48 Things To Do In Tucson When It’s Too Hot!
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.
31. Plan an early afternoon picnic at Agua Caliente Park
While most parks in this region are absolutely not the place to plan a picnic on hot summer days, there is one that is doable if you arrive early enough in the day. Beautiful Agua Caliente is a shady oasis with a rare setting consisting of tropical palms and natural springs.
This tropical park really is an oasis in the desert, and luckily does not get all that crowded as it is a located bit out of the city. Pack some snacks and drinks in the cooler and enjoy a quiet day enjoying a rare tropical setting not found elsewhere in the city. Sometimes we stop here on the way to Mt. Lemmon to break up the drive.
Location: 12325 Agua Caliente Park Road
32. Catch up on that series you’ve been meaning to watch
I would not be surprised if hot areas like Phoenix and Tucson have the most Netflix users in the country. It really can be a lifesaver when you have 6 months of intolerable heat. Amazon Prime, Hulu, Tubi, and HBO Max also have a lot of great old classics available. Summer is the time to catch up on any shows you have been longing to see since you can’t really do anything outside for too long.
Supernatural, Weeds, Revenge, Stranger Things, Friends, Cobra Kai, Step by Step, Ghost Adventures, Lost, Breaking Bad, and Dollhouse are a few really engaging shows which will easily make you forget that you are boarded up inside. Amazon Prime, Hulu, and HBO Max also have a lot of great old classics available.
33. Check out local galleries
Although you will not find nearly as many galleries here as in some of the smaller artsier communities like Tubac and Sedona, there are a few interesting choices spread around here and there. If you combine a few, it can make for a fun afternoon art tour and a great choice during the summer when it’s too hot for outdoor recreation.
Philabaum showcases some pretty spectacular glass blown art, or you can test your hand at making your own glass blown art and even taken home a pretty cool glass souvenir at the Sonoran Glass School. On the second Saturday of each month, the usually quiet streets of downtown come alive for the 2nd Saturday Art Walk, featuring special exhibits, live entertainment, and restaurant specials.
More info on the city’s art galleries
34. Reread a favorite book series
Whether from your personal collection, the library, or Amazon, there is no better way to pass the time during a long summer season in Tucson than engaging yourself in an intriguing novel. Make a pot of coffee, crank up the air, and enjoy a long leisurely day catching up on that novel or series you have been meaning to reread. I am personally a fan of Stephen King – the novels are super long and engaging, and thus, perfect for a long day of reading in the A/C.
35. Attend the Summer Nights celebration at the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum
With absolutely no shade, the Arizona Sonora Museum is about the worst place to visit on a 100+ degree summer afternoon. This zoo/aquarium/botanical gardens is a great alternative for non hikers to explore the desert.
Luckily, the museum has started a summer evening program called “Cool Summer Nights” where you can enjoy the sights sans the bright sun in your face. As an added bonus, many of the nocturnal animals not seen much during the day are out and about. This event runs from 5-9pm each Saturday from June to late August.
Location: 2021 N Kinney Rd.
36. Enjoy an early morning bike ride along the Rillito River Path
Biking requires a bit less energy than hiking or running, so if you get up early enough (before 8am), I recommend a nice leisurely ride along the Rillito River Path before the hottest part of the day. This 11 mile paved multi use path has several access points around the city. I actually love biking in this city; it’s such a fantastic place with the beautiful scenery and easy access to many long paths. There is also a lot of hard mountain terrain that the cyclists love (I see them fueling up every weekend in the local coffeebars).
The Rillito is my favorite path in the city. I love parking by the Rillito Farmer’s Market and picking up some fresh produce after my ride.
As this path is really flat and easy, it’s the perfect option for those wanting to get in some light exercise during the summer season. The temps will likely be in the lower 80’s early in the morning which is much better than 105! However, there really is no shade, so be sure to wear a hat and sunglasses to block some of the sun.
Location: 4200 N Campbell Avenue
More info on the Loop bike trail
37. Shop for local produce & goods at the Rillito River Farmers Market
All year-round, you can shop for fresh local produce and handmade goods at the Rillito River Farmers Market located at the Rillito River Park. All sorts of family farms, local vendors, and specialty food producers are on hand at this popular festival. Here you can pick up farm fresh eggs and produce, sample locally made prickly pear kombucha, treat yourself to a homemade burrito, pick up specialty pastas, and so much more. I’ve tried a lot of really creative foods and drinks here versus the basic goods you find at an ordinary market.
Get here right at opening (9am) and you will be able to enjoy walking around sans large crowds, during the more comfortable morning hours. The St. Philip’s Farmers market, held on Saturdays and Sundays, is another one to check out.
Location: 4502 N 1st Avenue
38. Stroll around the Tucson Premium outlets (at night)
The Tucson Premium Outlets is a newly built outlet mall in Marana, just 15 minutes outside of the city. With over 60 premium outlets including Nike Factory, Michael Kors, and Banana Republic, it’s the top choice for outlet shopping in southern Arizona. The space is clean and nicely landscaped with palm trees.
There is a fair amount of shade and misters to help you keep cool, although a night visit is definitely the way to go if being comfortable is a priority. On the downside, there are not a lot of restaurant choices and no entertainment (a movie theater or D & B would be nice!). If you are looking for a bite to eat, check out the fantastic local Italian restaurant Dominick’s, which is just a short drive away. This is my favorite casual Italian restaurant in the city. Definitely try the garlic knots!
Location: 6401 Marana Center Blvd.
39. Treat yourself to a massage
Being that this region is a popular winter destination for those escaping the snowy climates of the Midwest, there are a number of luxury resorts in the area, all of which are known for their exclusive spas. If you are looking for something more affordable, the local chain Rubs Massage offers massages for well under 100 bucks and has several convenient locations around the city.
For those seeking a more luxury experience, here are the top 6 spas via the Arizona Foothills magazine.
40. Plan a daytrip/weekend roadtrip to the cool pines of Flagstaff
Flagstaff offers a completely different ambiance than Tucson in every aspect. First of all, the temperatures typically stay in the upper 70’s-low 80’s for the majority of the summer season. Second, the smallish town feels more local and is not overflooded with as many chains and resorts. Third, the town is located within a gorgeous ponderosa pine forest, meaning the trails here are beautiful & shady.
If you would like to see some pines vs. cacti, Flagstaff is the place to go. The high altitude (7000 ft), 4 season city is the perfect mini escape from the desert climate and is accessible via a quick 4 hour drive. It’s worth the drive for the cooler temperatures, pretty alpine scenery, local restaurants/coffeehouses, and abundance of gorgeous high altitude hiking trails.
I lived in the area for years and loved every minute. Check out a few of my favorite high altitude hikes for starters.
