3 Day Southern Arizona Road Trip
Day 1: Tucson and Surroundings
Morning:
Breakfast at "Prep & Pastry": Start your day with a delicious breakfast at this local favorite, offering everything from freshly baked pastries to hearty dishes.
Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: Head to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a world-class zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum. It’s located just outside of Tucson and offers a deep dive into the flora, fauna, and ecosystems of the Sonoran Desert. Don’t miss the hummingbird aviary and the live raptor demonstrations.
Lunch:
Lunch at "Cafe Poca Cosa": Head back to Tucson for a delicious Mexican meal at this popular eatery. The menu changes daily, but everything is fresh and flavorful.
Afternoon:
Explore Saguaro National Park: There are two districts of Saguaro National Park, one on the west and one on the east side of Tucson. If you're short on time, the Rincon Mountain District (East) has great short hikes like the Mica View Trail (easy, 1 mile) or Cactus Forest Loop Drive (a scenic, 8-mile drive). Both give fantastic views of the iconic Saguaro cacti. For something a bit more challenging, try Garwood Trail (4 miles, moderate).
Dinner:
Dinner at "The Grill at Hacienda del Sol": Enjoy a meal in an elegant, historic setting. The restaurant offers farm-to-table fare with beautiful views of the surrounding desert landscape.
Day 2: Day Trip to Tombstone and Bisbee
Morning:
Breakfast at "Bobo's" in Tucson: Grab a quick breakfast here to fuel up for the day ahead.
Drive to Tombstone (1 hour 15 minutes): Head out early for a visit to the historic town of Tombstone, once a booming Wild West town made famous by the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Spend a few hours wandering through the old town, visiting sites like the O.K. Corral, Boot Hill Cemetery, and the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park.
Lunch:
Lunch at "Big Nose Kate’s Saloon": Located in the heart of Tombstone, this historic saloon offers classic western fare and a lively atmosphere.
Afternoon:
Drive to Bisbee (30 minutes): After Tombstone, head to the quirky mining town of Bisbee. Known for its artistic community, cool weather, and historic architecture, Bisbee is a great place to explore on foot. Visit the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, or if you’re feeling adventurous, take the Queen Mine Tour to learn about the town’s mining history.
Evening:
Dinner at "Santiago’s Mexican Restaurant" in Bisbee: Enjoy flavorful Mexican dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Bisbee has a relaxed, bohemian vibe that makes it a perfect stop to end your day.
Optional: If you’re into stargazing, drive up to Maston Peak near Bisbee for some of the darkest skies in the region.
Day 3: Outdoor Adventure and History
Morning:
Breakfast at "Tucson's Downtown Kitchen & Cocktails": Start your day with a delicious breakfast in the heart of downtown Tucson.
Morning Hike at Sabino Canyon: Head to the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area in the Santa Catalina Mountains. There are a variety of trails to choose from depending on your energy level. For a short hike with beautiful views, try the Sabino Canyon Trail (3.5 miles, easy). Alternatively, take the Tram Ride to the end of the canyon and hike back down to get a good combination of both worlds.
Lunch:
Picnic Lunch at Sabino Canyon: Pack your own lunch or grab something to-go from a local deli (like Renee’s Organic Oven), and enjoy a picnic with beautiful desert views.
Afternoon:
Visit the Pima Air & Space Museum: After your hike, head over to the Pima Air & Space Museum. This museum houses more than 350 aircraft and spacecraft, including planes from World War II, commercial jets, and NASA spacecraft. It’s one of the largest aviation museums in the world and offers an educational and immersive experience.
Optional: If you’re a history buff, visit the Mission San Xavier del Bac located just south of Tucson. Known as the "White Dove of the Desert," this beautiful 18th-century Spanish colonial mission is a National Historic Landmark.
Dinner:
Dinner at "El Charro Cafe": End your trip with a meal at Tucson’s oldest Mexican restaurant, which has been serving up delicious Sonoran cuisine since 1922. The carne seca (sun-dried beef) is a must-try!