Tucson Is Calling You! Six Ways to Go Beyond the Ballroom in Arizona

What gives Tucson, Arizona, its edge? Savvy meeting planners choose Tucson for its wealth of experiences that go beyond the ballroom. Yes, we boast world-class resorts and destination spas, but we also have airplane hangars, working cattle ranches, desert gardens, and historic theaters.    

Immerse Yourself in an Outdoor Mecca

Many of Tucson’s resorts are tucked into the foothills surrounding the city, creating stunning backdrops for events. Surrounded by five mountain ranges, Tucson offers an outdoor environment that transports visitors to another world, quite literally. It’s easy for groups to jump from the ballroom to go biking or hiking through unique landscapes such as Saguaro National Park and to explore attractions including the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

Experience Spectacular Spas

Want to feel like a celebrity for a few days? Enjoy rest and relaxation at wellness resorts such as Canyon Ranch and Miraval while experiencing the scents, textures, and healing properties of the desert. Tucson offers a range of luxury properties, including JW Marriott Starr Pass, Loews Ventana Canyon, Westin La Paloma, Omni Tucson National, and Westward Look Wyndham Grand. Guests can also relax and unplug in our ranches and boutique properties with loads of character and history.

See Why Tucson Is a Cultural Hub With Unique Attractions

Tucson is a cultural hub with a rich connection to the region’s borderlands culture and Old West history — and there’s no shortage of diverse museums and galleries to explore. Tour the USA’s finest example of Spanish colonial architecture at Mission San Xavier del Bac, a National Historic Landmark still serving its Tohono O’odham community, or embark on a journey through more than 350 historic aircrafts at the Pima Air & Space Museum.

Savor Tucson’s Culinary Scene

Did you know that Tucson is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and home to the "Best 23 Miles of Mexican Food"? Tucson tastes like nowhere else in North America, with a rich culinary heritage spanning 4,000 years and a border that encompasses distinct Mexican and Native traditions in food and drinks. You’ll find an exciting modern food scene with local influences and ingredients on the menu nearly everywhere, reflecting the innovative agricultural techniques practiced in the region. Book a culinary tour at award-winning restaurants and discover why several James Beard Award-winning chefs call Tucson home.

Delve Into Tucson’s Revitalized Urban Core

For a faster pace, stay in Tucson’s revitalized downtown urban core, which features a new AC Hotel by Marriott, a renovated convention center, and the modern Sun Link Streetcar for easy exploration. Rent a Tugo bike or set out on foot to see vibrant murals, sample the culinary scene, drop into a power yoga class, or listen to live music on the patio at the historic Hotel Congress.

Explore Tucson After Dark

What happens after the sun goes down? Tucson’s vibrant nightlife comes alive with music, craft beer, and more. Prepare to have your breath taken away when you experience Tucson’s night skies — from mountaintop observatories at Mount Lemmon to viewings at the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium. With so many options, it’s easy to go beyond the ballroom in Tucson. Escape the ordinary and embrace the unexpected. For more information, go to VisitTucson.org/Meetings.