6 Fun Day Trips from Tucson

While Tucson is within driving distance to major getaways like San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and more — there are also plenty of closer destinations just a short journey away. Here are six fun places that are an hour or two from town, but feel like a different world.

Bisbee

Pictured above, Bisbee was once a booming copper mining town that has since evolved into an artistic and eccentric enclave. Brimming with unique places to explore — from great antique shops, restaurants, and galleries, to the iconic Copper Queen Hotel and nearby mine tours — Bisbee is a wonderful spot for a day-trip, but even better as a weekend getaway.

Go here to learn more about all this quirky town has to offer visitors.

Sonoita/Elgin Wine Country

One hour southeast of Tucson you’ll find some of the best wineries in the country. Dotted across expansive grasslands of Santa Cruz county, these vineyards not only serve delicious local wine, but they provide the perfect backdrop for a day of tastings with loved ones. Check out this expansive list of vineyards to start planning your trip.

And if you have a group together, consider setting up a private tour with Arizona Wine Tours! They’ll pick you up right at your home, drive you to a few different tastings, and even provide lunch. It’s a wonderful experience that’s fun, convenient, and safe, since you won’t be driving.

Mount Lemmon

At around 9,100 feet in elevation, Mount Lemmon is the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains, just north of Tucson. The drive up to Mt. Lemmon — known as the Sky Island Scenic Byway — is considered the biological equivalent of driving from the deserts of Northern Mexico to the forests of Canada in only 26 miles! On the journey up you’ll likely spot a number of cyclist and rock climbers, and there are numerous pull-off spots for camping, hiking, or a nice picnic. And because Mt. Lemmon is typically around 20 degrees cooler than Tucson, it’s the perfect place to escape the summer heat.

Near the top of Mt. Lemmon is the town of Summerhaven, where you can rent a nearby cabin and explore some of the area’s cute shops and restaurants. And in the winter, you can even ski at Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley, the southernmost ski destination in the continental U.S.

Tubac

Once a Spanish Presidio, Tubac is now a charming town steeped in regional culture, history, and art. Play golf or get a drink at the Tubac Golf Resort and Spa, explore countless galleries and shops filled with gorgeous ceramic pots, and visit Tumacácori National Historical Park for a peak into Southern Arizona’s history.

And just a little ways down the road from Tubac is Wisdom’s Cafe, a local landmark and home to one of the best margarita’s you’ll find anywhere!

Tombstone

Walking through Tombstone feels like going back in time to the heyday of the American cowboy. Especially fun for families with children, Tombstone celebrates Arizona’s bygone era of outlaws and frontiersmen, featuring daily re-creations of famous fights and actors peppered around town in costumes from the period. Famous for being the site of the notorious gunfight at the O.K. Corral, this “Town Too Tough to Die” is an homage to the Wild West and is lots of fun to explore.

Tombstone is also home to Tombstone Brewing Company, and can be a fun stop on your way to Bisbee from Tucson.

Phoenix

Although many Tucsonans have a natural disdain for our neighbor to the north, Metropolitan Phoenix is an undeniable hotspot for sports, the arts, entertainment, and more.

Just a quick 1.5 - 2 hour drive, depending on traffic, there are two dozen cities within this massive metropolis that each have their own landmarks to explore. But beware — summer temperatures are always 5 - 15+ degrees warmer in Phoenix! And if you have more than one day to explore, there are a number of stops north of Phoenix that are worthy of exploration too.

Want to see more things to do in and around Tucson? Follow me on Instagram.

Julia Van Valkenburg, REALTOR

OMNI Homes International

julia@buyselltucsonhomes.com

520-275-3514 

Check out these homes available in the Tucson area.