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5 Best Day Trips from Tucson, Arizona

If you are a traveler then you are probably aware that Tucson is home to a vast array of different attractions and things to do. If you were to summarize Tucson in one word, that word would definitely be fun. That being said, the list of things that you can do within city limits is extensive.

For people who are staying within city limits, however, the best day trips may be a bit more challenging to find. In this list, I am going to go through the best day trips from Tucson and tell you what they entail.

1. Bisbee

Aerial view of  Bisbee

Bisbee is one of the more touristy destinations in Tucson and it is also one of the more popular day trips. It is famous for being the home of a large number of copper mines in the Arizona desert. It is a very small town that has grown into a hub of tourists and people wanting to explore.

It is definitely worth a visit, especially if you are an avid adventurer. There is a huge number of hiking trails as well as historic mine sites to see. Even if you have not been into historic sites, you will find it difficult to not enjoy yourself in a mine site.

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2. Tombstone

Mountains in the background, flowers, grasses

Tombstone is also known as the Tombstone Territorial Park. It is one of the most historically important towns in Arizona. Many people enjoy a visit to the park. It is extremely tourist orientated though, meaning that it is best to visit during daylight hours. If you are here for a weekend trip, a full day in Tombstone is ideal.

Tombstone town is well-known for being the hub of the Wild West, and for many good reasons. It was here that Wyatt Earp fought his 5 deadly brothers, it is also the site where O. C. Smith was killed in 1896.

The town was very affected by the goldrush and is particularly noted for its Gunfight at the OK Corral and Doc Holliday, but it was also where one of the most famous legends was born, the legendary gunslinger, The Lone Ranger.

See Related: Best Things to do in Glendale, Arizona

3. Saguaro National Park

Colorful Sky and Cacti in Saguaro National Park

This is the lesser-known of the 3 National Parks listed, though it is no less beautiful. Its main attraction is the presence of the saguaro cactus, one of the distinctive landmarks of Arizona. There are many scenic routes to take, including the scenic route along Stone Canyon.

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4. Old Tucson

Front view of Old Tucson studio

Old Tucson Studios is located just outside Tucson. It is part of the Warner Brothers Studios and is one of the oldest film studios in North America. It is popular with locals and is a favorite among tourists for movies themed around Arizona.

There are also many attractions for the older members of the family, including a western town where you can see how life was in the Old West.

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5. Prescott

Colorful sky and a sunset in Prescott

Prescott is the capital of Arizona. It is a very beautiful city and very close to several other attractions. It is also surprisingly close to the Grand Canyon. The city of Prescott is currently celebrating its 150th birthday!

The city has a charming downtown area where you can find great shopping as well as many great restaurants. Prescott offers many attractions and is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.

See Related: Best Day Trips from Scottsdale, Arizona

Conclusion

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the day trips you can take from Tucson. Tucson is a fantastic city that offers so much to do and see. This selection obviously excludes everything else that is on offer in the Tucson area. The day trips listed here are a good starting point.

As you can see, there are so many things you can do in Tucson. If you are interested in taking a trip to Tucson but are not sure where to start, you can always get in touch with us! We would be happy to help plan your trip and make sure that it is as great as it can be.

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