Are you looking for fun and exciting things to do in Tucson in May 2024? This vibrant city has plenty to offer visitors, from stunning desert landscapes to a thriving arts and culture scene. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or just relaxing in the sun, you’ll find something to keep you entertained in Tucson.
Tucson is a great place to visit in May because the weather is warm and sunny, but not too hot. The average temperature in May is 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with lows in the mid-50s and highs in the mid-80s. This makes it perfect weather for exploring the city’s many outdoor attractions.
If you’re planning a trip to Tucson in May 2024, be sure to check out these nine best things to do:
Saguaro National Park
With all of this desert around, you might as well get out and see the state flower while you’re here! Various scenic drives are available, but if you want to get out of the car, the Desert Discovery Trail is a 1-mile, accessible loop that lets you get up close to these majestic cacti. Park at the Red Hills Visitor Center, where a short film provides an overview of the area, and take a stroll to admire the Saguaro cacti, especially during golden hour as the sun sets.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Inspired by the Arizona-Sonora Desert region’s natural and cultural history, this living museum features 2 miles of walking trails along with a zoo, an art gallery, a natural history museum, and an aquarium. Instead of traveling around to see the diverse natural wonders of the Sonoran Desert, you can experience a variety of its flora and fauna all in one convenient location. Take a walk through the Desert Loop Trail to see native plants and desert animals up close. You can also visit the hummingbird aviary, where you can see these tiny birds up close as they flit from flower to flower. And don’t miss the Desert Grasslands exhibit, where you can see animals like coyotes, bobcats, and javelinas. Choose your adventure by hiking more than 21 miles of trails or just taking a stroll through one of the botanical gardens.
Pima Air & Space Museum
Explore over 400 aircraft and spacecraft, including over 300 outdoors and 60 indoors. Not only will you see Air Force One and other presidential aircraft, but you’ll also see space capsules, the B-29 Superfortress, and many military planes. A visit to the Pima Air & Space Museum is sure to be a day your whole family will love.
Titan Missile Museum
Take a guided tour of one of America’s strategic nuclear missile sites. Learn about the history of the Titan II missile program and what life was like for the men who worked here. You can even go inside a Titan II missile silo and see the actual missile that was once ready to launch. Standing 100 feet tall inside the hardened silo is an experience you’ll never forget. Keep an eye out for special events at this unique historical site.
Sabino Canyon
Sabino Canyon is a beautiful canyon located in the Santa Catalina Mountains. It’s a popular spot for hiking, biking, and picnicking. There are several different trails to choose from, ranging from easy to difficult. The most popular trail is the Sabino Canyon Trail, which is a 3.8-mile loop trail. Along the trail, you’ll see a variety of desert plants and animals, including saguaro cacti, ocotillo, and coyotes. You may even see some bighorn sheep. Overall, there are about 12 miles of trails ranging in difficulty from easy to difficult, suitable for the whole family.
Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo is home to over 500 animals from all over the world. The zoo is divided into several different sections, including the African Savanna, the Asian Rainforest, and the Primate Forest. You can see animals such as lions, tigers, elephants, gorillas, and orangutans. And don’t miss the zoo’s newest exhibit, the Australia Outback. The Australia Outback is home to a variety of animals from Australia, including kangaroos, koalas, and wallabies.
San Xavier del Bac Mission
The San Xavier del Bac Mission is a beautiful Spanish colonial mission church located south of Tucson. It was founded in 1692 by Jesuit missionaries and is still an active parish today. The mission is known for its stunning architecture and its beautiful interior. You can take a guided tour of the mission or simply explore on your own. If you visit during the winter months, check out the Festival of Lights when thousands of white lights illuminate the mission at night.
Mount Lemmon SkyCenter
Mount Lemmon SkyCenter is a popular destination for stargazing. The center is located on Mount Lemmon, which is the highest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains. The clear, dark skies make it an ideal place to view the stars. The SkyCenter has a variety of telescopes that you can use to view the stars, and there are also ranger programs and lectures offered throughout the year. With an elevation of 9,157 feet (2,786 m), the SkyCenter offers breathtaking views and a unique stargazing experience.
Tucson Botanical Gardens
Tucson Botanical Gardens is a beautiful botanical garden located in the heart of Tucson. The garden features a variety of plants from all over the world, including deserts, rainforests, and Mediterranean climates. You can stroll through the gardens and enjoy the beauty of the plants, or you can take a guided tour to learn more about them. There are also a variety of educational programs and events offered throughout the year.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Tucson in May 2024. With its stunning desert landscapes, thriving arts and culture scene, and warm, sunny weather, Tucson is a great place to visit any time of year. So start planning your trip today and have fun!
