This Is One of America’s Most Sun-Soaked Winter Destinations! Here’s How To See the Best In One Day

Heading for a day trip to one of Arizona’s most sun-soaked desert cities, but not sure what to do?

Based on my best experiences during my stopover while road-tripping around the Southwest for 5 months, I’ve outlined a fun day trip to Tucson itinerary!

After being amazed at Sedona, I dragged my feet going to Tucson since it significantly increased my driving time, but I’m glad I did. Not only did I tick off another national park that is almost right in town, but I loved the Titan Missile Museum. But one day in Tucson is definitely enough time to get a solid feel for the city and visit its key attractions. 

Get ready for an exciting day packed with the best things to do in Tucson. Plus, I’ll give you more suggestions if you have extra time and a short travel guide to help plan your trip at the end.

Sample One Day in Tucson Itinerary

Here’s a comprehensive day trip to Tucson itinerary, all in one scroll. Or if you’re looking for a guided experience, this popular bike tour will give you a good overview of the downtown area.

Morning: Saguaro National Park

• I recommend waking up for the Saguaro silhouettes for the sunrise in the West section.
• Go for a morning hike on the Cactus Forest Trail.
• Drive the Bajada Loop, stopping at Valley View Trail and Signal Hill.
• Check out the all-in-one Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
• Grab a quick bite at one of the local cafes or bakeries in the city. Try a Sonoran hot dog or Navajo tacos.

Afternoon Option 1: Titan Missile Museum

• Visit the historic Spanish Catholic mission San Xavier del Bac Mission 
• Take a guided tour of a Cold War relic at the Titan Missile Museum (I loved this museum, but it takes up a lot of time)

Afternoon Option 2: Downtown and East Saguaro

• Explore the downtown area, going to local shops and attractions like the Gaslight Theatre
• See the Pima Air & Space Museum, home to over 300 aircrafts and spacecrafts
• Check out the rows of miniature artifacts at the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures.
• Tack on the Rincon Mountain District and drive or join an e-bike tour of the Cactus Forest Loop and go for another hike.

Recommended Places to Stay in Downtown Tucson

• 📍Luxury: Armory Park Inn
• 📍Mid-Range: The Tuxon Hotel
• 📍Budget: University Inn

Day Trip to Tucson

Tucson is one of the sunniest US cities, with an impressive 350 days of sunshine a year! Once the capital of the Arizona Territory, Tucson is now the second-largest city in Arizona.

Known for its beautiful Sonoran Desert landscapes, temperatures soar over 100°F (38°C) during the summer months but act as a fantastic winter getaway for native culture and outdoor fun! 

Quick Facts About Tucson	Details
Location	Tucson is in the southeastern region of Arizona, USA.
Best Time to Visit	November to April for great weather and the desert blooms
Where to Stay	Downtown Tucson 📍Luxury: Armory Park Inn 📍Mid-Range: The Tuxon Hotel 📍Budget: University Inn
Famous For	Saguaro National Park, arts scene, Mexican-American culture
Population	About 548,073 (2020)
Time Zone	Mountain Standard Time zone (MST)
How to Get Around	Easiest by car, so use DiscoverCars to find rental car deals. But the city also has a bus system and a modern streetcar line.
City Airports	Tucson International Airport (TUS) – 8 miles south of downtown Use Expedia to find the best flight prices.
Don’t Forget!	Consider purchasing a Tucson Attractions Passport, also known as the “Book of Fun”, which offers discounts on admissions to many of the city’s top attractions.

What to Do in Tucson in One Day

Morning: Saguaro National Park

West Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park is a must-visit attraction in Tucson and a great way to start your day trip. The park is split into two main sections: Rincon Mountain District (East) and Tucson Mountain District (West). The West has more densely populated saguaros, while the East has more viewpoints. 

I recommend starting your day with a sunrise hike in the West district to see the iconic saguaro cacti silhouettes against the changing colors of the sky. I think this is the more impressive section.

Here are the top things to do in the West section of Saguaro National Park:

1. Watch the sunrise at Valley View Overlook Trail: The trail is short and accessible to most, although there’s a slight uphill climb to the viewpoint.
2. Hike on the Hugh Norris Trail: This is the longest trail in the park, with views of the Sonoran Desert that lead to the highest point.
3. Photograph the saguaros on the Bajada Loop Drive: This scenic drive is filled with countless photogenic saguaro cacti.
4. Petroglyphs at the Signal Hill Picnic Area: Only a short walk from the picnic area, there are over 200 petroglyphs at Signal Hill

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Right outside the national park heading towards Tucson, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a 98-acre outdoor facility that includes a zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum all rolled into one. There’s everything to see, from prairie dogs to hummingbirds and desert plant life.

Stroll through the Cactus Garden and the Earth Sciences Center to a journey through a limestone cave.

The museum is open every day, and the admission fee varies based on age.

Afternoon Option 1: Titan Missile Museum

I had an amazing time at the Titan Missile Museum! I highly recommend it, even though it’s a bit of a drive, about 25 miles outside Tucson. The guided tour of the missile site lasts about 1 hour, and then you can explore on your own. However, fitting both afternoon itineraries together might be a challenge, but it is possible.

San Xavier del Bac Mission

On your way out of Tucson, stop by San Xavier del Bac Mission, a historic Spanish Catholic mission known as the “White Dove of the Desert.” The mission has been beautifully preserved and is Arizona’s oldest intact European structure. 

It’s free to visit and open daily from 8am-5pm.

Titan Missile Museum

I know I’ve already raved enough about this museum. But I’m not that into history, yet was still fascinated by the facts I learned about the Cold War and the operations of these nuclear warheads. To top it off, there was a girl in my tour group whose father was a nuclear missile operator at a different base back in the day!

Your ticket includes an hour-long guided tour through the underground missile complex. You’ll get to see the actual missile silo, control center, and even the launch duct of the Titan II missile, the largest Intercontinental Ballistic Missile deployed by the US. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable, explaining every detail about the Titan II and its role during the Cold War.

Here are some cool facts about the Titan Missiles:

• The missiles had a 9,000-mile range and were accurate within a mile of their target.
• The stations were manned 24/7, with so many checks to even get inside the complex.
• Once launched, a Titan II missile could reach its target more than halfway around the world in just 30 minutes.
• Activating the missile was like solving an escape room puzzle, requiring a coordinated effort of two people simultaneously turning the key.

Afternoon Option 2: Downtown and East Saguaro

Downtown Tucson

If you prefer a more urban experience, spend your afternoon exploring downtown Tucson. You can start with a visit to the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block to admire a collection of Latin American art. Then, head over to the Presidio San Agustín del Tucsón, a re-creation of the original Spanish fort that founded Tucson.

For lunch, try some local Mexican food at El Charro Cafe, the oldest Mexican restaurant in the US.

And if you’d rather a guided experience around town, join this small group bike tour!

Pima Air & Space Museum

This museum is located downtown and requires less time than the Titan Missile, making it a great alternative.

If you’re an aviation enthusiast or curious about flight, the Pima Air & Space Museum has over 300 aircraft spread across 80 acres. It’s one of the world’s largest non-government-funded aerospace museums!

Aircraft from all eras surround you, from vintage planes to sleek jets and massive bombers. You can even step into some of them for an up-close look at the cockpits. Some highlights include the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the world’s fastest jet-propelled aircraft, and a B-29 Superfortress. 

The museum is open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM.

The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures

The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures blends art, history, and imagination by displaying over 300 miniature houses and room boxes.

From the enchanting fairytale-like miniature castles to the detailed miniature replicas of Victorian houses, each exhibit showcases the craftsmanship and dedication of the artists. The museum also features seasonal exhibits, so there’s always something new to see.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with Mondays off. 

East Saguaro National Park

After lunch, make your way to the East district of Saguaro National Park. Here, you can hike on some easy trails and see more saguaro cacti. The park also offers a scenic drive with multiple viewpoints and picnic areas.

Here are the top things to do in the East section of Saguaro National Park:

• Cactus Forest Drive: An 8-mile loop drive through the park’s diverse desert life and landscape. You can also take an e-bike guided tour!
• Rincon Mountain Visitor Center: Beautiful architectural building with views
• Mica View Loop Trail: An easy 1.9 mile loop trail through saguaros and gorgeous Tucson mountains view
• Desert Ecology Trail: A 0.3 mile educational trail with information about the desert ecosystem and its inhabitants.
• Tanque Verde Ridge Trail: For more experienced hikers, this is a 3.1 mile moderate trail.

Where to Stay in Tucson

For short-term travelers, Downtown Tucson is the urban experience with convenient access to art museums, restaurants, and historic sites you want. Alternatively, the Foothills neighborhood is quieter and close to hiking trails and outdoor activities for those looking for a more nature-oriented stay.

Best Hotels in Downtown Tucson

Hotel Name	Benefits
Luxury: Armory Park Inn	– Luxurious amenities, including plush bedding, gourmet breakfast – Beautiful old building in a Spanish mission-style – Quiet street in a pretty neighborhood
Mid-Range: The Tuxon Hotel	– Modern and stylish stay with an authentic Tucson vibe – Features an outdoor pool, fitness center, and on-site bar
Budget: University Inn	– Affordable, clean, good-value accommodation – Close to downtown attractions

Places to Visit with More Time

Other Things to Do in Tucson

• Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway: A road trip to the top is an adventure in itself.
• Sabino Canyon Recreation Area: Beautiful desert landscapes and hiking trails with a tram ride through the canyon.
• Tohono Chul Park: A city garden oasis featuring native plants and artwork.
• Old Tucson: A movie studio and theme park where more than 400 Western films have been shot. Fun for all with stunt shows, tours, and historical exhibits.
• Tucson Botanical Gardens: Features 17 specialty gardens showcasing the diversity of the Tucson area’s flora.
• University of Arizona Campus: Highlights include the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, Museum of Art, and the historic Old Main. Great for people interested in architecture or academics.
• Colossal Cave Mountain Park: An underground attraction where you can take a cave tour through limestone formations.
• Kitt Peak National Observatory: One of the world’s largest collections of optical and radio telescopes, located atop a mountain. You can take tours or attend nightly stargazing events.

Best Day Trips from Tucson

• Sedona (3 hours): Known for its stunning red rock formations and vibrant arts scene.
• Phoenix (1.5 hours): Arizona’s capital city with a wealth of museums, shopping, and dining options.
• Bisbee (1.5 hours): A historic mining town with well-preserved Victorian architecture, guided underground mine tours, antique shops, and art galleries.
• Tombstone (1 hour): Known as “The Town Too Tough To Die,” it looks into the Wild West with gunfight reenactments and historic sites.
• Chiricahua National Monument (2 hours): An Arizona national park with incredible hiking through unique rock formations.
• Kartchner Caverns State Park (1 hour): Home to one of the world’s longest stalactite formations in a living cave.
• Montezuma Castle National Monument (3 hours): Preserved cliff dwellings of the Sinagua people.
• Petrified Forest National Park (4 hours): An area of large deposits of petrified wood with other beautiful landscapes and hiking trails.
• Grand Canyon National Park (4.5 hours): Quite far away, but one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Is 1 Day Enough for Tucson

You can get a solid taste of Tucson in a single day. One overnight would be the perfect length of time to see everything on this itinerary. I would spend it hiking amongst the Saguaros, visiting one or two of the city’s world-class museums, and eating some authentic Mexican cuisine. But the surrounding area is brimming with exciting destinations for day trips, so if you have more time, you will have things to do and places to see.

Best Times To Go

Tucson gets really hot, so the best time to visit is the winter months, from October to April. Daytime temperatures drift between 60-75°F (15-24°C), perfect for exploring Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, or taking a scenic drive up Mount Lemmon. The summer months may be more suitable for indoor activities since the summer heat often exceeds 100°F (38°C).

Tucson’s festivals usually fall in the spring and fall, with some highlights like The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show in February, Tucson Festival of Books in March, and El Tour de Tucson in November.

How to Get Here

Tucson is conveniently situated in southern Arizona and has multiple transportation options. Find great rental car deals with DiscoverCars and score the best flight prices using Expedia.

Traveling by air is the quickest and most convenient way to reach Tucson. Tucson International Airport (TUS) is just 8 miles south of Downtown Tucson. This airport offers direct flights from numerous US cities, including Los Angeles, Denver, Seattle, and Chicago. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), about 1.5 hours away, has more connections for international visitors.

If you’re traveling by road, Tucson is accessible via Interstate 10 from the west (Phoenix, Los Angeles) or the east (El Paso, San Antonio) or via Interstate 19 from the south (Nogales, Mexico). 

As for rail options, Amtrak’s Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle lines connect Tucson with several major cities, with the Tucson Amtrak Station in downtown Tucson.

For local transportation within Tucson, the city has a network of buses, streetcars, and taxis. I personally think you should have a car to get around.

Final Thoughts: 24 Hours in Tucson

Get ready to be surprised by Tucson! It might not be one of the top destinations in Arizona or the liveliest place, but it’s certainly a great winter getaway for exploring saguaros in a vast Arizona desert oasis. They’ve also got some interesting museums and some unique foods to try. 

If Tuscon’s not the only place on your Arizona trip, don’t miss out on our other itineraries covering the most fascinating spots in the state.

Don’t close that tab just yet…Where to Next in Arizona?

Arizona is amongst my top favorite places in the world. I’ve vanlifed around and through this great state back and forth, north and south, multiple times on my road trips. If you’re looking for more itineraries on Arizona, check out these other destinations.

• Perfect One Day In Petrified Forest National Park Itinerary
• One Day in Saguaro National Park Itinerary for First-Timers
• One Day in Grand Canyon South Rim: First-Timers Itinerary

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.