If you’ve been scrolling through group chats trying to plan the perfect girls getaway that’s a good balance of flavor, adventure filled fun, and relaxing moments —we’ve got your next trip locked in: Tucson, Arizona.
This desert gem brings the charm of a small town with big personality, and it’s seriously underrated when it comes to girls trips. Highlights include soul-stirring sunsets, award-winning tacos, historic streets packed with color and character, and a rich history that is thoughtfully woven throughout the community in a way that feels tangible.
Whether your group wants to spend the weekend thrifting and eating your way through town or you’re just trying to soak up good convos surrounded by a unique landscape—we’ve rounded up everything you need for an unforgettable Tucson girls trip.
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Where to Stay in Tucson
Tucson may be smaller than Phoenix, but it still spans roughly 240 square miles. Where you stay in Tucson can totally shape your trip. Some areas are walkable and full of character, while others are better for quiet vibes or scenic mountain escapes. Here’s how to pick the right spot for your Tucson girls trip:
Downtown Tucson
Pros:
Like any city, the downtown area is the beating heart of the city. And with Tucson being home to the University of Arizona, the downtown area is always bustling. If you stay downtown, you’ll be steps away from cocktail bars, funky cafes, local boutiques, historic theaters, and cute brunch spots.
Downtown Tucson is super walkable and you can hop on the free streetcar to explore 4th Ave, the university area, or spend your time hopping around Congress street. But there is SO MUCH MORE to Tucson than just downtown, so we highly suggest renting a car if able.
Cons:
Downtown parking is a bit of a puzzle and gets full quickly in the evenings. Weekends can get loud—especially if you’re staying near the bars and clubs or near Congress Street. Accommodations range from boutique hotels to budget options. There are several apartments, condos, and hotels, but not too many homes.
4th Avenue / University Area
Pros:
This area is quirky, colorful, and full of energy. It blends vintage shops, indie bookstores, murals, and low-key eats. If you want your girls trip to have thrifting, coffee shop hopping, and people-watching, this is the spot. You’re still close to downtown and on the free streetcar route.
Cons:
Because it’s a college zone, it can be loud at night (especially when school is in session). There are fewer traditional hotels—this is more of an Airbnb or guesthouse zone.
If I had to choose between downtown (aka Congress Street) and 4th ave, I would choose 4th ave every single time! To me, it has a bit more unique character, charm, and spunkiness to it that you don’t find anywhere else in Tucson.
East Tucson / Tanque Verde Area
Pros:
This is where you’ll find easy access to Saguaro National Park East (15 min), Sabino Canyon (20 min), and Mt. Lemmon (1 hour). This is a great area for Tucson girls trips centered on outdoor activities with hiking, biking, and desert views around every corner. Bigger Airbnbs are common, so it’s a great area for groups needing a bit more space.
Cons:
It’s more suburban and spread out so you’ll definitely want a car since it isn’t walkable. The energy is more chill and local, less trendy.
West Tucson
Pros:
West Tucson is close to Saguaro National Park West (25 min), Desert Museum (20 min), and Gates Pass (15 min) – a great spot for sunset views. This side of town can feel a touch more remote and scenic and is filled with locals. It’s ideal if your group wants nature immersion while maintaining quick city access.
Cons:
You’ll need to take a short drive to get to restaurants, shopping and nightlife. It’s a great area to be close to key areas, but there isn’t much in the immediate area if that makes sense.
Oro Valley / Foothills Area
Pros:
If you are looking for mountain views, rejuvenating spas, and resort-style stays for your Tucson girls trip, look north to Oro Valley and the Foothills. This area is perfect for relaxing poolside with drinks while you take in the mountain view. Many resorts have hiking trails just steps away from the property – so you can get the best of both worlds.
Cons:
It’s far from downtown—about 30–40 minutes depending on traffic—and not ideal for nightlife. Uber rides can add up fast, so if you want to see more of Tucson than just the resort you’re staying at, you’ll want a car.
What to Eat
Tucson is designated as a city of gastronomy, UNESCO certified and all. It is the first city in the United States to receive the honor with San Antonio, Texas being the only other US city with the prestigious award.
This means the food in Tucson isn’t just phenomenal – it also honors the Mexican and Native American cultures the food comes from. When you eat traditional food in Tucson, you’re partaking in a culinary heritage that is 4,000 years old.
Breakfast
A Tucson girls trip isn’t complete without breakfast at Barista del Barrio. Regularly ranked among the top 100 places to eat and a recent James Beard Award semifinalist, this casual, walk-up coffee shop with all-outdoor seating is a local favorite for good reason. Must-try items include the machaca burrito, egg and cheese croissant, mazapan latte, and Mexican chocolate latte—but honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Pinky promise.
Another crave-worthy brunch spot is Baja Cafe. Known for its creative pancakes (think lemon blueberry or snickerdoodle), flavorful southwestern scrambles, and loaded Eggs Benedicts, this vibrant, locally-loved diner serves up flavor in every bite. They also do lunch as well if you don’t make it for breakfast.
Coffee Shops
Personal favorites are Coffee Xchange Bistro and Exo Roast (specifically their Simpson location). Coffee Xchange has a wide menu of not only coffee but breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts. Exo Roast has a smaller menu, but is equally delicious and their Simpson location is in a converted house turned coffee shop that also spotlights as a low key cocktail spot in the evenings – cool vibes all around and a great hangout spot.
Mexican Food
Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen – they’ve won awards for their salsa, quesabirria tacos and margaritas AND were also nominated for a James Beard Award. The food is fantastic – think authentic classic mexican dishes but with a high end twist. They have two locations – but insider tip, their Oracle location is our preference (full menu available and more seating, their Grant location offers a limited menu with limited seating). Highly recommend reservations!
La Frida Mexican Grill – another truly stellar mexican restaurant in Tucson (& one that Amanda went to 3 times while living in Tucson!). Their service is unmatched, and their food is bursting with deep flavors. They have monthly specials as well as a truly impeccable core menu that never disappoints. This is the perfect place to start or end your Tucson girls trip. They don’t do reservations, so be prepared to wait, but I promise it will be worth it.
Polo’s Taqueria – If you are looking for something more casual, then this food truck is where you need to go. They’ve been around for decades serving the most delicious creations out of their truck & at community events around the city. They have a large menu but our favorite thing on it is the quesbirria burrito and the classic street tacos. They have covered and uncovered seating so you can enjoy rain or shine.
El Guero Canelo – One of the must try culinary dishes while in Tucson is the Sonoran Hotdog (I know, I know – how special can a hotdog be? Just trust and believe its really good!). Beyond their Sonoran Hotdog they also serve other Mexican street food classics in a casual and laid back atmosphere.
Stepping away from Mexican food, a fantastic pizza spot is Anello. They have the best wood fired pizza, seasonal sides (think roasted brussel sprouts with hazelnut preserved lemon puree and rosemary) and creative desserts. The restaurant is small, so if you have a larger group then make reservations in advance.
Crooked Tooth Brewing is next door to Anello’s and absolutely can’t be missed. It’s a spot that’s effortlessly cool, inclusive, and full of local love. Family-owned and community-minded, they focus on small-batch brews crafted with local ingredients and big personality. They host events like trivia, movie nights, yoga and so much more on a monthly basis.
Wanting to tie Sedona into your girls trip? Check out our 4 Day Sedona Itinerary for all the info on where to stay, eat, and explore!
What to Do on Your Tucson Girls Trip
Whether you’re interested in wellness centered itineraries or outdoor exploring or something in between, there is something for everyone in Tucson.
For the Wellness Girls
Spa day at Hacienda del Sol – There are multiple resorts to choose from in Tucson, but Hacienda brings a certain level of luxury and charm that amplifies the beauty of the desert in a way that is unmatched. To maximize the relaxation, you can opt to stay at the resort or enjoy a meal at one of their two onsite restaurants. You seriously can’t go wrong integrating this into your trip.
Sound Bath – For a truly grounding experience on your Tucson girls trip, don’t miss a sound bath session with Open Heart Alchemy. They offer both standard sound bath sessions and floating sound baths. Open Heart Alchemy is deeply intentional about their practice, and it shows. Each session is infused with care, calm, and a genuine sense of healing energy.
Watch the Sunset – Tucson has some of the most breathtaking sunsets I have ever seen in my life. There is something healing about ending the day by watching such a mastery of natural beauty. Our favorite spot in all of Tucson is Windy Point Vista, which is roughly a 45 minute drive up the mountains towards Mt. Lemmon.
ResortPass – this platform lets you book day access to dreamy hotels + resort amenities without shelling out the cost for an overnight stay. Poolside cabana? Spa access? A fancy drink with your name on it? Yes, please. It’s one of our favorite travel hacks for turning any day into a mini escape at a lower cost. Tucson has 15+ hotels / resorts listed on ResortPass, so check them out!
For the Foodies
Tucson isn’t just the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the U.S.—it’s a food lover’s dream packed with bold flavors, deep cultural roots, and iconic regional dishes you won’t find anywhere else, promise. Some of the local classics:
Sonoran Hot Dog
The absolute queen of Tucson street food. In case you aren’t familiar, this is a bacon-wrapped hot dog tucked into a fluffy bolillo bun and piled high with pinto beans, grilled onions, tomatoes, mayo, mustard, and jalapeño sauce. Try it at El Güero Canelo, a local legend.
Chimichanga
According to local legend, this deep-fried burrito was invented at El Charro Café, the oldest Mexican restaurant in the U.S. owned by the same family. They also have mini-chimichange flights if you are indecisive about what to get!
Bonus Picks:
Don’t skip Navajo frybread tacos or classic mexican sweet treats at Paleteria y Neveria la Michoacana
It’s not a UNESCO city of gastronomy without food tours right? If you are looking for a unique food tour of some of the best tacos in Tucson, check out the Taco Bike Tour. You’ll get a tour of the city, try multiple tacos & a sonoran hot dog and work it all off on your bike ride- can you really ask for more?
For the Outdoor Adventurers
Tucson is honestly the ideal destination for any outdoorsy girls trip. There are a plethora of options that are nature centered to choose from. Heres a list of some of our favs:
Sabino Canyon – located 30 minutes from downtown Tucson on the northeast side, this recreation area is a playground of adventure. From taking the Sabino Canyon Crawler Tour to hiking the paved trail through the canyon or taking on one of the more challenging hikes like Blackett’s Ridge, this park has something for every level of adventure.
Saguaro National Park – cut in half by the city of Tucson itself, you can choose to explore the east side or the west side. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose which is better for you:
East Side: This side has a paved scenic drive (aka Cactus Loop Drive). For more adventurous girls trips choose to do a sunset e-bike tour through the park. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
West Side: also has a scenic driving loop (Bajada Loop Drive), but it is unpaved and a bit bumpier. Both sides have pulloffs where you can park and get out and explore walking trails to see the desert plant life up close. A little sunset hack on the west side: Do the drive about two hours before sunset, and get out to take a little walk around to immerse yourself in the forest of cactus. Then roughly an hour before sunset, make your way to Gates Pass to watch a gorgeous sunset over the desert.
Tumamoc Hill – A classic Tucson hike that the locals frequent because of its convenient location downtown. Don’t let the term hill deceive you though. This hill turns into a real hike after the midway point, but you’ll love the view from the top.
Colossal Cave Mountain Park – A wonderful way to escape the heat of the desert and take a journey underground. They offer different tours for different levels of adventure. We personally recommend the Ladder Tour where you get to walk across rock bridges, climb ladders, and be immersed in the cave via narrow passages. This is a great intro to caving! They have a more advanced version or an easier version to align with the adventure of your girls trip.
Mt Lemmon – Just an hour from downtown Tucson, Mt. Lemmon is the perfect year-round escape. At 9,000 ft, it offers cool relief in summer and snowy fun in winter. Whether you’re into hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking or skiing there’s no shortage of adventure. At the top of the mountain, you’ll find a charming town with cute shops, restaurants and a famous cookie cabin with the biggest cookies you’ll ever see. Don’t miss the year-round ski lift for panoramic views in warmer months or access to 20+ ski and snowboard trails in winter.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – Part zoo, part botanical garden, part art gallery, part natural history museum and even aquarium, this immersive gem on the westside of Tucson is a must for your girls trip in Tucson. You’ll get to see and learn about the desert wildlife and plants as you wander through the exhibits, gardens, and mazes. If taking your girls trip in winter, be sure to check out their free raptor show where a diverse variety of birds swoop mere feet above head!
Bonus Ideas: Horseback riding (especially sunset rides) are immensely popular too!
For the low key group
Sometimes you don’t want to get too woowoo and the group isn’t outdoor centered so you need something that will still create memories – this is for you.
Santa Theresa Tile Works – Get crafty and spend time creating unique mosaic masterpieces with your girls. This charming mosaic studio offers hands-on workshops (walk ins welcome!), where you and your friends can design your own colorful tile masterpiece and leave with a handmade souvenir that beats any tourist trinket. Insider tip: the studio is around the corner from Anello & Crooked Tooth Brewery, so you can easily spend the day hitting all three spots.
Explore 4th Avenue – a funky, vibrant street packed with vintage shops, quirky boutiques, fun murals, local cafes, bookstores and themed bars. If your girls trip is in the winter or spring, then you have to check out the 4th ave street fair. This event focuses on promoting original, hand-made artwork and other creations with over 300 artists setting up booths. There’s food and music and endless ways to support local artists – making it an excellent day spent on any girls trip in Tucson.
Live Music & Events at Hotel Congress – A hotel built in 1919 holds a historic and exciting past that has transcended time. It is now an event venue with restaurants + lounges onsite, and it continues to operate as a hotel as well. This is a fun atmosphere to hang with the girls, soaking up live music and having drinks while being surrounded by history.
Other options: local bookstore and coffee shop hopping, checking out the dozens upon dozens of thrift stores in Tucson, and of course the many museums that the city hosts.
From jaw-dropping desert views to culinary gems that punch way above their weight, Tucson is a destination that sneaks into your soul and lingers long after your plane touches back down home.
So round up the group chat, pack your stretchy pants (you’ll need them), and start building the Tucson girls trip you didn’t know you were craving and honestly probably need. Because in Tucson, the real magic is found in the little moments—shared tacos, belly laughs, golden hour walks, and finding something new to love around every corner.
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