What To Do With 24 Hours in Tucson

tacos, squash, and a drink — To do in Tucson: Eat at Seis

I wrote a guide for Tucson Foodie about how to get the most out of Tucson if you’re only here for 24 hours. Of course, where to eat is a big part of it. But I also recommend where to stay and fun things to do while you’re here.

The post is split up for 4 different types of travelers. (Kind of like a very short Choose-Your-Own-Adventure book.) So there’s a different 24 hour itinerary depending on whether you’re a Super Foodie, Outdoor Adventurer (looking to hike, mountain bike, etc.), Wellness Seeker (looking for a DIY spa-like experience) or Family with Kids.

hills covered with desert landscape — Gates Pass

Check it out and let me know which itinerary you would choose!

February 13, 2025April 9, 2026

Picacho Peak + Wildflowers

Picacho Peak rising from the fog in the distance

“Picacho Peak is arguably one of the best spots to see blooming wildflowers and cactus in Arizona…”

Picacho Peak in the background of a field of wildflowers — Picacho Peak during wildflower season. Via Picacho Peak State Park.

If you’ve ever driven I-10 from Phoenix to Tucson (or vice versa), it would be hard not to notice the distinctive shape of Picacho Peak rising from the desert floor.

It’s the center of an Arizona state park and a great spot to see spring wildflowers!

Peak Wildflower Season

“…Experience the trails as they wind through a colorful sea of yellow, orange, purple, and red wildflowers.”

–Arizona State Parks

Superbloom

We visited during the 2023 superbloom year, when Picacho Peak was absolutely carpeted in golden poppies and purple lupine!

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January 18, 2025February 13, 2025

A Trifle Better than Doomscrolling

“This seemingly simple delight has evolved over centuries, each layer telling a story of cultural exchange, innovation and the pursuit of exquisite taste.”

–Australian Good Food Guide

Mixed Berry Trifle photo by Amanda Suarez via Serious Eats.

One evening this past November, Phillip and I were watching an episode of The Great British Bake Off (GBBO) where the consensus on one contestant’s crumbly cake was that it would have been better as a trifle.

White Chocolate Tiramisu Trifle with Spiced Pears via Epicurious. Photo by Con Poulos.

All the Pretty Trifles

Phillip wasn’t familiar with the term, but I knew he’d seen these classic, layered desserts before. I did an image search, looking for quintessential trifle examples to show him.

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January 4, 2025July 3, 2025

Jan/Feb/March Happenings 2025

Happy New Year! These first three(ish) months tend to be when the weather is at its best in the desert regions of Arizona.

It’s not a coincidence that many of Tucson’s biggest events of the year are planned for this time. The Jazz Festival, Gem Show, and Rodeo are basically scheduled right on top of each other. The Festival of Books isn’t far behind. It’s like the city is trying to cram as much as possible in between the holidays and the onset of the summer heat!

To help you keep track of it all, here’s my handpicked list of intriguing goings-on around Arizona, as well as a few you can enjoy virtually anywhere!

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November 29, 2024January 4, 2025

Gift Ideas for Travelers

I found some really neat gifts for the traveler in your life that I wanted to share with you. Spoiler alert, they’re all on Etsy!

Festive botanical Christmas gift wrap. — Botanical Christmas Wrapping Paper pack by Iris Merks.

While I am an affiliate and may earn commission from purchases, it’s really not about Etsy as much as the individual makers who use it as a platform to sell their creations.

Cactus shirt by Marcy Ellis (screenshot).

Etsy holiday shopping tips:

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