From desert museums to mezcal tastings and barrio bike tours, these independent spots capture Tucson’s living culture. Mix time-honored favorites with fresh, local experiences—and bring an appetite. Ready to explore the Old Pueblo, your way?
Things to Do in Tucson (2025)
12 Places
From desert museums to mezcal tastings and barrio bike tours, these independent spots capture Tucson’s living culture. Mix time-honored favorites with fresh, local experiences—and bring an appetite. Ready to explore the Old Pueblo, your way?
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Natural history museum
Part zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, and natural history museum, this 98-acre nonprofit brings the Sonoran Desert to life with raptor free flights, native gardens, and summer evening programming. Frequently recommended by Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, and U.S. News.
Pima Air & Space Museum
History museum
Among the world’s largest independent aerospace museums, with hundreds of aircraft across vast indoor hangars and desert airfields. Summer Night Ops events and new arrivals keep it fresh. Highlighted in national travel coverage and Condé Nast Traveler’s astro-themed features.
Heirloom Farmers Markets | Rillito Park
Farmers' market
Tucson’s flagship Sunday market gathers regional farmers, ranchers, and makers under shaded pavilions along The Loop. Voted Best Farmers Market by Tucson Weekly multiple years and central to the city’s UNESCO City of Gastronomy story.
Monsoon Chocolate Cafe + Market
Cafe
Bean-to-bar craft chocolate with Sonoran soul—think chiltepin caramel and mesquite-kissed confections. A 2024 Good Food Awards winner and frequently praised by Bon Appétit and Food & Wine. Visit for tastings, seasonal desserts, and regionally inspired bars.
Bar Crisol/Exo
Bar
Daytime coffee roastery turns nighttime mezcalería with guided agave tastings and borderlands spirits. Celebrated by national drinks writers and local critics; often involved in the Agave Heritage Festival. Educational, convivial, and distinctly Tucson.
Tucson Bike Tours
Tour operator
Small-group rides roll through Barrio Viejo, the Presidio, 4th Avenue, and along The Loop, led by locals who weave history, murals, and food tips into the route. Recommended by local travel editors; an easy, engaging way to meet the real city.
The Loft Cinema
Movie theater
A nonprofit art house and community hub with repertory series, guest filmmakers, and the acclaimed Loft Film Fest—named among MovieMaker Magazine’s 25 Coolest Film Festivals. Summer brings free Loft Kids Fest; year-round brings discovery.
Etherton Gallery
Art gallery
In historic Barrio Viejo, this long-running gallery champions photography and Southwestern artists, exhibiting icons alongside rising voices. Covered by the Arizona Daily Star and respected nationally as an AIPAD member. Free to visit; rotating exhibitions.
Mission Garden
Museum
A living agricultural museum at the foot of Sentinel Peak, where heritage orchards and crops reflect 4,000+ years of cultivation. Free admission, docent tours, and seasonal programs. Featured by Condé Nast Traveler in Tucson food culture coverage.
Tohono Chul | Gardens, Galleries, and Bistro
Botanical garden
Forty-nine acres of desert gardens, galleries, and a beloved bistro, named one of the world’s great botanical gardens by Travel + Leisure. Don’t miss Queen of the Night bloom nights and docent-led walks connecting plants and people.
Gaslight Theatre
Performing arts theater
Family-run since 1977, this cheerful melodrama theatre pairs parody-filled productions with diner fare next door. Profiled by local arts reporters and adored across generations, it’s classic Tucson entertainment that keeps the laughs coming.
Whiskey Del Bac
Distillery
Tours and tastings at Arizona’s pioneering American single malt producer, known for mesquite-smoked Dorado. Lauded by Wine Enthusiast and Thrillist, with seasonal cocktails and frequent community events at the tasting room.
