For those unfamiliar with the term “staycation,” it’s a vacation spent in one’s local area. In the following list, we’ve assembled some staycation ideas for senior citizens in the Greater Tucson area, with a focus on comfort, enrichment, accessibility, and local charm. Keep in mind that some of these ideas might not be appropriate during the extreme heat of our Tucson summers (see the “Cooler Getaways” section below).
Nature & Relaxation Without Leaving Town
Tohono Chul Park or Tucson Botanical Gardens
- Stroll or sit in shaded desert gardens with gentle walking paths, birdwatching, and tea at the onsite cafes.
- Ideal for: low-mobility seniors, nature lovers
- Bonus: Many sites offer senior discounts.
- A lush oasis with ponds and accessible picnic areas (not recommended in summer).
Desert View Retreat:
- Book a night or two at Hacienda del Sol or a local resort like Westward Look for a relaxing spa experience, mountain views, and gourmet dining — without going far.
- Tip: Ask for midweek senior specials.
Art, Culture & Learning
Museum Crawl:
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (part zoo, part botanical garden). In summer, go early or visit their indoor galleries.
- The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures: air-conditioned, and easy to navigate.
- Tucson Museum of Art or University of Arizona Museum of Art
- Tip: Many museums offer free or discounted admission for Pima County seniors on certain days.
Self-Guided Mural Tour:
- Tucson is famous for its vibrant murals. Take a slow drive or short walks through neighborhoods like Barrio Viejo or Downtown to see them.
- Use the Tucson Murals Project map to plan your route.
Mindful & Educational
Stay-at-Home Learning:
- Sign up for Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI-UA) virtual or in-person classes for retirees
- Topics include history, travel, science, and more — taught by engaging local educators
Tucson Public Library Programs
- Events, workshops, book clubs, and free tech support for seniors at many branches
- Tip: Ask about Books on Wheels for homebound seniors
Food and Community
Do a themed week of Tucson cuisine:
- Monday: Sonoran hot dogs (El Güero Canelo, El Sinaloense Hot Dog Cart, BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs)
- Wednesday: Tamales (Tucson Tamale Co.)
- Friday: Sunset dinner at Vivace
- Bonus: Try the Tucson Meet Yourself festival (Oct) if staying local in fall.
Picnic in the Park (avoid in summer):
- Visit Agua Caliente Park or Reid Park Rose Garden
- Bring a folding chair and enjoy live music from local senior groups (check Tucson Parks & Recreation listings)
Tip: Host a tasting night or cooking class with friends at home.
Wellness & Social Connection
Gentle Movement Classes:
Try tai chi, chair yoga, water aerobics, horseback riding:
- Tucson JCC (Jewish Community Center)
- El Rio Senior Center
- Udall Recreation Center
- Therapeutic Riding of Tucson (TROT)
Cooler Getaways: Higher-Elevation Escapes Near Tucson
Mount Lemmon (Elevation ~8,000 ft)
- 30°F cooler than Tucson in summer!
- Take the scenic drive up Catalina Highway.
- Enjoy a picnic, ride the ski lift (open in summer), or dine at the Iron Door Restaurant.
- Great spot for seniors who enjoy pine forests, birds, and nature with minimal walking.
Madera Canyon (Elevation ~4,900–5,400 ft)
- Beautiful birding and shaded walking trails.
- Less crowded during the week; benches and rest areas are available.
- A quiet, peaceful half-day retreat.
- A tiny alpine town near the summit of Mount Lemmon.
- Ice cream at The Cookie Cabin, relaxing cabin rentals, and cool breezes.
- Great for a low-key overnight stay or just a scenic lunch.
Patagonia and Sonoita (Elevation ~4,000–5,000 ft)
- Explore grasslands, vineyards, and charming small towns south of Tucson.
- Visit Patagonia Lake State Park or enjoy a wine tasting with beautiful views.
- Cooler than Tucson, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Oracle (Elevation ~4,500 ft)
- Just 40 minutes from Tucson.
- Visit Oracle State Park or enjoy tea at a local artist’s studio.
- Quieter than Mount Lemmon with a rustic, artsy vibe.
For more ideas, see visitTucson.org.