Want to take a trip without breaking the bank? Here are nine fun day trips from Tucson!
Tour caves
Check out Colossal Cave Mountain Park and Kartchner Caverns State Park. Kartchner Caverns offers a spectacular display of soda straws, stalagmites and stalactites. Recently named one of the best caves in the U.S., it's easy to see why.
Colossal Cave Location: 16721 E. Old Spanish Trail Vail, AZ 85641
Kartchner Caverns Location: 2980 AZ-90 Benson, AZ 85602
Visit Arizona wine country
Head to Sonoita or Willcox for wine tastings galore! Explore the town's wines, vineyards, galleries and tasting rooms.
See the stars
Interested in stargazing? Kitt Peak National Observatory is home to 22 telescopes! In addition to the observatory's astronomical research, the public can get involved in a variety of programs.
Location: 950 N. Cherry Ave. Tucson AZ 85721
Stroll the wild west
Tombstone and Bisbee are the location of many western films. Tombstone and Bisbee attractions include museums, trolley rides and paranormal tours.
Learn
In Catalina, tour one of the world's most unique research facilities, Biosphere 2. The facility serves as a laboratory for scientific studies, discovery and education. Tours are daily.
Location: 32540 S. Biosphere Rd. Oracle, AZ 85623
Beat the heat
Drive up Mt. Lemmon toSummerhaven for hiking, camping and eating. Have you been to the Pizz and Cookie Cabin?! This recreational getaway is less than an hour drive from Tucson!
Location: 12781 N. Sabino Canyon Park Mt. Lemmon, AZ 85619
Step back in time
See historical, sacred spaces like Mission San Xavier Del Bac. Located in South Tucson, Mission San Xavier Del Bac is a national, historic landmark and is free admission to the public.
Location: 1950 W. San Xavier Rd. Tucson, AZ 85746
Shop
Drive to Scottsdale Fashion Square to experience a shopper's dream! The mall features Arizona's largest assortment of luxury brands and amenities. If you want to stay closer to Tucson, look for deals at Tucson Premium Outlets in Marana. Outlet stores include Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Nike Factory Store, Michael Kors and Tommy Hilfiger.
Scottsdale Fashion Square Location: 7014 E. Camelback Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Tucson Premium Outlets Location: 6401 W. Marana Center Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85742
Take a dip
Enjoy camping, boating, swimming and fishing at Southern Arizona's largest lake, Patagonia Lake State Park. Established in 1975, Patagonia Lake State park is also an ideal place for bird-watching with its wide variety of species. The Lakeside Market offers boat rentals and supplies.
Location: 400 Patagonia Lake Rd. Patagonia, AZ 85624
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Have a 'Totally Tucson' idea you want to share? Email stephanie.dunlap@kgun9.com
