Greetings, fellow adventurers! Nowadays, I am glad to tell you about my experience of finding cheap vacation spots from the buzzing city of Tucson, Arizona, USA. Rattling in the desert, Tucson is not just an ardent supporter for those who love the outdoors but also an entrance to various inexpensive travel destinations. Hence, bring along your spirit of adventurousness and let us go on a cheap places to travel from Tucson AZ!
Table of Contents
1. Sedona, Arizona– Places to Travel from Tucson AZ
- Travel time: ~3 hours 57 minutes (by car)
- Gas cost (estimate): Based on your car’s mileage and gas prices at the time of travel.
- Accommodation: $39-$192
- Food: $20-$102
Within the northern boundary of 2 hours’ drive from Tucson, there is a fairytale town, Sedona. Sedona is renowned for its massive red rock formations and spiritual fascination, it has a lot of fun things to do for nature lovers on a budget. Walk around the iconic Red Rock State Park’s hiking trails or engage in a self-guided tour at the Chapel of the Holy Cross, which has a stunning design.
Seeing the sunset in colored Sedona would be a crime to miss. There is no way you can imagine the sky beautifully painted in all shades of the rainbow. The chances of staying in affordable lodges and campsites in the vicinity are there, and that makes Sedona a must-see destination for budget travelers.
2. Bisbee, Arizona
- Travel time: ~2 hours 10 minutes by car (check traffic!)
- Gas cost (estimate): Factor this is based on your car’s mileage and gas prices.
- Accommodation: €50-€150+ (hostels to luxury hotels)
- Food: €10-€50+ (street food to restaurants)
- Sample 3-day trip: €320-€620 (mid-range, excludes gas)
Step southwards from Tucson and find Bisbee, a unique place that showcases a lot of artists. Pariah of the Mule Mountains, this former mining town evolved into an artists’ hideout and bohemian refuge. Stroll along the streets of the historical buildings, which all have vintage Victorian-era architecture, and admire the one-of-a-kind art galleries and the laid-back atmosphere.
The Queen Mine Tour is not to be missed. While you are there, you are going to delve into the depths of a historic copper mine. The Bisbee choice is diverse enough to offer a range of affordable lodging options, from quaint B&Bs to standard motels which makes it a perfect spot for an adventurous and comfortable getaway.
3. Puerto Peñasco, Mexico
- Travel: Car: Fastest (4.5 hrs), most flexible (consider border wait times).
- Bus: Budget-friendly (6-8 hrs, starts at $45).
- Accommodation: $30-+$100 (hostels to resorts)
- Food: $10-+$50 (street food to restaurants)
- Sample 3-day trip: $270-+$540 (mid-range, excludes car gas)
To get the feel of the beach vacationing within a budget, travel south to Puerto Peñasco, also called Rocky Point. The Sea of Cortez, a gorgeous bay on the Mexican side, is home to the scenic sandy beaches and a very calm atmosphere of this town.
Spend your hours sunbathing beside the water, swimming, or even doing some water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. Make sure you don’t skip the chance to try the seafood specialties at one of the nearby restaurants, as well. Offering low-cost beachfront accommodation and a vibrant indigenous community, Puerto Peñasco is a hidden treasure for solo tourists with a sense of adventure and a small budget looking for a beach getaway.
4. Tombstone, Arizona
- Travel time: ~3 hours by car (check traffic!)
- Gas cost (estimate): Factor this is based on your car’s mileage and gas prices.
- Accommodation: $50-+$150 (motels to upscale options)
- Food: $10-+$50 (fast food to saloons)
- Sample 3-day trip: €320-€620 (mid-range, excludes gas)
Step into the Wild West history and take a trip back in time to Tombstone, Arizona. Famous for its legendary history and notorious gun battles, which left this old frontier town no less than a museum of the Wild West, the town still offers authentic experiences without charging tourists a buck. Stop by the famous OK Corral travel the historic Allen Street, and catch a dramatic reenactment of the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
Join a guided tour through the Bird Cage Theatre, a former saloon, and theater that will now amaze you thanks to the museum. Budget inns, guesthouses, and hostels are among the affordable housing options in Tombstone; hence, the place is a suitable destination for all, including history buffs and budget travelers.
5. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
- Travel time: ~2 hours 10 minutes by car (check traffic!)
- Gas cost (estimate): Factor this is based on your car’s mileage and gas prices.
- Accommodation: $15-+$150 (campgrounds to rentals) – limited options near the park
- Food: $10-+$40 (pack snacks! Limited options near the park)
- Park Entrance: $30 (valid for 7 days)
- Sample 3-day trip: €350-€620
Get a chance to experience the one and only Sonoran Desert by visiting Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, about twenty miles south of Tucson. The cactus grows here, and one of them is an unusual – organ pipe cactus which is more than 30 meters high. Feel the scenic drives, hike at the hiking trails, and appreciate the stunning desert scenery as you feast on the views.
Be amazed at the vistas. Without forgetting ranger-led programs, you could learn about the diverse plant and animal life that inhabit these dry lands. Campsites are provided on-site, making it possible to have an up-close experience with the desert, at a very low cost.
The Departure– Places to Travel from Tucson AZ
Getting to experience the best affordable places around Tucson, Arizona that has a variety of landscapes, rich history and a lot of fascination is like going out on an adventure. If you prefer a stroll among the red sandstone rocks of Sedona, an easy-going tour in the Old West-styled Tombstone, or a lazy day on the sunny beaches of Puerto Peñasco, here are the most affordable places for hearty travelers.
Those are some tips to help you save money and have the trip of a lifetime, beginning from Tucson, Arizona, to gather lifelong experiences.
FAQs
What are some cool outdoor activities near Tucson, Arizona that won’t cost me a dime?
Tucson, Arizona, is a place where you can find a lot of attractive, but budget-friendly outdoor recreational opportunities. For hiking, you can go to Sabino Canyon trails and walk to the Seven Falls, or you can drive around and hike in Saguaro National Park for the amazing views of Saguaro cacti.
Moreover, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum allows visitors to get close to the desert species, which is not too costly. For cool, refreshing water you could head to the inexpensive Catalina State Park which provides you with the opportunity to enjoy picnicking, hiking, and even horseback riding.
What are the cultural facilities in Tucson, Arizona, pocket-friendly?
Certainly! You can find plenty of cultural spots in Tucson that are budget-friendly. Tucson Museum of Art allows visitors to come in for free on the first Sunday of each month and presents an interesting collection of different art from periods and cultures.
The second thrifty recourse is the Mission San Xavier del Bac, an astonishing mission of Spanish colonial style, which is famous for its majestic architecture and historical importance. On top of that, Tucson’s downtown district has a bunch of colorful street art and murals that bring the culture to life and allow anybody to enjoy it for free.
What are some affordable dining options in Tucson, Arizona?
Tucson owns an inexpensive food scene with a variety of options to satisfy different tastes. If you are looking for low-cost eats, do not forget to visit the thriving Mercado San Agustin, which offers you a variety of food stalls selling deliciously and inexpensively Mexican cuisines.
If budget is a concern, the Fourth Avenue district is a great alternative that offers a range of cheap restaurants, cafes, and food trucks. Don’t miss out on sampling the culinary delights of Tucson, like the Sonoran hot dog, that can be found in the stalls of street vendors and the casual eateries located throughout the city.