Are you looking for a 3-day itinerary for Tucson, Arizona? Then you are in the right spot!
Tucson is a fun College town in Arizona and has much to offer. Saguaro National Park and Mount Lemmon are only two examples of what you can do in the city.
We have just come back from Tucson after staying there for a long weekend. Since I stayed there for F-16 training in the past, I know the city well and showed my wife around.
To help you all have a trip as good as we did, I have created this awesome itinerary.
Let’s get to it!
3 Days in Tucson – at a Glance
Time | DAY 1 | DAY 2 | DAY 3 |
---|---|---|---|
Morning | Prep & Pastry Brunch | Mount Lemmon | Blue Willow Brunch |
Noon | Arizona Sonora Desert Museum | Lunch | Outlet Shops Tucson |
Afternoon | Saguaro National Park | Sabino Canyon | Pool Time |
Evening | Stargazing | La Encantada | Dinner at Flying V |
Tucson Day 1
Brunch at Prep & Pastry
Start off your vacation in Tucson with a lovely brunch at Prep & Pastry.
This restaurant has been a true staple for me when I lived there – and my wife loved it just as much on our recent trip.
They have multiple locations all over Tucson, so you can find the one closest to you. Make sure to try their mimosas – to kick off your holiday in Tucson!
Arizona Sonora Desert Museum
The next stop on our itinerary came highly recommended by some Tucson locals.
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a unique mix of zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum. It is so interactive – that’s why it is an absolute highlight.
It showcases the plants, animals, and geology of the Sonoran Desert. You can see animals like mountain lions, coyotes, and desert tortoises in natural habitats.
The museum also has beautiful walking paths, a hummingbird aviary, and art galleries. Make sure to take some time to explore the place!
Saguaro National Park
In the late afternoon or early evening, we’ll head to Saguaro National Park.
You can either take a drive through the park or check out some of the hiking trails.
Saguaro National Park is famous for its giant saguaro cacti (they are pretty impressive). It’s split into two sections: the east (Rincon Mountain District) and the west (Tucson Mountain District).
If you have time, head there for sunset. It is truly magical.
Stargazing
On our first night, our hotel was kind enough to offer a stargazing experience for us. And that is something truly special you should check out.
Tucson is great for stargazing because it has clear skies and low light pollution, especially in the surrounding desert areas.
The dry climate also means fewer clouds, giving better visibility of the night sky. It’s home to several observatories, like Kitt Peak.
Plus, the city has dark sky ordinances to help keep the skies clear for stargazers. Book a guided tour or simply venture out with a picnic blanket at night.
Tucson Day 2
Mount Lemmon
I am so excited for the second day in our Tucson itinerary – because we will head up Mount Lemmon.
It is located in the Santa Catalina Mountains, and the drive up there is one of the most stunning road trips in the Southwest.
It offers a cool escape from the desert heat, with beautiful hiking trails, campgrounds, and even skiing in the winter.
At the summit, you’ll find the Mount Lemmon SkyCenter, a great spot for stargazing and astronomy.
You can have lunch on the mountain in a cute town before heading back down to Tucson.
Sabino Canyon
In the later afternoon, we’ll head over to Sabino Canyon.
Sabino Canyon in Tucson is a beautiful desert oasis nestled in the Santa Catalina Mountains. It’s popular for hiking. The trails take you through scenic desert landscapes and along flowing creeks.
You can take a narrated tram ride that gives you an overview of the canyon and its natural features.
Some cool things to see include stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and lots of cool wildlife like javelinas and lizards.
Dinner at La Encantada
On our second day in Tucson, we’ll head to La Encantada for dinner.
La Encantada is an upscale outdoor shopping center that you should definitely check out at least once. It’s known for its stylish boutiques, high-end retailers, and a range of great restaurants.
The open-air design and beautiful views of the Catalina Mountains make it a relaxing spot to shop or enjoy a meal. You’ll also find art galleries and seasonal events, which make it extra charming.
Even if you are not into shopping, the architecture is beautiful and worth seeing.
Tucson Day 3
Day 3 of our Tucson itinerary will be a bit more relaxed.
After a hearty brunch at Blue Willow (another Tucson staple), we hit the famous designer Outlet shops at Tucson Premium Outlets.
In the afternoon, we relaxed by the pool and enjoyed the beautiful desert climate before a last romantic dinner at Flying V.
A slightly cheaper alternative for dinner is Saffron Indian Bistro – the best Indian place in town.
I always find it important not to pack my itineraries too densely – and also leave some time for rest and relaxation.
How Many Days Do I Need in Tucson?
We stayed in Tucson for five nights on our last trip and thought that it was the perfect time. We did a lot of relaxing at our resort since we wanted the trip to be a vacation as well.
All in all, I think staying in Tucson for three nights is enough to experience the city and see all of the wonderful sights.
The best part about Tucson is in my opinion the stunning nature – so you’ll definitely want to reserve a day or two for hiking.
Another thing I love about Tucson is the food scene. There are so many beautiful restaurants – and we really enjoyed them all.
You can probably see Tucson in two days, but it won’t be relaxed, so I suggest at least three nights.
Where To Stay in Tucson For 3 Days
We opted to stay at Lowes Ventana Canyon Resorts in Tucson, and we were not disappointed.
While this is a pricey option, the resort is incredibly beautiful and has lovely hiking trails within its grounds.
The staff took excellent care of us and were even kind enough to arrange a stargazing experience for us.
The adults-only pool ensured some peace and quiet, and the view over the city of Tucson from our bedroom was amazing!
Conclusion: 3 Days in Tucson Itinerary
In conclusion, this three-day trip to Tucson offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure, culture, and relaxation. You’ll be hitting the most instagrammable spots while learning a lot and experiencing the Sonoran desert.
From exploring the unique landscapes of Saguaro National Park and Sabino Canyon to stargazing on Mount Lemmon and shopping at La Encantada, Tucson has something for every type of traveler.
Whether you’re hiking through desert trails, discovering the rich history, or simply enjoying the city’s fun food scene, this itinerary ensures you experience the best of Tucson in just a few days.
I hope you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of the desert and this totally underrated city.
About The Author
Sabrina is a 30 year old Air Force Wife and passionate travel blogger, currently based in New Mexico. She loves exploring the Southwest USA with her drone.
Sabrina’s mission is help travellers have an authentic, relaxed and instagrammable trip through the American Southwest.