Looking for an inspiring location in Tucson to take some photos? Whether you’re coming in from out of town, need to update your headshots, or want to capture a special event, there are tons of great spots around the city to explore.
To learn more about the best spots in Tucson to take photos, we spoke with our very own Tayler Hernandez, the Assistant Community Manager here at The Post.
Tayler works as a freelance photographer and knows all the popular spots in Tucson. Here are her favorite places to take photos and what makes them so special.
1. Saguaro National Park
Location: Eastern Tucson (map)
Known for: Beautiful landscapes of mountain ranges and desert, an ideal backdrop to family, wedding, or any other photos.
To note: Free entrance most days of the week.
Tayler’s take: “It’s the Tucson, Arizona staple of desert photos. People from out of town really, really love it.”
2. Sabino Canyon
Location: Northeastern Tucson (map)
Known for: Mountain ranges and desert landscapes, but fewer plants and greenery than Saguaro National Park.
To note: There are lots of trails and hikes, including one 8-mile hike to a waterfall.
3. Mount Lemmon
Location: Northeastern Tucson (map)
Known for: Stunning view of the city.
To note: The area has pine trees and looks different from the standard desert landscapes of the area.
Tayler’s take: “This is probably the most popular shooting area in Tucson. It has an overlook area where you can walk out and have a backdrop of the city.
4. Tucson Botanical Gardens
Location: 2150 N Alvernon Way (map)
Known for: Colorful space with a wide variety of plants, succulents, and flowers. There are a lot of different backgrounds you can take photos in front of.
To note: Paid entrance.
Tayler’s take: “It’s kind of quiet and secluded, not super busy. It’s a nice, quiet area where you can go and take photos.”
5. San Xavier del Blanc Mission
Location: 1950 W San Xavier Road (map)
Known for: Historical architecture, inside and outside the mission. Popular for wedding photos, but a great spot for any photos.
To note: Many people will take a hike to get to the Mission.
6. Tohono Chul
Location: Very close to The Post; 7366 N Paseo Del Norte (map)
Known for: Gorgeous gardens that are intertwined together—less distinct pathways than other gardens. It’s a popular spot for headshots and weddings.
To note: Paid entrance.
7. Catalina State Park
Location: Northern Tucson (map)
Known for: Huge park with diverse landscapes to explore.
To note: Paid entrance.
Tayler’s take: “There are so many photo opportunities here. There are mountain ranges and there’s a river that runs through and gives a kind of beach feel. It’s a different kind of desert, more like Joshua Tree—open fields, grass, large trees.”
8. Gates Pass
Location: Western Tucson (map)
Known for: Stunning, unobstructed views—particularly great for sunsets.
To note: Can be very busy and crowded.
Tayler’s take: “Very, very popular for everything—weddings, engagements, landscapes, seniors, headshots. It’s probably the most popular spot in Tucson.”
9. Barrio Viejo Historic Neighborhood
Location: Southern Tucson (map)
Known for: Historic architecture and buildings.
Tayler’s take: “Barrio Viejo is what I use most for headshots. I do a lot of headshots for hairstylists, makeup artists, and other professionals because you can get some cool backgrounds. It’s a historical neighborhood with lots of local businesses. The streets are super wide and not very busy, so you can get shots in the streets.
10. Greetings from Tucson Mural
Location: E 7th Street and N Arizona Avenue (map)
Known for: Huge mural that says “Greetings from Tucson.” Great spot for taking family photos or headshots.
To note: There are lots of other murals in the area, too.
Tayler’s take: “A lot of people who aren’t from here request we take photos there—I get a lot of requests for it because I think a lot of places don’t have murals like Tucson does.
11. Downtown Tucson
Known for: Diverse city with a variety of photography backdrops.
Tayler’s take: “Lots of different backdrop options, depending on where you are. There are older buildings, newer buildings, and the classic Rialto Theatre sign in the background as well as the Fox Theatre has a big sign people like photos of. I like to take a couple of photos in downtown Tucson. People like headshots in this area, too.
12. MSA Annex
Location: 267 South Avenida del Convento (map)
Known for: Outlet with all the buildings made from rusted, old train cars. There are a lot of local businesses here.
To note: There’s lots of food and shopping in the area, so you can hang out after taking your photos.
Tayler’s take: “It has a different feel—lots of plants and you can get the train cars in the background. It’s great for family photos and headshots. Professional hairstylists, makeup artists, and other photographers all like getting their headshots there.”
13. The Post Flex Space
The last spot we want to profile is right here at The Post! Our flex space is available to book for a variety of purposes, including product shoots, marketing material, personal shoots, or testimonial videos. The industrial design and comfortable furnishings make an excellent backdrop for your next photo shoot.
So, where are you excited to explore? There are so many great photo spots in Tucson—get out there and enjoy!
And if you’re looking for a flexible workspace with like-minded professionals, book a tour of The Post and see what we’re all about.