Visitor Info
Tucson & The University of Arizona
Tucson, often referred to as "Wildcat Country," is a city in the Sonoran Desert surrounded by five mountain ranges and home to the University of Arizona. Just a short walk from Old Main is the Main Gate Square, a fun and popular place to grab a bite to eat with over 30 restaurants and cafés to choose from. Main Gate Square is also a great shopping destination with many local stores to visit. Options of places to visit on campus include world-class museums at the University of Arizona and the Center for Creative Photography, founded by Ansel Adams. Stop in and visit an architectural highlight on campus, the flagship University of Arizona Bookstore located in the Student Union Memorial Center. The building boasts a spiraling stairway reaching three stories upwards with four giant relief sculptures on the support columns, each honoring one of the branches of the military. Water trickles from a pool down two giant anchor chains to the lower level where plaques host the individual names of University of Arizona students and alumni lost in World War II, Vietnam, and the Korean War.+
The university is committed to creating an inclusive and universal experience for Family Weekend events. For more information, please review disability-access page.
Wildcats Recommend
Located in sunny Tucson, Arizona, the University of Arizona offers plenty of adventure. There are so many things to do, see, and explore in our ideal college town. We asked students to share their top recommendations for spots to check out. Click through our guide to visit them all. And while you're at it, use this map to explore some other destinations around Tucson.
Parking & Transportation
View parking locations and parking fees here.
Things to do in Tucson
The Tucson Botanical Gardens
The Tucson Botanical Gardens is a lush oasis just minutes away from Campus. More than 20 curated gardens are set on 5.5 acres. Marvel at plants from deserts across the world in the Cacti and Succulents Garden. The Barrio Garden reflects the culture and traditions of Tucson's oldest neighborhoods. The Great Garden Express is a model railroad set in an Arizona, Sky Islands landscape. Ooh and ahh at more than 30 species of tropical butterfly at the COX Butterfly and Orchid Pavilion. Find dorm room decorations at the Gift Shop, enjoy rotating art displays outdoors and in four galleries, and a garden inspired menu at the café. To plan your visit and purchase tickets go to TucsonBotanical.org.
Best Mexican Food in Tucson
Tucson proudly claims the title of "America's Best" Mexican food. Visit the link attached to discover all of the different and delicious restaurants in Tucson. https://www.visittucson.org/eat-drink/mexican-food/
Strolls and Stories Tours GUIDED Walking Tours
Join Scott, your Tour Guide, for a Guided Walking Tour as we stroll the charming sidewalks of historic Downtown Tucson, PLUS the adjacent El Presidio and Barrio Viejo neighborhoods. Scott loves a good story, and has found many interesting tidbits & historical points of irony to share on his history walking tours! Visit the link attached for the different tour options and pricing: https://www.strollsandstoriestours.com/