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5-Day Tucson Adventure: Budget-Friendly Fun!

Experience the warmth of Tucson without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

Explore the scenic beauty of Tucson, United States, without burning a hole in your pocket. Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and the Saguaro National Park for a thrilling outdoor experience. Indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine and stay in budget-friendly hotels for a comfortable and affordable trip.

Travel plan

• Check-in at the retro-style Lodge on the Desert, an affordable and charming hotel surrounded by cactus gardens and historic adobes.
• Head to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a unique zoo and botanical garden where you can see coyotes, javelinas, hummingbirds and saguaros up close.
• Stop by the historic Mission San Xavier del Bac, also known as the White Dove of the Desert, a stunning Spanish colonial church that dates back to the 18th century.
• Grab a Sonoran hot dog from one of the many food trucks or stands in town, a local specialty that consists of a bacon-wrapped hot dog in a fluffy bun with beans, onions, tomatoes, mustard, mayo and jalapeños.
• Catch the sunset from Sentinel Peak, a scenic lookout point that offers panoramic views of the city and the mountains.

• Enjoy a complimentary breakfast at the hotel's on-site restaurant, the Cielos, which serves Southwestern cuisine with a modern twist.
• Visit the Tucson Museum of Art, an elegant museum that showcases a diverse collection of American and Mexican artwork, from pre-Columbian artifacts to contemporary paintings.
• Take a guided tour of Saguaro National Park East or West, where you can walk or drive among thousands of majestic saguaro cacti, as well as other desert plants and animals.
• Have lunch at El Charro Café, a legendary Mexican restaurant that claims to have invented the chimichanga, a deep-fried burrito.
• Relax at the Reid Park Zoo, a small but well-designed zoo that features exotic animals such as tigers, elephants, giraffes and meerkats.

• Start the day with a cup of coffee and a bite to eat at Café 54, a cozy café that supports a mental health recovery program.
• Explore the historic Barrio Viejo district, a colorful neighborhood that preserves the Hispanic and Native American heritage of Tucson, with its adobe houses, murals, and street art.
• Visit the University of Arizona Museum of Art, a contemporary art museum that houses an eclectic collection of works by local and international artists.
• Have lunch at Guadalajara Original Grill, an authentic Mexican restaurant that serves delicious enchiladas, fajitas, and margaritas.
• Watch a performance at the historic Fox Tucson Theatre, a restored Art Deco landmark that hosts concerts, movies, and plays.

• Gear up for an exciting day of outdoor activities at the Mount Lemmon Ski Valley, a popular ski resort and hiking destination on top of the Santa Catalina Mountains. You can either ski or snowboard in the winter or hike or bike in the summer, while enjoying stunning views of the desert and the city below.
• Refuel with a hearty lunch at the Iron Door Restaurant, a rustic lodge that serves steaks, burgers, and chili in a cozy atmosphere.
• Take a dip in the natural hot springs at the Agua Caliente Park, a tranquil park that features ponds, trails, and birdwatching opportunities.
• Enjoy a craft beer or a cocktail at the Tap & Bottle, a hip gastropub that showcases a variety of local and regional brews and spirits.
• Have dinner at Kingfisher Bar & Grill, a stylish seafood restaurant that offers fresh oysters, sushi, and fish dishes in a chic ambiance.

• Savor a final breakfast at Cup Cafe, a popular diner that serves comfort food with a classy touch, such as pancakes, crepes, and eggs Benedict.
• Stroll through the Mercado San Agustin, a vibrant marketplace that features artisanal shops, street vendors, and live music.
• Visit the Pima Air and Space Museum, a huge museum that displays over 350 aircrafts and spacecrafts, including vintage planes, military jets, and experimental rockets.
• Stop by the Rialto Theatre, a historic venue that showcases live music and comedy shows.
• Bid farewell to Tucson with a scenic drive along the Catalina Highway, a winding road that leads you back to the mountains and the desert.