Southern Arizona

Travel Guide

Fox Theatre which includes theater scenes, signage and street scenes
Southern Arizona
Southern Arizona
Old Tucson Studios showing desert views, mountains and tranquil scenes
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 which includes night scenes and a city

Downtown Tucson

Theaters, river views, and live music highlight some of the noteworthy features of Downtown Tucson. Make a stop by Fox Theatre or St. Augustine Cathedral while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Downtown Tucson
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Tanque Verde

Tanque Verde is noteworthy for its golf courses, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Agua Caliente Park and Arizona National Golf Club.

Tanque Verde
Tohono Chul Park showing 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
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Summerhaven

Summerhaven might not have many top sights, but Mt Lemmon Ski Valley and Santa Catalina Mountains are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Summerhaven
3 Palms Tucson North Foothills

3 Palms Tucson North Foothills

3 out of 5
7411 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ
The price is P2,582 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
P2,582
P3,161 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
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! (5,167 reviews)
"Great place!!! Loved the pool/hot tub and the fitness room! Staff was super nice!"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 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 P5,164 per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
P5,164
P6,015 total
Jul 30 - Jul 31
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! (2,803 reviews)
"We loved this place, such a cool place to stay. The staff was amazing. I didn't meet the owners but the staff spoke of them and wow great people!!!"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 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
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! (1,915 reviews)
"It was quiet and peaceful!"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 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! (755 reviews)
"Beautiful property in a great area. Extremely hot weather in July. Easy to get around. Very delicious meals. Great room service. However, had to change rooms due to a sewage odor that was coming in from bathroom/shower vents. Other than this, truly enjoyable stay."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge
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! (295 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 Jul 19, 2025

Katie's Cozy Cabins
Bisbee Brownstone Suites

Bisbee Brownstone Suites

3 out of 5
20 Brewery Ave, Bisbee, AZ
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Bisbee. Enjoy free WiFi, premium TV channels, and premium bedding. Popular attractions Copper Queen Hotel and The Bisbee Seance ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (70 reviews)
Great stay
"Nice and comfortable accommodation. Be aware that there are a lot of stairs."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Bisbee Brownstone Suites
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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