Tucson Unleashed: A 4-Day Family Adventure on a Budget
Fulfill your family's adventure in Tucson, where the wild west meets family fun.
19 July 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
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.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check into the retro-chic Hotel Congress, a vintage treasure trove.
- Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at the charming Cup Café, where every bite feels like a warm hug.
- Take a mesmerizing hike through the depths of Sabino Canyon, with its breathtaking desert vistas and sparkling waterfalls.
- Immerse yourself in art at the Tucson Museum of Art, where creativity runs wild and abstract paintings come alive.
- End the day with a lip-smacking Mexican feast at El Charro Café, a local institution serving up mouthwatering chimichangas and refreshing margaritas.
- Get ready for a wild day at the Reid Park Zoo, where cheeky monkeys swing overhead and majestic lions roar with pride.
- Explore the Pima Air & Space Museum, where vintage planes and spacecraft will leave you starry-eyed.
- Discover the wonders of the Sonoran Desert at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, filled with cacti, critters, and captivating exhibits.
- Treat the family to some classic American burgers at the beloved Monkey Burger, where juicy patties are piled high with toppings.
- Catch an evening performance at the Gaslight Theatre, a hidden gem that will transport you back in time with its lively melodramas and toe-tapping tunes.
- Step back in time at Mission San Xavier del Bac, a stunning Spanish colonial church with intricate artwork and a rich history.
- Wander through the nostalgic Barrio Historico neighborhood, filled with colorful adobe houses and vibrant street art.
- Embrace the Old West at Old Tucson, a movie set turned theme park where cowboys duel and saloon doors swing.
- Relish an eclectic dinner at the legendary Café Poca Cosa, where every dish is a culinary masterpiece.
- Quench your thirst at Tough Luck Club, a speakeasy-style bar hidden within the bustling downtown, serving up unique cocktails with a twist.
- Embark on a scenic drive up Mount Lemmon, where towering trees, stunning views, and cooler temperatures await.
- Delight in a picnic at Catalina State Park, surrounded by desert trails and astonishing rock formations.
- Visit the University of Arizona's Biosphere 2, a futuristic research facility that mimics different ecosystems, leaving you in awe of nature's intricacies.
- Indulge in mouthwatering seafood at Mariscos Chihuahua, a hidden gem known for its tantalizing ceviche and fish tacos.
- Toast to your Tucson adventure at the Sky Bar, a rooftop oasis where starry nights are best enjoyed with handcrafted cocktails and stargazing.
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.