Southern Arizona

Travel Guide

Fox Theatre which includes street scenes, signage and theatre scenes
Southern Arizona
Southern Arizona
Old Tucson Studios which includes tranquil scenes, desert views and mountains
Southern Arizona

The iconic, cactus-lined deserts of Southern Arizona hark back to the days of the Old West, while the rest of the region offers trendy cities and lush vineyards.

Southern Arizona looks like a classic painting of American deserts. Drive through dusk-red plains lined with saguaro cacti and backed by dramatic rock formations. These familiar landscapes still manage to hide some surprises, including a thriving wine region and charming towns soaked in Americana.

Follow in the footsteps of Spanish conquistadors, who explored this land as early as the 1540s. Three centuries later, Southern Arizona boomed with the arrival of prospectors seeking copper and silver. Visit the Arizona History Museum to learn about Geronimo, the legendary Apache leader who fought in the Indian Wars of the late 19th century.

Stroll around artistic Tucson, which combines the Old West with modern, stylish Arizona. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum examines the landscapes of the region while the Old Tucson Studios have preserved atmospheric sets from old western movies. Don’t miss the Arizona State Museum and the University of Arizona Museum of Art.

Embrace the cowboy spirit of Tombstone, the town that was the home of Wyatt Earp. Listen to stories of outlaws and sheriffs at the informative museum in the Tombstone Courthouse. Nearby, colorful Bisbee is an old mining town with a welcoming, pedestrianized center lined with 19th-century homes.

Strike out into the wilderness yourself, taking plenty of water to explore these atmospheric deserts. Follow the Echo Canyon Loop Trail through the Chiricahua Mountains or drive out to Chiricahua National Monument, famed for its gravity-defying rock pillars. The geological wonders continue underground in breathtaking Kartchner Caverns State Park.

Sip on the delectable products of the Santa Cruz Valley, Southern Arizona’s very own wine country. Find tasting sessions and cellar tours in the vineyards that surround towns such as Sonoita and Elgin.

Board a flight from 19 destinations around America and Mexico to reach Tucson International Airport. Visit in winter for beautiful light in the empty desert regions or mild days in Tucson. Explore in spring and fall, when the weather doesn’t get too hot and the cacti are in bloom.

Where to stay in Southern Arizona

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Catalina Foothills

If you're spending some time in Catalina Foothills, St. Phillips Plaza and La Encantada are top sights worth seeing.

Catalina Foothills
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Catalina

Catalina is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Catalina State Park and Catalina Neighborhood Park.

Catalina
Downtown Tucson

Downtown Tucson

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Theatres, river views and live music are some highlights of Downtown Tucson. Make a stop by Fox Theatre or St. Augustine Cathedral while you're exploring.

Downtown Tucson
Tucson Botanical Gardens featuring a park

Midtown

If you're spending some time in Midtown, McKale Center and Arizona Stadium are top sights worth seeing.

Midtown
Tohono Chul Park featuring desert views and outdoor art

Casas Adobes

Visitors highly recommend Casas Adobes for its abundant dining options, and you can make a stop by Catalina Golf Course while you're in town.

Casas Adobes
Old Tucson Studios showing heritage elements and tranquil scenes

Tucson Estates

If you're spending some time in Tucson Estates, Old Tucson Studios and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Tucson Estates
3 Palms Tucson North Foothills

3 Palms Tucson North Foothills

3 out of 5
7411 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ
The price is €49 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€49
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Tucson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (5,256 reviews)
"Great hotel. Room was very nice and spotless. Living room & kitchenette with bedroom & bathroom. Parking seemed likited/full, but we were there during the Gem Show season, so that kindof made sense."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

3 Palms Tucson North Foothills
Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine

Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine

3 out of 5
720 W. Silverlake Road, Tucson, AZ
The price is €90 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€90
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Tucson. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,813 reviews)
Artistic, Vintage, New Age Amenities
"The property has a vintage look and feel with unique one of a kind art everywhere you look. When you drive through the archway, you go back in time. Every wall has local artists' work. The check in office, bar, gym, gaming area, pool, and each room are all filled with one of a kind art pieces. It ..."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Hotel McCoy - Art, Coffee, Beer, Wine
Lodge on the Desert

Lodge on the Desert

4 out of 5
306 North Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ
The price is €124 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
€124
13 Aug - 14 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly resort in Tucson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,901 reviews)
"Given a free breakfast for anniversary, room was clean quiet and comfortable. Stayed in the room with the hot tub, perfect for two people and relaxing. Good staycation."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Lodge on the Desert
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge

Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge

4 out of 5
6200 N Club House Ln, Tucson, AZ
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Tucson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (758 reviews)
"Some of the best mountain views you can get from any resort in tucson. Quite lots of grass were you can set down and enjoy the views"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge
Private Southwestern Style Casita with Lush & Fully fenced Lush Yard**

Private Southwestern Style Casita with Lush & Fully fenced Lush Yard**

Tucson
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Tucson. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Tucson Mall and Tucson Botanical Gardens are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (143 reviews)
I loved this space
"Staying at this Spanish Style Casita was a great experience!!! I loved that it was near great coffee shops, food, and a park for my dog! IMy puppy loved sniffing and exploring the casita’s fenced yard! The booking, check-in, and checkout process was easy! This casita has everything one needs to enjoy ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Private Southwestern Style Casita with Lush & Fully fenced Lush Yard**
Katie's Cozy Cabins

Katie's Cozy Cabins

2 out of 5
16 West Allen, Tombstone, AZ
Stay at this cabin in Tombstone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Tombstone Historic District and Tombstone Courthouse ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (296 reviews)
Amazing
"It was absolutely amazing and the manager and owner are quick to help when you need them. The place has everything you need. The only suggestion i have is adding an internet box i all rooms other than that the dollar general down the street has movies to buy. We will be back next year."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Katie's Cozy Cabins
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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