Although it's called a "museum," this facility, which is home to animals, a botanical garden, an aquarium and an art gallery – is more of a zoo. In fact, 85% of what you'll experience is outdoors and requires walking (dress accordingly). Across the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum's 98 acres, you'll find 230 animal species – including hummingbirds, coyotes and string rays – along with 1,200 local plant species. Next to the entrance plaza, visitors pass the Warden Aquarium and Reptile, Amphibian & Invertebrate Hall before heading out to explore the rest of the exhibits via walking paths. Strolling along the museum's 2 miles of hiking trails, visitors get acquainted with the desert landscape via animal exhibits that mingle with native plants. And if you feel hungry after your leisurely hike, you can enjoy a meal at one of the museum's three eateries, all of which have great views of the surrounding desert.

Recent visitors enjoyed their time at the museum and highly recommended future travelers set aside a few hours to explore the attraction's grounds and educational exhibits. Just make sure you come prepared: bring a refillable water bottle for the numerous fill stations, wear appropriate walking shoes, sun protection and sunscreen (though, if you forget your sunscreen, there are dispensers in the on-site bathrooms). Reviewers also advised stopping by in the morning or near closing as that's when the animals are most active. Aside from the flora and fauna, visitors also praised the knowledgeable docents.

This 92,867-acre park is dedicated to the largest cactus in the U.S., the saguaro (pronounced sa-WAH-ro), a universal symbol of the American West. The park is divided into two districts: The Rincon Mountain District, east of downtown, and the Tucson Mountain District, west of downtown. Each section features a visitor center, miles of hiking trails and, of course, hundreds of towering saguaro cacti. Not in the mood to hike? The Cactus Forest Scenic Loop Drive is a paved road that features several trailheads, scenic vistas and pullouts in the Rincon Mountain District. If you're visiting the Tucson Mountain District, the unpaved Bajada Loop Drive offers photo-worthy lookouts and picnic areas.

Deemed a national treasure by recent visitors, this park is the perfect place to come if you want to see some iconic southwestern landscapes. Although both sections of the park are worth your time, many recent visitors recommend the Tucson Mountain District for its spectacular sunsets. Reviewers also noted that fall and spring are the best times to visit the park as the summer's heat can get quite unbearable, with temperatures climbing into the triple digits. If you're visiting in the summer, get to the park in the morning before the sun's rays get too strong. Other visitors advised of numerous snake warning signs.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Stop at the Mercado District after visiting the mission. Grab a burrito at Seis Kitchen, Mexican pastries at La Estrella and coffee at Decibel Coffee Works. Shop at the repurposed shipping containers at MSA Annex and enjoy a cocktail at Westbound. – Jill Schildhouse

Sitting just south of Tucson on the San Xavier Indian Reservation, Mission San Xavier del Bac (known as the White Dove of the Desert) is one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in the U.S. Influenced by Moorish, Byzantine, Renaissance and Mexican architectural styles and complete in 1797, this active Roman Catholic Church is a National Historic Landmark. The exterior features white stucco, while the interiors house elaborate frescos and carved religious figures.

Regarded as one of the most scenic drives in southeast Arizona, the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway (also known as Catalina Highway Scenic Drive) is the only paved road to take travelers to the upper reaches of Mount Lemmon and the Santa Catalina Range. Aside from the arresting canyon and mountain views, the nearly 60-mile round-trip byway offers visitors the biological equivalent of driving from the deserts of Mexico to the forests of Canada (the road begins in the lower Sonoran vegetative life zone and ascends to the high forests in the Canadian zone).To learn more about the area, visitors can stop by the Palisades Visitor Center along their drive.

Recent visitors highly recommended making the drive, which many described as "spectacular" and a "must-do" when in Tucson. Along with the stunning vantage point, the ride up also provides a reprieve from the desert heat; travelers said the temperature drops as you climb higher along the byway. Take advantage of the scenic overlooks and rest areas by bringing along a picnic – another recommendation from past visitors.

U.S. News Insider Tip: I love taking the open-air shuttle up to the top and listening to the narrated tour describing the geological formations and wildlife. At the top, hop off for a leisurely stroll down, snapping photos along the way. Bring plenty of water. – Jill Schildhouse

Located along the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains on Tucson's northeast edge, Sabino Canyon's numerous hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities (keep your eyes peeled for a Gila monster) make this recreational area popular with locals and tourists alike. Visitors can picnic among the saguaro cacti and cool down in Sabino Creek. And if you're looking to get a feel for the area without breaking too much of a sweat, take a ride on the Sabino Canyon Crawler. During the narrated, hourlong open-air shuttle ride through the canyon (which is closed to private vehicles), the vehicle makes nine stops. You can get off and explore at your leisure, or simply ride the shuttle back to the visitor center. For a shorter route, the Bear Canyon shuttle is a 30-minute narrated ride with three stops.

Housing more than 400 aircraft and spacecraft, this is one of the largest air and space museums in the world. Sprawling across 80 acres, the museum offers both outdoor and indoor exhibits. Highlights include the Wright Flyer, which dates back to 1903, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the record-breaking Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird." 

Recent visitors appreciated both the indoor and outdoor exhibits. Most described the museum as "fascinating" and praised the on-site volunteers for their extensive knowledge of each plane's historical significance. Reviewers also noted this was a great educational stop for kids and even visitors with limited interest in aviation enjoyed their visit. Several visitors highly recommended forking over a little extra coin for the tram tours to avoid having to walk in the desert sun. 

 Flanking the northern edge of the Catalina Foothills district, Catalina State Park provides spectacular views of Tucson and the surrounding mountain ranges, as well as more than 5,000 saguaro cacti. Inside, the park shelters 5,500 acres of canyons, streams, and hiking and biking trails that wind through the Coronado National Forest at elevations near 3,000 feet. Along with the gorgeous views, keep your eyes peeled for birds; more than 150 species call the park home and it is a designated an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. Some visitors choose to hike, but you can also explore the park trails on horseback. Catalina State Park offers an equestrian area for visitors with horses.

Recent visitors called the park a "must do" and said the large bird population is "astounding." Most reviewers enjoyed the various hiking trails, and many advised heading to the park early in the morning to take advantage of cooler temperatures (and plentiful parking spots). Along with the views and the trails, travelers were also quick to praise the cleanliness of the park's facilities.

Fans of old Western movies might recognize Old Tucson's 1890s-themed buildings, which served as a backdrop for more than 500 television shows and movies, such as "Three Amigos," "El Dorado," "Joe Kidd," "Winchester '73" and "Tombstone." This renowned film set – which once saw the likes of John Wayne, Paul Newman, Frank Sinatra, Clint Eastwood and Ronald Reagan – now serves mainly as a theme park offering experiences and tours for visitors (although they still shoot movies here, on the 300 acres of desert landscape).

Under new ownership by American Heritage Railways, Old Tucson reopened its doors to the public in October 2022. It debuted its Western Experience in January 2023, allowing visitors to take a trip back to the late 1800s for a firsthand look at the Wild West with a host of characters trained in immersive theater (think: live-action cowboy gun fights, thrilling stunts and an interactive search for missing gold). Horse-drawn wagon rides, live music and theatrical performances, a petting zoo, and old western train ride and, of course, food and beverages help round out your day.

Adjoining Saguaro National Park's Tucson Mountain District, Tucson Mountain Park features 20,000 acres of preserved land. In fact, it's one of the largest protected areas managed by a city. With 62 miles of multiuse trails, it's a destination for visitors and locals alike. Gates Pass Scenic Overlook offers views of the desert landscape and is a popular spot to watch the sunset. Along with its hiking opportunities, the park is also a prime spot for bird-watching; Tucson Mountain Park offers a checklist for birders. 

Recent visitors praise Tucson Mountain Park for its range of hiking trails and its proximity to the city. Most visitors described it as a quiet area without a lot of other hikers. Others applauded the friendly staff. 

Set against the dramatic scenery of the Santa Catalina foothills, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is the 10-acre retreat of the late artist Ettore "Ted" DeGrazia. Designed and built by the artist, the museum complex is on the National Register of Historic Places and includes his original home and a gallery with six permanent collections featuring original paintings, along with rotating exhibits displaying selected works from a DeGrazia collection of 15,000 individual works. Also located on-site, the Mission of the Sun is an open-roof building with rock floors and wall murals that DeGrazia built with adobe bricks made on-site. 

Recent visitors were delighted by the facility, each admiring a different feature, from the open-roof mission to the whimsical art in the garden. Reviewers recommended watching the short informational film inside the museum to learn more about DeGrazia and his artwork before exploring the grounds.

This 49-acre garden combines desert plants like the saguaro with themed gardens, and is the vision of Jean and Richard Wilson. Since its creation in 1966, Tohono Chul has expanded to include several art galleries, shops, a retail greenhouse and a bistro serving a regionally inspired menu. Along with short nature trails, Tohono Chul is also home to a butterfly garden and a variety of birds, such as the cactus wren (the state bird of Arizona) and Gila woodpeckers.

Recent visitors recommend visiting early or late in the day if you want to beat the peak mid-day heat in the summer. The docent-led walks, especially the bird walk, were recommended by a few reviewers, and overall, the docents were a highlight for many travelers. Others were impressed with the on-site cafe, as well as the signage identifying the plants.

This 5.5-acre property houses more than a dozen gardens featuring everything from roses, herbs and cacti to irises and plants used by the native Tohono O'odham people. In addition to the outdoor themed gardens, visitors can experience the wonder inside the Cox Butterfly and Orchid Pavilion (which is open seasonally from October to May). Many garden visitors take a break at Edna's Eatery for breakfast or lunch. What's more, the gift shop offers unique items for the garden and home.

Recent travelers were pleasantly surprised by the amount of shade the garden provides and reported spending several hours here. Several visitors especially enjoyed the butterfly and orchid exhibit. Others commented on the relatively small size of the garden.

A Tucson staple since the 1970s, the Gaslight Theatre offers an activity the whole family will enjoy (and one that allows you to escape the heat for a few hours). Performances at the Gaslight Theatre range from musical comedies and melodramas to Westerns and sci-fi spoofs.

The theater receives praise from visitors for its entertaining shows and family-friendly atmosphere. Plus, the theater serves beer and wine, soft drinks, pizza and free popcorn, among other kid-friendly eats. Reviewers were complimentary of the service.

Home to 250 different species, including a variety of exotic animals, ranging from elephants and jaguars to flamingos and rhinos, the Reid Park Zoo in central Tucson is a favorite place for families to spend a few hours. When you're not observing the animals from afar, several activities allow you to interact with them up close, such as the giraffe feedings. There's also a zoo train and a carousel, along with daily demonstrations with zoo keepers. 

Many family visitors said a stop at the zoo is a must and said its small size was perfect for little legs to navigate. Additionally, travelers recommended paying the extra $3 to feed the giraffes. 

If you're a fan of dollhouses, room boxes or miniature displays, you'll love this quirky and unique museum. Sprawling across 10,000 square feet, The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures boasts 500 miniature houses and room boxes. From corner bookstores with individually made books to opulent homes dripping in crystal and silver, visitors stare in wonder at each meticulously crafted tiny world. The museum displays antique dollhouses dating from the 1740s alongside more contemporary miniatures.

Most visitors, especially those with an interest in dollhouses or model planes, were impressed by the artistry and craftsmanship of the displays. Many reviewers were surprised by how much they enjoyed the museum and reported spending several hours here.  

U.S. News Insider Tip: Grab a bite to eat at Café à la C'Art (the housemade posole is a local favorite), located in the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block courtyard, and then walk over the shops at Old Town Artisans. – Jill Schildhouse

The Tucson Museum of Art & Historic Block pays tribute to the city's vibrant past not just in its name, but also in its appearance. Its galleries are housed in five historical adobe homes, in addition to a modern wing. The museum's collection includes pieces from the American West and Latin America, along with modern and contemporary art. The museum also hosts notable traveling exhibitions.

As the cultural hub of downtown Tucson, the Tucson Presidio District houses several of the city's most notable museums, including the Tucson Museum of Art and the Presidio San Agustín del Tucsón Museum. Located on the site of the original 18th-century Presidio San Agustín del Tuscon, the museum invites visitors to experience fort life and learn about archaeological sites like a pit house and a Sonoran row house. In addition to the district's museums, visitors can peruse Old Town Artisans, a collection of six galleries and shops housed in a 150-year-old adobe building. There's also an outdoor dining and live music venue, LaCo Tucson.

Recent visitors to the Presidio museum commented on the historical aspects of the tour and the docents' knowledge of early Tucson history. Visitors to the Old Town Artisans enjoyed the variety in the shops, along with the dining. Meanwhile, those who stopped by the Tucson Museum of Art enjoyed the diversity of the collection. 

This sprawling campus in central Tucson boasts several notable attractions. History and culture buffs appreciate the Arizona State Museum and the University of Arizona Museum of Art while shoppers enjoy Main Gate Square, a pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining area with a streetcar stop. If you're visiting during the fall, head over to the Arizona Stadium to watch the Wildcats take on notable Pac-12 football rivals, while basketball fans can watch the school's team play at the McKale Memorial Center come winter and spring.

Recent travelers say the University of Arizona campus is the "heartbeat of Tucson." Some travelers suggest you visit when classes are in session because the grounds are peaceful and the palm trees and fountains on campus add to the warm-weather ambiance. Sports fans flock to games year-round and comment on the state-of-the-art sport facilities.

Take a hint from the desert animals and head underground during the heat of the day. The Colossal Cave was discovered in 1879 by Solomon Lick, a local rancher. Today, the cave, which is now equipped with stairs and lights, is a tourist attraction that's featured on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors interested in touring the cave have two options: the Classic Cave Tour and the Ladder Tour.

The 40-minute Classic Cave Tour requires participants to descend six stories (via approximately 360 stairs) for a half-mile guided walk that features stories of the cave's history and lore (including tales of ghosts and robbers) and geological wonders like stalactites and stalagmites. Those in search of an adventure may want to book the 90-minute Ladder Tour, which requires participants to navigate narrow passages and walk across rock bridges to access areas of the cave that have been restricted to most visitors since the 1950s. Beyond the cave, the park features more than 2,400 acres that can be explored via hiking and biking trails, and it's brimming with wildlife. For a real Western feel, visitors can take a trail ride (for an extra fee) from the stables located in the La Posta Quemada Ranch.  

U.S. News Insider Tip: There are no ties allowed at Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse. If a diner wears a tie, a staff member will cut if off with scissors and hang it from the ceiling. There are thousands of ties hanging, so wear an old one to participate in the tradition! – Jill Schildhouse

On the hunt for a family-friendly activity? Look no further than Trail Dust Town, Tucson's favorite place for "Old West" fun since 1961. A stroll down its main street feels reminiscent of what you might have experienced during the pioneer days – and it's still locally owned and operated by the same family as when it started, three generations ago.