Two Days in Tucson: The Top Things to Do and Weekend Itinerary
Tucson Arizona is a quintessential Arizona town. With the desert landscape, Sonoran architecture, and rich culture, this is a must-visit destination in Arizona. This guide to two days in Tucson will explain, what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and other tips for your trip.
Tucson has an international airport, and is only a two-hour drive from Phoenix, making it a super easy weekend destination from the western US. Some of the top things to do in Tucson are Saguaro National park, a DIY brewery tour, hiking, and other outdoor adventures. Tucson is also one of the few cities to be recognized as a City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, meaning there is tons of great food.
As a Phoenix resident, I’ve taken multiple day and weekend trips to Tucson. It’s always an easy and fun escape. Keep reading this guide to two days in Tucson to begin planning a trip of your own.
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Best Time to Visit Tucson
The best time to visit Tucson Arizona is in the spring or fall. The summers are unbearably hot, with temperatures well above 100 degrees. Winters can get quite cold, and the temperature may limit you from doing too many outdoor activities.
In the spring or fall, you can expect moderate temperatures that are good for all activities ranging from pool time to a strenuous hike. If you can, avoid traveling during spring break because crowds can be very large.
Getting to Tucson
Driving to Tucson from Phoenix – If you are in the Phoenix area, the easiest way to get to Tucson is by driving. It’s a super easy drive, basically a straight shot on the freeway that only takes one and a half to two hours.
Flying to Tucson – If you are coming from out of state and only visiting Tucson, I recommend flying directly into the Tucson International Airport (TUS). There are direct flights from many cities in the US.
Transportation around Tucson
Once you are in Tucson, I highly suggest renting a car if you didn’t drive. The best things to do in Tucson are a bit spread out and the public transportation won’t get your there. Activities such as hikes and the national park are as far as thirty minutes outside of the city.
Within downtown Tucson, there is some street parking but once you find a spot, I recommend exploring this area on foot.
Where to Stay in Tucson
There are a ton of great resorts in Tucson. Many of them are nice enough to warrant a standalone vacation. Below are my top three resorts in Tucson whether you want a resort-only vacation, adult getaway, or family trip respectively.
Miraval Arizona – The Miraval is a luxury all-inclusive wellness resort. Although the nightly cost is high, it covers all food, some activities, and a daily spa credit. This is the perfect place to stay if you are looking to relax at a resort for the whole weekend. If you plan to be away exploring, I’d save this resort for another time.
Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain – This resort is a great place to stay for a romantic or adults-only vacation. The 5-star resort has a nearby golf course, three pools, and five onsite restaurants.
JW Marriott Starr Pass – The JW Marriott in Tucson is the best place to stay for a family vacation. There are three pools, including a kid’s pool, lazy river, and waterslides. For the adults, there is a luxury spa, golf course, and three restaurants.
What to Do in Tucson Arizona
There are plenty of fun things to do in Tucson, ranging from active adventures to kicking back with a beer. With two days in Tucson, you will have time for a bit of both.
Saguaro National Park
One of the best things to do in Tucson is spend a half day in the Saguaro National Park. The park is only 30 minutes outside of the city and is home to great hiking, scenic drives, and great views. The park is split into an east, and west portion. Both have a scenic drive loop and many hikes, so it doesn’t matter which you select. Note that entry into the national park is $30 per car or you can purchase and annual national park pass for $80.
On my visit to the national park, I visited the Rincon Mountain District on the east side of the park. Since we were traveling with a dog, we unfortunately couldn’t do most of the hikes. However, the 8-mile cactus forest loop scenic drive is a great way to see the park. On this drive, there are many popular stops including:
- Javelina Rocks Overlook
- Desert Ecology Trail (1 mile and dog friendly)
- Cactus Forest Overlook
DIY Brewery Tour
There are a ton of great breweries in Tucson. With the warm and sunny weather, I can’t imagine many things better than sitting on a patio with a cool beer flight. The best way to get a taste of the local beer scene is with a DIY tour. For the easiest access, there are three breweries within walking distance downtown: Crooked Tooth, Pueblo Vida, and Borderlands brewing.
Some other good breweries in Tucson are Dragoon, Catalina, and MotoSonora brewing. These breweries are a bit further around town but may be close to other activities you do on your weekend trip.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
If you want to do something unforgettable, this Hot Air Balloon ride over Tucson is just that. This tour includes a 60-minute flight over the Sonoran desert, with 360 degree views of the Tucson landscape. In air, you will also get a glass of champagne to celebrate the amazing experience.
To have the best conditions, the rides start super early in the morning. However, it’s super worth it for the incredible views. After the hot air balloon ride, you will be treated to a catered breakfast in the desert.
Botanical Gardens
One of the best things about Tucson is the beautiful natural environment and desert landscape. A great way to experience this is at the Tucson botanical garden, five acres of plant and butterfly species. The garden is a great stop for a half day stroll. It’s also a great thing to do if you are traveling with young kids.
Where to Eat in Tucson
As mentioned above, Tucson is one of few UNESCO cities of Gastronomy. The southwest and Mexican food in this area is amazing. From hot dogs from a drive through restaurant to fine dining, there is a food experience for everyone. Below are a few recommendations for brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert in Tucson.
Brunch / Lunch
El Guero Canelo – Super casual local fast-food restaurant with a James Beard award winning chef. This juxtaposition to a dive restaurant and amazing food is a must-visit in Tucson. Order the local favorite- the Sonoran hotdog – a bacon wrapped hot dog topped with tomato, onion, beans, and cheese.
5 Points Market and Restaurant – Cute café for an easy breakfast or lunch. This place has a comfortable, neighborhood vibe, with a very foodie menu.
Tohono Chul Garden Bistro – The food here is good, but the main draw is the unique location inside of the garden.
Dinner
Boca Tacos – Fun and casual Mexican restaurant that’s great for lunch or dinner. Famous head chef, Maria Mazon, has curated a fantastic menu featuring local ingredients and flavors.
Boxyard – Unique venue built from shipping containers. The large patio area has picnic tables that are great for groups. Surrounding the patio are different food vendors and bars, all built into the shipping containers. Find cuisine such as Vietnamese, Mexican, and Italian. This is a super fun restaurant to visit with friends.
Laco – All-outdoor Mexican restaurant with adorable patio lights, live music, and great margaritas. They are also extremely dog friendly.
Dessert
Ceres – This takeaway restaurant serves fresh pasta for lunch during the work week and dessert on weekend nights. I’ve heard the pasta lunch is fantastic, but I haven’t tried for myself. However, the dessert is incredible! Their gelato is the perfect dessert after dinner at Laco across the street.
What to Pack for a Tucson Weekend Trip
Tucson has a laid-back vibe with a southwestern style. The above collage shows some outfit ideas for what to wear in Tucson. For hiking, I love bike shorts with layered tops so you can manage your temperature as it warms up throughout the day. Be sure to bring quality hiking boots to protect your feet and ankles on the trail.
During the day, a wide brim hat is super cute to be on theme for the area and protect your face from the sun. Clothing in natural earth shades such as rust, green, and neutrals are a great color pallet for Tucson.
At night, no need to get too dressed up. A comfortable maxi dress and sandals is the best vacation look that is also easy to throw on after a day of exploring.
Potential Trip Extensions
If you have additional time on your vacation, I highly recommend exploring more of Arizona. Some of the best places to visit in the state are:
- Scottsdale – Luxury resorts, high end shopping, great restaurants, and golfing
- Sedona – Stunning red rocks geography, hiking, and adventure activities
- Grand Canyon – Amazing national park that you must visit at least once in your life.
Summary of Two Days in Tucson
With two days in Tucson, you can easily hit all of the top activities and most of the restaurants listed above. Through the outdoor adventures, food and beer tastings, and time at your resort, I can guarantee you will have a great trip and will be planning a return visit too.
For more Arizona adventures, check out my guides to Scottsdale and Sedona.
