Day Trips from Tucson, Arizona

Location:

Bisbee, AZ

Highlights:

If you’re up for a quirky, colorful escape with tons of Old West charm, head to Bisbee. This former mining boomtown in the Mule Mountains is packed with history, art, and adventure.

We Recommend This For:

History buffs, art lovers, couples, ghost tour fans, and curious explorers who enjoy unique small towns with personality.

What we Love:

Authentic mining history, the underground Copper Queen Mine Tour, great local museums, and a fun mix of funky galleries and shops.

• Tour the Copper Queen Mine, an unforgettable journey deep into the earth led by former miners.
• Visit the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, Restoration Museum, and Muheim Heritage House to step back in time.
• Experience the spirited Old Bisbee Ghost Tour after dark—it’s spooky fun for all ages.
• Stroll through historic downtown for boutique shopping, art galleries, and inviting cafes.

Distance from Tucson:

The drive to Bisbee takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

How to Get to Bisbee:

Take I-10 East toward Benson. Exit onto AZ-80 East toward Tombstone/Bisbee and follow it into downtown Bisbee. Parking is available throughout town.

Location:

Oracle, AZ

Highlights:

Looking for something mind-blowingly cool and educational just outside Tucson? Visit Biosphere 2 , a world-renowned Earth science research facility at the base of the Catalina Mountains.

We Recommend This For:

Science lovers, families, students, curious minds, and anyone intrigued by the future of our planet.

What we Love:

The awe-inspiring “Under the Glass” ecosystem tour, breathtaking desert views, and immersive experiences that make science fun and accessible.

• Explore the Under the Glass Tour offered daily from 10am to 4pm—an unforgettable guided walk through massive biomes.
• Join themed weekend tours like the Family Tour, History Tour, and Ocean and Beach Tour for added depth and discovery.
• Learn about the cutting-edge climate, ecology, and space-research projects run by the University of Arizona.

Distance from Tucson:

Expect the drive to take about 1 hour.

How to Get to Biosphere 2:

From Tucson, take Oracle Road (AZ-77 North) for about 35 miles. Turn right on Biosphere Road and follow signs to the entrance and visitor parking.

Location:

Cave Creek, AZ

Highlights:

Want a true taste of the Wild West with a fun, artsy twist? Cave Creek is the kind of place where cowboys, bikers, and artists all feel right at home—perfect for a quirky Arizona escape.

We Recommend This For:

Western history fans, road-trippers, hikers, shoppers, saloon-hoppers, and anyone looking for a day full of character and charm.

What we Love:

Saloon bull-riding, cowboy culture, scenic desert hikes, and the unexpected mix of rustic and refined.

• Wander through town to experience the unique blend of saddle shops, galleries, boutiques, and historic saloons.
• Visit the Cave Creek Museum to learn about the area's rich pioneer and mining history.
• Catch live bull-riding or two-step to country tunes at a lively saloon.
• Hike the scenic trails at Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, or saddle up for a horseback ride through the desert.

Distance from Tucson:

The drive takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

How to Get to Cave Creek:

From Tucson, take I-10 West to Loop 101 North in Phoenix. Exit at Cave Creek Road and head north for about 15 miles to reach the town center.

Location:

Chiricahua National Monument, Willcox, AZ

Highlights:

If you're craving surreal desert views and dramatic rock formations, Chiricahua National Monument is absolutely worth the detour. It’s a true Arizona gem for outdoor lovers and scenic seekers.

We Recommend This For:

Hikers, nature photographers, geology buffs, campers, and anyone up for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

What we Love:

Mind-bending rock formations, peaceful trails through pine-oak forests, wildlife sightings, and a relaxed vibe with fewer crowds.

• Marvel at towering stone pinnacles and gravity-defying balancing rocks carved by volcanic activity over millennia.
• Choose from a wide range of trails, from easy strolls to challenging backcountry hikes—many with stunning panoramic views.
• Take the scenic drive through Bonita Canyon or hop on the free shuttle (September–May) from the Visitor’s Center to trailheads.
• Join a ranger-guided walk to learn about the monument’s natural and cultural history.

Distance from Tucson:

The drive takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, plus 37 miles off State Highway 186.

How to Get to Chiricahua National Monument:

Head east on I-10 toward Willcox. Take Exit 336, continue south on AZ-186 for about 37 miles, then turn onto Bonita Canyon Drive to reach the monument entrance.

Romantic Day Trips from Tucson:

Location:

Vail, AZ

Highlights:

Need a fun, easy day trip the whole family can enjoy? Colossal Cave Mountain Park is just 40 minutes from Tucson and packed with outdoor fun and underground adventure.

We Recommend This For:

Families, adventure seekers, hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, and anyone fascinated by caves and the great outdoors.

What we Love:

Variety of cave tours, guided trail rides, family-friendly activities, and the chance to explore desert beauty above and below ground.

• Tour the historic Colossal Cave on one of several options, including the family-friendly Classic Cave Tour and the thrill-packed Wild Cave Tour.
• Explore scenic trails on foot, bike, or horseback, with rentals and guided rides available from La Posta Quemada Ranch.
• Visit the adorable petting zoo, a hit with younger visitors.
• Enjoy educational and age-appropriate experiences like the Toddler Time Tour for little explorers.

Distance from Tucson:

The drive takes approximately 40 minutes.

How to Get to Colossal Cave Mountain Park:

Take I-10 East to Exit 279. Turn left onto S Wentworth Rd, then right on Old Spanish Trail and follow signs to the park entrance.

Location:

Dragoon, AZ

Highlights:

If you’re craving quiet desert beauty with a fascinating cultural twist, Dragoon is a small-town treasure tucked inside Arizona’s dramatic Texas Canyon.

We Recommend This For:

History lovers, hikers, art and culture enthusiasts, bird watchers, and anyone who enjoys peaceful off-the-beaten-path escapes.

What we Love:

Ancient petroglyphs, scenic trails, Native American art collections, and the surprise of wine tasting in a rugged canyon setting.

• Hike the Cochise Indian Trail, a beautiful route filled with history and excellent birding opportunities.
• Discover ancient pictographs and petroglyphs scattered across Texas Canyon’s dramatic boulder formations.
• Visit the Amerind Museum to explore one of Arizona’s most impressive private collections of American Indian artifacts and fine art.
• Taste local varietals at Golden Rule Vineyards, where desert landscapes meet handcrafted wines.

Distance from Tucson:

The drive to Dragoon takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

How to Get to Dragoon:

From Tucson, take I-10 East for about 70 miles. Exit near Texas Canyon, then follow signs toward Dragoon and the Amerind Museum.

Family Day Trips from Tucson:

Location:

Fort Bowie National Historic Site, Bowie, AZ

Highlights:

Want history, scenery, and a bit of a workout all in one? Fort Bowie makes for a rewarding day trip filled with stories of courage, conflict, and the Old West.

We Recommend This For:

History enthusiasts, hikers, families, photographers, and those interested in Native American and military heritage.

What we Love:

The interpretive hike through Apache Pass, historic ruins, peaceful picnic areas, and the immersive glimpse into Arizona’s past.

• Hike the scenic three-mile out-and-back trail to the Visitor’s Center, passing Apache Spring, a stagecoach station, and the Fort Bowie Cemetery.
• Explore the remains of the fort and learn about the 25-year conflict between the Chiricahua Apache and the U.S. Army in the 1800s.
• Enjoy peaceful desert views, a small museum, and seasonal ranger-led programs that bring the site’s dramatic history to life.
• Picnic at the shaded areas available near the Visitor’s Center or at the trailhead before or after your hike.

Distance from Tucson:

The drive to Fort Bowie takes about 2 hours.

How to Get to Fort Bowie:

From Tucson, take I-10 East to Bowie. Follow Apache Pass Road (watch for signage) to the trailhead. The site is only accessible by foot—allow time for the 1.5-mile hike each way.

Location:

Globe, AZ

Highlights:

Want to step back in time without straying too far from Tucson? Globe is a historic mining town that blends rugged charm, culture, and desert scenery—perfect for a laid-back road trip.

We Recommend This For:

History lovers, photographers, art enthusiasts, road-trippers, and anyone who enjoys small-town Americana with scenic views.

What we Love:

Restored architecture, cool museums, vibrant local art, sweeping canyon drives, and mining heritage woven into every corner.

• Wander the historic downtown district or join a guided tour to soak up Globe’s 1870s mining roots and Wild West vibe.
• Visit the Gila County Historical Museum and Cobre Valley Center for the Arts for a deeper look at local culture and creativity.
• Drive the scenic route through the Salt River Canyon for dramatic views and photo ops.
• Explore the Old Dominion Historic Mine Park and hike the trails at Round Mountain Park.

Distance from Tucson:

The drive to Globe takes about 2 hours.

How to Get to Globe:

Take AZ-77 North from Tucson through Oracle to Globe, or take US-70 East through Safford for a more scenic drive. Both routes connect easily with the town center.

Location:

Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson, AZ

Highlights:

If you’re craving an underground adventure that’s both jaw-dropping and accessible, Kartchner Caverns State Park is a must-see—just under an hour from Tucson!

We Recommend This For:

Families, nature lovers, photographers, accessibility-conscious travelers, and anyone fascinated by geology and caves.

What we Love:

Stunning live cave formations, a wide range of cave tours, wheelchair accessibility, and serene desert trails above ground.

• Book a guided tour like the Rotunda and Throne Room Tour, the park’s most popular and fully accessible option.
• Try one of the unique experiences like the Big Room Tour, Headlamp Tour, or the photography-focused Photo Tour (age restrictions apply for some).
• Join a Saturday Sign-Language Tour for a fully inclusive interpretive experience.
• Explore the surrounding desert landscape via easy walking trails and scenic viewpoints perfect for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

Distance from Tucson:

The drive takes approximately 50 minutes via Interstate 10.

How to Get to Kartchner Caverns State Park:

From Tucson, take I-10 East to Exit 302. Follow AZ-90 South for about 9 miles—the park entrance is clearly marked on the right.