What To Do With 24 Hours in Tucson

Gates Pass 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!

coffee cup on a placemat with the Maynards logo

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.

Picacho Peak from the freeway at sunset

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

 

wildflowers on rocky desert ground

Peak Wildflower Season

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

Arizona State Parks

lupine in the Sonoran desert

Superbloom

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

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Pairings: Arizona Autumn + Fall Decor

I’ve paired nine shots of Arizona fall color with Etsy finds that match their autumn vibes! Each pair is a place to go along with fall-inspired decor and other fun stuff.

You can see more on Etsy’s Fall Decor Essentials guide or check out my personal picks.


 

Fall leaves at Boyce Thompson Arboretum.

Artificial stems with fall foliage in a glass jar vase
Six fall foliage stems from BoutiqueBarn in New Hampshire.

1. Fiery Orange Trees + Stems

Go: Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior, Arizona

Every fall, this Chinese Pistache Tree at Boyce Thompson Arboretum turns brilliant shades of orange. You can see it from far away, as it stands out from the green leaves of trees surrounding it.

BTA is a great day trip from the Phoenix area! It’s just about 45 minutes from the East Valley via US 60.

Get it: Rustic Fall Branch

In similarly striking oranges and yellows, you could use these fall foliage stems as part of a flower arrangement or on their own, grouped together to make a standout seasonal centerpiece.

    • At 24 inches tall, they could really add some height to your Thanksgiving tablescape!
    • Sourced by BoutiqueBarn + shipping from New Hampshire.

 

Tree stump with small mushrooms growing on it.

shelves that look like mushrooms
Ceramic floating shelves made by LeilyCloud

2. Stump Mushrooms + Wall Mushrooms

Go: Summerhaven, Mount Lemmon near Tucson

I wasn’t planning on taking a photo of a tree stump while I was admiring the view from Mount Lemmon. Then I noticed teeny – almost cute – little mushrooms growing out of it, and those needed to be captured!
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“Frybread Face:” a Film about Family, Flocks + Defining Yourself

Benny on the bus. From the film Frybread Face and Me.

Imagine that you’re 12.

It’s the beginning of summer 1990, and you’re growing up in San Diego. You’ve got a Walkman, a neon green fanny pack, and annual passes to SeaWorld.

Then your mom effectively cancels all your summer plans when she tells you she’ll be sending you to stay at your grandma’s house on a sheep ranch in rural Arizona instead. [Record scratch.]

That’s the beginning of Benny’s story in the film Frybread Face and Me.

 

A hogan and mobile home in the desert. From the film Frybread Face and Me.

Welcome to the Rez

Benny, portrayed by Keir Tallman, is a sweet, Fleetwood-Mac-loving preteen, who marches to the beat of his own drum.

His Aunt Lucy drops him off at the home of his grandmother (played by Sarah Natani, who is a Navajo master weaver in real life, as well as in the movie).
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Sonoran Restaurant Week Pairings

We’re right smack dab in the middle of Sonoran Restaurant Week, when around 100 (!) restaurants in Tucson and surrounding cities offer special prix fixe menus for $25, $35, or $45 (plus tax and tip). The price often includes several courses that would regularly cost more.

breakfast food
Breakfast at Maynard’s.

The idea is to encourage diners to try restaurants they haven’t been to, as well as revisiting old favorites. You many need to ask for the Sonoran Restaurant Week menu if you’re at a participating place and don’t see one. Find participating restaurants and menus on TucsonFoodie.com.

View of Tucson
View of the city from inside the Museum of Contemporary Art, Tucson.

I’ve paired 7 of these Tucson restaurants with something fun to do (relatively) nearby that complements them.
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