This trip was hosted. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
In this series, I’ll introduce one fabulous destination and show you where to stay, savor and play on two different budgets. Splurge-worthy picks are all about luxury resorts, fine dining and individualized experiences while budget-friendly ideas offer bargain digs, cheap (but good) eats and free or inexpensive activities to enjoy. I’ll provide money-saving tips (even for the splurges) and ensure that whatever your budget is, you’ll be able to make the most of your vacation.
Highlights of a Tucson Vacation on Two Budgets
A Tucson getaway blends the stunning wilderness of the mountainous Sonoran Desert with a vibrant art and culinary scene, no matter what your budget.
Luxury: Total cost for two people: $1,200
- Stay: A luxury dude ranch all-inclusive vacation with your own casita, featuring a private patio overlooking the desert ($1000)
- Savor: Hearty and tasty meals with the option of buffet or a la carte, featuring menu items like dry-aged steaks, seafood and local specialties (included in the hotel rate)
- Play: A sun-soaked day of activities with an added sunset trail ride through the ranch’s stunning desert landscape with the Rincon Mountains as a backdrop ($200)
Budget: Total Cost for two people: $190
- Stay: A stylishly designed room in a trendy, centrally located hotel with retro desert vibes, poolside lounging and curated cultural events ($125)
- Savor: A cappuccino with a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate croissant at a local market and Tucson’s beloved Sonoran Hot Dog at a popular roadside stand ($27)
- Play: A tram ride and hiking in a protected canyon with rugged desert terrain, rocky outcroppings and stone bridges that cross a creek that carves into the mountainside ($38)
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Stay: Where to sleep on your Tucson vacation
Our splurge-worthy choice is the Tanque Verde Ranch:
- Founded in 1868, the historic ranch sits on 640 spectacular acres in the lush desert foothills of the Rincon Mountains, adjacent to Saguaro National Park and Coronado National Forest (adding another 92,000 acres of pristine wilderness).
- The all-inclusive resort has garnered multiple accolades, including Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Awards.
- Its 70 rooms vary in layout and size, from standard rooms with impressive mountain views to suites with private patios and fireplaces and standalone casitas. Southwestern décor harmonizes with the expansive property’s landscape.
- From the patio at the Roadrunner Ridge Casita, we not only marveled at the towering Saguaro cacti and the surprisingly lush desert vegetation, but also wildlife. A bird feeder attracted cardinals, woodpeckers and even a javelina, a pig-like mammal
- Though only a 30-minute drive from Tucson, the ranch felt more remote—a place to leave the city worries behind and embrace a connection to the land.
An alternative splurge choice is Hacienda del Sol ($300), which offers a tranquil and luxurious experience on their beautifully landscaped 43-acre property. If you’re looking for centrally located accommodation in the city, the Graduate Tucson ($250), located on the University of Arizona campus, has a rooftop restaurant and infinity pool with fabulous views of the mountain ranges surrounding Tucson.
For budget-friendly accommodation, we recommend the Tuxon ($125).
- This stylishly designed, boutique hotel looks and feels way cooler than its price suggests.
- The décor of its 112 rooms reflects the influences of the region’s American Mexican and Native American roots.
- Complimentary bike rentals let guests cruise nearby downtown districts or explore desert trails.
- Relax by the boomerang-shaped pool or on the restaurant’s outdoor patio. Its outdoor landscaping of palm trees and desert plants adds to a laid-back, beachy vibe.
- Enjoy curated community and cultural events like live music, crafts and outdoor movie screenings. During our stay, the hotel hosted an astronomy night, where we saw celestial wonders, including a comet.
An alternative choice is Hotel McCoy ($90), a hip, artsy motel that includes a free local beer on check-in. Campers will find plentiful sites in and around Tucson at picturesque campgrounds like Catalina State Park ($35), Rose Canyon ($28) and Gilbert Ray Campground ($10).
SheBuysTravel Money-saving Tip: Timing is everything when it comes to hotel stays, which like flights, operate on dynamic pricing models. This means they adjust room rates in real time based on factors like demand and seasonality. To avoid paying top prices, be aware of big events and holidays like March Break. Tucson, for example, hosts the world’s largest gem and mineral show, attracting 65,000 visitors, from late January to mid-February, when prices predictably go up.
Savor: Where to eat on your Tucson vacation
At Tanque Verde Ranch:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in a large dining hall with the option of a buffet or ordering a la carte (price included in the all-inclusive hotel rate). The meals are hearty and tasty with dinner menu items that include dry-aged steaks, seafood and local specialties.
- For happy hour drinks, chillax at the Dog House Saloon with a signature prickly pear margarita on the large outdoor patio overlooking the grounds and hills in the distance.
Splurge-worthy dining in Tucson:
UNESCO honored Tucson with the first City of Gastronomy designation in the US. And deservedly so. Indigenous ingredients, Mexican flavors and a creative chef culture collide in dishes that range from five-star meals to mouth-watering street food.
- Splurge at BATA ($60), a recently opened restaurant that quickly established a reputation as one of the best places to dine. Chef Tyler Fenton initiatives include a 400-mile sourcing rule, creative pickling and fermenting processes and using an element of fire in every dish.
- Coronet ($30), a stylish restaurant inside the historic Coronado Hotel, delights with innovative menu items that use the freshest of local ingredients with a focus on the region’s citrus crops.
- Other stellar choices include Flying V Bar and Grill ($60) whose splurge-worthy menu comes with a magnificent view of the city and the Grill at Hacienda del Sol ($70) in the Catalina Foothills.
Budget-friendly eats in Tucson:
Here are some of our top picks that will fill you up with tastebud-igniting flavors without emptying your wallet.
- The Sonoran Hot Dog has a cult following as we discovered when our first Uber driver raved about it. And so did everyone else we met throughout our stay. I remained skeptical. But at Ruiz Hot Dogs ($4), it just took one bite of the bacon-wrapped dog topped with beans, tomatoes, onions, mayo, mustard and jalapeños to become a convert.
- Equal parts market, bakery, and café, Time Market ($10) dishes out fresh patisseries and lattes with a hipsterish, laid-back vibe.
- Anello ($20) treats its customers to elevated cuisine for down-to-earth prices and is known for its creative combos of local ingredients and wood-fired, sourdough crust pizzas.
Flavors from Tucson’s southern neighbor play a strong influence on its culinary scene –not surprising considering over 40 percent of residents have Mexican heritage and its location 60 miles from the border. Mexican restaurants all over the city offer authentic experiences and flavors at bargain prices.
- At Taqueria Pico de Gallo ($5) enjoy delicious tacos with perfectly textured corn tortillas made fresh in-house.
- Rollies Mexican Patio ($7) serves up traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist.
- Chef Jose Contreras, owner of Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen ($14), earned the honor of being the only Tucson-based James Beard Award semi-finalist in 2025. His passion for timeless recipes can be tasted in every bite.
- Add allegro (joy) to your dining experience at Buendia ($15), a hopping brunch spot with home-cooked, flavorful dishes and the best Mexican coffee I’ve ever tasted.
SheBuysTravel Money-saving Tip: Tucson’s many food trucks and farmers markets offer delicious, locally sourced meals for under $10. You can’t beat picking something up and picnicking with a desert view. And remember that whether you’re at home or on vacation, you still have to eat. So don’t overestimate the amount you’re spending by not taking into account the groceries you’d be buying at home.
Play: What to do on your Tucson vacation
- I felt like I had landed in a western summer camp for adults. Every day a smorgasbord of activities beckoned, and I wrestled with the choices wanting to experience everything.
- Equestrian pursuits range from gentle jaunts to exhilarating gallops for experienced riders. Tulsa, my horse on a guided trek, steered me along the desert trails with his calm demeanor and sure-footedness making up for my inexperience.
- Knowledgeable guides share details about the nature and history of the region on fun and informative hiking and biking excursions.
- The myriad of options also includes archery, tennis, axe-throwing, fishing, yoga, Pilates and wildlife presentations (not to mention poolside lounging and spa time).
- The majority of activities are included in the hotel rate but for a splurge, sign up for a guided sunset trail ride when the color of the sky layers a tinge of rose on the already magical mountainous desert landscape ($100). Or create your own souvenir with a silver ring jewelry-making workshop ($65).
Splurge-worthy activities in and around Tucson:
- For history buffs or curious folks, Tucson Origins Walking Tours provide insight and perspectives of inhabitants past and present ($50).
- Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter holds stargazing events for the public on the mountain peak at an elevation of 9,157 feet. Enjoy an engaging astronomy presentation, a light dinner, a sunset view and a guided exploration of the night sky ($85).
- The name ‘Desert Museum’ hardly captures the full experience of this 98-acre property. Part botanical garden, part nature preserve and even an aquarium, it features scenic trails that wind through striking desert landscapes, towered by iconic saguaro cacti.
Budget-friendly activities in and around Tucson:
Inexpensive attractions abound in Tucson whether you’re hiking in the Sonoran Desert or exploring its galleries.
Natural playgrounds:
- Sabino Canyon, located in the Coronado National Forest ($8 per vehicle), shines as a natural wonder with rugged desert terrain and rocky outcroppings. A 30-minute tram ride ($15) that crosses nine stone bridges takes visitors to a lookout point with panoramic views. We rode the tram up and then hiked down, and were fortunate to see some wildlife, including a roadrunner. Beep beep!
- You’ll definitely feel you’re in roadrunner territory at Saguaro National Park ($25 per vehicle), which showcases its cacti namesake in all their glory. It offers more than 165 miles of hiking trails both in the Tucson Mountain District in the west and the Rincon Mountain District in the east.
- Discover how the cultural influences and Sonoran Desert vegetation laid the foundation of the city’s gastronomic greatness at Mission Garden, a living agricultural museum. They also offer tours that cover Tucson’s history (free, but a donation is appreciated).
- Tumamoc Hill calls itself “an oasis of desert in the heart of the city — a sanctuary, a beacon, a summit with panoramic views”. This National Historic Landmark also serves as an outdoor workout for locals as the trail to the top resembles a Stairmaster. But personally, I thought the views of the city and surrounding mountains were worth every huff and puff (free).
SheBuysTravel Money-saving Tip: Love nature? The America the Beautiful Pass supports federally managed recreation areas across the United States and saves you money. Purchase the pass at the park itself or order it online at the USGS Store (allow three weeks for delivery).
The arts and cultural side of Tucson also presents a slew of activities at budget price points:
- Who doesn’t love shiny things? The exhibits at the Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum ($10) bedazzle with a 12,000-square-foot exhibition space that showcases outstanding gems and mineral specimens from Arizona and around the world. This museum captivated me, and I left with eyes sparkling and dreaming of treasures.
- If you’re looking for something quirky and mind-bending, visit the Mini-Time Machine Museum of Miniatures ($15). The sight of sculptures carved on the tips of pencils and just the minute detail of the over 300 miniature houses boggles the mind.
- Ansel Adams co-founded the Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona in 1975. It remains a premiere research collection of American photographic fine arts and archives, curating compelling exhibits that are open to the public and completely free.
- Also on the university campus is the Museum of Art ($8), whose permanent collection includes masterpieces like Altarpiece by Ciudad Rodrigo and Red Canna by Georgia O’Keefe ($8).
- Called the “White Dove of the Desert,” San Xavier Del Bac still functions as a working church and stands out as one of the most beautiful mission church complexes in the Southwest – free admission and docent-led tours (donations appreciated).
SheBuysTravel Money-saving Tip: Always visit the local tourism office. They have up-to-date information on attractions, festivals and free events. In Tucson, it’s also the home of a heritage center located inside the Pima County Historic Courthouse with exhibits, a theatre and a gallery –all free.
Fun Facts about Tucson
- Tucson shines as one of the sunniest cities in the USA, with over 350 clear days a year.
- The iconic saguaro cactus grows naturally only in the Sonoran Desert around Tucson.
- Four flags have flown over Tucson –Spanish, Mexican, Confederate and Union.
- UNESCO designated Tucson as America’s first City of Gastronomy in 2015, thanks to its unique flavors and how the region’s culinary community embraces native ingredients like tepary beans, chiltepin, and prickly pear.
- Tucson’s students get time off for the rodeo every February.
- The name Tucson comes from the Tohono O’odham word “S-cuk Sǫn,” which translates to ‘at the base of the black mountain,” referring to Sentinel Peak, the city’s basalt-covered landmark.
- Tucson has a dark sky ordinance — making its night skies one of the darkest in the country and a popular stargazing destination.
- John Dillinger, the notorious gangster, was captured in Tucson in 1934.
- The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show has exhibited some of the most eye-popping rocks in the world, including the Hope Diamond, lunar rocks collected by NASA astronauts, and the 423-carat Logan Sapphire.
When You Go
Tucson is located in southern Arizona, just 60 miles from the Mexican border and 100 miles southeast of Phoenix. The Tucson International Airport (TUS) is served by major airlines including Southwest, Delta and American.
Note: All prices are in US dollars.
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