Tucson East is home to the world famous Saguaro National Park, which is approximately 20 miles east of downtown Tucson. The total area in 2002 was 143 square miles (91,327 acres) (370 km?) of which 111 mi? (289 km?) is designated wilderness. There is a visitor center in each section. Easily reached by car from Tucson, but there is no public transport into either section. Both sections conserve fine tracts of the Sonoran Desert, including ranges of significant hills, the Tucson Mountains in the west and the Rincon Mountains in the east. The park gets its name from the saguaro cactus which is native to the region. Many other kinds of cactus, including barrel cactus, cholla cactus, and prickly pear, are also abundant in the park. Three endangered species of animals live in the park: the Mexican Spotted Owl, Sonoran Tiger Salamander, and Lesser Long-nosed Bat. The park was established as Saguaro National Monument on March 1, 1933 and changed to a national park on October 14, 1994.

The Tucson Hilton is the largest hotel on the "East Side", located at 7600 East Broadway, conveniently located between the Williams Center, a major financial center and the Saguaro National Park, as well as many other attractions, such as dining & shopping.

The Rolling Hills golf course is also nearby.