Best Attractions in Tucson and Southern Arizona
Last updated on .
Tombstone Arizona. Creative CommonsSouthern Arizona attractions combine dramatic desert scenery, rich history, and authentic Southwest culture. From the vibrant city of Tucson to the legendary streets of Tombstone, this region offers everything from giant saguaro cactus forests and scenic mountain drives to Spanish missions, ghost towns, caves, and border-town adventures. Whether you enjoy photography, hiking, history, food, or family road trips, Southern Arizona delivers some of the most memorable travel experiences in the state.
Where the aura and history of the old west meets modern flavor. If you enjoy the lore of wild west, beauty of Sonoran Desert, and diverse natural landscape, Southern Arizona should be on your list of destinations. The Saguaro National Park is enough enticement by itself with its forest of giant Saguaro cacti which highlight some of the most dramatic sunsets you can imagine.
Why Visit Southern Arizona
Southern Arizona offers a unique blend of Old West heritage, Sonoran Desert beauty, and year-round sunshine. Visitors can walk through famous gunfight history in Tombstone, explore the towering cactus landscapes of Saguaro National Park, tour historic missions like Mission San Xavier del Bac, and enjoy excellent golf, hiking, birdwatching, and scenic drives. The area is also known for vibrant Mexican food, arts, and quick access to nearby Mexico.
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
The entire Southern Arizona region, where cowboys still roam, is rich in old west history, Southwest Spanish culture, old Spanish Missions, old wild west towns that are still active, scenic preserves, enormous caves, near forgotten ghost towns, and rolling vineyards.
Big Room in Kartchner Caverns. Creative Commons LicenseBest Things To See In Southern Arizona
Walk where ancient civilizations once lived. Visit Tombstone where the famous Gunfight at the OK Corral between the Earp brothers and Clanton gang took place. If you want to experience the culture of Old Mexico, it's but a short drive to Nogales, Mexico from Tucson. Along the way, visit San Xavier del Bac Mission originally founded in 1692 and reconstructed in 1783.
Southern Arizona Destinations
