All About Tucson
Food • Environment • Culture
Your College Town
Tucson is Arizona’s second-largest city. The University of Arizona – Arizona’s first university and home of the Wildcats – is at the center of it all. Learn more about things to do in Tucson, our famous culinary scene, what the weather’s really like, and about the region’s culture and history.
If you're looking for places to explore around town, check out our interactive Google map featuring students' top Tucson recommendations.
Where to Hang Out
Near Campus
Main Gate Square
Just outside campus, Main Gate Square and University Boulevard is where Wildcats go to watch a game, grab a burrito, socialize, or all of the above.
Downtown
From brunch spots to concerts, if it’s happening in Tucson, it’s happening downtown.
Fourth Avenue
Tucson’s famous Fourth Avenue is home to eclectic shops, coffee spots, and restaurants.
Mercado District
Explore open-air markets, restaurants, and boutiques in west-central Tucson.
Things To Do
Food
Tucson is a globally-recognized food destination. Tucson is the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in North America; recognized for its history of culinary distinctiveness. Explore The Best 23 Miles of Mexican Food, where you can eat tacos, the original chimichanga, and the Sonoran hot dog.
BEST 23
Miles Of Mexican Food In America
Attractions & Culture
Visit the white dove of the desert, the San Xavier Del Bac Mission. Get up-close to a mountain lion at the open-air Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Wander one the world’s largest aerospace museums: The Pima Air and Space Museum. Or, look to the stars from Kitt Peak National Observatory. See more of Tucson’s must-sees.
The Community
Many compare Tucson to Austin and Portland – it’s a little quirky, and has a lot of character. A college town through-and-through, Tucson welcomes and supports University of Arizona students. There are more than 1 million people who live in the Tucson metro area, and whether you’re a local or an out-of-state student, you’ll feel at home.
Outdoors
Surrounded by five breathtaking mountain ranges, Tucson is an outdoor playground. Cycling is popular here – from cruising on campus to biking the 131-mile Loop. Wildcats love hiking Tumamoc Hill, near downtown; to the waterfalls of Seven Falls; and among the pine trees on Mount Lemmon. Also on Mount Lemmon: skiing and snowboarding.
131 MILE
Bike Loop Around Metro Tucson
Environment
Tucson is cooler and wetter than Phoenix, thanks to its 2,643-foot elevation and the surrounding mountains. Tucson is in the Sonoran Desert; however, the University of Arizona is in the city’s metropolitan center. Tucson’s heat is at its peak from June through August; however, spectacular summer monsoons lower temperatures.
Events
There are many annual events to look forward to in Tucson. Admire glittery jewels at the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase – the largest and oldest in the world. A beloved tradition is the Tucson Rodeo & Parade, which began in 1925. The All Souls Procession honors and remembers, and ends with an urn lit ablaze.
Industries
Opportunities abound when it comes to beginning your career in Tucson after graduation. In fact, about 40% of our most recent graduating class decided to stay here for work or school after completing their four years here. Industries like aviation, space, defense, health care, and a growing start-up scene make Tucson a hub for high demand jobs. Or, continue your education with graduate research opportunities at a Tier-1 Research Institution.
Tucson International Airport (TUS)
Just minutes from campus, Tucson International Airport (TUS) makes travel to and from the University of Arizona easy. With daily nonstop flights, TUS connects Wildcats and their families directly into the heart of Southern Arizona - no long drives or extra transfers needed. Whether you're heading home, welcoming visitors, or starting your next adventure, TUS is the closest airport for our Wildcat community.
Student Stories
Building Community as a New Student.
Here’s how Wildcats get outside.
Road Trip Guide
While there’s plenty to do in-town, we fully support expanding your boundaries. Explore hidden gems across Southern Arizona, and some favorites that are a little farther.
Day Trips Near Tucson
Bisbee
A destination for the free-spirited, Bisbee’s morphed from a copper mining town to a culture-filled, delightfully weird haven.
Mount Lemmon
Just an hour from Tucson, Mount Lemmon’s Northern Arizona-esque climate is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, skiing and more.
Tombstone
A blast set in the Wild West past, Tombstone takes you back to the days of cowboys and outlaws.
Tubac
Wander art galleries and eclectic shops, walk the Anza trail, visit historic sites – Tubac’s small, but multifarious.
Weekend Getaways
⬤Phoenix/Scottsdale - 2 hours
⬤Sedona - 3.5 hours
⬤Flagstaff - 4 hours
⬤Grand Canyon - 5 hours
⬤San Diego - 6 hours
⬤Las Vegas - 6.5 hours
⬤Los Angeles - 7 hours
⬤Zion National Park - 8 hours
Tucson 101
PRONUNCIATION
The “c” is silent – like Too-sawn
WEATHER
350 days of sunshine annually
NICKNAME
The Old Pueblo
History of Tucson
Tucson’s name is derived from the Tohono O’odham Cuk Ṣon, meaning “(at the) base of the black [hill],” a reference to Sentinel Peak – otherwise known as “A” Mountain. The Santa Cruz River valley has been home to cultures including the Paleo-Indians and the Hohokam. Tucson was officially founded by the Spanish in 1775, when Hugo O’Conor authorized the construction of a military fort: Presidio San Agustín del Tucsón.
Plan Your Campus Visit
Experience it for yourself! Discover the University of Arizona – and, our beloved Tucson – on a campus tour.