Beyond the Inn
Tucson blends dramatic Sonoran Desert landscapes with rich history and vibrant culture. From national parks and renowned museums to historic neighborhoods and local dining, the city offers experiences that invite exploration at every turn. Discover the best of Tucson with our curated guide to its most memorable attractions.
Arizona History Museum – 949 E. 2nd St. Explore Southern Arizona’s past through artifacts, photographs and exhibits sharing the stories of its people and places.
Did you know? The Arizona Historical Society preserves Greenway family papers that help tell the story of Arizona Inn.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum - 2021 N. Kinney Rd. (35 min) World-renowned outdoor museum combining a zoo, botanical garden, aquarium, and natural history museum
Did you know? Isabella Greenway’s son and later Arizona Inn owner, John “Jack” Greenway, served as board president of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun- 6300 N. Swan Rd. (19 min)
Historic art gallery and desert landmark featuring rotating exhibits, adobe-style architecture, a chapel, and desert gardens
Did you know? In 1940, Ted DeGrazia exhibited his work at Arizona Inn - years before he built his Gallery in the Sun.
University of Arizona Museum of Art - 1031 N. Olive Rd. (5 min)
Permanent art collection including works by Rothko, O'Keefe, de Kooning, and other major artists, including rotating exhibits and cultural programming
Did you know? Ansel Adams, a former Arizona Inn guest, lent 125 photographs to this museum for its 1974 exhibition, Little Known Images.
Mini Time Machine Museum - 4455 E. Camp Lowell Dr. (10 min)
Interactive museum featuring detailed miniature houses, and collections from around the world, appealing to adults and kids
Titan Missile Museum — Discover Cold War history through a guided underground tour of a preserved Titan II missile site, including its launch control centre and missile silo. Advance booking recommended.
Did you know? Before becoming president, John F. Kennedy was a guest at Arizona Inn.
Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium - 1601 E. Univ. Blvd. (5 min)
Immersive science exhibits, planetarium, astronomy shows, and mineral museum
Did you know? The planetarium began with a bequest from author Grace Flandrau, an aunt of Arizona Inn founder Isabella Greenway.
Old Tucson - 201 S. Kinney Rd. (35 min)
Historic film set and western theme park known for movie productions, live shows, seasonal events and Old West experiences
Did you know? John Wayne, whose films helped shape Old Tucson’s screen legacy, was also a guest at Arizona Inn.
Reid Park Zoo - 3400 E. Zoo Ct. (12 min)
24-acre zoo featuring animals from around the world, shaded walking paths, and family-friendy exhibits
Children's Museum Tucson - 200 S. 6th Ave. (10 min)
Interactive museum for children, providing play-based, hands-on learning experiences
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area- 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Rd. (20 min) One of Tucson's most popular outdoor destinations, featuring desert trails, waterfalls, and a narrated tram ride through the canyon
Did you know? Arizona Inn founder Isabella Greenway helped champion a 1930s dam proposal for Sabino Canyon that never became reality.
Ventana Canyon Trail - Ventana Canoyn Area (20 min)
Quiet but challenging desert hike through rugged canyon terrain with views of the Santa Catalina Mountains
Catalina State Park - 11570 N. Oracle Rd. (30 min)
Choose between guided night hikes, desert wildlife viewing, and scenic trails beneath the Catalina Mountains
Bowen House Trail - Tucson Mountains (20 min)
This 1.5 mile trail winds through the saguaro cactus forest leading to an old homestead and awe-inspiring views
Sweetwater Preserve - 4001 N. Torolita Rd. (25 min)
A stunning park on the western edge of Tucson with trails through rolling hills, saguaro, barrel cactus, ocotillo, chollas, and more. Also great for hiking
Tucson Mountain Park - 8451 W. McCain Loop (20 min)
A sprawling maze of Sonoran Desert singletrack trails with a variety of skill levels, just west of Downtown Tucson
Gadabout Salon & Spa - 1990 E. River Road (10 min.)
Full-service salon, spa, skin, nail and wellness treatments
Yoga Pod - 4280 N. Campbell Ave. (10 min.)
Heated yoga, barre, fitness classes in a modern setting
Session Yoga - 123 S. Eastbourne Ave. (8 min.)
Hot power yoga, designed for all levels
Roots Hot Yoga - 4951 E. Grant Rd. (11 min.)
Heated yoga, including Bikram, Vinyasa, and Yin yoga
Yoga Loft Tucson - 2706 N. Silverbell Rd. (12 min.)
Vinyasa, restorative yoga, breathwork, and sound healing
Starr Pass Golf Club - 3645 W. Starr Pass Blvd. (20 min.)
Arnold Palmer-designed course featuring 27 holes, mountain views
Ventana Canyon Golf Club - 6200 N. Club House Ln. (25 min.)
36-hole Tom Fazio course, dramatic desert and mountain scenery
La Paloma Country Club - 3660 E. Sunrise Dr. (17 min.)
Jack Nicklaus-designed course with views of the Catalina Mountains
Tucson National Golf Resort- 2727 W. Club Dr. (28 min.)
Championship-level courses including Sonoran and Catalina layouts
Randolph Dell Urich Golf Course - 602 S. Alvernon Way (11 min.)
City-run course with 18 holes and casual clubhouse
La Encantada - 2905 E. Skyliine Dr. (18 min.)
Upscale, open-air shopping with luxury boutiques and restaurants
St. Philip's Plaza - 4280 N. Campbell Ave. (9 min.)
Plaza with restaurants, fountains, farmers markets, live music events
Fourth Avenue District - University Blvd. & Downtown (10 min.)
Vibrant historic district with local shops, bars, street art, nightlife
Main Gate Square - University Blvd. (10 min.)
Lively area near University of Arizona with restaurants, cafes and shops
Mount Lemmon - Summer Haven Area (25-60 min.)
Mount Lemmon rises over 9,000 feet above Tucson, offering cool temperatures, alpine forests, hiking, skiinig in winter, and breathtaking overlooks. The scenic drive is worth the entire trip.
Saguaro National Park - East and West
Saguaro National Park protects the Sonoran Desert's signature cactuses in vast areas that attract visitors from around the world. Separated by the city of Tucson, the park has east and west districts, brimming with native plants and wildlife that thrive in areas where the desert floor gives way to mountain foothills.
The Turquoise Trail - 196 N. Court Ave. (12 min.)
Tucson's Historic Downtown Walking Tour is a 2.5 mile loop through downtown that showcases Tucson's architecture and historic landmarks. Follow the turquoise line.
Downtown Tucson and El Presidio Guided Tour
Hear the historic stories, fascinating tales and interesting tidbits of Tucson History on this guided walking tour. Learn about Tucson's founding in 1775 as a Spanish Colonial Presidio and about the 4,000 years of Native American History.
Freaky Foot Tours
Choose the Tucson Ghost Tour to learn about historical stories and secrets, or choose the Tucson Mural Tour, a showcase of the vibrant murals and lively street art.
Downtown Tucson Wine Tasting Rooms
Feature curated Arizona wines in relaxed, stylish settings ideal for evening walks and dining
Sonoita & Elgin Wine Country
Offers vineyard tours, scenic tastings, and desert landscape views with award-winning local wineries
Official Chiricahua National Park page – 13063 E. Bonita Canyon Rd., Willcox (approx. 2 hrs.) Includes hiking trails, scenic drives and visitor information.
Did you know? Long before Chiricahua became a National Park, Arizona Inn founder Isabella Greenway championed its beauty. She spoke at the park's 1934 dedication, forever linking the historic Tucson inn to this extraordinary landscape.
Tombstone (Historic Western Town) – Visitor Center: 395 E. Allen St., Tombstone (approx. 1 hr. 30 mins.) Explore Southern Arizona’s frontier history through historic streets, the Tombstone Courthouse museum and the famous O.K. Corral, with shops, saloons and Western reenactments along the way.
Biosphere 2 - 32540 S. Biosphere Rd. (50 mins.)
Living laboratory originally created in 1991.Now used by the University of Arizona for Ecological Studies
Colossal Cave Mountain Park - 16721 E. Old Spanish Trail (45 mins.)
Cave tours, desert hiking and historical underground formations
Kartchner Caverns State Park - 2980 AZ-90 (60 mins.)
Preserved limestone caves with guided tours and stunning formations
Pima Air & Space Museum - 6000 E. Valencia Rd. (20 mins.) One of the world's largest aviation museums with hundreds of aircraft displays
Did you know? Arizona Inn’s founder Isabella Greenway also owned an airline, Gilpin Air Lines.
Titan Missile Museum - 1580 Duval Mine Rd. (35 mins.)
Preserved cold war missile site offering guided tours into a former nuclear launch facility
Mission San Xavier del Bac- 1950 W. San Xavier Rd. (25 mins.)
Historic Spanish mission known for its white facade, artwork, and centuries-old architecture
Did you know? Arizona Inn’s connection to this landmark lives through the Silver & Turquoise Ball, a longstanding Inn tradition supporting the mission’s conservation. Isabella Greenway was among the group’s early hostesses.
Mt. Lemmon Sky Center - 9800 E. Ski Run Rd. (60 mins.)
Public astronomy programs, telescope viewing, and stargazing experiences
Tucson Taco Bike Tour (Guided Culinary Ride). Cycle through Tucson’s south-side neighbourhoods with a local guide, stopping for regional tacos and a Sonoran hot dog. Approximately 10 miles over 2½ hours; advance booking required.
Rillito River Path (Closest Scenic Ride)
A smooth, shaded 12-mile corridor running along the Rillito River. Popular for sunrise and sunset rides, with Catalina Mountain views, cafes, and park access
Santa Cruz River Path (Downtown Desert Ride)
A scenic north-south route through the heart of Tucson with desert views, public art, murals, and easy access to downtown dining and cultural districts
Julian Wash Greenway (Neighborhood Connector Ride)
Quiet, local-feeling segment of The Loop connecting residential areas, parks, and south-side Tucson
Mount Lemmon Road Climb (Beyond The Loop)
One of the most famous cycling climbs in the U.S. - rising from desert flooor to alpine forest in approx. 30 miles
Gates Pass Scenic Ride (Cinematic Desert Landscapes)
West-side desert ride through rolling hills with iconic sunset viewpoints over Saguaro National Park West
Saguaro National Park East Loop Ride (Sonoran Desert Scenery)
Smooth desert ride surrounded by giant saguaro cicti and wide-open mountain views
Morning Luxury Ride
Rillito River Path --> Presta Coffee --> St. Philip's Plaza
Midday Exploration Ride
Santa Cruz River Path --> Downtown Murals --> Lunch in Mercado District
Sunset Ride
Saguaro East Loop --> Gates Pass Overlook --> Dinner Downtown
Adventure Day Ride
Mount Lemmon Climb --> Summit Cafe --> Descent into Desert Sunset
Bike-Friendly Stops Along Routes
Many Loop routes connect directly to: Fourth Avenue cafes & local shops; St. Philip's Plaza dining & farmer's market; Rillito corridor coffee shops; Downtown Tucson & Mercado District
2.8 Miles | 6 Minutes Drive
Feel the energy of the Old Pueblo's heart, where historic adobe buildings meet modern structures. The Sun Link Streetcar helps you easily explore the area. From lively 2nd Saturdays to the magical Parade of Lights, downtown pulses with year-round activity.
Did you know? Leionne Salter, whose murals grace Arizona Inn’s Audubon Bar, also worked from a downtown studio at the historic Charles O. Brown House.
1.9 Miles | 6 Minutes Drive
Since 1885, this esteemed institution has been a center of learning and innovation. The campus invites you to explore its research facilities, museums, and lush gardens.
Did you know? The Greenway family’s university ties span generations: Isabella’s husband John C Greenway served as a regent, and their son Jack earned his law degree here.
3.4 Miles | 8 Minutes Drive
This 1,164-seat venue combines Art Deco style with excellent acoustics. Enjoy everything from classic films to live performances by renowned artists. Monthly tours reveal its rich history.
Did you know? Linda Ronstadt recorded with Emmylou Harris at Arizona Inn; her father, Gil, performed at the Fox Tucson Theatre.
