The best things to do in Tucson

“Crooked Tree Golf Course is a public Tucson track with generous fairways, small greens and plenty of short-game challenge, set among ironwoods, mesquites and saguaros with zero houses in sight. Book a quick round, grab a snack bar bite, maybe sneak in a lesson or spot the First Tee kids learning the game.”

From the Tucson newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Chase cooler highs at 3,000 feet and play the Arthur Hills designed 18-hole championship course at The Highlands at Dove Mountain this week, then hang on the patio for Tucson, Catalina and Tortolita views with a solid clubhouse menu. Tennis, pickleball, pool and a real-deal fitness center keep the momentum going.”

From the Marana newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Old Tucson turns a classic Western backlot into a legit local hangout, with live entertainment and seasonal standouts like Nightfall, Yuletide, and the Summer Night Market. When you want a little frontier flair without leaving town, grab your friends and roam the dusty streets for easy fun.”

From the Marana newsletter, August 8, 2026

“The Views Golf Club keeps Oro Valley swinging with welcoming 9-hole and 18-hole leagues for women and men, blending regular play, lighthearted competition, and social or charitable events. Need a nudge this week? Try the breezy 9, as they say, half the time, twice the fun, or commit to the full 18.”

From the Oro Valley newsletter, August 4, 2026

“When the desert heat kicks in, Oro Valley Aquatic Center is clutch with a large pool for real swims, a water slide that keeps the kids negotiating 'just one more,' a splash pad for the littles, and a snack stand to refuel.”

From the Oro Valley newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Nonprofit movie theater showing indie, documentary & classic films & selling upscale concessions.”

“Silverbell Golf Course is a public, city-owned track with an 18-hole layout plus a driving range and practice area, perfect for a quick tune-up or a full round. Simple muni vibes and those reliable Tucson City Golf amenities make it a handy go-to when you want swings, not fuss.”

From the Oro Valley newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Will You Escape? is Tucson’s first escape room with fully private games, so it’s just your crew racing to crack codes and outsmart the story. Pick your adventure, from Pet Shop Rescue to Witching Hour to La Calavera, and make a night of it this week.”

From the Tucson newsletter, August 20, 2026

“If you're craving a close-to-home upgrade, La Paloma Country Club brings 27 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf, tennis and pickleball on championship courts, a state-of-the-art athletic club, resort-style pools, a spa and salon, exceptional dining, plus a social calendar that keeps your Saturdays booked.”

From the Oro Valley newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Family-friendly destination offering go-kart speeds and arcade games, along with bumper boats and laser tag.”

“If you're the type who debates crosswind landings or apex lines in your head, Fly and Race lets you put those instincts to work in high fidelity flight and racing simulators with a trained commercial pilot guiding the fun. It's a local adrenaline fix without leaving Oro Valley.”

From the Oro Valley newsletter, September 22, 2026

“The Views Golf Club is a public, 18-hole, desert-inspired championship track with Catalina Mountain backdrops, a rolling 6,715-yard par 72 layout, and multiple tees for every swing. Use their Tee Time Standby waitlist to snag last-minute openings and sneak in a round this week.”

From the Oro Valley newsletter, September 8, 2026

“For a change of pace from flat valley tracks, Quarry Pines Golf Club delivers 18 holes with legit elevation changes, Catalina and Tucson mountain backdrops, a practice facility, and Putters Grill to decompress after. Public, friendly, and a fun challenge that rewards smart golf.”

From the Casa Grande newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Whether you're hiding from the heat or hunting for pristine laser projection and Dolby Atmos on a massive CINÉXL screen, Harkins Theatres Tucson Spectrum delivers with comfy recliners. Grab a craft beer or cocktail at the CINÉBAR and pair it with a Big Screen Burger or flatbread.”

From the Tucson newsletter, August 24, 2026

“City-run 18-hole golf course & practice facility with a casual bar & grill.”

“Legendary golf course in the Tucson Mountains featuring 27 holes, including 9 by Arnold Palmer.”

“Dream Dance helps Tucsonans trade two left feet for confidence with private lessons, weekly group classes and lively practice parties across Ballroom, Latin, Swing and Country. They also craft wedding routines, coach competitors, and run kids and teen classes on Tuesdays and Saturdays if the younger set wants in.”

From the Tucson newsletter, September 2, 2026

“El Rio Golf Course is Tucson’s classic, walkable track with tight fairways, small greens, mature trees, and a couple of sneaky lakes.”

From the Tucson newsletter, September 14, 2026

“Planning a wedding, quince, or that big family bash you’ve been threatening for years? Historic Bates Mansion delivers historic Tucson charm, a gorgeous courtyard made for golden-hour photos, and catering options with a pro crew that sweats the details so you can just soak up the moment.”

From the Sahuarita newsletter, August 13, 2026

“Family-friendly chain offering a sports-bar-style setting for American food & arcade games.”

“This week, let Arizona Winery Transportation play concierge while you taste through three picturesque Southern Arizona wineries, complete with tasting flights, hosted transportation for 6 to 7 hours, and time for a leisurely lunch at your spot of choice.”

From the Oro Valley newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Between the Conquistador and Cañada courses plus the scenic 9-hole Pusch Ridge, El Conquistador Golf serves up 45 championship holes framed by the Santa Catalinas. Hit the range, sharpen your game with lessons, then reward yourself with a sunset bite at The Overlook Restaurant.”

From the Oro Valley newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Theater complex with multiple screens, all-stadium seating & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Mountain course with scenic views and challenging holes, plus a practice area.”

“Bowling alley offering pizza and wings, plus an arcade, karaoke and Japanese eats.”

“Need a quick art pick-me-up that isn’t another dusty saguaro scene? Whale Mural by Joe Pagac is his 2019 Sky Islands piece, a public mural sponsored by Banner Health, and it’s the kind of vibrant, feel-good local landmark that makes detours worth it on your daily Tucson routine.”

From the Oro Valley newsletter, September 4, 2026

“Theater complex with multiple screens, all-stadium seating & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“First-run cinema offering recliners with reserved seating, plus a bar, an eclectic menu & gelato.”

“For those nights you want a real big-screen escape, Galaxy Theatres brings cushy recliners, Dolby Atmos that rumbles just right, a roomy lobby to linger, and a snack bar that keeps the popcorn flowing. When the desert heat says "indoors", this is the move.”

From the Tucson newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Set against the Tortolita Mountains, The Stone Canyon Club pairs a Jay Morrish 18 with experiential dining, fitness, and a busy social calendar. Think wine dinners, live music, even limoncello workshops. It’s private, yes, but if you’re looking to plug into a true Oro Valley community, this is the move.”

From the Oro Valley newsletter, September 14, 2026

“Children's amusement center featuring trampolines, a climbing structure, and a zip line, plus dodgeball.”

“Casual family-friendly entertainment center featuring arcade games, bowling and laser tag, plus an eatery with pizza and wings.”

“Trail Dust Town is that Tucson standby where you can cheer a cowboy stunt show, ride the miniature train with the kids, and then wander PollyAnna Park for the carousel, Ferris wheel, gold panning, and a quirky shooting gallery... plus a meal at Pinnacle Peak and locally owned shops.”

From the Tucson newsletter, September 7, 2026

“Mountain, El Conquistador Resort-area course featuring 9 holes as well as a scenic disc golf layout.”

“If your irons need a reality check, Fred Enke Golf Course delivers true desert golf with native vegetation, hilly lies, strategic sand traps, and limited turf that rewards smart targets over hero shots. A solid change of pace when you want something tougher than your usual loop.”

From the Tucson newsletter, August 29, 2026

“If your short game needs love, The Gallery Golf Club is part of The Clubs of Dove Mountain, pairing two clubs into 63 holes by Nicklaus, Fought, and Lehman with a sweet Tortolita backdrop. Worth a look this week if you want a home course with big-time pedigree and a tight-knit member scene.”

From the Marana newsletter, August 26, 2026

“, Arizona National Golf Club winds through mesquite-lined arroyos with saguaro views, nine natural springs, and panoramic Santa Catalina backdrops. Voted Best Public Golf Course in Tucson, it’s that perfect blend of challenge and fun, great for sneaking in a round this week.”

From the Tucson newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Park for families features laser tag, batting cages, go-karts, mini-golf, rides & more.”

“Step into The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures and lose yourself in over 500 handcrafted tiny worlds, from historic interiors and architectural gems to whimsical fantasy scenes. This week, catch The Music of Miniatures: Sidney Weiss and vibrant Peruvian retablos by Claudio Jimenez Quispe.”

From the Tucson newsletter, August 15, 2026

“Oro Valley Country Club just refreshed its 18-hole championship course in 2023, so those greens and bunkers are looking sharp, and the traditional, walkable layout stares straight at Pusch Ridge.”

From the Marana newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Modern multiplex chain showing blockbusters & a few independent films; some venues offer childcare.”