I’m a tropical girlie through and through but there’s just something special about the desert. A few years ago I did a Southwest road trip through Arizona and Utah. It was honestly one of my favorite trips of all time. I remember doing a hike in the Arizona/Utah border city of Page and I met this couple from Tucson Arizona. Okay they’re from the Midwest BUT they’ve been living in Tucson for a few years. They were telling me how much they love it and that I would too because there’s so much to do.
After that I never gave Tucson a thought….until it was time for my birthday. I wanted to experience that desert magic but I didn’t want to take too much time off AND I didn’t want to spend too much money.
I did some researching and found a decent flight to Phoenix (under $300 RT) and saw that Tucson is only a 2 hour drive from Phoenix Int’l airport. Totally doable! And now I’m going to share with you the perfect 3 day weekend getaway itinerary along with things you must know before you go!
Sunrise at Saguaro National Park.
Why Should I Visit Tucson Arizona?
In the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Tucson is the second largest city in Arizona after Phoenix and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. This city offers year-round outdoor activities from the tall saguaros in the desert to the forest covered mountains to the east — there’s no shortage of things to do. Did I mention the food?! Tucson is a foodie’s paradise! Enjoy cuisines dating back over 4,000 years blending Mexican and Native American traditions.
How Do I Get To Tucson?
There are two easy ways to Tucson: from Phoenix or Tucson International Airport. I flew into Phoenix and it was an easy 2 hour drive straight down I-10. Of course it’d be easier to fly into Tucson as the airport is only a 30 minute drive from downtown, but Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a bigger hub which means more options to fly in from various cities. I flew in from DCA and it was only a 4 hour flight and since I was flying from the East Coast, I actually saved some time due to the time difference.
When is the Best Time to Visit Tucson?
Tucson has two seasons: a hot summer and a mild winter. But don’t let the desert trick you. Tucson is slightly cooler and wetter than Phoenix due to elevation. I was ignorantly surprised to experience a downpour during one day out of my weekend. I visited in September which is part of monsoon season (June-Sept). Although I love summer weather, I recommend visiting during between October-April when the weather is dryer and milder.
Where Should I Stay in Tucson?
When I was researching accommodations I love how Tucson has a variety of options for every type of traveler. From the action downtown to the Sonoran Desert backdrop in the Catalina Foothills, you’ll be sure to find the perfect accommodation for your travel needs. Since I rented a car, I was perfectly content with staying at an adobe style Airbnb house.
Recommendations:
Downtown Tucson is the heart of the of the city and the best place to stay for your first visit. You’ll be close to museums, shops, and nightlife within walking distance. I stayed in the Barrio Viejo neighborhood which is about 5 minutes from downtown at this fabulous Airbnb.
The University of Arizona provides the best budget friendly options especially on Airbnb. I was seriously considering this area but ultimately decided to stay 5 minutes from downtown.
The Catalina Foothills will give you that awe inspiring desert getaway you see on social media. It is pricier and further out from the city but if you’re looking for the view with luxury amenities, then this is a great area to stay in.
3 Day Tucson Weekend Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Morning: Eat breakfast at The Cup Café. This is a Tucson favorite for delicious breakfast and brunch at this historic hotel. I ordered The Deposition which is named after the hotel’s criminal history of the Wild West. I left here super stuffed!
Afternoon: For your first day, its important to learn about the Sonoran Desert which is the basis of this entire city. Check out The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum to learn about how this city was formed. This isn’t a regular museum though — its a zoo, botanical garden, and aquarium all in one! Seriously, I learned SO much here! Be sure to wear a hat and wear proper sunscreen as this museum is mostly outdoors.
Evening: After dinner, end your day for sunset at Saguaro National Park. There’s so many locations but i recommend seeing it at Gates Pass. The way the sun just sets behind the mountains with the wind blowing is something special.
Day 2: Get Active
Morning: After breakfast, take the 1.5 hour drive through Coronado National Forest to Mt. Lemmon where you’ll get to see a different landscape of forest covered mountains and cooler temperatures. Spend the day up here taking in the views or my personal favorite: a hike.
Afternoon: After your hike, you’re going to be hungry so eat your lunch outside over the picturesque views. This is something I WISH I had planned for but if I had to choose, I would eat lunch at Mt Lemmon Cookie Cabin where you can eat huge homemade cookies (yummm).
Evening: I don’t know about you, but I get gassed out after a long hike. So after driving back and taking a nice long shower, make your way to dinner at Tito and Pep. This trendy and contemporary restaurant serves flavorful Southwestern cuisine. They were mostly booked when I went, so make sure you get reservations.
The view at Mt Lemmon is breathtaking.
Day 3: Iconic Destinations
Morning: Wake up early for a sunrise hike at Saguaro National Park. Stand next to the largest cacti that can grow to over 40 feet! And since you already went to the Arizona-Sonora Museum, you know how important this cacti is to the environment as it provides food and habitat to a large number of species. My favorite hike is the Valley View Overlook Trail. Very easy yet provides beautiful views at the end.
Afternoon: Depending on how much time you’ll spend at one location, I have 2 options for you:
Go shopping on 4th Ave where you’ll get to explore plenty of art, food, nightlife, and shopping.
See stunning architecture at San Xavier del Bac. This historic Spanish Catholic church dates back to the 1700s and it definitely shows. You can say a pray or purchase a prayer candle for $8. There is also a small museum of the church.
Evening: Eat dinner at Bacio Italiano at the University of Arizona. Yes I know Italian food but this restaurant surprised me. I went during Sonoran Restaurant Week and had a really good 3 course meal for $35. Excellent choice to feel bougie without breaking the bank. Afterwards, go back to your hotel/Airbnb with bottle of wine and a facial sheet mask to unwind.
Saguaro National Park and San Xavier del Bac.
There are plenty of other activities and places to eat in Tucson so adjust this to your liking but as you can see there’s plenty to do for a perfect 3-day weekend. Give this itinerary a try and let me know how it goes!
