Undoubtedly, Tucson presents a wide range of opportunities to pique your interest. But, it’s also nice to get out and take an adventure beyond city limits for the day. You don’t need to travel too far or spend the night to enjoy all of the fun activities around Tucson. Discover a mixture of history, nature, and fun goodies on these day trips.
Mount Lemmon / Summerhaven
An hour’s drive, about 30 miles north of Tucson, brings you to Mount Lemmon and Summerhaven. This “Island in the Sky” completely transforms from a desert terrain of cacti and mesquite trees to a winter wonderland of leafy ferns and pines the farther you travel up the scenic byway.
Many people come to Mount Lemmon to hike, stargaze, picnic, ski, snowboard, sled, and snowshoe. During the winter season, the quaint community of Summerhaven on Mt. Lemmon is the place to stay warm with its cozy cabins for renting and the delicious fudge from the Mt. Lemmon General Store & Gift Shop.
Desert Belle Cruises on Saguaro Lake
Two hours from Tucson, sail away on the Desert Belle Tour Boat for a 90-minute cruise where a coastguard-certified captain will share interesting facts on the history and wildlife of the Sonoran Desert.
The serene experience is highlighted by the magic of this teardrop-silver and shimmering lake, towering canyon walls, the fountain of knowledge, and refreshments. Desert Belle serves alcohol, soda, and water for the humans on board, and popcorn for feeding the ducks during the excursion.
Desert Belle offers different cruise experiences, including ones with live music every Saturday and Sunday, as well as Wine Cruises and Narration Cruises.
Colossal Cave Mountain Park
Spelunking for everyone! A closer, 30-minute drive from the heart of Tucson, Colossal Cave Mountain Park is open daily for cave tours. After venturing the caves, you can embark on many different adventures like hiking, biking, or horseback riding the trails of the Sonoran Desert.
Picnic for the day and grab a refreshment from the nearby Terrace Café & Shop. This historic, limestone structure features spectacular views of the rolling desert landscape to enjoy while trying delicious recipes and a tasty selection of craft beers and wine.
Tombstone
The authentic spirit of the old west lives on in the city of Tombstone, AZ. This one-hour trip from Tucson will transport you back to the wild wild west. After getting its start as a silver mining claim in the late-1870s, the settlement boomed into an entertainment hub of opera, theaters, dance halls, and brothels.
Put your cowboy hats on, dust off your chaps, and walk the dusty, wooden boardwalks of this famous town. Numerous shops, restaurants, and saloons line the walkway. And, you’ll leave with your own personal experience and history of the “Town Too Tough to Die.”
Sonoita Vineyards
Sonoita Vineyards is the oldest running commercial vineyard and winery in the state of Arizona. An hour from Tucson, situated in the rolling hills in the Sonoita-Elgin area of Southern Arizona, this Winery offers many award-winning wines crafted from native grapes—all for your tasting pleasure.
The views from the winery are unparalleled along with a great ambiance that complements the tasting experience. With selections for every taste—dry, sweet, dessert—there’s wine in store for you and great history about the vineyard’s beginnings.
Tucson is a beautiful place to put roots down with a plethora of ventures to embark on. Make Southern Arizona your charming abode with the help of Fairfield Homes. We’ve been in the business of building custom and semi-custom homes for over two decades, and we know just how to blend beautiful architectural structures without disturbing the stunning natural landscape. Get started on finding your perfect-fit homesite. Contact Fairfield Homes today.
