Tucson has just ranked as the 12th most entertaining city in the U.S. and the most entertaining city in Arizona.
Sorry, Phoenix.
Tucson shines with its vibrant food scene, live theaters, museums and outdoor activities, thanks to its high social media buzz and abundance of cultural spots, according to the sports betting news site Action Network.
This southern Arizona desert gem boasts unique local favorites, such as like Grammy-winning artist Linda Ronstadt’s beloved Barrio Bread and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, an indoor-outdoor wildlife experience.
Food lovers can savor dishes at El Charro Café, while adventurers can explore breathtaking views from Mount Lemmon.
Here are 10 of the most entertaining things to do in Tucson:
Tucson is the saddest and angriest city in Arizona, tweeting #sad and #angry more frequently than any other city in the state, according to an analysis released in April 2019.
Rialto Theater
The Rialto Theatre has been entertaining audiences since 1920. Originally a silent film and vaudeville theater, it has transformed into one of Arizona’s premier concert destinations, hosting a diverse lineup of musicians, comedians and performers from around the world.
Located in the heart of downtown Tucson, the Rialto is known for its Spanish Revival architecture and event calendar packed with big-name acts and local talent. Whether you’re into rock, jazz, indie or Latin music, there’s always something worth seeing.
Details: 318 E. Congress St., Tucson. 520-740-1000. rialtotheatre.com.
Club Congress at Hotel Congress
Club Congress at Hotel Congress isn’t just a nightlife hotspot — it’s a place where history and music collide. Located inside the iconic 105-year-old Hotel Congress, the club is known for its eclectic live music, vintage charm and vibrant energy.
The venue’s claim to fame goes beyond the stage: Notorious gangster John Dillinger and his gang stayed at the hotel in 1934, only to be caught after a fire forced them out. Today, Club Congress blends that outlaw history with a legendary party atmosphere for dancing, drinks and a taste of Tucson’s past and present.
Details: 311 E. Congress St., Tucson. 520-622-8848. hotelcongress.com.
Pima Air and Space Museum
The Pima Air and Space Museum boasts one of the largest aircraft collections in the world.
Spanning 80 acres, this museum showcases over 400 historic aircraft, from WWII bombers to modern fighter jets and even a retired Air Force One. Visitors can explore massive hangars filled with aviation history on their own or take guided tours.
Details: 6000 E. Valencia Road, Tucson. 520-574-0462. pimaair.org.
Saguaro on the Golden Gate Road, February 12, 2016, at Saguaro National Park, the Tucson Mountain District (west), Arizona. Saguaro on the Golden Gate Road, February 12, 2016, at Saguaro National Park, the Tucson Mountain District (west), Arizona.
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is a must-visit destination in where towering saguaro cacti, some over 200 years old, dominate the landscape. Split into two sections — the Rincon Mountain District (east) and the Tucson Mountain District (west) —the park offers a stunning contrast of rugged mountains, desert valleys, and breathtaking sunsets.
Saguaro National Park isn’t just home to the towering cacti that define the Sonoran Desert. It’s also Arizona’s first Urban Night Sky Place, a designation recognizing its commitment to preserving dark skies. Visitors can explore scenic drives and hiking trails. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including javelinas, coyotes and desert tortoises.
Details: 2700 N. Kinney Road, Tucson. $25 per vehicle, good for seven days. 520-733-5153. nps.gov.
Old Tucson
Old Tucson is where the Wild West comes roaring back to life. Built in 1939 as a movie set for Hollywood Westerns, it has been the backdrop for countless films and TV shows, with stars like John Wayne gracing its streets.
Today, it’s a family-friendly attraction packed with stunt shows, historical reenactments and live music, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Tucson Mountains. Visitors can wander through a Western town, ride a vintage train and even step inside the same saloons and jail cells seen on screen.
Details: 201 S. Kinney Road, Tucson. 520-883-0100. oldtucson.com.
Tanque Verde Falls
Tanque Verde Falls is a hidden gem in the rugged desert landscape east of Tucson, offering a stunning oasis of cascading waterfalls. The hike to the falls is a short but extremely challenging trek through rocky canyons and flowing streams, rewarding adventurers with cool pools and a breathtaking 80-foot waterfall after seasonal rains. Just remember to check water levels, wear sturdy shoes and always be cautious of flash floods.
Details: 14999 Redington Road, Tucson. fs.usda.gov.
Best Mexican food in Tucson
Tucson is famous for its Mexican food, including being the birthplace of the Sonoran dog. And although there’s some dispute, hometown lore is that the chimichanga was invented at El Charro Cafe. Here are six local-favorite Mexican restaurants in Tucson:
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El Guero Canelo: Famous for its Sonoran Dog, a bacon-wrapped hot dog topped with beans, onions, mayo, mustard, tomato and jalapeños. It won a 2018 James Beard America’s Classics award.
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Mi Nidito: Known for the “El Presidente” meal after President Bill Clinton ate there, a plate with the restaurant’s top items including birria tacos, chiles rellenos and chicken enchiladas.
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El Charro Café: The nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant run continuously by the same family is believed to have invented the chimichanga.
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Seis Kitchen: Popular for breakfast burritos with options like avocado, green chile and chorizo, served with their signature chipotle crema sauce.
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Los Tacos Apson: Famous for its carne asada tacos and the Taco Apson topped with cheese, chile verde, bacon and onions.
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Taqueria Pico de Gallo: Known for its fresh fish and shrimp tacos, with tortillas made fresh daily.
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Rollies Mexican Patio: Popular for its street-style tacos, including the acclaimed birria, and vibrant aesthetic with a pink floor and llama mural.
Tucson native Linda Ronstadt’s hometown favorites
Linda Ronstadt, born and raised in Tucson, has a deep-rooted love for her hometown. Her favorite spots reflect her personal history, nostalgia and appreciation for the city’s culture and landscape:
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Barrio Bread: Her first stop from the airport, where she indulges in Don Guerra’s award-winning heritage grain bread, especially the sesame-topped Cubano.
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Arizona Inn: Her favorite hotel in the world, where she’s celebrated milestones since childhood and enjoys the cozy Audubon Bar & Patio.
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Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: A special place for her, as her father was a founding member; she admires its natural, untouched beauty.
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Mission San Xavier del Bac: Though an atheist, she baptized her children here, drawn to its history and undeniable magic.
Biosphere 2
Not far from downtown Tucson lies Biosphere 2, an Earth science research facility in Oracle, Arizona. It was designed to be a closed ecological system intended to simulate different ecosystems and provide insights into how they function. Visitors can tour its various environments, including a rainforest, ocean and savannah, all enclosed within a large glass and steel structure. It’s fascinating for anyone interested in science, ecology and environmental studies.
Details: 32540 S. Biosphere Road, Oracle. 520-838-6200, biosphere2.org.
Mount Lemmon
Mount Lemmon is Tucson’s ultimate mountain escape, offering a dramatic shift from desert to pine forests in just an hour’s drive. At 9,157 feet, it’s the tallest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains, making it a perfect spot for hiking and camping.
At the top is Mount Lemmon Lodge, a cozy retreat in the charming village of Summerhaven, known for its homemade baked goods and scenic views. Whether you’re chasing snowflakes in winter or cool mountain breezes in summer, Mount Lemmon is a refreshing outdoor getaway.
Details: Mount Lemmon Lodge, 10300 Ski Run Road, Tucson. fs.usda.gov.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Tucson is AZ’s most entertaining city. Here are 10 reasons why
