Daily Itinerary Ideas
Pre-planned days combining attractions, dining, and downtime
These ready-made itineraries help you make the most of your Tucson visit. Each day balances activities with rest time and includes meal recommendations. Mix and match based on your interests and energy levels!
Day 1: Desert Museum + Saguaro + Sunset
The Iconic Tucson Experience
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30 AM | Leave lodging | Breakfast at home |
| 10:00 AM | Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum | 30 min drive | Arrive at opening |
| 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Explore museum | Animals, Packrat Playhouse, trails |
| 1:00 PM | Lunch at Ironwood Terraces | On-site restaurant | Kids menu $9 |
| 1:45 - 2:30 PM | Finish exploring / gift shop | - |
| 2:45 PM | Saguaro National Park (West) | 5 min drive | Junior Ranger program |
| 3:00 - 4:00 PM | Scenic loop drive + short trail | Amazing saguaro photos! |
| 4:15 PM | Gates Pass | 10 min drive |
| 4:30 - 5:30 PM | Watch sunset | Sunset around 5:20 PM in December |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner at El Guero Canelo | Quick, casual Sonoran food |
Cost: ~$103 (Desert Museum $78 + Saguaro $25)
Why This Works: Combines the best desert experiences in one efficient loop. All locations are close together on the west side of Tucson.
Day 2: Zoo + Mercado + Trail Dust Town
Balanced Family Day
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30 AM | Leave lodging | - |
| 9:45 AM | Reid Park Zoo | 15 min drive |
| 9:45 AM - 12:15 PM | Explore zoo | Giraffes, playground, carousel |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch at Seis Kitchen | At Mercado San Agustin, 15 min drive |
| 1:30 - 3:00 PM | Browse Mercado + shops | La Estrella Bakery, local artisans |
| 3:30 - 5:00 PM | REST - Pool / lodging | Downtime essential! |
| 5:30 PM | Trail Dust Town | 15 min drive | Free admission |
| 5:30 - 7:30 PM | Wild West stunt show + rides | Train, ferris wheel, show at 7 PM |
| 7:30 PM | Dinner on-site or nearby | Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse at Trail Dust |
Cost: ~$49 (Zoo $37 + Trail Dust rides ~$12)
Why This Works: Manageable morning activity, shopping for adults, essential rest time, then fun evening entertainment for kids.
Day 3: Sabino Canyon Morning
Active Outdoor Day
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30 AM | Leave lodging | - |
| 10:00 AM | Sabino Canyon | 20 min drive | Book tram ahead! |
| 10:15 AM | Board tram | Narrated ride into canyon |
| 10:15 - 11:15 AM | Tram ride up canyon | Scenic, educational |
| 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM | Explore at top / splash in creek | Bring towels for water play! |
| 1:00 PM | Tram back down (or hike) | - |
| 2:00 PM | Late lunch | Prep & Pastry or Jewel's Noodle |
| 3:00 - 5:00 PM | REST - Pool / lodging | Essential after active morning |
| 5:30 PM | Dinner | Easy, casual option |
Cost: ~$54 (Tram + parking)
Why This Works: Morning is coolest for outdoor activity, afternoon rest after active tram/hiking, flexible dinner.
Day 4: Mini Time Machine + Chill Day
Lower-Key Indoor Day
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | Leave lodging (sleep in!) | - |
| 10:15 AM | Mini Time Machine Museum | 10 min drive | Indoor, air-conditioned |
| 10:15 AM - 12:15 PM | Explore miniature worlds | 500+ tiny scenes | Kids love it! |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch nearby | Flexible local options |
| 1:30 - 3:30 PM | REST - Pool / lodging | - |
| 3:30 PM | Playground at Brandi Fenton Park | 8 min drive | Let kids run! |
| 5:00 PM | Return to lodging | - |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner | Casual family choice |
Cost: ~$48 (Museum only)
Why This Works: Perfect recovery day after big activities. Indoor museum, lots of rest, playground energy burn, simple dinner.
Optional: Mt. Lemmon Day Trip
Mountain Adventure (If Weather Permits)
Call first: Road conditions 520-351-3351 | Check for snow and road closures
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30 AM | Leave lodging | Full gas tank! Bring layers! |
| 10:30 AM | Arrive Summerhaven (top) | 60 min scenic drive | 20-30°F cooler |
| 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Explore village, play in snow | Mt. Lemmon General Store for fudge! |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch at Iron Door Restaurant | Family-friendly mountain dining |
| 1:30 PM | Scenic drive back with stops | Multiple viewpoints along the way |
| 3:00 PM | Return to Tucson | - |
| 3:30 - 5:30 PM | REST - Pool / downtime | - |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner | - |
Cost: FREE (no entrance fee)
Why This Works: Unique experience to go from desert to pine forest/snow in one hour. Kids love the dramatic elevation change. Only do if weather cooperates!
Planning Your Perfect Itinerary
Suggested 4-Day Combination
- Day 1: Desert Museum + Saguaro + Sunset (Big Day)
- Day 2: Zoo + Mercado + Trail Dust Town (Balanced)
- Day 3: Mini Time Machine + Playground (Chill Day)
- Day 4: Sabino Canyon (Active Morning)
This hits both S-tier attractions, includes daily rest time, and covers unique Tucson experiences!
Important Closures
- Sabino Canyon: CLOSED December 25 and January 1
- Reid Park Zoo: CLOSED December 25
- Bobo's Restaurant: CLOSED Wednesday & Thursday
- Mi Nidito: CLOSED Monday & Tuesday
Driving Times from Rillito Park Area
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum | 16 miles | 30 min |
| Sabino Canyon | 10 miles | 20 min |
| Reid Park Zoo | 6 miles | 15 min |
| Saguaro National Park (West) | 18 miles | 35 min |
| Gates Pass | 14 miles | 25 min |
| Mini Time Machine Museum | 4 miles | 10 min |
| Children's Museum | 5 miles | 15 min |
| Trail Dust Town | 8 miles | 15 min |
| Mt. Lemmon (Summit) | 35 miles | 60 min |