven Falls trail is stunning.
  • For lunch, grab some delicious sandwiches and snacks at Beyond Bread Bakery Cafe, perfect for a picnic.
  • Next on the list is the Pima Air & Space Museum, where you can see over 400 aircraft and spacecraft on display.
  • End the day with a beautiful sunset at Mount Lemmon, enjoy the scenic drive up and views from the top.
  • Finish your trip off with dinner at the cozy Casa Vicente, their paella and tapas are authentic and delectable.
  • Stay at: Days Inn by Wyndham Tucson City Center, another budget-friendly option with easy access to downtown.
  • Tucson is full of character and charm. You'll love the spectacular views and unique experiences!

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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