How to Create a Two-day Itinerary For Tucson, Arizona: Yes, It’s Possible!

To be honest, you really need more than two days to fully explore Tucson, but my cousin and I were short on time because we had to head to California the next day, and I didn't get to see enough since I wasn't alone. However, if you only have one night and two days to explore, here’s the perfect itinerary for you.

Day One

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Our first stop and must-visit destination is a unique museum that combines a zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, and natural history museum. It allows you to experience the desert's flora and fauna fully. You’ll find over 300 animal species, including wolves, a sleepy mountain lion, and a black bear!

You can explore the 2-mile walking paths, which offer views of the surrounding mountains, wildlife, and flora. There was even a dinosaur exhibit when I visited. Tickets range from $19.95 to $27.95. We got lucky when a couple gave us their membership tickets, allowing us to enter for free!

Saguaro National Park Visitors Center (Quick Stop)

If I had it my way, I would have gone on a small hike after visiting the Sonora Desert Museum. Still, my cousin wasn't feeling well even though it was a 3-minute drive from the museum. So we…I… made a compromise that we would visit the visitors center to talk to the rangers and plan a hike. I talked…and he bought prickly pear candy. It was worth it since it was hella crazy when we returned the next day.

Special note: Always talk to a ranger to plan your hiking trips.

Also, please thank the Rangers; they are going through hell right now because of the current administration. Check the park's website for the visitor center’s current hours. The park is open 365 days a year, but because of the administration’s terrible idea to cut park services, the Red Hills Visitor (West) Center is now closed on Mondays as of February 2025.

Also, there are two sides to the park: The Tucson Mountain District West (which is where we were) and Rincon Mountain District (East).

We went in late December, which was the perfect time to go because it was not AS hot and not considered a busy season. The weather was mild during the day, but it can get chilly in the evenings, so pack some layers.

El Charro Café Downtown

This is a must-stop while you are in Tucson. Their service was a bit slow, but that's because they were busy for dinner. The food was so delicious! And we had leftovers, which was great!

Sunset at Tucson Mountain Park

This is the best place to see the golden hour or sunset over the Saguaros! Because of the slow service above, we rushed here. Parking was terrible, but we managed to find a spot on the road. I recommend arriving early, not just right before sunset, so you can secure a space. It's truly an awesome location for watching the sunset! 

Graduate Hotel

We stayed at the Graduate Hotel, a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Tucson. The hotel's unique decor, comfortable rooms, and excellent service made our stay memorable. Check out my blog about it for more details!

Downtown Tucson

We walked around downtown to check out the different shops and bars. I wish we had more time for this part of the trip because Tucson’s downtown was super cute. It had a vibrant atmosphere, mixing local boutiques, art galleries, and lively bars. It was a college town, but this was the only place besides Sedona I felt like I would want to stay longer to explore.

Day Two

Saguaro National Park

We finally made it for a hike and did the Hugh Norris trail—well, some of it. Despite not finishing the trail, I still recommend it! This is the perfect trail to get lost amongst the Saguaros, and you have stunning views of the mountains. This is a challenging hike if you aren't used to elevation gain, but I still highly recommend it!  

Borderlands Brewing

(Toole Avenue)

If you’re looking for a cool vibe, you’ve come to the right place! Since opening in 2010, this brewery has been a vibrant part of the city's craft beer scene. Known for its Southwestern-inspired brews and friendly atmosphere, it features a spacious outdoor patio and a comfortable indoor seating area. This makes it an ideal gathering spot for regularly hosted events like live music. They do serve food here; however, I wasn't a big fan of their tacos. After having a late lunch, we headed back to Phoenix. One thing to note, this location had closed down, but they have a different location on 6 E street.

As I mentioned, I wish we had more time to truly explore the area. This quick two-day itinerary was designed to help you discover both the city and the beautiful nature nearby. Let me know if you have any suggestions for what else to add for my future trips!