15 Places for Incredible Views in Tucson, Arizona
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
11. Loews Ventana Canyon resort
Loews Ventana Canyon is the most popular resort in Tucson due to the picturesque setting, great pool, and convenient location nearby many of the best attractions in the city. If you are primary seeking a beautiful upscale vacation destination, Loews Ventana canyon will not disappoint. Loews is like a little oasis in the middle of the desert, with lush greenery in every direction, a gorgeous resort style pool, interpretative nature trails, and an 80 foot waterfall.
Loews features outstanding views of the Catalina mountains, attractive amenities including 2 PGA golf courses, tennis courts, and a scenic on-site restaurant (Flying J Grille). There is a beautiful little waterfall viewable via a short walk.
More info on Loews Ventana canyon
12. Honeybee canyon
Honeybee Canyon is a picturesque, quiet park in Oro Valley. A 2 mile easy loop trail takes you through the beautiful Saguaro studded landscape, before arriving at an amazing overlook of the Santa Catalina mountains. The park is located in a quiet residential neighborhood, and thus, the trail always remains peaceful. I hiked here frequently while living in Oro and barely saw more than 2-3 hikers at a time.
The mountain scenery here is quite outstanding. Really, this is one of the best value hikes in the area considered the free admission, relative ease of the trail, and outstanding scenery accessible via little effort. It’s located super close to Catalina State Park, and thus a great alternative if you are seeking free parking. As a bonus, a new location of the wonderful Seis Tacos opened in Oro recently (their breakfast tacos are the best I’ve ever had).
13. Reid Park
Water in the desert is extremely rare, thus making Reid Park a true treasure. It’s hard to believe I am still in the Sonoran Desert anytime I come here. This beautiful local park includes a 3 mile biking/walking path, a tennis center, 2 ponds, and a beautiful seasonal rose garden.
If you are looking for a scenic park for an easy bike ride, peaceful walk or jog, a quiet place to picnic, or simply a nice place nearby to enjoy nature, Reid Park should please. I often visit this park when I am seeking an easy workout vs a rough and tough desert hike. The paved path means I get a little bit of a break from getting covered with dirt on the trailheads. As an added bonus, the park is located adjacent to Reid Park Zoo, a small, yet diverse and beautifully landscaped local zoo.
14. Arizona Sonora Desert Museum
If you would like to learn more about the various plants and animals that call the desert home, the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum is a great place to begin your Tucson adventure. Along with interpretative trails, you also have access to a small zoo and aquarium. I really love exploring all the cacti gardens here. It’s nice to see so many varieties all in one place. If you like birdwatching, this place is even more fantastic (there is a nice hummingbird aviary).
Even better, you may have the opportunity to see wildlife in its natural environment via exploring one of the on-site hiking trails. It’s not unusual to see a bobcat early in the morning hours or towards sunset. Keep a safe distance and observe these beautiful mammals in their true setting – it’s quite a magnificent experience!
15. Pima Canyon
Pima Canyon is a gorgeous hiking area located just north of the upscale Catalina Foothills neighborhood. The lower portion of the trail is moderate-difficult in intensity and about 3 miles out-and-back. You can simply go out as far as you like and turn back at any time. Endurance athletes may choose to continue on another 2 miles to Pima Springs, although the trail becomes extremely challenging at this point.
No matter your fitness level, this is a gorgeous secluded trail loaded with fabulous mountain views and endless varieties of desert plant life. This trail feels super isolated, yet is super close to the city. Parking is free.
“The Old Pueblo’s” most scenic dining options
How about a fabulous view to go along with your meal? While I typically frequent the more casual cafes before and after hiking, I can understand tourists seeking a great view (you will want to savor the mountain scenery as much as you can!).
Hacienda del Sol: A fabulous resort restaurant featuring a popular Sunday brunch buffet and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the gorgeous Catalinas.
First Watch: A healthy upscale chain in Oro Valley featuring incredible views of the Catalinas via a covered outdoor patio. Plenty of shade, excellent breakfast fare (I love the Market Veggie Skillet), and amazing coffee!
Tohono Chul Garden bistro: A tranquil cafe at the Tohono Chul Gardens surrounded by lovely desert plants. Plenty of shade, gorgeous plant life, and delicious breakfast fare!
Check out my full Old Pueblo dining guide for more great restaurants in the area. This is an amazing foodie city especially if you love Mexican food!
