Things to do in Tucson, AZ

These stately giants are an icon of the American West, and a symbol of Tucson, which is home to Saguaro National Park. Although certainly not warm and fuzzy, the Saguaro cactus has become so closely associated with the Southwest that it is impossible to walk into a Tucson souvenir shop without finding this sub-tropical plant etched on shot glasses, t-shirts, and postcards. Drive around the outskirts of Tucson and witness the grandeur of Saguaro forests nestled at the base of the city's hillsides and mountains. For a magnificent view, take the drive west onto Gates Pass Road.

Tucson claims to be the Mexican food capital of the United States. Who's to argue with them? Drive down 12th Avenue and witness the number of taco stands, carts, and sit-down eateries. It's easy to lose count. From casual Sonoran-style grub to authentic Mexico City-style street fare, you can find almost every variation here. Tucson is also home to the country's oldest family-run Mexican food restaurant, El Charro Cafe, located on Court Avenue in downtown Tucson.

You probably won't hear the jangling spurs of cowboys walking down the streets of Tucson--this is a modern city, after all, not the turn-of-the-century...  

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These stately giants are an icon of the American West, and a symbol of Tucson, which is home to Saguaro National Park. Although certainly not warm and fuzzy, the Saguaro cactus has become so closely associated with the Southwest that it is impossible to walk into a Tucson souvenir shop without finding this sub-tropical plant etched on shot glasses, t-shirts, and postcards. Drive around the outskirts of Tucson and witness the grandeur of Saguaro forests nestled at the base of the city's hillsides and mountains. For a magnificent view, take the drive west onto Gates Pass Road.

Tucson claims to be the Mexican food capital of the United States. Who's to argue with them? Drive down 12th Avenue and witness the number of taco stands, carts, and sit-down eateries. It's easy to lose count. From casual Sonoran-style grub to authentic Mexico City-style street fare, you can find almost every variation here. Tucson is also home to the country's oldest family-run Mexican food restaurant, El Charro Cafe, located on Court Avenue in downtown Tucson.

You probably won't hear the jangling spurs of cowboys walking down the streets of Tucson--this is a modern city, after all, not the turn-of-the-century West. But the city does preserve its Western and Southwestern heritage with celebrations like La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, a week-long celebration of the Western lifestyle that kicks off each year in February with a Rodeo Parade. The parade has been a Southern Arizona tradition since 1925, demonstrating Tucson's perennial cowboy spirit.

Oprah Winfey's favorite spa, Miraval, is located in the scenic outskirts of Tucson. Miraval is just one of Tucson's highly regarded resort spas. Others include The Westward Look Resort (a haven for winter visitors for more than 100 years), Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, The Westin La Paloma Resort, and Canyon Ranch Resort & Spa, among others. With mild winter weather, outstanding desert scenery, and big city amenities, Tucson has established itself as a destination for weary travelers everywhere seeking refuge in some of the Southwest's best world-class resort.

Arizona's first public university, The University of Arizona, is one of the major employers in the Tucson area. More importantly, however, the university gives the city a vibrant college town atmosphere and contributes greatly to the diversity and breadth of its cultural scene. With a population of over 20,000 university students, it's no wonder that Tucson is replete with bars, pizzerias, bookstores, and other college hang-outs.

Dubbed the Old Pueblo, Tucson is a fast-growing city known as much for its metropolitan sophistication as for its unique blend of cultures. Vast deserts, green canyons and majestic mountain ranges form an impressive backdrop, and close proximity to the Mexican border is evident in the architecture, distinctive cuisine, lively fiestas and the annual festivals. Tucson's mild, dry climate — blessed with year-round sun — makes it a popular winter resort. Visitors can take in attractions such as the Titan Missile Museum, Biosphere 2, Reid Park Zoo, Kitt Peak Observatory and several national parks. Economically, the city is driven by electronics and missile production, and is recognized as both the premier health services center of the Southwest and the astronomy center of the world.

Dubbed the Old Pueblo, Tucson is a fast-growing city known as much for its metropolitan sophistication as for its unique blend of cultures. Vast deserts, green canyons and majestic mountain ranges form an impressive backdrop, and close proximity to the Mexican border is evident in the architecture, distinctive cuisine, lively fiestas and the annual festivals. Tucson's mild, dry climate — blessed with year-round sun — makes it a popular winter resort. Visitors can take in attractions such as the Titan Missile Museum, Biosphere 2, Reid Park Zoo, Kitt Peak Observatory and several national parks. Economically, the city is driven by electronics and missile production, and is recognized as both the premier health services center of the Southwest and the astronomy center of the world.