Tucson has a hot desert climate with a long, hot summer and a mild winter. Fall and spring tend to be sunny and dry. If you're familiar with Phoenix weather, Tucson is slightly cooler and slightly wetter due to elevation and surrounding mountain ranges.

Summer has daytime high temperatures between 98 and 102 °F (37 and 39 °C) and low temperatures between 71 and 77 °F (22 and 25 °C). Average summer heat indices range between 97 °F (36 °C) during the day and 77 °F (25 °C) at night, though it's not unheard of to have heat indicies to climb upwards to 110 °F (43 °C) and not go below 85 °F (29 °C) at night. Early summer is dry: low humidity and clear skies. By mid-summer the monsoons start, bringing higher humidity, cloudy skies, and frequent thunderstorms. The monsoon season officially starts on June 15, but the actual arrival of storms varies from year to year. Storms usually are scattered, with intense rainfall, thunder and lightning in one part of town, and completely storm-free elsewhere, then changing in a few hours. Flash floods are possible. Large areas of the city do not have storm sewers (the street becomes the storm sewer), flooding main thoroughfares. A few underpasses have "feet of water" scales to discourage motorists from driving through in a rainstorm. (See "Stay safe" section for more information).

Winter in Tucson is mild compared to other parts of the U.S. Average daytime highs range between 65 and 70 °F (18 and 21 °C) and lows between 40 and 44 °F (4 and 7 °C). Tucson typically averages three hard freezes per winter season, with temperatures dipping to the mid or low-20s (−7 to −4 °C), but this is typically limited to only a very few nights. Snow is rare but occasionally falls at the lower elevations at the city street level, and is quite common up in the Santa Catalina Mountains.

The sun is intense in Tucson year-round. Those who spend time outdoors need sun protection. And in the summer months, heat stroke is a serious concern for those spending their time outdoors.

• 32.220846-110.97271 Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau, 100 S Church Ave (downtown), toll-free: +1-800-638-8350. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa-Su 9AM-4PM. Offers a free Official Destination Guide, Golf Guide or Dining Guide. 

• 32.120382-110.9377411 Tucson International Airport (TUS  ^IATA), 7250 S Tucson Blvd, ☏ +1 520-573-8100. Served by a number of airlines from various cities in the U.S.: (updated Apr 2020)

• Concourse A: Southwest, Sun Country, United.
• Concourse B: American Airlines/American Eagle, Alaska Airlines, Delta/Delta Connection.
  

The airport is on the far southern end of the city. A taxi to central Tucson (University of Arizona area) will run about $25-30 and take 25 minutes. Bus services (Rt #11 and 25) to and from the airport is significantly cheaper but will take at least 60 minutes to/from downtown Tucson. Some people fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) and then take a shuttle or rent a car and drive to Tucson (about 2 hours). American Eagle operate 1hr flights between Phoenix and Tucson. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.

Arriving by train to Tucson is possible as the city is served by Amtrak via its triweekly Sunset Limited train between New Orleans and Los Angeles. This train also conveys Texas Eagle carriages, offering a direct route to and from Chicago. Eastbound trains arrive around 7:30AM while westbound ones arrive early evening. Notice however that delays are quite common.

• 32.223135-110.9667962 Tucson railway station, 400 N Toole Ave. Located next to downtown, this historic station has both a waiting room and a ticket office. (updated May 2019)

• Interstate 10 (I-10) is an east-west cross-continental route, coming from southern New Mexico to the east and from Phoenix from the northwest. While I-10 is an east-west route, it runs northwest-southeast between Tucson and Phoenix, then from Phoenix runs west towards California.
• Interstate 19 (I-19) is an intra-state route running south from Tucson, connecting it with Nogales, on the border US-Mexico with Nogales, Sonora, Mexico.

• & N Oracle Rd (AZ 77) is a north-south route, the south end starting in Tucson going north through Oracle and Globe, then concurrent with US 60 from Globe to Show Low, then to Holbrook and I-40. AZ 77 and 79 replaced this section of the (Historic) US 80 after US Route 80 was decommissioned west of Dallas, Texas. The Historic US 80 ran along the present day AZ 77 to Oracle Junction (north of Tucson) where it follows AZ 79 through Florence, to US 60 in Queen Creek.
• W Ajo Way/State Route (SR) 86 (AZ 86) runs east-west through southern Arizona, it's east end starting in Tucson, passing near Kitt Peak Observatory, through the Tohono O'odham Nation, and ending in the little town of Why at the junction with AZ 85, just north of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.

There are multiple long distance bus lines and van shuttles serving Tucson from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, El Paso, Phoenix, Douglas, Yuma & Nogales in the U.S. and from Nogales, Hermosillo, Puerto Peñasco, Agua Prieta and Culiacán in Mexico. Each company has a stop for their own bus station in different parts of town that are far from each other.

• 32.235927-110.8781233 Groome Transportation (formerly Arizona Shuttle Service), 5350 E Speedway Blvd, ☏ +1 520-795-6771. Offers shuttle service between Phoenix Sky Harbor and Tucson. Additional local scheduled stops in U of AZ at 501 N Park St, and Twin Peaks at 9633 N Tiffany Loop. Ask if they offer door to door service. (updated Mar 2021)
• Flixbus, (bus stop) Univ of Arizona 6th St Garage at 1119 E 6th St (Bus will board in the covered bus loading zone on the south side of the Sixth Street garage.). They also have an additional stops at the Greyhound station in other places around the city. Check websites and tickets for boarding locations. (updated Dec 2018)
• 32.22033-110.959194 Greyhound Lines, Autobus Americanos, Cruceros USA, 801 E 12th (E 12th & S Euclid), ☏ +1 520-792-3475. Daily 5AM-1PM & 5PM-11PM. Travels primarily on Interstate 10 (Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Phoenix, Tucson, Lordsburg, El Paso) an on I-8/10 (San Diego, Calexico, Yuma, Tucson and El Paso). Some variations of the route on I-10 may make additional stops in Quartzsite, Mesa, Casa Grande/Eloy, Benson, Wilcox, Deming and/or Las Cruces on I-10 in Arizona and New Mexico. Passengers transfer to other buses in Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and El Paso to get to additional cities in the U.S. Check schedules. 
• 32.1736-110.968055 Premier Shuttle, 4207 6th Ave, ☏ +1 520 460-9010. Daily 8AM-6PM. Connects Phoenix to Nogales via Tucson. (updated Jan 2018)
• 32.17388-110.968536 Sahuaro Shuttle, 4202 6th Ave (6th Ave & E District St), ☏ +1 520 573-1399. Daily 8AM-6PM. Connects Tucson to Phoenix in one direction and to Agua Prieta and Hermosillo via Nogales in the other. (updated Jan 2018)
• 32.174-110.968027 Shuttle Sonora, 4201 6th Ave (6th Ave & E District St), ☏ +1 520 294-1210. Daily 8AM-6PM. Phoenix, Tucson, Nogales and Douglas. They also serve as a ticket agent for Omnibus who connects Phoenix and Nogales to Mexico. (updated Jan 2018)
• 32.150845-110.9780358 TUFESA Bus Lines, 5550 S 12th Ave #148, ☏ +1 520-294-3780. Bus service along I-10/I-19 between Los Angeles, Phoenix, Tucson, Nogales and Hermosillo in Mexico 

• 32.27792-111.007849 Sun Tran, 3920 N Sun Tran Blvd (main office), ☏ +1 520-628-1565 (customer service), [email protected]. M-F 6AM-7PM, Sa-Su 8AM-5PM. An extensive metropolitan bus system, with routes and times listed here. The buses can accommodate up to two bicycles in the front; only folding bikes are permitted inside the bus. All Sun Tran rides have been free for all passengers since March 2020. (updated Jul 2024)
• Sun Link Streetcar. A streetcar route which extends from the University of Arizona to the downtown area and the Mercado district. It has now been integrated into the Sun Tran public transportation system; the streetcar route map can be downloaded here. It is especially popular in the evenings for making the rounds between University and the night life on 4th Ave. 

I-10 and I-19 are the only freeways in Tucson, which has far fewer miles of freeway than other U.S. cities of its size. Since I-10 and I-19 mostly skirt the west and south sides, all east-west traffic and all east-side traffic is on surface streets.

Surface street travel can be slow during the workday, and even slower during rainstorms. Many older streets become completely flooded as they are the original "U-shape" where the entire street width is for rain drainage, instead of the modern typical street pitching down towards curbs. And several main surface streets have "reversible lanes", also dubbed "suicide lanes", where the center turn lane becomes an additional through traffic lane for peak hours. Watch the lane signals for proper usage, or you'll likely find yourself staring at the grill of another vehicle. Traffic direction typically alternates between morning and afternoon.

Tucson is a bike-friendly community, and has an extensive system of bike routes and paths^{[dead link]} (but is something you don't want to do in the summer unless you are experienced riding in very hot, dry weather).

In late 2017 the city launched Tugo Bike Share, a new public bike-sharing program, with 330 bicycles and 36 rental station scattered around the university district and downtown. Passes are available for one day ($8), one month ($18), or one year ($80), and allow unlimited use of the bikes for 30-minute intervals. Passes can be purchased at docking stations with a credit card, online with a credit or debit card, or with cash at any 7-Eleven, CVS, or Family Dollar stores (requires prior online registration). Bicycle stations with available bikes and docks can be found online or via the smartphone Cyclefinder app (iOS and Android).

It is notoriously difficult to get around in Tucson by taxi, as you must usually reserve a cab hours in advance and contend with drivers who are often late, if they show up at all. As an alternative, ride-hailing services Uber and Lyft now both operate in Tucson, and are a decent alternative if you can't get a regular cab within a reasonable time frame.

• Barrio Viejo (Barrio Histórico), Bounded by I-10, W Cushing St, S 6th Ave, and W 18th St (by the Tucson Convention Center). One of Tucson's oldest neighborhoods, much of the barrio was destroyed when the Tucson Convention Center was built. There are many colorful adobe buildings housing shops, galleries, and residences. Best explored on foot. 
  • 32.216078-110.9746281 El Tiradito (The Castaway), Just south of the intersection of S Main Ave at W Cushing St (Barrio Viejo). El Tiradito is the only shrine to a sinner in North America. In the 1880s, a young man had an affair with his mother-in-law. When caught in the act, his father-in-law shot him and he stumbled from bed and ran out of the house. He dropped dead on this spot, and because he had not confessed his sins, he could not be buried in the church yard. His family and friends interred him where he fell, but remembered him with candles and flowers. People still burn candles and leave offerings today. Best visited at dusk or after dark. (updated Aug 2016)
  • 32.219418-110.9743892 Sosa-Carrillo-Frémont House Museum, 151 S Granada Ave, ☏ +1 520-628-5774, [email protected]. Th-Sa 10AM-4PM. A remnant of Tucson's old barrio which survived and is now surrounded by the Tucson Convention Center, this historic adobe house was built in the 1870s. Free, donations welcome.  
• 32.259958-110.8746683 Fort Lowell Museum, 2900 N Craycroft Rd, ☏ +1 520-885-3832. Th-Sa 10AM-4PM. Fort Lowell was a US Army post, active in the late 19th century during the Apache Wars. Most of the adobe structures are now in ruins, but the commanding officers' quarters have been reconstructed and now house a small museum, with exhibits focused on military life on the frontier. The building also has a small gift shop. Free, donations welcome.  
• 32.26075-110.8809074 San Pedro Chapel, 5230 E Fort Lowell Rd, ☏ +1 520-302-9265, [email protected]. A historic Sonoran-style adobe chapel, built in 1915 and on the National Register of Historic Places. Unfortunately the church is usually only open for special events, but it can be freely appreciated from the outside.  

• 32.139626-110.8657755 Pima Air & Space Museum, 6000 E Valencia Rd, ☏ +1 520-574-0462. Daily 9AM-5PM (last admission at 3PM); closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Features over 400 historic aircraft on an 80-acre site with five hangars, three of them devoted to World War II. Veterans and volunteers are often on hand to answer any questions, and there are daily walking tours of the grounds. There is an onsite restaurant. Admission for 1-day pass: $19.50 (adults), $15.25 (Pima County residents), $16.75 (seniors), $13 (children ages 5-12), free (children under age 5); for 2-day pass: $26 (adults), $20.25 (Pima County residents), $22.75 (seniors), $15.50 (children ages 5-12), free (under age 5). (updated Dec 2023)
  • Tram Tour, ☏ +1 520-574-0462. As the grounds are so large, a tour tram is offered for those who do not wish to walk. The guided tour lasts one hour and covers 1½ miles and more than 150 planes. Departure times vary, so it is best to call ahead or inquire at the entrance. Price is in addition to museum admission: $6 (adults), free (children under 6). (updated Apr 2016)
• 32.2234-110.97496 Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N Main Ave, ☏ +1 520-624-2333, [email protected]. Tu W 10AM-5PM, Th 10AM-8PM, F Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. A museum complex housed in a collection of historic adobe houses, this museum hosts exhibits of regional contemporary art, as well as the Arizona Biennial. Its permanent collection of Latin American and pre-Columbian art is particularly noteworthy. There is a well-stocked shop in the lobby that is open during museum hours. $12 (adults), $10 (seniors), $7 (students/children 13-17), free (children under 13); free on 1st Th of month from 5PM-8PM. (updated Apr 2016)
• 32.235619-110.9558217 University of Arizona Museum of Art, 1031 N Olive Rd (on the U of A campus, by E Speedway), ☏ +1 520-621-7567. W 9AM-5PM, Th 9AM-8PM, F Sa 9AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. Houses an extensive of American and European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century, with excellent rotating exhibits. A highlight of the collection is the 15th-century Spanish altarpiece of Ciudad Rodrigo. $8 (adults), $6.50 (seniors), free (students). (updated Apr 2016)
• 32.218043-110.9717918 Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson (MOCA), 265 S Church Ave (across from the Tucson Convention Center), ☏ +1 520-624-5019. W-Su noon-5PM. Hosts exhibits of regional and national contemporary art. $8 (adults), $5 (students/seniors), free (veterans, military, children under 17); free on last Su of every month. (updated Apr 2016)
• 32.235671-110.9563819 Center for Creative Photography, 1030 Olive Rd (on the U of A campus, by E Speedway), ☏ +1 520-621-7968, toll-free: +1 520-621-9444, [email protected]. Tu-F 9AM-4PM, Sa 1PM-4PM. The center was founded by Ansel Adams, and routinely features works of famous (and not-so-famous) photographers. When they have their Ansel Adams collection up it is a must see. Free, donations accepted. (updated Apr 2016)
• 32.212747-110.9683210 Philabaum Glass Gallery & Studio, 711 S 6th Ave (just south of Downtown), ☏ +1 520-884-7404, [email protected]. Winter: Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM; summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day): Tu-Sa 11AM-4PM. Tom Philabaum built his first glass studio in 1975, and opened the adjacent gallery in 1982. Together they represent one of the most enduring art endeavors of present-day Tucson. Visitors are able to watch the glass blowing process in the studio, and shop the impressive collection of contemporary glass art from artists around the country. (updated Apr 2016)

• 32.321728-110.89163111 De Grazia Gallery in the Sun Historic District, 6300 N Swan Rd, ☏ +1 520-299-9191, toll-free: +1-800-545-2185, [email protected]. Daily 10AM-4PM; closed 1 Jan, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. A collection of buildings on a 10-acre site, designed and built by well-known Arizona painter Ettore 'Ted' DeGrazia (1909-1982); the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A gallery showcases the artist's work in six permanent collections as well as special rotating exhibits, and a gift shop onsite sells good quality reproductions of some of his work. In early December the grounds also host the annual Fiesta de Guadalupe.
  The chapel is closed due to fire damage. $8 (adults), $5 (children 12-18), free (children under 12). (updated Apr 2016)
• 32.223671-110.96753212 Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, 414 N Toole Ave (next to the Amtrak station), ☏ +1 520-623-2223, [email protected]. T-Th 11AM-3PM, F Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 11AM-3PM, engine with cab visits Sa 10AM-1PM. A small museum devoted to the history of the railroads in southern Arizona, housed in the historic Southern Pacific Railroad Depot. The star attraction is the Southern Pacific Railroad 1673 steam locomotive. Docents and volunteers available to answer questions about the locomotive on Saturdays. For other times, tours can be arranged upon request. Free.  
• 32.219214-110.96914613 Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S 6th Ave, ☏ +1 520-792-9985. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa Su 10AM-5PM. $6 (children 1-18), $8 (adults), $6 (seniors); $2 2nd Sa of the month. 
• 32.233218-110.95737714 Arizona History Museum, 949 E 2nd St (University of Arizona Campus), ☏ +1 520-628-5774. M-Th 9AM-4PM, F 9AM-8PM, Sa Su 11AM-4PM. This museum is devoted to the history of Tucson and the surrounding area, with relevant displays. $8 (adults), $6 (seniors), $5 (students), $4 (children 7-17), free (children under 7). 
• 32.24808-110.98593915 Old Pascua Museum and Yaqui Cultural Center, 856 W Calle Santa Ana (south of Grant Rd and Fairview Ave), ☏ +1 520-884-8527, +1 520-990-5949. Tu-Sa 9AM-1PM. Museum that features more than 4000 artifacts on display from the old Pasqua tribe, displayed in a home built in 1926 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Free (donations welcome). 

• 32.244122-111.16799516 Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N Kinney Rd, ☏ +1 520-883-2702. Oct-Feb 8:30AM-5PM, Mar-Sep 7:30AM-5PM. More like Biosphere II than a walled institution, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is part zoo, part natural history museum and part botanical garden all in one Tucson attraction. From tarantulas to black bears, coyotes to scorpions, the museum-zoo is an entrancing and full-contact tribute to the Sonoran desert's wildlife (the wire fences are nearly invisible and the hummingbirds in the buzzing, walk-in aviary seem to think you are the attraction). Give yourself time to soak in the Southwest splendor and if time is all you have, the Museum is also on the fringes of Saguaro National Park, home to the world's largest forests of Saguaro cacti. $14.50/adult, $5/child (Sep-May); $12/adult, $4/child Jun-Aug.  
• 32.061973-110.63328117 Colossal Cave Mountain Park, 16721 E Old Spanish Trail (Vail), ☏ +1 520-647-7275, [email protected]. Daily 8AM-5PM, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas; tours hourly, last tour at 4PM. A "dry" cave with 3½ miles of mapped passageways. The cave was used by pre-Columbian Native Americans, and rediscovered in 1879. Also on park grounds are a cowboy ranch museum, a butterfly garden, horseback trails, and picnic and camping facilities. Park: $5 (auto), $1 (bicycle); cave: $16 (adults), $9 (children 5-12). (updated Apr 2016)
• 32.339981-110.98090218 Tohono Chul Park, 7366 N Paseo del Norte, ☏ +1 520-742-6455. "Tohono chul" means "desert corner" in the Tohono O'Odham's (desert people's) language, and this haven in the midst of Tucson's burgeoning north side offers a tea room, gift shop, bookstore, and art gallery in the middle of trails and gardens. There are extensive botanical exhibits explaining the native plants, and a wonderful plant-sale area in which to buy them for your own garden. Many kinds of desert birds are frequent visitors.  
• 32.248523-110.90848819 Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N Alvernon Way, ☏ +1 520-326-9686. Sa-W 8:30AM - 4:30PM, Th F 8:30AM - 8PM. This beautiful oasis in the heart of Tucson was the home of Bernice and Rutger Porter. Dating to the 1920s, the earliest buildings on the property were constructed of adobe bricks made right on site. True to the vision of Mrs. Porter, Tucson Botanical Gardens is a place of beauty, inspiration and education about the natural world. Adult $15; student, senior 62+, or military $13, child 4-17 $8, child under 4 years free.  
• 32.209315-110.92056720 Reid Park Zoo, 1030 S Randolph Way, ☏ +1 520-791-4022. Jun-Aug: daily 8AM-3PM, Sep-May: 9AM-4PM. Cares for more than 500 animals. The zoo has a state-of-the-art facility for treating cancers with radiation and heat therapy, and treats animal patients from zoos all over the country. Adult $9, senior $7, child 2-14 $5.  

• 32.107079-111.00785721 Mission San Xavier del Bac, 1950 W San Xavier Rd (Tohono O'odham San Xavier Indian Reservation, 10 miles S of Tucson), ☏ +1 520-294-2624. The "White Dove of the Desert" is a Tucson mission. Pure white and pristine against a hot desert backdrop, and still heady inside its elaborately colored and muraled interior from centuries of supplication, the Mission San Xavier del Bac was finished in 1797 when Arizona was still New Spain. It has been cleaned and restored by professional art conservators who worked with and trained members of the community.  
• 32.218538-111.1303622 Old Tucson Studios, 201 S Kinney Rd, ☏ +1 520-883-0100. Ever notice that Hollywood's Old West, the backdrop for the gun-slinging and cryptic comments of Hollywood's Western icons – Wayne, Eastwood, Douglas and Newman – has much in common with the Wild West of today's Tombstone and Geronimo? They've all been filmed at the Old Tucson Studios, which were built in 1939 for the making of the William Holden film Arizona. Still an active film, TV and commercial set, it's also a nostalgia-themed park, with main drag shootouts, corseted can-can dancers, educational shows, pre-Prohibition saloons, restaurants, and gift shops.  

• 32.21782-110.9700571 Arizona Theatre Company (Temple of Music and Art), 330 S Scott Ave (downtown), ☏ +1 520-622-2823 (box office), [email protected]. Box office: M-F 10AM-5PM/curtain, Sa Su noon-curtain. Also operating in Phoenix, the company performs six productions a year. Tickets can be purchased online. (updated Mar 2017)
• 32.23125-110.955432 Centennial Hall, 1020 E University Blvd (University of Arizona), ☏ +1 520-621-3341 (ticket office). Ticket office: Sep-Apr: M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa noon-5PM; May-Aug: hours vary; open 2 hr before performance. A venue for classical music, dance, jazz, and musicals. Tickets can be purchased online. (updated Mar 2017)
• 32.21971-110.973253 Leo Rich Theater, 260 S Church Ave (Tucson Convention Center), ☏ +1 520-837-4766 (ticket office), toll-free: +1 800-745-3000. Ticket office: M-F 10AM-5:30PM, 2 hr before event. The venue for concerts sponsored by the Arizona Friends of Chamber Music, and Tucson's primary space for ballet, theater, and musicals. Tickets can be purchased online. (updated Mar 2017)
• 32.21989-110.974484 Tucson Music Hall, 260 S Church Ave (Tucson Convention Center), ☏ +1 520-837-4766 (ticket office), toll-free: +1 800-745-3000. Ticket office: M-F 10AM-5:30PM, 2 hr before event. The home of Tucson Symphony Orchestra and the Arizona Opera. Tickets can be purchased online. (updated Mar 2017)
• 32.514422-110.9034545 DesertView Performing Arts Center, 39900 S. Clubhouse Dr, ☏ +1 520 825-2818 (ticket office). Ticket office: M-F, but online at https://dvpac.net/. State of the Performing Art Theater located in the heart of SaddleBrooke live performances from Rock and Roll to Musicals and Symphonies. varies. (updated Mar 2019)
• 32.2196-110.969896 Carnival of Illusion, 160 S Scott Ave, ☏ +1 480-359-7469, [email protected]. The Carnival of Illusion Parlour Show presents national quality magic in an intimate setting at the Historic Scottish Rite in downtown Tucson, and is limited to 125 guests. The hosts are the National Recipients for Excellence in Magic and have performed as house entertainers at the world's top resorts, for Fortune 100 CEOs, to the 200 Most Powerful Women in America. (updated May 2020)

• 32.1306-110.58277 Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, ☏ +1 520-322-5773, fax: +1 520-322-6031, [email protected]. late January - mid February. For two weeks every winter, the world meets in Tucson as it becomes a bustling, international marketplace of buyers and sellers at the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase. The "Gem Show" is much more than a single event at one location. Rather, there are thousands of participants and attendees at nearly 50 sites around town. Dozens of shows take place at the same time – in giant white tents, at hotels and resorts and at exhibit halls. There's something for everyone at the many open-to-the-public shows – from gold and diamonds to granite bookends and glass beads – and from fine specimens of dinosaur fossils to opals dug from the Australian Outback.  
• 32.166694-110.9665198 Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Pima County Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S 6th Ave, ☏ +1 520-741-2233, toll-free: +1-800-964-5662, [email protected]. February. An annual week-long rodeo held in mid-February, the highlight of which is the Rodeo Parade. This event marks the start of rodeo season in the US. $22-60. 
• 32.10798-111.008269 Wa:k Pow Wow, 1950 W San Xavier Rd (behind Mission San Xavier del Bac, on the San Xavier Indian Reservation), ☏ +1 520-573-4000, [email protected]. 2nd weekend in March; activities begin at 10AM on Sa and extend until 6PM on Su. This annual two-day event showcases traditional dancing from a number of different regional tribes. Booths offer crafts and jewelry for sale, as well as food and beverages. $7 (adults), $5 (children), free (children under 6); $3 for parking. (updated Feb 2017)
• 32.13115-111.086710 La Frontera Tucson International Mariachi Conference, 5655 W Valencia Rd (Casino del Sol Resort), ☏ +1 520-838-3908, fax: +1 520-792-0654, [email protected]. Late April. An annual four-day event celebrating mariachi music and folklorico dance. International stars and local students alike give performances. (updated Apr 2016)
• 32.21771-110.9745411 Tucson Modernism Week, 260 S Church Ave (Tucson Convention Center). October. Annual festival celebrating Tucson's legacy of mid-century modern architecture and design, centered around the mid-century modern convention center and its Garrett Eckbo-designed plaza. Events include a vintage market where numerous vendors sell everything mod, from suits and ties to designer furniture to cool retro gadgets; a car show displaying mostly mid-century cars and trailers; various lectures on architecture; and tours of various mid-century modern homes around Tucson. Prices vary by event; the market and car show are free, but most lectures require tickets. (updated Nov 2018)
• 32.227705-110.96867712 All Souls Procession (All Soul's Weekend), Downtown (route begins on N 6th Ave and E 6th St, and ends on W Congress Ave after I-10). November. One of the largest festivals in Tucson and based on the Mexican holiday 'Día de los Muertos' (Day of the Dead), the highlight is a 3-mile parade beginning at dusk. Very colorful, with participants dressing in traditional or creative costumes. Takes place annually on the first Sunday in November. (updated Mar 2017)
• 32.321728-110.89163113 La Fiesta de Guadalupe, 6300 N Swan Rd (DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun), ☏ +1 520-299-9191, toll-free: +1-800-545-2185, [email protected]. First Sunday in December, 10AM-4PM. This annual event celebrates Mexico's patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe, and features performances by mariachi bands, folklorico dancers, Yaqui dancers, and Spanish flamenco guitar. Booths sell crafts and souvenirs, as well as southwestern-style food and beverages. Free. (updated Apr 2016)
• 32.269426-110.92934814 Winterhaven Festival of Lights. December. An annual event in the Winterhaven subdivision north of Fort Lowell Road displaying a huge Christmas light festival involving several dozen homes in the subdivision. The festival starts in the middle of December, ending a few days before New Year's Day. The event is very popular, and traffic to the event is always very congested. 
• Summer Car Shows. Year round. Typically after sunset during summer. Tucson's dry climate makes it an ideal location for classic car restoration. There are community organized car shows at various locations and times. Usually free.. (updated Jul 2019)

• 32.2303-110.9459515 Arizona Wildcats, McKale Center, 1721 E. Enke Dr, ☏ +1 520 621-2287, toll-free: +1-800-452-2287, [email protected]. M-F 9AM–5PM. The city's highest-profile sports teams are those of the University of Arizona, members of the Big 12 Conference alongside 15 other schools located mostly in the middle and inland western states. While the school fields teams in 21 sports (nine men's and 12 women's), the biggest draws are (as at most major schools) football and men's basketball. The latter is a very tough ticket, considering the Wildcats' consistent regional and national success in that sport for the last 30 or so years.  
• 32.41779-110.9304816 Catalina State Park, 11570 N Oracle Rd (10 miles N of downtown), ☏ +1 520-628-5798. Daily 8AM-5PM (visitor center). On the northwestern edge of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this park covers 5,500 acres and has eight multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, of varying difficulty. Other popular activities include picnicking, wildlife viewing and birdwatching, with over 170 avian species identified in the park. A small shop at the visitor center carries such items as snack, water, sunscreen, maps, and books. $7 (vehicle w/1-4 adults), $3 (individual/bicycle). (updated Jun 2024)
• 32.223548-111.13946917 Tucson Mountain Park, 8451 W McCain Loop, ☏ +1 520-877-6000. This minor mountain range to the southwest of the city has an excellent trail network for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. The park has many healthy stands of saguaros. The higher-elevation trails provide beautiful views, and are a popular place to photograph sunsets. Free. 
• 32.2878-110.969218 Funtasticks Family Fun Park, 221 East Wetmore Road. Park with different activities such as waterslides, bumper boats, go-karts, minigolf and arcade games. It has a fast food restaurant. 
• 32.2478-110.855619 Golf N'Stuff, 6503 E. Tanque Verde Road. Another park with activities including minigolf, bumper boats, go-karts, laser tag, and arcade games. 
• 32.21771-110.97520 Tucson Arena, 260 S Church Ave. The venue is part of the Tucson Convention Center, though it isn't Tucson's largest indoor arena (that would be the Arizona Wildcats' McKale Center). It hosts a number of events throughout the year including local events, concerts, Monster Truck shows, and circus performances. It has been the home for the Tucson Roadrunner American Hockey League (AHL) team. (updated Feb 2018)

• 32.286108-110.9422071 Bahti Indian Arts, 4330 N Campbell Ave #73, ☏ +1 520-577-0290. M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 8:30AM-4PM. Sells regional Native American arts and crafts. 
• 32.307545-110.8456892 Medicine Man Gallery, 6872 E Sunrise Dr #150 (Colonia Verde Shopping Center), ☏ +1 520-722-7798. Specializes in western painter Maynard Dixon, but also represents a number of other western and Native American artists. 
• 32.224256-110.9742963 Old Town Artisans, 201 N Court Ave, ☏ +1 520-623-6024. Sep-May: M-Sa 9:30AM-5:30PM, Su 11AM-5PM; Jun-Aug: M-Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 11AM-4PM. Sells Mexican and Arizona crafts, including jewelry and home decor. 
• 32.106489-111.0075664 San Xavier Plaza (in front of Mission San Xavier del Bac). A few stalls here sell friendship bowls (beautifully painted ceramic bowls) made by the Tohono O’odham. 
• 32.225894-110.9651875 Silver Sea Jewelry, 330 N 4th Ave, ☏ +1 520-624-9954, [email protected]. Tu-Sa 11AM-7PM, Su M noon-5PM. In business since 1993, the store offers sterling silver jewelry at competitive prices, with interesting little figurines (fantasy, Gothic, Egyptian, skulls) and a variety of gifts. The helpful owner Lizzie can help you find the perfect goodie, including limited supply Stardust and Cake label jewelry. (updated Mar 2017)

• 32.22675-110.965766 Antigone Books, 411 N 4th Ave, ☏ +1 520-792-3715, [email protected]. M-Th 10AM-7PM, F Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-5PM. The independent bookstore also sells cards and gifts. (updated Mar 2017)
• 32.235201-110.8594147 Bookmans Entertainment Exchange East, 6230 E Speedway Blvd (original location), ☏ +1 520-748-9555. Daily 9AM-10PM. Practically a Tucson institution, the original branch opened on Speedway over 30 years ago. Besides used books, they also have used CDs, DVDs, video games, etc. All branches have free Wi-Fi and electric vehicle charging stations, and permit pets in the store. 
  • 32.23564-110.92228 Bookmans Entertainment Exchange Midtown, 3330 E Speedway Blvd, ☏ +1 520-325-5767. Daily 9AM-10PM. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 32.33604-111.044199 Bookmans Entertainment Exchange Northwest, 3733 W Ina Rd, ☏ +1 520-579-0303. Daily 9AM-10PM. (updated Mar 2017)

• 32.2876-110.9737110 REI, 160 W Wetmore Rd (Tucson Mall), ☏ +1 520-887-1938. M-F 10AM-9PM, Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 10AM-6PM. This branch of the Seattle-based chain carries a good selection of outdoor gear and clothing. They also offer classes and lectures, most of them free, on a range of topics relating to the region and travel in general. (updated Mar 2017)
• 32.23664-110.8804911 Summit Hut (Speedway Store), 5251 E Speedway Blvd, ☏ +1 520-325-1554, [email protected]. M-F 9AM-8PM, Sa 9AM-6:30PM, Su 9AM-5PM. Offers great gear and resources for getting outdoors around Tucson. A very local shop with more than 30 years of experience. Go in and ask questions, these guys will take the time to help you out. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 32.34742-110.9779312 Summit Hut (Oro Valley Store), 7745 N Oracle Rd (Oracle Crossings Shopping Center, N of Ina), ☏ +1 520-888-1000, [email protected]. M-F 9AM-8PM, Sa 9AM-6:30PM, Su 9AM-5PM. (updated Mar 2017)

• 32.23553-110.9256113 The RumRunner (The Rum Runner), 3131 E 1st St (just off SE corner of Speedway & Country Club), ☏ +1 520 326-0121. 11AM-10PM. Wine and spirits shop, with large international selection. Full-service cheese and deli counter, with wine tastings and in-house bistro. 
• 32.17485-110.91932414 Tanque Verde Swap Meet, 4100 S Palo Verde Rd, ☏ +1 520-294-4252. F 3PM-11PM, Sa 7AM-11PM, Su 7AM-3PM. A great place to find all sorts of oddities. 

• 32.32497-110.9299215 La Encantada Shopping Center, 2905 E Skyline Dr, ☏ +1 520-299-3566. M-W 10AM-7PM, Th-Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 11AM-6PM. Tucson's only luxury shopping center. (updated Mar 2017)
• 32.21979-110.8652816 Park Place, 5870 E Broadway Blvd, ☏ +1 520-747-7575. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM. The mall is anchored by Dillard's, Macy's, Old Navy, and Sears, and has a Cinemark movie theater. (updated Mar 2017)
• 32.24727-110.8532417 Trail Dust Town, 6541 E Tanque Verde Rd, ☏ +1 520-296-4551, fax: +1 520-298-3614, [email protected]. Daily 8AM-11PM (courtyard); shop hrs vary. This unusual shopping center is on an unfinished western movie set, and in addition to shops has a number of tourist attractions. These include a 1954 Allan Herschell carousel, a narrow-gauge railroad, and a military museum. (updated Mar 2017)
• 32.28886-110.974718 Tucson Mall, 4500 N Oracle Rd, ☏ +1 520-293-7330. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su noon-6PM. Tucson's largest mall has 200 shops and is anchored by Macy's, Dillard's, and Sears. (updated Mar 2017)

• 32.261924-110.9434881 Beyond Bread Central, 3026 N Campbell Ave (original location, btw Glenn and Ft Lowell), ☏ +1 520-322-9965, [email protected]. M-F 6:30AM-8PM, Sa 7AM-8PM, Su 7AM-6PM. Amazing sandwiches on fresh-baked bread, made from ingredients that are as fresh as possible. (In addition to baking bread daily, the restaurant also roasts its turkey and beef on site.) They also have an espresso bar and pastries. A nice place for lunch, but watch out – it's very popular, and you may have to wait in line. Alternately, you can pre-order your meal for pickup online. Average sandwich (hot & cold) costs around $6-6.50, chips included. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 32.33641-110.976122 Beyond Bread Northwest, 421 W Ina Rd (SE corner of Ina and Oracle), ☏ +1 520-461-1111, [email protected]. M-F 6:30AM-8PM, Sa 7AM-8PM, Su 7AM-6PM. Online orders for this location can be placed here. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 32.23526-110.858643 Beyond Bread East, 6260 E Speedway Blvd (Monterey Village Shopping Center), ☏ +1 520-747-7477, [email protected]. M-F 6:30AM-8PM, Sa 7AM-8PM, Su 7AM-6PM. Online orders for this location can be placed here. (updated Mar 2017)
• 32.206683-110.9652314 Birrieria Guadalajara, 304 E 22nd St (SE corner of 22nd St and 4th Ave), ☏ +1 520-624-8020. Daily 7AM-8PM. A hole-in-the-wall Mexican diner frequented by the Hispanic workers and Gringos in the know. All the standard Mexican fare, but an unusual emphasis on caldos or soup. Birria is shredded beef in its own broth – this place makes the best! (updated Mar 2017)
• 32.22565-110.965375 Bison Witches, 326 N 4th Ave, ☏ +1 520-740-1541. Daily 11AM-midnight. Features tons of different sammies that are huge and will fill you up. Bread bowl soups are another popular choice at this deli/bar and is a college student's dream of a chill place to hang out and get in on some great drink specials. Thursdays is a great night for hanging out here. Sandwiches $8-12. (updated Mar 2017)
• 32.15904-110.977786 BK Tacos (BK Carne Asada and Hot Dogs), 5118 S 12th Ave (original location), ☏ +1 520-295-0105, [email protected]. Su-Th 9AM-midnight, F Sa 9AM-2:30AM. Very popular, specializes in Sonoran hot dogs, tacos, and other classic Mexican dishes. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 32.25585-110.96057