A combination of zoo, botanical garden, natural history museum, and art gallery set within desert landscapes. With over 230 animal species and 1,200 plant types, guests can enjoy interpretive exhibits along pleasant walking paths

A stunning elevation gain on Catalina Highway brings guests from desert to pine forests within a short drive. Cooler temps and panoramic vistas make for a refreshing getaway. About an hour away from the main city!

The University of Arizona campus is a beautiful blend of history, innovation, and Southwest charm—and there’s plenty to explore.

Top things to check out while you're here:

Old Main – The original campus building and a great photo spot!

Student Union Memorial Center – Grab a coffee, shop the UA Bookstore, or enjoy lunch with a view.

University of Arizona Museum of Art – Featuring classic and contemporary exhibitions.

Arizona State Museum – One of the oldest anthropology museums in the region, highlighting Indigenous cultures of the Southwest.

Centennial Hall – Check the schedule for concerts, lectures, or Broadway-style performances.

Main Gate Square – Just off campus, this area is lined with shops, restaurants, and local cafés—perfect for a quick bite or relaxed hangout.

A lush oasis with themed gardens, butterfly houses (October–May), rotating art exhibits, and shady spots—great for casual mingling and group photos

Stroll through the cozy college town atmosphere, explore nearby breweries on 4th Avenue, or great places with good vibes like Gentle Ben's or Boxyard!

A queer- and woman-owned crystal shop in the heart of Fourth Avenue, Aquamarine Daydream offers a dreamy selection of crystals, handmade jewelry, and metaphysical gifts. With its calming vibe and vibrant displays, it’s the perfect spot to find a meaningful keepsake or explore something magical during your Tucson visit.

If you’re looking for a place that’s fun, beautiful, and totally relaxing while you’re in town, The Moonstone at the Graduate Hotel is a can’t-miss. It’s up on the 14th floor so you get sweeping views of Tucson, the University, Mount Lemmon, and the sunset.

Their menu mixes locally inspired Southwest flavors with playful twists — think tacos, shrimp ceviche, nachos, and creative bar bites — all paired with signature cocktails and craft beers.

It’s got the perfect vibe for families: indoor/outdoor seating, a rooftop terrace, comfy lounge areas, and live entertainment on some nights. Great for catching up, relaxing, and enjoying Tucson’s beauty without rushing

If you want a break from the usual dinner-and-chill—and do something that everyone can enjoy—Snakes & Lattes is so worth stopping by. It’s a board-game bar & restaurant in Main Gate Square (just off the U of A), and the vibe is casual, fun, and totally welcoming.

Here’s what makes it great:

They have a massive library of 600+ board games, from classics to new ones, so there’s something for every age & interest.

Game admission is super reasonable ($5 for adults, $3 for kids 12 & under).

You can also eat & drink while playing—tasty comfort food, snacks, drinks, desserts—so you can make an entire fun evening out of it.

Family-friendly hours and atmosphere (kids are welcome, etc.).

If you’ve got a bigger group, you can even do private or semi-private gatherings there, which is perfect for catching up, celebrating, or doing a low-key evening with everyone.

If your family is looking for a spot that has a little bit of everything, Casino Del Sol is a perfect getaway while they’re in town. It’s a full resort with over 200 beautiful rooms and suites, plus a luxury Sky Level for an upgraded experience. The dining options are incredible, from the upscale PY Steakhouse and Asian fusion at Ume to casual bites at Moby’s Diner, Abuelitas Mexican, and the lively Festa buffet.

The outdoor spaces really set it apart — the pool features a beach-style entry, splash pads for kids, twin jacuzzi islands, waterfalls, fire pits, and private cabanas, all surrounded by gorgeous desert views. There’s also a relaxing spa and fitness center for a little downtime, and at night, the property comes alive with concerts, shows, and events at their AVA Amphitheater and indoor Event Center.

It’s the kind of place where your family can relax, eat well, and have fun all in one spot — a mini vacation within the wedding weekend.

Main Event Tucson is a big entertainment center out at 4700 S. Landing Way, loaded with arcade games (over 100!), laser tag, bowling lanes (bumpers and dragon-ramps included for the little ones), billiards, shuffleboard, and more.

When you need to refuel, their full-service restaurant and bar offer familiar comfort food like burgers, wings, pizza, plus cocktails and drinks for the grownups.

It stays open late, so it’s perfect for a late afternoon hang out or winding down after wedding events. The mix of games and food means you can go in with one thing in mind and leave in a totally different mood — laughter, competition, chill time, whatever feels right.