22 Best Day Trips from Tucson (By a Local)

I’m a Tucson local who has invested a lifetime traveling all around my hometown. This guide is a collection of my favorite day trips from Tucson, cautiously chosen after years of personal research.

These southern Arizona destinations incorporate outdoor pastimes, major city leisure activities, historic sites, and hidden gems. Additionally, for fans of peculiar points of interest, I can recommend haunted places, prison gift stores, and an item called “The Thing” that should not be missed.

Before delving in, be sure to bookmark my guide to what there is to do in Tucson too!

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22 Best Tucson Day Trips

Mount Lemmon

Abandon the desert for a day in the wooded mountains towering over Tucson.

🗺️ Distance from Tucson: 1 hour 20 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Rock Climbing Experience

Mount Lemmon offers visitors many enjoyable activities during trips lasting a day. Near the end of the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway lies the small town of Summerhaven. Here, one can escape the desert heat and dine at local eateries, a cookie shop, and quirky gift stores. Outside amidst the shimmering shade of aspens, summer patrons explore the picturesque hiking trails and rock climbing routes in abundance.

During the winter season, one can experience sliding down slopes at resorts located in the United States farther south than others. While Mount Lemmon in the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson, Arizona has a limited variety of trails, several enjoyable hours of skiing or snowboarding there make for a satisfying day trip from the city. As the mountain is under 1.5 hours away, it`s practical to plan such a brief escape there.

Saguaro National Park

Explore beautiful natural scenery and hiking trails amongst thousands of saguaro cacti.

🗺️ Distance from Tucson: 20 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Go on a tour exploring the beautiful Sonoran Desert landscape

Saguaro National Park is one of the defining aspects of Tucson’s Sonoran Desert scenery. Two sections – East and West – border two sides of the city. The western portion occupies the rugged Tucson Mountains, and the eastern portion occupies the multicolored Rincon Mountains. Both offer unique qualities and are equally beautiful.

Saguaro National Park West is handily located just 15 minutes from downtown. You can drive west on Speedway until it transforms into the winding road accessing Gate’s Pass. This scenic recreation area overlooks the city lights and vibrant desert vistas.

Saguaro National Park East is about an hour`s travel from the busy areas in town. However, this less populated section of the park offers a more remote, natural sense of feeling.

Sonoita

Attention wine lovers! Your Southern Arizona tasting journey is waiting.

🗺️ Distance from Tucson: 50 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Search Viator Vineyard Tours

Greet the best of southern Arizona vineyards! Sonoita is among my favorite day trips from Tucson. The rolling hills, cool weather, and mountain views make it one of the scenic places to visit as well. I always bring my camera on this Tucson day out because the splendor of Sonoita demands to be photographed!

When planning your trip to Sonoita, ensure you have a designated driver. I suggest taking a guided tour so you and your companions don`t have to worry about who must be accountable at the vineyards.

For the best quality wine, head to Deep Sky, Callaghan, and Dos Cabezas. If you’re looking for beautiful views, visit Autumn Sage or Rune. You can’t go wrong with whatever vineyard you choose because everywhere you go in Arizona wine country is lovely.

Casa Grande Domes

Explore the intriguing structures of these deserted domes that are rumored to be haunted.

🗺️ Distance from Tucson: 1 hour | 📍 GIS mapping resource

The Casa Grande Domes make for one of the most unique day trips from Tucson. These mysterious structures were half-constructed by an electronics company in the 1980s. When the assets dried up, the domes were left abandoned, subject to local high school students and passers-by. The buildings are fun to explore, covered from floor to ceiling in graffiti and strange artwork.

Some claim the domes are the site of dark worship, and others say the site is intensely haunted. Shrouded in mystery, nobody seems to know the history of these peculiar structures in this mini ghost town. If you like to explore with a hint of spooky thrill, the Casa Grande Domes are the perfect Tucson day trip for you!

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

Take a quick detour to view these ancient, well-preserved Hohokam ruins.

🗺️ Distance from Tuscon: 1 hour | 📍 Google Maps | Destination Website

Just 30 minutes north of the Casa Grande Domes, you’ll find a hidden gem: Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. This site features a collection of very well-preserved structures from the Hohokam people. Some of these constructions are almost 2,000 years old! The integrity of their designs is amazing, and you’ll be astonished at the details that remain intact.

Bisbee

The beloved ghost town full of charming boutiques, cute eateries, and haunted history.

🗺️ Distance from Tucson: 1 hour & 40 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Stay at Copper Queen Hotel

Bisbee is one of our favorite day trips from Tucson to take. This historic mining town contains fascinating history, excellent artwork, cozy dining establishments, and eccentric personalities. As soon as you exit the tunnel opening up to the community and your eyes adjust, you’ll be in awe of the naturally beautiful scenery of Bisbee.

‘B’ Mountain peers precariously from high upon the steep town built attractively into the scenic Mule Mountains. Further south, if tight quarters do not bother you, take a tour into the antiquated Queen copper mine. Norhterly, wander the charming downtown streets, warmly lit with strings of lights. Be certain to visit the favored Bisbee Social Club bar if a enthusiast of secretly-run lounges (who is not?).

If exploring old towns that are now deserted interests you, follow this link for a spooky self-guided trip through the haunted neighborhoods of a location. Book lodging for the night at the Copper Queen Hotel, if you dare! It has been providing accommodation continuously in Arizona longer than any other property. One can only imagine the many wild tales the walls could tell about the last 120 years of guests, if buildings were able to communicate verbally.

Nogales

Cross the border for a vibrant taste of authentic Mexico.

🗺️ Distance from Tucson: 1 hour | 📍 Google Maps | Website

Nogales, Sonora will always be one of my favorite day excursions from Tucson. Only over an hour from downtown via I-19, it’s a lovely town offering an authentic taste of Mexico near home. Stock up on handicrafts, freshly made tortillas, and memories that will leave you longing for Mexico well after you return to Tucson.

Park your vehicle on the U.S. side of the border, then walk into Mexico to avoid the hassle of returning across the border by car. A parking area (pay no more than $10) sits just outside the main entry, making it simple to do. Cross over and enjoy vibrant shops, delicious local cuisine, and the authentic culture that gives Tucson its character.

Tombstone

The spirit of the Wild West continues in this iconic Arizona town.

🗺️ Distance from Tucson: 1 hour & 15 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Tour Tombstone & Bisbee

The storied past of the Wild West is on display in this special Southern Arizona town. individuals may stroll along the dusty paths of this iconic western settlement, located just over an hour from Tucson. Individuals can watch a shootout reenactment, take a ride with an equine and buggy, and explore a haunted theater, all in a single day! People-watching is necessary as performers stride nearby in traditional western and Victorian wear.

One of my favorite activities to enjoy in Tombstone is hopping between the local saloons! Grab a beer at establishments like Crystal Palace, Big Nose Kate’s, and Tombstone Brewing Company, among other great watering holes. It`s an experience to sip a beverage beneath remarkably preserved ceilings decorated with real bullet holes from gunfights in the 1800s among the period-dressed cowboys. Don’t miss seeing the OK Corral, site of the infamous shootout between the Earp brothers and notorious outlaws during Tombstone’s early days as a booming mining town.

Madera Canyon

Immerse yourself in glorious nature amid the luscious Santa Rita Mountains.

🗺️ Distance from Tucson: 45 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Website

Madera Canyon makes for a perfect short trip from downtown Tucson via Interstate 19, yet feels like a entirely different landscape. The winding road is lined with vibrant mesquite trees. Tall grasses sway alongside the highway as the Santa Rita Mountains tower over the region. Expect to see a flock of wild turkeys cross your path or a family of mule deer dancing by your car.

The trek to the summit of Mount Wrightson, which towers over the valley, is testing yet rewarding. Plan for a full day hike if you decide to tackle the peak — and reference our Hiking Essentials Checklist, too!

I suggest camping next to the creek if you intend on remaining in Madera Canyon for over a single day. The bed and breakfasts are also worthy alternatives. The small A-frame cabins within the canyon are lovely, and you`ll appreciate the calmness of the landscape. For an easy escape from urban clamor, Madera Canyon is your top choice!

Patagonia Lake State Park

Spend a day on the water surrounded by the exquisite Patagonia hills.

🗺️ Distance from Tucson: 1 hour & 15 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Website

A day at the lake is closer to Tucson than you may suspect! Patagonia Lake State Park is only over sixty minutes from downtown. This delightful manufactured reservoir is the ideal spot to spend a day angling, boating, swimming, picnicking, and more. On the off chance that you choose to remain at Patagonia Lake more extended than a day, you can rest under the stars at the campground close the water.

• Best Family Hotels: Hyatt Regency • Mantra on Hay

If you enjoy lakes and reservoirs, you may also like to see my guide to the prime lakes in Arizona.

Chiricahua National Monument

Wander through whimsical hoodoo rock formations on a breathtaking hike.

📍 Google Maps | National Park Service

Chiricahua National Monument delivers some of the most amazing rock formations you will ever view. Dubbed the “Wonderland of Rocks,” the park is replete with incredible spires – lengthy, thin stone columns formed by erosion. These spires cover a sizable section of the mountain range, aligned side by side in their thousands. It’s truly a sight to behold.

Chiricahua National Monument allows for a great day trip from Tucson. The scenic drive passes quickly, and there are numerous exciting hikes that can be done within a few hours.

One of my favorite hiking trails is the Big Balanced Rock route, which features an enormous boulder precariously perched atop a small landform. This walk is beautifully scenic throughout, and I highly suggest the experience.

Picacho Peak State Park

Hike the suspended trail of this testing climb to a summit providing 360-degree views.

🗺️ Distance from Tucson: 35 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Website

• Jidai Festival – This widely acclaimed festival that takes place on October 22nd incorporates a procession from the Imperial Palace to the Heian-jingu Shrine, giving onlookers the opportunity to view exemplars of costumes from each time period in Japan`s history.

Be sure to bring protective gear for hands, high-quality foot coverings, and adequate hydration for this hike. The route demands rope-assisted climbing up the steep sections near the summit, so it is important to bring the necessary gear to reach the top safely and comfortably. The perspective from above is very rewarding. Scan panoramic views of the landscape surrounding Tucson.

Oddly, there is an ostrich ranch situated at the base of Picacho Peak. After your physically demanding climb, stop at the Rooster Cogburn Ranch. Encounter bird-like creatures, nourish deer, and meet lots of other wilderness animals. You’re sure to have some amusing recollections after leaving this place!

Phoenix

Shop extensively, attend a concert, and explore the myriad offerings of the major city.

🗺️ Travel Time from Tucson: 1 hour & 40 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Explore Top Phoenix Excursions

If you want to spend your time in Tucson participating in various activities and sights, Phoenix makes for an engaging day trip option. The capital city consistently offers entertainment avenues like large concert venues, shopping centers, art galleries, and renowned restaurants. There are simply too many things to do in Phoenix to experience in a single day, but you`ll undoubtedly discover something suitable for your interests or the whole family.”

I would strongly advise checking with nearby concert arenas should you plan to make the two hour drive to Phoenix. While Tucson has some great, intimate venues on a small scale, large name artists rarely perform there. So if you`ve wanted to see a musician on a grand stage, see what Talking Stick Arena, Ak-Chin Pavilion, and the Van Buren have scheduled!

Parker Canyon Lake

Go fishing or enjoy a beach day beside the calm waters of this peaceful lake.

🗺️ Distance from Tucson: 1 hour & 40 minutes | 📍 Map Location | Site

Parker Canyon Lake is a hidden gem located about 2 and a half hours south of Tucson. You’ll pass through mountains, rolling hills, and wine country on your way to this lovely spot. It’s about as Southern Arizona as you can get, just 5 miles north of the Mexican border. The drive alone makes this Tucson day trip worth it.

When you get to Parker Canyon Lake, you can hire a small fishing boat, pedal boat, or paddle board at the dock. I once experienced a very successful fishing trip there with my father and brother, so you`ll have a lot of fun if you opt to pick up a fishing pole.

Parker Canyon Lake is one of my favorite day trips to feel like you’re truly getting away from the city. It’s rarely packed with people, and the scenery is beyond tranquil. I highly recommend this quaint lake.

Kitt Peak National Observatory

Explore among the stars in this impressive research facility.

🗺️ Distance from Tucson: 1 hour | 📍 Google Maps street view | Organization website

Looking for a Tucson day trip that’s beyond ordinary expectations? Kitt Peak National Observatory has been conducting cutting-edge research since 1958. This place provides a ticket to observe the stars, moon, and other celestial entities.

This core pursues to notify and train the general population about essential astronomy. The whole family will find Kitt Peak fascinating. The observatory offers a multitude of interactive demonstrations and instructive programs. I suggest remaining after nightfall for a night sky stargazing visit. The universe looks all the more amazing from the conclusion of a telescope!

🔭 Love Star Gazing? Also check out the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, AZ, one of the best things to do in the USA!

Willcox

Pick apples, peaches, and pears as a family, then sip a glass of local wine.

🗺️ Distance from Tucson: 1 hour & 15 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Winery Excursions

Willcox is the perfect Tucson day trip for those wishing to take their entire family on a wholesome adventure. Known for its orchards and wineries, the best time to visit is during autumn when the apples and peaches are ripe.

Take the young ones to Apple Annie`s Orchard for an idyllic day picking apples. Unwind afterwards sampling local vintages at the town`s stylish tasting rooms, enjoying rural charm and urban allure.

Tubac and Tumacacori National Historical Park

Discover the history of missionaries and their effect on local indigenous culture over the past 500 years.

Distance from Tucson: 45 minutes | Location: Google Maps | Website | 👉 Tubac Walking Tour

Tubac and Tumacacori National Historical Park is a treasure trove for those fascinated by southwest history. The park preserves the remains of three Spanish missions and shares the story of the Tohono O’odham people in Southern Arizona. You’ll also learn all about Father Kino and his influential role as a Jesuit in the late 1600s. After exploring the missions, discover the lush grounds surrounding the Santa Cruz River Valley landscape.

Colossal Cave Mountain Park

Explore the wonders found below the surface in Tucson within this subterranean world.

🗺️ Distance from Tucson: 40 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Website

Colossal Cave Mountain Park, a popular day trip from Tucson, Arizona, features incredible underground formations. Book an underground tour in advance through the arid landscape to experience a magical adventure with the whole family. In the cool, humid caves below the desert, visitors feel transported to another world amid massive stalagmites and stalactites grown over millennia.

Prefer an outdoor journey? Vast Mountain Park offers many activities that won`t trigger your fear of tight spaces. Visit the butterfly garden or take a horseback ride through the beautiful desert landscape surrounding the caves. The park`s variety of attractions makes it one among the best things to do in Tuscon.

Kartchner Caverns State Park

The cathedral-like Tucson caves are a sight to behold.

🗺️ Distance from Tucson: 50 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Website

Kartchner Caverns State Park also offers an extraordinary underground experience. It’s only a slightly farther drive from Tucson than Colossal Cave Mountain Park.

A guided tour will reveal a brilliantly illuminated “show cave,” a sort of grand cavernous corridor. Explore over 2 miles of underground passages that formed over thousands of years. You can expect to have your perceptions expanded by the world that exists below the desert ground.

Benson

Spelunking, horseback riding, and “The Thing” are all within reach in Benson.

🗺️ Distance from Tucson: 45 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Best Things to do in Benson

Benson is a great meeting point for a myriad of Arizona activities. Kartchner Caverns State Park is only 15 minutes south of this small town. Double R Ranch is the perfect venue for a sunset ride on horseback. And if you’ve ever heard of “The Thing,” you’ll find this mysterious roadside attraction just 15 minutes east on I-10. (Spoiler alert: it’s mummified!)

While the town of Benson itself isn’t terribly exciting, it is one of the most pleasurable day trips from Tucson. Enjoy a delightful lunch at Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant for an authentically local dining experience. Then get dessert at the Old Benson Ice Cream Shop. The drive back to Tucson takes approximately 45 minutes.

Eloy

Go skydiving over the Sonoran Desert.

🗺️ Distance from Tucson: 45 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Skydive Arizona

One of the best locations to visit in Arizona, Eloy is a skydiver’s paradise. Skydive Arizona – the largest sky-diving facility in the world – hosts some of the best diving events on the globe just an hour north of Tuscon! If you’re a thrill-seeker, launch yourself out of a plane over the desert landscape. There is seldom anything more exhilarating than that!

I recommend visiting Eloy in the fall shortly after the monsoons. The weather won`t be too hot (you don`t want to feel like you`re diving into an oven), and the desert will be alive with brilliant plant life. Under no circumstances skydive in the summer heat!

• Amsterdam Dance Occasion – A five-day electronic and music gathering, the Amsterdam Dance Occasion is held in mid-October and includes over 2,000 world-class performers from across the globe to 120 places throughout the city.

Florence

Stock up on gifts from the facility gift shop and savor the flavors of award-winning Mexican dishes.

🗺️ Distance from Tucson: 1 hour & 15 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Website

As stated in my article focused on day excursions originating from Phoenix titled ” Day Trips from Phoenix“, the town of Florence, Arizona is a rather peculiar destination. It is best known for housing the immense Florence State Prison, providing this unique town with a culture all its own. The gift emporium located within the prison premises is a wonderful place to stock up on eccentric presents for friends and relatives. My mother purchases all her items to fill stockings there!

Are you an architecture enthusiast? The downtown area of Florence features some beautiful historic structures. There are a few interesting shops and quaint cafes worth checking out during your visit. What stands out most about this town is the Mexican cuisine. Be sure to stop for lunch at Lidia’s Cocina before returning to Tucson. This renowned establishment serves some of Arizona`s finest Sonoran fare!

👉 Next Up: What to Do on St. Croix

FAQs About Tucson Day Trips

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Tucson is wonderful for many reasons. Its proximity to the wonders of Southern Arizona makes it all the more unique. I hope I’ve given you the inspiration to hit the road and take these worthwhile day trips from Tucson. Happy exploring!