Gifted with stunning scenery and delightful western living, Tucson might just be the place you’re looking for your next vacation. Check out our complete Tucson travel guide and learn about the city that captures the true essence of the American Southwest, and also about the best hotels in Tucson.
Tucson, a Perfect Trip through Arizona
Known for its cosmopolitan culture and desert landscapes, Tucson offers a unique experience to visitors. Tucson can be a great place to indulge yourself in summer adventures like never before. Whether you are planning an action-packed retreat or a relaxing staycation, this city is the ideal summer destination for you.
From history lovers to outdoor enthusiasts and foodies, Tucson has something to offer to everyone. In this article, we will explore the exciting things you can do in the city along with the best western hotels in Tucson AZ where you can stay. With the help of this detailed guide, you can learn about incredible hotel deals in the city.
For both people searching for an adventurous escape or a peaceful vacation, Tucson is the ultimate summer retreat. Take advantage of this well-researched guide and find yourself the Best hotel in Tucson.
From luxurious spots to charming budget-friendly hotels, we have listed a variety of options for your summer stay. Read on to explore now and make your trip to Tucson unforgettable.
Things to Do In Tucson
This place offers plenty of summer activities for everyone to enjoy. Lounge by the pool at one of the premier resorts, taste the flavors of globally acclaimed culinary dishes and experience the cool summer evenings with some stargazing. Moreover, you will also get the opportunity to discover the lively nightlife of the city and explore various live music and events.
When we say Tucson, many people think about just saguaros and Sonoran hot dogs. Well, this city is surely more than that. The city gracefully merges the charm of the Old West with the perfect amount of modernity. This adds an authentic taste of the Southwest in the city.
During your Tucson visit, you can drop by different museums, golf courses, historic places, and hiking trails. The place also houses some of the most distinctive flora and fauna in Arizona. To experience that, visiting zoos, museums, and botanical gardens can be a great idea.
Let’s take a look at the various things you can do in Tucson and make the best out of your vacation:
Visit Top Museums in Tucson
The city allows you to discover world-class art and its rich history through museums. In addition, you can also learn about some of the latest groundbreaking science and technology discoveries in Tucson. Dropping by museums is a must-thing to do if you want to know this city better.
It allows you to appreciate the rich heritage, renowned art and photography collections. What a great way to witness the essence of creativity! Some museums also provide an opportunity to see lush desert gardens and discover the city’s unique flora. If you are visiting this place with your kids, then museums can be a fun activity to add.
Here are the most popular museums you can visit in the city:
- Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium: A perfect destination for adventure space and science lovers.
- Arizona State Museum: Learn about the ancient and native cultures of the place.
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: Sonoran Desert experience with a fusion zoo, botanical garden, museum, aquarium, and art gallery.
- Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum: Discover the mining history and minerals found in the region.
- Friends of Tucson’s Birthplace – Mission Garden: A living agricultural museum of the Sonoran Desert.
- 390th Memorial Museum: Learn about the story of a World War II Bomb Group in its entirety.
- Arizona History Museum: The museum tells about the stories and artifacts of historic Arizona personalities.
Drop by Tucson Forest Areas
Another exciting thing to do in Tucson is visit the national parks and forest areas. Tourists can experience the refreshing beauty of the city’s desert landscape. It’s a perfect way to add several more activities and make your day more fun. There are forest areas where you can go on picnics, hike, or simply wander to feel nature’s tranquility.
Aside from this, these forest areas are also preferred due to the cool atmosphere and breathtaking views. A must-visit for nature lovers in all seasons!
Visit Chiricahua National Monument and find opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and hiking.
This area offers an easy hike for all travelers and is mostly known for Arizona white-tailed deer. Other forest areas you can visit are Madera Canyon, Sabino Canyon, Saguaro National Park, and Catalina State Park.
Attend Festivals and Events
Thanks to the rich culture and spirit, this city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. You can always find an event where people gather and celebrate in Arizona style. We suggest checking out the events calendar before you visit so you witness at least one of these delightful events.
Apart from different cultural events, the city also hosts events for people who enjoy discovering new genres and reconnecting with the music. Tourists can drop by some local venues and discover new indie artists. One thing this city ensures is a great listening experience regardless of who’s performing.
You can also enjoy live music at various bars or on the streets. Some of the popular annual events of Tucson are the Tucson Jazz Festival, All Souls Procession, Agave Heritage Festival, Tucson Festival of Books, and more.
Take Walking Tours & Go Shopping
No matter what place you are visiting, shopping is a must to add to your to-do list. The local markets and shopping malls of Tucson offer you unique shopping experiences. You can take a walking tour and explore local farmer markets with an abundance of locally sourced seasonal food.
Many tourists visit farmer markets to taste the best Sonoran desert delicacies and buy regional artisan products. Some markets also organize events for corn maze tours, pumpkin picking, and vineyard blessings. Participating in such activities will allow you to explore seasonal harvests of the place.
Moreover, Tucson houses a variety of shopping malls and centers for a premier shopping experience. The city makes sure you have plenty of shopping options, from luxury brands to local boutiques. Visit Main Gate Square, Broadway Village, Mercado District, and Heirloom Farmers Markets to get the ultimate shopping experience.
Enjoy Biking & Bird Watching
If you are a mountain biking lover or a birdwatcher then Tucson offers incredible opportunities for you. The city has regions with hundreds of miles of trails and bike routes where you can take a personalized cycling adventure. Tucson has multi-use trails for cyclists to enjoy the astonishing beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
With the city’s perfect atmosphere, almost any day is perfect for a ride in Tucson. Furthermore, bird watching is another delightful activity that can add to your list. The diverse bird population allows tourists to spot birds from different deserts, nearby migratory flyways, and tropical regions.
You can spot various local birds such as the Greater Roadrunner, Woodpecker species, and Cactus Wren. Tourists can easily spot birds that are uniquely adapted to this desert environment. You can also attend summer birding festivals in August and witness the beauty of different native and migratory birds.
Best Hotels in Tucson AZ
What could be a better way to enjoy your weekend by staying at one of the top-notch hotels in Tucson? With great dining, modern amenities, and an outdoor pool, your weekend could just get a whole lot better. Find out how the best hotel pools in Tucson can deliver all the summer vibes as per your needs.
Once you know the best western hotels in Tucson AZ, you can easily find out the most suitable hotel deal for you. Staying in comfort will help you peacefully visit the trendiest spots and enjoy all the summer without any hassle.
Here, we are introducing you to the Best hotels in Tucson AZ with the most convenient accommodations. Grab the opportunity with Tucson’s enticing itinerary and plan yourself the perfect summer getaway today.
Doubletree By Hilton Tucson Downtown Convention Center
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A great accommodation in Tucson for you to comfortably stay! DoubleTree by Hilton Tucson Downtown Convention Center is an amazing choice for tourists who are seeking both luxury and convenience during their trip.
This 4-star hotel has received impressive ratings for its modern facilities, staff, location, cleanliness, and comfort. By booking a stay at Doubletree, you will get to experience unmatched hospitality in the downtown district of Tucson. The hotel is also close to Tucson International Airport making it an excellent choice for tourists.
In addition, here you will get flexible options for a comfortable and efficient stay. The Doubletree hotel features private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, and a fitness center with stunning city views.
Graduate Tucson
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Another great stay could be at Graduate Tucson, an upscale hotel near the University of Arizona. The hotel has 164 rooms with air conditioning, free WiFi, designer bathrooms, 49-inch LCD TVs, free infant beds, and other amenities.
Graduate Tucson comes under the list of the best hotels in Downtown Tucson for its style and charm. As the hotel is located just steps away from the University of Arizona, it becomes the perfect place to explore the city of Tucson.
Each room in the hotel is well-designed highlighting the local culture and furnished with comfortable and thoughtful amenities. Guests can chill at the rooftop bar and enjoy the breathtaking stunning views of the surrounding areas. In addition, the hotel also offers an on-site restaurant that serves multiple locally inspired cuisine.
Hotel McCoy – Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine
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If you wish to stay near Tucson Convention Center then Hotel McCoy is the perfect accommodation for you. This family-friendly hotel is also one of the best western hotels in Tucson AZ.
Hotel McCoy is well-known for its retro-inspired architecture and scenic views. The hotel has 93 well-decorated rooms that highlight Arizona art, local culture, and works of local artisans.
As a guest, you can begin your day at Hotel McCoy with a complimentary breakfast and end it by enjoying beverages in the inviting communal spaces. Moreover, all the rooms have vintage designs along with necessary modern amenities which make this hotel a comfortable stay.
You can also make the best of your summer trip by enjoying the outdoor pool area and nearby lush landscaping. Many tourists consider this place as a perfect retreat for relaxation while visiting Tucson.
The hotel offers various perks to guests including a heated pool with free cabanas, free self-parking, free bicycle rentals, sun loungers, pool umbrellas, a 24-hour front desk, and more.
The Tuxon Hotel, Tucson, a Member of Design Hotels
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Another premier destination for tourists to relax during their Tucson trip!
This amazing art deco hotel is located near the Tucson Convention Center and is popular for the best hotel pools in Tucson. If you are looking for a place with authentic Southwestern charm and luxury then The Tuxon Hotel is a great option for you.
This boutique hotel is just a 12-minute drive away from the Tucson Airport and is also close to popular attractions in the city. All the 112 rooms in the hotel have free wifi, air conditioning, premium bedding, TVs with top streaming services, and premium channels.
Other perks include free self-parking, express check-in, an outdoor pool with cabanas, and cooked-to-order breakfast. You can also attend the live shows, concerts, and regular events organized by the hotel.
The Leo Kent Hotel, Tucson, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
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The last hotel we are mentioning here is the Leo Kent Hotel which is located on South Church Avenue, Tucson. This Tribute Portfolio Hotel offers you a unique experience filled with modern elegance and the true essence of the Southwest. The hotel has 145 rooms equipped with various amenities such as 55-inch LED TVs, closets, coffee or tea makers, and free toiletries.
By staying here, you will get a comfortable stay experience with stylish rooms. The hotel also provides a full breakfast, valet parking, and an electric car charging station for the convenience of guests. Moreover, guests can also book various event services for any celebration.
From personalized service to comfortable rooms, the Leo Kent Hotel ensures your stay in Tucson is hassle-free. In addition, this hotel is close to some popular attractions that you can visit such as the Tucson Museum of Art and Tucson City Hall. As the hotel is just 12 Km away from the nearest airport, you can quickly drop by and book a room.
If you are looking for a beautifully decorated and comfortable place the Leo Kent Hotel can be a great choice. Book your stay at this hotel and enjoy the beauty of modern decor with a southwest touch.
Questions/Answers
Before planning your trip to Tucson, review some of the most commonly asked questions about the city:
1. What’s the nicest part of Tucson?
Tucson is known for its scenic and diverse neighborhoods. Each attraction in Tucson has its unique charm. However, some popular and nicest areas are Sabina Canyon, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson Botanical Gardens, and more.
2. What is the best month to visit Tucson, Arizona?
The best month to visit Tucson is generally from October to April. During this period, the weather of the city is considered comfortable for tourists. You can enjoy outdoor activities like biking, bird watching, and hiking without facing the scorching heat of the summer.
3. Is Tucson worth visiting?
Yes, Tucson is definitely a place worth visiting for all sorts of tourists – whether you are an art lover, adventurer, bird watcher, foodie, or history enthusiast.
4. Is Tucson a walkable city?
Tucson is both a walkable and vehicle-dependent city. It depends on the neighborhood you are staying in. However, you can always rent any rideshare services to get a more personalized experience of the city.
5. Which part of Tucson is the safest?
Like other cities in Arizona, Tucson is also a safe city overall. However, it is important to be aware before you visit any place. The city is known for its lower crime rates and family-friendly atmosphere.
Conclusion
To conclude this guide, Tucson is a place you must visit once to experience the unique and memorable charm of the city. Located in Arizona, the city welcomes tourists of all interests and has something for all. From its scenic desert landscapes to numerous outdoor activity opportunities, Tucson holds a special place in the heart of every traveler.
Aside from how you can spend your day in the city, it also has great accommodations for you to relax. You can always choose the best hotels in Tucson AZ and enjoy a comfortable stay in the city. Use our guide to plan your trip and explore why this city is a hidden gem of Arizona.