If you’ve already done the big-name attractions, this list of underrated things to do in Tucson is where the real fun begins. Tucson is full of hidden viewpoints, local food spots, small mountain towns, and experiences most visitors completely miss. These quieter, more unexpected stops add just as much to your itinerary as the classics — sometimes more.
If you’re planning your first desert getaway, check out my Tucson for First-Timers guide for the essential stops before diving into the underrated ones.
One of the most underrated things to do in Tucson is riding the Mount Lemmon ski lift in summer. Most people drive the scenic byway and never realize they can float above the pines with cooler temperatures and panoramic desert-meets-alpine views. It’s peaceful, easy, and a great break from the heat.
Summerhaven is a tiny mountain village that feels worlds away from the desert, and Cookie Cabin is easily its highlight. They serve plate-sized cookies, pizza, and casual lunch options. Skip the sampler and get the full cookie — it’s softer and way more fun. This is an underrated stop that pairs perfectly with a day exploring Mount Lemmon. For a full scenic route, see my Mt. Lemmon Travel Guide.
Another one of the underrated things to do in Tucson is walking the short lakeside trail at Rose Canyon Lake. Most people don’t realize Tucson has an alpine lake at all, let alone one this accessible. It’s shady, quiet, and a perfect escape from the heat. Bring cash for the day-use fee if the station is open.
For a refreshing treat, skip Eegee’s and go straight to Raspaderia El Sahuaro. Their raspados — Mexican-style shaved ice layered with fruit, ice cream, and lechera — are easily one of the most underrated things to do in Tucson if you love cold desserts. My mango, pineapple, and peach blend was perfection.
Scented Leaf is one of the simplest, most underrated things to do in Tucson if you’re downtown. You can customize any drink, the staff helps you choose flavors, and the refill system is unbeatable: half off your second tea and your third free. It’s a great place to cool off between stops.
This tour is an underrated way to experience some of the best food downtown. You’ll try local restaurants, learn about Tucson’s history, and get dishes you wouldn’t find on your own. We loved our tour with Ellie — especially the tamale from The Monica and the elote pizza. For the full recap, see my Tucson Food Tour Review.
Mission San Xavier is iconic, but the hill behind it is far less visited — even though the view is stunning. It’s a quick walk with a panoramic perspective of the mission and distant mountains. On your way back to the car, stop for fresh fry bread from the vendors in the lot. The sweet version with honey, powdered sugar, and cinnamon is a great pick. For more photos and tips, check out my Mission San Xavier del Bac Guide.
Gates Pass is a popular sunset location, but the best view isn’t the tiny structure everyone crowds into. Walk to the right side of the parking lot toward the rocks and climb a bit for a wider view and fewer people. This is one of the underrated things to do in Tucson that completely changes your sunset experience.
Downtown Tucson’s boutique scene is creative, locally made, and totally overlooked. Three favorites to check out:
Southwest-inspired home décor and gifts.
Clothing and accessories curated by local owners.
A container-park collection of small shops and makers.
If you want unique souvenirs instead of touristy trinkets, these shops are the way to go.
One of the most underrated things to do in Tucson is using the free downtown streetcar to hop between lesser-known murals. These include:
Mural Alley across from The Monica
The Guitar Girl mural near Cushing Street
The colorful casita murals along Convento and Cushing
They’re bright, fun, and far less crowded than the Instagram-famous murals, making them ideal for photos. If you want a full list of mural stops, see my Mural Guide to Tucson.
No matter how you explore the city, these underrated things to do in Tucson add a completely different layer to your trip. They’re the quieter, more surprising experiences that help you see the desert from all angles — from the mountaintop breeze on Mount Lemmon to the colorful murals downtown and the local treats you won’t find on any standard itinerary. Mix a few of these into your visit and you’ll leave Tucson with a much fuller picture of what makes this city so special.
The tulip fields in the Netherlands look exactly like the photos, except the photos don’t capture how massive the color blocks actually are stretching across the countryside. Or the windmills. Or the sheep randomly standing in the middle of everything like they don’t know they’re in the most photogenic country on earth.
The honest caveat: tulip season moves fast, the fields rotate every year, and peak bloom is not a guarantee, it depends on the weather, the harvest schedule, and a little bit of luck. But that’s also part of what makes it feel less like a tourist attraction and more like something you actually found.
Full driving route with towns, parking tips, and what to expect | linked in bio. 🌷
#netherlands #travelling #tulipfields #exploreeurope
Amsterdam has a way of making you feel like you need to see everything, and then rewarding you most when you slow down anyway. The museums and canal cruises are worth it, but so is just wandering neighborhoods, eating whatever looks good, and sitting along the canals with a grilled cheese and nowhere to be.
First-time visitor guide is on the blog. Link in bio. 🌷
#travelling #travel #amsterdam #visitamsterdam #traveleurope
10 stops. One very full day. Zero regrets. Amsterdam has one of the best food scenes I’ve experienced anywhere in Europe, but the honest caveat is that some of the viral spots come with lines that will genuinely test your character. I skipped a few. I regret nothing.
Here’s what actually made the cut on my self-guided Amsterdam food tour:
Fresh stroopwafels at Hans Egstorf: made right in front of you, warm caramel, no line. This one won.
Lourens cookie croissant: flaky outside, gooey chocolate inside. Did not share.
Café Winkel 43 apple pie: one of the rare viral places that fully lives up to the hype.
Davie’s Amsterdam for the Lelie sandwich: pastrami, pickles, marbled bread. Deceptively simple. Absolutely excellent.
De Kaaskamer to end the day: 400+ cheeses, grilled cheese with what they call ketchup (it’s not ketchup, and it’s better), and bunker cheese aged in underground military bunkers.
The full route covers 10 stops through Jordaan, the 9 Streets, the canal district, and the flower market area with a Google Map included so you can just follow along.
Full guide with every stop, tips for beating the lines, and what I’d skip vs. do again | link in bio.
#amsterdam #visitamsterdam #netherlands #travel #visitnetherlands #traveleurope
There’s a version of Gatlinburg that’s all fudge shops and tourist crowds, and then there’s the version that actually makes you want to come back.
Here’s everything worth doing downtown, in the order I’d do it: 🏔️
✨ Start at @gatlinburgskypark before the crowds hit
✨ Walk the strip mid-morning when it’s still manageable
✨ @googooclusters stop (see my post from Tuesday: don’t skip it)
✨ Dinner at one of the local spots off the main drag
✨ Wander back out at night when the lights are on and it gets actually pretty
This isn’t your overscheduled Smoky Mountain itinerary. It’s more of a “here’s what I’d actually do if I had one solid day” kind of list.
Full downtown Gatlinburg guide linked in bio. 🔗
If someone told me I’d spend five hours at SkyPark, I would not have believed them. And yet. 😅
Gatlinburg SkyPark sits above the strip and it’s one of those places that looks like a quick stop on paper and turns into most of your afternoon. The SkyBridge alone is worth it — longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, and yes, you will look down.
✨ SkyBridge (longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America)
✨ SkyLift ride up with views of the Smokies
✨ Walking trails with mountain views in every direction
✨ Way less crowded than downtown
Fair warning: if heights genuinely freak you out, the bridge might not be your thing. The rest of the park is still 100% worth it. Full guide with tickets, tips, and what to skip linked in bio. 🔗
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