Dove Mountain Course in Marana, AZ (Photo: WSTickets)
Tucson, Arizona (and the surrounding towns of Marana, Oro Valley, Green Valley and Sauharita) is an area of over a million people and even more cacti. It is an oasis in the desert where saguaros grow on golf courses and margaritas are served with lunch.
Although the winter nights can be quite chilly the days are relatively warm and almost always sunny. The same can be said for the spring and fall.
During the summer it tends to get a tad bit warmer (think hell-like), however, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more comfortable night than a summer evening in Tucson- especially if a monsoon has been by (they usually clear out fairly early).
There are plenty of things to do in and around the city. Some may require a drive of an hour or two, but all are worth it. Here are some favorites:
Sabino Canyon in Tucson, AZ (Photo: NSF)
Sabino Canyon- You can’t beat the beauty of this hiking area, but you can see it without the walk- tram service is available. Bring a swimsuit (and a camera)!
Old Tucson Studios – It’s twelve miles and 100 years from town. It’s an interactive and working studio specializing in your favorite westerns, Shoot out to Old Tucson!
Tombstone, AZ – If the real thing is more your style take a day trip to the home of the OK Corral. From Boot Hill to Big Nose Kate’s you can’t go wrong. While you’re in the area visit nearby Bisbee and tour the mine and/or check out the local art scene.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – It’s a zoo. It’s a museum. It’s a botanical garden. It’s world-famous. It’s also very close to Old Tucson Studios.
Mount Lemon – You can drive it, hike it or ski it. Or all of the above.
Kitt Peak Observatory – Kitt Peak is to astronomers what Graceland is to Elvis fans. The views are fantastic.
Kitt Peak and Lightning (Photo: Adam Block/NOAO/AURA/NSF)
San Xavier Mission – “The White Dove of the Desert” is a must-see for Catholics and non-Catholics alike. In a nutshell, it’s beautiful.
Tubac – If you like golf and galleries then you’ll enjoy a trip to Tubac. Also, if you like hiking the beautiful Madera Canyon is just a short drive away.
Nogales, Sonora (Mexico) – About two hours south of Tucson is this gateway to Mexico. It’s a great day trip for shopping, dining and culture. It can get a little rough in the evening as it fills up with drunken teens from the United States (drinking age is only 18 and rarely enforced), so you may want to get an early start on the drive back to Tucson. Depending on when you read this post a passport may be required to cross the border.
Bear Down, Arizona!
The University of Arizona – Home of the Wildcats, the University of Arizona is part of the Pac-10 confrence and a leader in all kinds of stuff. The campus is filled with museums, activities, and bikini-clad coeds (if you’re into that sort of thing, which I am). Notable alumni and staff include: Bob Dole, Barry Goldwater, Joan Ganz Cooney (creator of Sesame Street), Jerry Bruckheimer, Ted DeGrazia, Barbara Kingsolver, Greg Kinnear, Linda McCartney, Linda Ronstadt, Ruchard Russo, David Foster Wallace, Kristen Wiig, Gilbert Arenas, Lance Briggs, Tedy Bruschi, Mike Bibby, Terry Francona, Amanda Beard, Kurt Busch, Jennie Finch, Trevor Hoffman, Steve Kerr, Kenny Lofton, Annika Sorenstam, Jason Terry, Luke Walton, Mike Candrea, Lute Olson, Andrew Weil, and me.
However, the best thing to do in Tucson might be the easiest (and cheapest). Just find a place to sit and look at this:
Tucson Sunset (Photo: Photobucket)
Related:
Dillinger Days in Tucson, AZ
Winterhaven – Tucson’s Holiday Treat
Tucson Revealed- A Local’s Perspective
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22 Responses
[...] Auld Dubliner /Tucson [...]
If you’re going to Tombstone, definitely make a visit to Bisbee, too. And if you’re in Bisbee, I highly recommend the mine tour. I wrote about it in So there we were… 1500′ in the hole. I loved the tour, but I still feel bad for those mules!
[...] Oh BisonWitches, how do I love thee. I have such great memories of you that you’ve become a must visit every time I’m in Tucson. [...]
[...] is located around the Tucson Valley at these fine [...]
[...] you tried the Mosaic Cafe Dos on La Cholla? I have and am here in Tucson to tell you all about it. The Cafe is located on La Cholla in Tucson, across from the Foothills [...]
I see my picture lightning picture on this page!
If you get a chance, please visit the Mount Lemmon SkyCenter (http://SkyCenter.arizona.edu) and participate in one of our stargazing experiences. Perhaps this summer I will create another lightning picture from up here.
Thanks,
Adam
[...] to relive the Summer of ‘69 in a 60’s themed vacation in Tucson or Tempe? Sage Hospitality is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Summer of ’69 with [...]
Having been a resident of Tucson for over 40 years, the one thing left out of the website is the theater in Tucson, With over 30 theatrical groups here, the Arts in Tucson is unparalled. Please find out about the theaters in Tucson, they will astound you!
[...] If there is hidden treasure in Arizona, then Sunglow Ranch must be one of the jewels. Located in the foothills of the Chiricahua Mountains, Sunglow offers convenient access for exploring canyons filled with quirky stone formations, observing abundant bird and wildlife, or poking around an abandoned fort to catch a glimpse of history in this isolated portion of southeastern Arizona. [...]
[...] guests of the Nogales, Arizona bed and breakfast see the Hacienda as a place for a romantic Southwest [...]
[...] about including warm Arizona sunshine, desert golf and a little pampering in your holiday plans this year at the Omni Tucson [...]
[...] At any given time you will likely find the bars and clubs filled with 17-year-old kids from Tucson. There isn’t a lot to do between high school and turning 21, remember? Driving an hour on a [...]
[...] Old Town Scottsdale; 10 Things to Do in Tucson. AKPC_IDS += [...]
For families with young children (2-6 yrs. old):
Storybook Character Hour:
Parents bring your kids to join their favorite book character every first Saturday of each month, 10:30am at your official UA BookStores (SUMC), for an hour of storytelling and activities.
This last Saturday we hosted the Siamese cat who thinks he’s a chihuahua, Skippyjon Jones. Visit our facebook page, become a fan, and post “I ♥ Skippyjon Jones” to our wall to be entered to win a Skippyjon Jones book autographed by author Judith Byron Schachner!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/uabookstores?ref=ts
Coming up next month on July 3: Meet Clifford! The biggest, reddest dog on the block will be at the UA BookStores.
That Tuscon sunset looks absolutely amazing. On Fire ! If this is natural I would expect that the day after was a scorcher! Tuscany interestingly does not prompt visions of sunsets, it has always for me, been about the rustic homes and strong color and the Tuscon food. Then again if think about it the strong color is generally from strong skies.
If a person had to choose between Flagstaff, AZ or Tuscon,AZ in December, March or April which would you choose?
Definitely Tucson!!! Flagstaff will be cold and snowy. In the desert – elevation is everything and Flagstaff is a lot higher in elevation.
Well your suggestion might help us a lot or i will it will defiantly help us a lot to what things we can do in Tuscon as most people around the world not find much content about the Tuscon your post will might help them. thanks for posting.
Richard
You have some fun things to do here, but I find it really appalling that you said “filled with drunken teens” in Nogales, that not only is rude to the millions of teens who don’t do this, but is also probably a slyly masqueraded comment over race. Please, try to be a little more careful, once it’s on the internet it’s always there and everyone can see it.
Thanks!
I don’t even know what you’re talking about in regards to race — I’m talking about American teens abusing the difference in the drinking age between the two countries. And the “millions of teens” that aren’t drinking would not be included in the sentence describing those that are. You should be more careful about reading into things.
Nogales is only about an hour away from Tucson.
Tucson is the town to be!!
Walking down town and on 4rth avenue is probably the most fun– especially for young-ish kids (teens). There are lots of places to eat (Brooklyn Pizza Co. is amazing & so is Eegees, i dont think theyre anywhere else). On 4rth there are a lot of little shops like Popcycle (homemade items-really cute!), the
co-op (organic foods), this other little store w/ cute clothes, a dairy queen, a chocolate iguana, hippie gypsie etc. Down town is really nice to just walk around and see all the buildings and plants. The Joel-Valdez library is huge, and has a good teen & childrens section– if you must have your books over vacation. ALSO visit Gate’s Pass! It’s not very big but it’s really nice and there arent too many visitors there that will crowd up the place. You can watch the sunset/sunrise in peace, and its BEAUTIFUL! If you come in summer be ready for 101+ degree weather! wear sun screen, hats, and sun glasses.
ENJOY TUCSON!