The first park in the nation dedicated to the Military Order of the Purple Heart: for men and women injured or killed during combat while members of the Armed Services.

Cost: Free

“The Loop” is a paved bike path and now totals 131 miles connecting Tucson’s Rillito River Park, Santa Cruz River Park, and Pantano River Park with Julian Wash and the Harrison Greenway. USA Today named it the #1 Bike Path in America!

Cost: Free

22 miles of trails ranging from easy to intermediate. Easy access and parking available on the Valencia entrance; or you can bike there!

Cost: Free

The world’s largest military aircraft boneyard! Best views are from Escalante or Irvington roads.

Fun Fact: Transformer’s 2 (2009) filmed a scene here!

Cost: Free (Viewing from side of the road)

One of the world’s largest non-government-funded aerospace museums. The museum features a display of over 300 aircraft spread out over 80 acres on a campus occupying 127 acres and is the home of the Aviation Hall of Fame. Must see!

Cost: $$

Tucson’s #1 paintball experience with a massive field of obstacles, barriers, and hiding places to enhance the tactical fun! No equipment needed, rentals available.

Cost: $+

Located at the base of the Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park, this farmer’s market boasts a variety of locally grown produce, freshly roasted coffee, baked goods, tortillas, salsas, ready-to-eat foods and unique handmade artisan goods. Open Saturdays.

Cost: Free entry

40-acre multi-venue ranch known for weddings, yoga, vintage/craft fairs, horseback riding, and more.

Cost: Free entry

The towering Saguaro cactus are only found in the Sonoran Desert of Southern Arizona. Saguaro National Park East has a plethora of hiking trails in beautiful mountainous terrain, and plenty of Saguaros.

Cost: $+

The annual Pima County Fair is held the 3rd week of April, but if you miss it, there are plenty of other events happening weekly at the grounds. Often hosted are horse shows, gun shows, art shows, gem shows, dog shows, and more!

Cost: $+

Horseback riding for children and adults! Enjoy their petting zoo while you’re there, plus they do birthday parties!

Cost: $$$

Check out Tucson’s need-for-speed with drag racing events held at Tucson Dragway!

Cost: $ (spectate) $$ (drag race)

With 120 ft of elevation change, the club’s 1st hole begins at the highest point, then plays down into a beautiful valley. The course winds its way through the hills of the high desert, with spectacular and unique views of the backside of the Rincon and Santa Catalina’s Mountains.

Cost: $$$+

A vineyard in Tucson’s backyard! A quick jump on I-10 to Highway 83 takes you to an unforgettable experience. Nestled in the foothills of the Emperita mountains at 4400 feet elevation, Charron offers stunning views of the Santa Rita mountains from their famous tasting patio. A favorite by locals in the Rita Ranch/Vail area.

Cost: Free entry, bottle of wine $$$

Experience Tucson nightlife, dining, art, and history all in one place! Stumble upon unique breweries, local ice cream, and catch a show at the historic Rialto theater. Borderlands Brewing Company is a must! Did someone say prickly pear beer??

Cost: $$+

Home to over 33,000 students, the U of A is premier in space research, engineering, business, and law; but also has plenty for visitors to do! Check out the Museum of Art, Arizona History Museum, Centennial Hall, and the Flandrau Planetarium.

Cost: $+

24-acre nonprofit zoo within Tucson’s Reid Park, and features over 500 adorable animals.
Some of the animals include: Elephants, meerkats, capybaras, jaguar, grizzly bears, gibbons, and giant tortoises!

Cost: $+

Open 7 days a week for cave tours, trail rides, hiking trails, and more! There are 3.5 miles of mapped passage ways in the cave, and it stays 70 degrees year-round!

Cost: $$

This live Western-vibe theater features casual food & concessions along with comedies 6 nights a week!

Cost: $$$

Opened in 1797, Mission San Xavier del Bac is a historic Spanish Catholic mission located about 10 miles south of downtown Tucson, on the Tohono O’odham Nation San Xavier Indian Reservation.

Cost: Free entry

Arizona National (formerly The Raven Golf Club at Sabino Springs) is desert golf at its finest. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the golf course meanders among the foothills of Tucson`s beautiful Santa Catalina Mountains. 25-30 min from Pilot’s Lounge depending on traffic.

Cost: $$$+

Home of one of the many world-renowned gem & mineral shows Tucson is known for! Gem shows occur in late January through mid February each year. This venue also hosts concerts and sports games.

Cost: $

30 min and you’ll be at the base of Mt. Lemmon, where you’ll experience a 30-40 min scenic drive to the top immersed in forest! Enjoy incredible views, crisp air, fishing, fresh-baked cookies at the Cookie Cabin, and even snow in the winter!

Cost: Free entry

Don’t miss this stop on the way to the base of Mt. Lemmon! This park is a beautiful oasis in the desert, 101 acres protected around a natural warm spring.

Cost: Free entry

Views! Views! Views! The Sabino Canyon recreation area is located at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains and is premier for walking, hiking, and tram tours that range from 30-min to 1 hour.

5.5 acres of sixteen different gardens filled with arranged plant life; including succulents and cacti. The Cox Butterfly & Orchid Pavilion is home to jungle vegetation, orchids, and live tropical butterflies on display from October-April.

Historic outdoor shopping center mimicking a small Western community. Some activities include stunt shows, a miniature train, gold panning, and a shooting gallery. Don’t forget to eat at Pinnacle Peak (don’t wear your favorite tie!)

The Titan Missile Museum, also known as Air Force Facility Missile Site 8 or as Titan II ICBM Site 571-7, is a former ICBM site located about 25 miles south of Tucson. It was constructed in 1963 and deactivated in 1984.

Time: 40 min

Didn’t get enough of Colossal Cave? Well, there’s more where that came from! Kartchner Caverns is yet another Southern Arizona cave for you to explore with 2.4 miles of mapped passages.

Time: 40 min

98-acre zoo, aquarium, botanical garden, natural history museum, publisher, and art gallery founded in 1952. Located just west of Tucson, Arizona, it features two miles of walking paths traversing 21 acres of desert landscape.

Time: 40 min

Tumamoc Hill is a butte located immediately west of “A” Mountain and downtown Tucson, Arizona. The path up is fully paved, but can be a little steep – the view from the top is worth it! Go in the evening to see the beautiful display of Tucson city lights! A local favorite!

Time: 40 min

Visit Arizona’s wine country and take a day for wine tasting, tours, and a little cooler weather in the summers!

Time: 45 min

Breathtaking centerpiece mountain on the way up to Phoenix, known for a challenging hike and an incredible display of spring wildflowers!

Time: 55 min (~half way to Phoenix)

Located at the base of Picacho Peak and is a highly recommended experience! Feed ostriches, mini donkeys, goats, lorikeets, rabbits, deer, sting rays, and more!

Time: 55 min

Tombstone is a town in Southeastern Arizona, known for its Wild West history. Exhibits at the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park include replica gallows. On historic Allen Street, the O.K. Corral outdoor theater re-enacts an 1881 cowboy gunfight. The Bird Cage theater is said to be haunted!

Time: 65 min

Pick-your-own orchard featuring apples, peaches, pumpkins, vegetables, and other produce. Check their website to see what’s ready this time of year!

Time: 1 hr, 15 min

Bisbee and Lowell, Arizona are part of a historic community centered around an old copper mine. Experience the amazing architecture of downtown Bisbee, the open pit mine, and eat at the Screaming Banshee!

Time: 1 hr, 30 min