Tucson isn’t just a great university town but has many places you can just reach within a short drive or bus ride. Here are our top places that are worth a day trip to see.

Saguaro East National Park

Located merely 20miles away from Tucson city center, see the desert landscape unique to this part of the world. You can access miles of hiking trails in the Rincon Mountains and if you can handle the heat, go on multi-day camping trips.

Kartchner Caverns State Park

If you want to see one of the longest Stalactites in the world, the Kartchner Caverns is the place to go. You can see a vast underground cave network and enjoy a guided cave tour!

Sabino Canyon

Just north of Tucson in the Santa Catalina Mountain Range, lies the Sabino Canyon. Home to waterfalls, creeks and even mountain lions, you can explore the many hiking trails. If you aren’t much of a hiker, the tram goes right through the center of the canyon.

Tombstone

For those history nerds out there, you can’t miss a trip to Tombstone. You can learn about the strangely-named town, first established in 1979 and it’s Wild West characters.

Sonoita Wine Trail

If you are a wine fan, looking to try something, the Sonoita wine trail is a perfect day trip. Lavish in the truly delicious local wines in a spectacular mountain setting.

Phoenix

For those of you missing that big city life, Phoenix, Arizona’s capital is a mere 2-hour drive from Tucson. Spend the day visiting the botanical gardens, Phoenix Zoo or even catch a ball game.

Hike Mount Lemmon

Hiking fans out there will be pleased to hear that Mount Lemmon is the highest mountain in the Catalina Mountain Range. Drive just 45 minutes outside of Tuscon, you will find it located on the edge of Coronado National Forest. With cooler temperatures throughout the year, and even snow in the winter, Mount Lemmon offers a welcome escape from the Tucson sun.

Tubac

Art enthusiasts will be pleased to hear, the Spanish town of Tubac is only a 45-minute drive away from Tucson. You can spend the day revelling in the Southwest culture. Visit the unique shops and pick up all kinds of interesting souvenirs – from glass blown arts to pottery sculptures.

If you want to keep it a bit more local, all Stargate West residents get a free Arizona U-Pass, for unlimited travel throughout Tucson. Fill out a rental application here.