How to Spend Last Morning in Tucson
A friend and I will be visiting Tuscon on a short trip in early January for my birthday. We'll be staying at the Lodge on the Desert and are looking forward to visiting both sides of Saguaro National Park, as well as Sabino Canyon.
On our departure day, we'll be dropping off the rental car at 12:30pm at the airport, for a flight departure at 2:50pm. What is the best way to spend that morning, without stressing about getting to the airport on time?
Since you’ll be checking out around 12:30 pm and your flight departs at 2:50 pm, you have roughly 2–2.5 hours in the morning. The key is to choose activities close to your lodging or the airport so you can enjoy your last morning in Tucson without worrying about time.
Options for a Relaxed Last Morning:
- Enjoy a Leisurely Breakfast or Brunch: The Lodge on the Desert has a nice restaurant for a relaxed start. Alternatively, a short drive to a local favorite such as Prep & Pastry or The Coronet can give you a memorable Tucson breakfast.
- Short Scenic Walk Near the Lodge: There are walking paths on the property and nearby foothills that offer a final view of the desert scenery without taking too much time.
- Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (Quick Stop): If you leave early in the morning, you could do a very short visit (focusing on one or two exhibits). It’s about a 15-minute drive from the Lodge. Make sure to budget travel and parking time.
Practical Considerations:
- Leave your room with luggage packed and ready for an easy check-out. Some hotels may allow you to leave bags with the front desk.
- The Tucson airport is only about 15–20 minutes from the Lodge on the Desert, so plan to depart by 12:00 pm latest to allow for rental car drop-off and airport security.
- Keep activities light and close by to avoid any stress. You want to savor the morning rather than rush.
Suggested Timeline:
- 7:30–8:30 am: Enjoy breakfast at the Lodge or a local café.
- 8:30–10:00 am: Optional short walk on the Lodge grounds or nearby scenic trail.
- 10:00–11:30 am: Optional quick stop at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (if interested), or another nearby viewpoint.
- 11:30–12:00 pm: Return to Lodge, collect bags, and head to the airport.
This way, you maximize your last morning in Tucson, enjoy a bit of desert beauty, and still leave plenty of buffer time to make your flight comfortably.
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