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By Huuk Team

Road trip from San Diego to Tucson

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ITINERARY

7h 25m413 miles8 stops
1
Gates Pass
Gates Pass Road, Tucson, AZ 85743
2
Omni Tucson National Resort Golf Course
2727 W Club Dr, Tucson, AZ 85742-9766
This golf course is the home of the PGA Northern Telecom Open.
3
Cactus Forest Trail
Saguaro National Park, Tucson, AZ 85743
4
Funny Foot Farm and Tucson Petting Zoo
9027 Ghost Ranch Dr, Tucson, AZ 85705
We are a different type of petting zoo. We take you on an educational tour of all our exotic animals and you get to learn about, feed and pet them all. Some of the animals you will get to meet include capybaras, porcupines, tortoise, rabbits, patagonian mara, emus, cow, donkey, chickens, goats and more!
5
Presidio San Agustin Del Tucson Museum
196 N Court Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701-1002
Whether you are a lifelong Tucson resident or a first-time visitor, the Tucson Presidio Historic Museum is must-see. At this re-creation of a Spanish fort built in 1775, experience a 150-year-old classic Sonoran Row house to see how houses were built before the railroad brought in the new building materials of that age. See archaeological remains of a pit house in the ground, and learn about the lives of early Native Americans. Take a docent-led tour of where you’ll discover how Tucson residents lived before air conditioning and cell phones. Kids of all ages can try out Presidio-era kids games in the box on the Territorial Patio and try on the cuera, the Presidio soldier’s version of chainmail, in the soldiers’ quarters. During our many Living History events, visitors enjoy demonstrations of blacksmithing, food preparation, and also see historical re-enactments and soldier drills. We also offer more than 15 historic and cultural walking tours, most in the downtown area.
6
Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium
1601 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719
Located on the University of Arizona campus, Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium inspires visitors of all ages to explore the wonders of science. Take a journey through the solar system and beyond in Flandrau’s state-of-the-art planetarium theater, featuring a fulldome digital projection system that launches you from the Earth to the planets, moons, and asteroids of our galaxy. Flandrau also offers fun interactive science exhibits that will engage the whole family, and dazzling specimens from the UA Mineral Museum. Current exhibit topics include earth science, sharks, astronomy, math puzzles, and gemstones. Open Tuesday through Sunday, see website for hours, showtimes, and admission prices.
7
La Paloma Country Club
3660 E Sunrise Dr, Tucson, AZ 85718-3397
This 27-hole, Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, appealing to pros and beginners alike, is situated on the lovely 250-acre Westin La Paloma resort and offers magnificent city and mountain views.
8
Golf N' Stuff Family Fun Center
6503 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715-3812
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OVERVIEW

This trip is packed with fun activities, breathtaking views, historical landmarks, and plenty of chances to stretch your legs and have some outdoor adventures. Along the way, we'll visit a fascinating museum dedicated to flight, explore a national park with stunning rock formations and towering mountains, and discover the vibrant culture and history of a sun-soaked city in the Sonoran Desert.

Get ready to immerse yourself in art and culture at a world-renowned museum that houses an incredible collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artistic treasures. We'll also step back in time to explore a historic mission founded by Spanish missionaries centuries ago, where you can wander through charming courtyards, admire beautiful architecture, and learn about the area's rich past. And let's not forget the thrilling wildlife encounters that await us! We'll have the chance to spot majestic animals in their natural habitat, from playful dolphins leaping out of the water to graceful birds soaring through the sky.

As we travel through diverse landscapes, we'll make sure to take breaks to soak up the beauty of our surroundings. We'll stretch our legs on scenic hiking trails, marvel at panoramic views from mountaintops, and capture postcard-perfect moments along the way. Whether you're an avid hiker, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the great outdoors, this trip has something for everyone.

1
Start:Gates Pass
Tucson, Arizona·
4.5
(952) review
Gates Pass Road, Tucson, AZ 85743
2
Omni Tucson National Resort Golf Course
Tucson, Arizona·
4.0
(95) review
This golf course is the home of the PGA Northern Telecom Open.
2727 W Club Dr, Tucson, AZ 85742-9766
3
Cactus Forest Trail
Tucson, Arizona·
4.5
(9) review
Saguaro National Park, Tucson, AZ 85743
4
Funny Foot Farm and Tucson Petting Zoo
Tucson, Arizona·
4.5
(88) review
We are a different type of petting zoo. We take you on an educational tour of all our exotic animals and you get to learn about, feed and pet them all. Some of the animals you will get to meet include capybaras, porcupines, tortoise, rabbits, patagonian mara, emus, cow, donkey, chickens, goats and more!
9027 Ghost Ranch Dr, Tucson, AZ 85705
5
Presidio San Agustin Del Tucson Museum
Tucson, Arizona·
4.5
(92) review
Whether you are a lifelong Tucson resident or a first-time visitor, the Tucson Presidio Historic Museum is must-see. At this re-creation of a Spanish fort built in 1775, experience a 150-year-old classic Sonoran Row house to see how houses were built before the railroad brought in the new building materials of that age. See archaeological remains of a pit house in the ground, and learn about the lives of early Native Americans. Take a docent-led tour of where you’ll discover how Tucson residents lived before air conditioning and cell phones. Kids of all ages can try out Presidio-era kids games in the box on the Territorial Patio and try on the cuera, the Presidio soldier’s version of chainmail, in the soldiers’ quarters. During our many Living History events, visitors enjoy demonstrations of blacksmithing, food preparation, and also see historical re-enactments and soldier drills. We also offer more than 15 historic and cultural walking tours, most in the downtown area.
196 N Court Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701-1002
6
Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium
Tucson, Arizona·
4.0
(93) review
Located on the University of Arizona campus, Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium inspires visitors of all ages to explore the wonders of science. Take a journey through the solar system and beyond in Flandrau’s state-of-the-art planetarium theater, featuring a fulldome digital projection system that launches you from the Earth to the planets, moons, and asteroids of our galaxy. Flandrau also offers fun interactive science exhibits that will engage the whole family, and dazzling specimens from the UA Mineral Museum. Current exhibit topics include earth science, sharks, astronomy, math puzzles, and gemstones. Open Tuesday through Sunday, see website for hours, showtimes, and admission prices.
1601 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719
7
La Paloma Country Club
Tucson, Arizona·
4.5
(93) review
This 27-hole, Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, appealing to pros and beginners alike, is situated on the lovely 250-acre Westin La Paloma resort and offers magnificent city and mountain views.
3660 E Sunrise Dr, Tucson, AZ 85718-3397
8
Golf N' Stuff Family Fun Center
Tucson, Arizona·
4.0
(91) review
6503 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715-3812

CHECKLIST

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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between San Diego and Tucson?
The distance is 413 miles
What's the travel time between San Diego and Tucson?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 7h 25m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between San Diego and Tucson?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Tucson?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Tucson
What’s the weather like in Tucson?
The weather in Tucson is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Tucson in January
Weather in Tucson in February
Weather in Tucson in March
Weather in Tucson in April
Weather in Tucson in May
Weather in Tucson in June
Weather in Tucson in July
Weather in Tucson in August
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Weather in Tucson in October
Weather in Tucson in November
Weather in Tucson in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Tucson?
Plan your dream Tucson trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in Tucson
A 2-day itinerary in Tucson
A 3-day itinerary in Tucson
A 4-day itinerary in Tucson
A 5-day itinerary in Tucson
A 6-day itinerary in Tucson
Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in San Diego?
We have a lot of great trip options for San Diego! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you