Tucson Arizona Travel Guide

Tucson is just 60 miles north of the U.S.–Mexico border, in the southeast corner of Arizona at the intersection of I-10 and I-19. Clear desert skies create a perfect setting for a world astronomy center, and its plethora of optics companies has caused it to be nicknamed the “Optics Valley”.  Mountain ranges are found in every direction, combining with the beautiful Sonoran Desert for a hot, dry climate graced with 360 sunny days per year. It’s no wonder Tucson is known as one of the top cycling cities in the country!

Tucson's metro population exceeds a million, and you will find a blend of Native American, Mexican, Spanish and Anglo-American cultures, creating a multi-cultural city teeming with things to do.  Tucson International Airport (TUS) brings many visitors to Tucson, and many also arrive by car. Public transportation is provided by Sun Tran City Bus; to get from the University of Arizona to the restaurants, shops, and theaters of downtown and 4^th Avenue districts, consider the Old Pueblo Trolley. Tucson AZ hotels in these areas put you right where the action is!

The University of Arizona is a premier research institution, and offers much to this community. The Wildcat football, basketball, softball and baseball teams, along with many other sports, compete in the NCAA. Other offerings include the University of Arizona Museum of Art and the Arizona State Museum (affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution); UApresents brings popular concerts and events to Centennial Hall. The downtown area offers cultural venues such as the Fox Tucson Theatre where the Tucson Symphony Orchestra performs, and the historic Temple of Music and Art which offers productions of the Arizona Theatre Company, the premier theatre company in the state. Another local museum is Pima Air and Space Museum, found at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base; you can explore over 300 aircraft and spacecraft from around the world.

Tucson's beautiful natural surroundings create a year-round playground for visitors. You can't miss Sentinel Peak, better known as “A” Mountain, a Tucson icon just west of downtown, and it’s practically a requirement to watch a sunset along iconic Gates Pass. There are miles of hiking trails at Saguaro National Park and two biking loops, one paved and one gravel. This area is perfect for birdwatching, and 500 species can be spied. The 800+ mile Arizona National Scenic Trail runs north-south and is found east of the city proper, connecting deserts with mountains; it's great for mountain biking.

Mt. Lemmon is a popular destination, offering a sky-lift and hiking trails, along with excellent skiing in the winter. The SkyCenter is available for viewing planets, galaxies and other heavenly bodies – Tucson offers one of the finest environments for stargazing in the world. At the top of Mt. Lemmon is Summerhaven, a quaint community popular with visitors. It should be noted that Kitt Peak National Observatory is also available, about 56 miles southwest of Tucson.

Are you in the mood for a little spelunking? You have a choice of two well-known attractions, Kartchner Caverns State Park and Colossal Cave Mountain Park - both offer excellent cave tours. Another well-liked attraction is Reid Park, where families enjoy touring a zoo and a rose garden. Tohono Chul Park offers stunning gardens, daily walks, informative eco-stations, an art gallery and a popular Tea Room.

Head to open-air La Encantada for upscale shopping, and 4^th Avenue entertainment district is the locale for annual Winter and Spring festivals featuring live music. Downtown is the place to be the 2^nd  Saturday of every month for a music, food and craft fest. October brings the uniquely named Tucson Meet Yourself fest to downtown, which celebrates the city's culture through music, food and artwork.

There's no better place for golf than Arizona, and Tucson sports a fair share of excellent courses. At Ventana Canyon, designed by Tom Fazio, you have a choice of Mountain and Canyon courses, one of which boasts a much-photographed hole, due to its incredibly beautiful backdrop. Arizona National Golf Club, another challenging course, is affiliated with the University of Arizona. Tucson is also known as a great spa destination – you can relax and renew at Canyon Ranch or Miraval Arizona, both top-rated spas offering outdoor activities in stunning surroundings, gourmet meals and a plethora of spa treatments.

If you have a choice when to visit Tucson, perhaps February would work. The annual Tucson Rodeo features a parade, riding, roping and racing events, plus a junior rodeo. Also with a February date is the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, largest in the country.

There are reasons to visit Tucson every month, from dry, warm weather to stunning mountains to a region which celebrates a great diversity of cultures.  Look at some of the attractions we have reviewed and start planning with OneTravelSource.com today!