Best Things To Do In Tucson & Southern Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on September 3, 2026.

Southern Arizona is filled with memorable attractions and things to do, from the giant saguaros surrounding Tucson to the legendary Old West streets of Tombstone. Visitors can explore Saguaro National Park, historic Mission San Xavier del Bac, Kartchner Caverns, mountain canyons, desert hiking trails, mining towns, wineries and communities near the U.S.-Mexico border. Whether your interests include history, outdoor recreation, photography, food, scenic drives or family road trips, Tucson and Southern Arizona offer an exceptional mix of Sonoran Desert scenery and Southwestern culture.

• Why Visit Southern Arizona
• Popular Tucson Day Trips
• Best Southern Arizona Attractions
• Attractions By Interest
• Best Time To Visit
• Southern Arizona Travel Tips
• FAQ

Southern Arizona blends Old West history with the distinctive landscape and culture of the Sonoran Desert. Near Tucson, Saguaro National Park protects impressive stands of giant saguaro cactus on both sides of the city, while historic missions, desert trails, mountain scenery and communities such as Tombstone and Bisbee provide very different experiences within an easy Southern Arizona road trip.

Why Visit Southern Arizona

Southern Arizona offers an unusual combination of Old West heritage, Sonoran Desert landscapes and Southwestern culture. Visitors can explore Tombstone's famous frontier history, hike among towering saguaros near Tucson, tour historic Mission San Xavier del Bac, visit underground caverns, enjoy scenic mountain drives and experience some of Arizona's best birdwatching. Tucson also adds museums, Mexican and Southwestern cuisine, arts, shopping and a convenient base for day trips throughout the region.

Popular Tucson Day Trips

• Saguaro National Park
• Tombstone and Allen Street
• Mission San Xavier del Bac
• Kartchner Caverns State Park
• Bisbee historic mining town
• Nogales border culture and shopping
• Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
• Patagonia Lake State Park
• Southern Arizona wine country near Sonoita

Beyond Tucson, Southern Arizona rewards travelers who explore by car. Historic mining and Old West towns, Spanish colonial sites, desert preserves, enormous caves, mountain communities and the vineyards around Sonoita and Elgin make it possible to combine several very different experiences in one trip. Many of the region's most popular destinations are well suited to day trips from Tucson.

Best Southern Arizona Attractions & Destinations

• Tucson Arizona - Museums, desert scenery, dining and outdoor recreation
• Tombstone Arizona - Old West history and historic Allen Street
• Saguaro National Park - Giant cactus forests, hiking and scenic drives
• Mission San Xavier del Bac - Historic mission south of Tucson
• Kartchner Caverns State Park - Underground cave tours and formations
• Nogales Arizona - Border history, culture and shopping
• Patagonia Lake State Park - Boating, fishing, birdwatching and outdoor recreation
• Bisbee - Historic mining architecture, galleries and mountain-town atmosphere
• Sabino Canyon - Hiking, desert scenery and canyon recreation near Tucson
• Sonoita and Elgin - Southern Arizona vineyards and wine-country scenery

Southern Arizona's history reaches far beyond its Old West era. Indigenous cultures, Spanish missions, mining communities, ranching and border commerce have all shaped the region. Visitors can explore Tombstone and the site associated with the famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, visit historic Mission San Xavier del Bac, or continue south toward Nogales for a very different perspective on Arizona's borderlands history and culture.

Best Southern Arizona Attractions By Interest

Old West & Historic Attractions

Tombstone is the best-known Old West destination in Southern Arizona, while Bisbee adds historic mining architecture and a distinctive mountain-town setting. Mission San Xavier del Bac provides an important look at the region's Spanish colonial and religious history.

Desert Scenery & Hiking

Saguaro National Park is a premier destination for Sonoran Desert scenery, hiking, wildlife watching, cactus photography and scenic drives. Sabino Canyon and the mountains surrounding Tucson provide additional hiking and sightseeing opportunities.

Caves & Natural Attractions

Kartchner Caverns State Park is one of Southern Arizona's standout natural attractions, while the region's mountains, desert preserves and lakes provide additional opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Food, Wine & Culture

Tucson is an excellent base for exploring Southern Arizona's Mexican and Southwestern cuisine, while the Sonoita and Elgin area is known for vineyards and tasting rooms surrounded by rolling high-desert scenery.

Best Time To Visit Tucson & Southern Arizona

Fall through spring is generally the most comfortable time to explore Tucson and Southern Arizona, particularly for hiking, sightseeing and outdoor attractions. Winter usually brings mild daytime conditions in the lower desert, while spring offers pleasant temperatures and the possibility of desert wildflowers and cactus blooms. Summer can be extremely hot around Tucson and other lower-elevation destinations, so outdoor activities are best planned for early morning. Higher-elevation communities can offer cooler conditions than the desert valleys.

Southern Arizona Travel Tips

• Use Tucson As A Base: Many major Southern Arizona attractions can be combined with a Tucson stay and explored as day trips.
• Allow Time For Driving: Attractions are spread across a large region, so avoid trying to fit too many distant destinations into one day.
• Carry Water: Desert conditions can be hot and dry even outside midsummer.
• Start Outdoor Activities Early: Morning temperatures are usually better for hiking and desert sightseeing during warmer months.
• Check Current Conditions: Park hours, cave tours, road conditions and attraction schedules can change, so verify details before traveling.
• Plan Border Travel Separately: If entering Mexico, review current identification, vehicle, insurance and border-crossing requirements before your trip.

Tucson & Southern Arizona Attractions FAQ

What are the best attractions in Southern Arizona?

Popular Southern Arizona attractions include Saguaro National Park, Tombstone, Mission San Xavier del Bac, Kartchner Caverns State Park, Sabino Canyon, Bisbee, Patagonia Lake and the wine country around Sonoita and Elgin.

What are the best things to do near Tucson?

Popular things to do near Tucson include hiking and scenic drives in Saguaro National Park, visiting Mission San Xavier del Bac, exploring Sabino Canyon, touring Kartchner Caverns and taking day trips to Tombstone, Bisbee and Southern Arizona wine country.

Is Tombstone a good day trip from Tucson?

Yes. Tombstone is one of the most popular Southern Arizona day trips from Tucson and is known for its Old West history, historic Allen Street and attractions associated with the famous events of the 1880s.

What is the best time of year to visit Southern Arizona?

Fall through spring generally provides the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor recreation in the lower deserts of Southern Arizona. Summer can be extremely hot, especially during afternoon hours.

Is Saguaro National Park close to Tucson?

Yes. Saguaro National Park surrounds Tucson in two separate districts, one west of the city and one east of the city, making the park convenient for sightseeing, hiking and scenic drives from Tucson.

What historic places can you visit in Southern Arizona?

Historic destinations include Tombstone, Mission San Xavier del Bac, Bisbee and numerous sites connected with Indigenous, Spanish colonial, mining, ranching and borderlands history.

Are there family-friendly attractions in Southern Arizona?

Yes. Families can choose from national and state parks, scenic drives, caves, museums, historic towns, wildlife viewing areas and outdoor recreation throughout the Tucson and Southern Arizona region.

Can you visit Southern Arizona attractions on a road trip?

Yes. Southern Arizona is particularly well suited to road trips because Tucson, Tombstone, Bisbee, Nogales, Sonoita, Patagonia and several major parks and natural attractions can be combined into multi-day driving itineraries.

Southern Arizona Destinations