Planning a 3 day trip to Tucson? Here’s what to do.
If you’re heading to Tucson, Arizona for a business trip, networking, a conference, or just a long relaxing weekend, we understand that you may be on a limited time frame and want to maximize your stay. Not every getaway is a week long, of course, and so we’re here to help you plan your quick trip to the Tucson area, even if you only have about 72 hours in the desert! So, here are our recommendations for three days in the Tucson area.
Day 1
Morning:
Fly into Tucson International Airport. While it may seem easier and quicker to fly into Phoenix and make the 2 hour drive down to Tucson, we believe it’s actually much simpler (and is similar in cost) to just fly into Tucson! Our little airport is so quick and easy to get in and out of, and allows you to be close to your final destination, rather than having to make that drive down from Phoenix. Check out more reasons to fly into TUS here.
Late Morning-Early Afternoon:
Grab a delicious early lunch at one of our favorite stops, Noble Hops. Their elevated American cuisine and casual atmosphere will kick off your weekend on the right foot. Then, head out to experience some nature. We suggest a quick hike through Sabino Canyon, so that you can cross Saguaro National Park off your to-do list. There are countless trails to explore, and you’ll likely experience the beautiful rushing of the river water through the desert. And if hiking isn’t your thing, there is a tram to take visitors on guided tours throughout the canyon.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to pack a reusable water bottle - in our dry climate you must stay hydrated!
Late Afternoon:
Get your local art fix by heading to DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun. This classic Tucson gallery is housed in a historic adobe building with desert and views abound. Then, head to your vacation rental, settle in, and get ready for the evening. (Not sure where to stay? We’ve got all the options you need, and highly recommend our Oasis Casita for quick getaways for a couple or solo traveler!)
Oasis Casita, a popular place for a couple or solo traveler to stay
Evening:
While our vacation rentals come with all the kitchen amenities you could need, who has time to cook in 72 hours? So, change out of your dusty travel clothes, and head back out for a mouth-watering dinner at Tucson’s oldest Mexican restaurant, El Charro. The downtown location is the most charming and we recommend making reservations, especially if it's a weekend. Love cheese? Then you’ll want to order a cheese crisp as an appetizer–it's a Tucson favorite. Their enchiladas and chimichangas are out of this world. On your way home, stop by a Sprouts Farmers Market or Trader Joe’s and grab a bottle of wine and some treats for tomorrow’s breakfast. Head back to the house and sip that bottle of wine on the patio, while enjoying Tucson’s famously fabulous weather.
Pro tip: Once the sun goes down, the desert cools quickly. You may be surprised that even when it’s 90* during the day it can be crisp at night, so pack a jacket or sweater!
Day 2
Morning:
Enjoy a slow morning with coffee on the patio, while relaxing in your vacation rental. Those luxury linens and quality pillows are tough to leave behind! Once you’re ready for today’s adventure, try experiencing some of Tucson’s local culture. You may enjoy a trip to historic Mission San Xavier del Bac, the oldest European standing structure in Arizona is located on the Tohono O’odham reservation just 20 minutes from downtown. The mission is truly a picturesque and memorable experience. While you’re there, make sure to support local (and have a delicious treat) and get a fry bread taco from one of the taco carts!
Lunch & Afternoon:
Continue your cultural exploration of Tucson with a visit to the Presidio Historic District in Downtown Tucson. There, you’ll find a few great lunch options as well as plenty of shops showcasing local artists with cultural flair. You’ll definitely find something interesting to take home with you! If you’re still looking for some great shopping, head a few minutes south to visit the showroom of one of our favorite local artists, Carly Quinn Designs who makes handmade tile (see our Vacay In Tucson X Carly Quinn Designs collab tile trivet here). Or for high-end shopping, head north to La Encantada, where you’ll find everything you need to scratch the shopping itch.
Dinner:
We have a couple of options for you for dinner. One is to stop at AJ’s Fine Foods while you’re exploring La Encantada. AJ’s is a Fine Foods grocery store and will have plenty of delicious options to choose from for dinner. Whether you’re in the mood to grill a meaty steak back at the house, or would prefer to grab a pre-made sandwich or sushi, we promise you won’t be disappointed. Take your dinner back to your vacation rental and enjoy an intimate meal on the patio.
Or, if you’re in the mood to eat out, stick with the cultural experiences of the day and try the unmatched Charro Vida. A sister restaurant to El Charro, this is a vegan-forward menu. If you’re a carnivore, don’t let that scare you - they have meat that can be added to all dishes. But their food is so flavorful, you may be surprised what is possible! Try the roasted brussels, hemp chimichangas, jackfruit carnitas enchiladas, and chocolate churros. You won’t be disappointed!
Evening:
Tucson is famed for its stargazing, so it would be a disservice to not recommend some sort of stargazing during your trip. Relax on the turf in the backyard at your vacation rental to take in the views of the night sky. You can get spectacular views from almost anywhere, because Tucson is designated a dark city, and has very minimal light pollution during the evening hours.
Looking for a livelier evening? Tucson has a vibrant music scene. While many are published online in advance, there are also smaller artists that can often be found performing at restaurant patios on weekend evenings. Paul Opocensky Project is one of our local solo performers.
Day 3
Morning:
Head out for drool-worthy huevos rancheros or decadent eggs benedict at Tohono Chul Garden Bistro to fill your bellies for the day ahead. Sit on the patio to watch the wildlife in the botanical garden; we highly recommend wandering the gardens after your meal to take in the gorgeous desert landscape. Later, if golfing is your style, enjoy a round of golf at one of the renown courses in Northwest Tucson. There are so many beautiful courses, but we love Omni Tucson National Golf Resort for its beautiful greens, and stunning views of the Catalina mountains. If a round of golf is too much for you, hit a bucket or two of balls at the driving range to enjoy the sunshine.
Pro tip: As temperatures rise, golf rates go down. Visiting in our “off” season can save you a ton on world class golf courses!
Not a golfer? Head to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. Try to arrive as close to their opening time as possible because if it's a warmer day, the animals will go inside for their siesta late morning/early afternoon, so you won’t see as much wildlife. Our guests regularly tell us that this is one of the best museums they’ve ever visited. You’ll also enjoy the view on the drive through the Tucson mountains, nestled among giant saguaros and gorgeous vistas.
Saltwater pool and heated spa at Casa Alpenglow. Pool heat optional.
Afternoon:
Head back to your vacation rental for a little siesta after your outing. Relax in your luxury rental, watch some TV, curl up with a book on the couch, or take a dip in the hot tub (or pool). Maybe pack up your suitcase for your flight home, and enjoy some much-deserved quiet time.
Dinner & Evening:
There’s nothing like a Tucson sunset to send you home in style. We suggest grabbing a juicy burger or crisp salad to-go from Harvest (we recommend the chimichurri burger), pack a bottle of wine, and get ready for a sunset picnic. Take the quick 30-minute drive up to Gates Pass, and settle in. The view from the Pass is a popular one, and for good reason. You’ll never forget a Tucson sunset! Want more info on Tucson sunsets? Check out our post here.
Day 4
Fly home! We hope you’ve loved your 3 days in Tucson!
We love Tucson so much that we always encourage travelers to stay as long as possible. There is so much to do! But if all you have is 36, 48, or 72 hours, hopefully this post was helpful for you to narrow down some of the options. And, as always, if you’re looking for the perfect place to stay for a luxurious getaway, we have several perfect options to choose from. You can see all of our Vacay Rentals by clicking here. We’ll see you on your vacay soon!