Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
A renowned combination of zoo, botanical garden and natural-history museum focused on the Sonoran Desert.
Official website →
Your Southern Arizona Visitor Guide
Things to Do in Tucson, Oro Valley & Marana
Discover memorable restaurants, Sonoran Desert attractions, scenic hiking trails and exceptional golf near your AZ Realty & Rentals vacation home.
Experience the Tucson Area
Desert Scenery, Culture, Dining & Golf
Southern Arizona blends Native American, Mexican and Southwestern traditions with dramatic mountain landscapes and year-round outdoor experiences. Use this local guide to start planning your stay.
Iconic Southern Arizona Destinations
Featured Tucson-Area Attractions
Mission San Xavier del Bac
Known as the White Dove of the Desert, this historic mission is celebrated for its architecture, art and cultural significance.
Official website →Kitt Peak National Observatory
Explore astronomy programs and the remarkable collection of optical and radio telescopes high above the desert.
Visitor information →Old Tucson
A family-friendly Western experience featuring historic film sets, live entertainment and Old West atmosphere.
Official website →Biosphere 2
Tour a one-of-a-kind research facility with enclosed ecosystems ranging from rainforest and ocean to desert.
Official website →Colossal Cave Mountain Park
Combine desert scenery and hiking with a guided cave experience southeast of Tucson.
Official website →
Taste Southern Arizona
Local Restaurants to Explore
From historic Sonoran Mexican cooking to Italian dining, steaks, burgers and memorable brunches, the Tucson area offers something for every appetite.
El Charro Café
Historic Tucson dining known for Sonoran Mexican cuisine and carne seca.
Tavolino Ristorante Italiano
A modern, elegant neighborhood trattoria for Italian favorites.
Tucson Tamale Company
Handmade tamales inspired by the region’s Mexican culinary heritage.
Zinburger
Craft burgers, shakes, beer and wine in a lively Tucson setting.
Vivace
Northern Italian cuisine, mountain views and an extensive wine selection.
Oink Café
An Oro Valley favorite for casual breakfast, brunch and bacon-forward comfort food.
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Steaks, seafood, cocktails and live music in an upscale atmosphere.
Guadalajara Grill
Fresh Mexican dishes and a festive Tucson dining experience.
Trails for Many Experience Levels
Popular Tucson & Southern Arizona Hikes
Choose from easy desert walks, waterfall routes, forested mountain trails and challenging summit hikes.
Cactus Forest Loop
Saguaro National Park scenery with iconic cacti and broad desert views.
Marshall Gulch Trail
A cooler Mount Lemmon route through forested mountain terrain.
Sabino Canyon Trails
Flexible routes through a beautiful canyon with seasonal water and wildlife.
Romero Canyon Trail
A rewarding Catalina State Park hike through varied desert vegetation.
Bear Canyon to Seven Falls
A popular destination hike leading to a series of seasonal waterfalls.
Pima Canyon Trail
Foothills access, canyon scenery and opportunities to spot desert wildlife.
Mount Wrightson
A strenuous high-elevation route best suited to prepared, experienced hikers.
Freeman Homestead Trail
A moderate family-friendly option in Saguaro National Park’s Rincon district.
Desert safety: Trail conditions, heat, water crossings, access and closures can change. Check the official park or land-manager website before leaving, carry ample water and avoid exposed hikes during extreme heat.
Desert Golf With Mountain Views
Notable Tucson-Area Golf Courses
Southern Arizona offers resort, public and private golf experiences across Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana and nearby communities.
- Golf Club at Dove Mountain
- Ventana Canyon
- La Paloma Country Club
- Omni Tucson National
- Sewailo Golf Club
- El Conquistador
- Highlands at Dove Mountain
- Arizona National
- Quarry Pines
- Randolph Golf Complex
Stay Close to the Experience
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