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Tucson Arizona Vacation
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We love Tucson for its scenic saguaro-covered hillsides, gorgeous sunsets, abundant wildlife and casual, friendly atmosphere.
We lived here for several years and the city holds a special place in our hearts.
But we aren’t just recommending it because we’re biased.
We think a Tucson Arizona vacation offers one of the best combinations of amenities, attractions and outdoor recreation in the Southwest.
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| The Santa Catalina Mountains tower north of Downtown Tucson |
From golfing and horseback riding to shopping and historical sites, Tucson has so much to see and do.
A Tucson Arizona vacation offers:
- beautiful Sonoran Desert preserves
- great independent restaurant scene
- bohemian mix of art galleries, museums and performing arts
- amazing variety of outdoor adventure and exploration
- luxurious resorts and spas
- Old West attractions from dude ranches to rodeos.
The greater Tucson region is one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in North America.
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| Tucson has some of the most beautiful sunsets we’ve ever seen |
Take a Tucson Arizona vacation and you can still see the city’s centuries-old Native American legacy, its Hispanic heritage and its cowboy past.
And if that’s not enough, the over 37,000-student University of Arizona adds to the diversity with its mix of cutting edge arts and sciences and students and faculty from around the world.
Tucson sits at 2,400 feet, nestled in a broad Sonoran Desert basin surrounded by craggy mountains on all four sides.
With its mix of mountains and desert, a Tucson Arizona vacation offers you some of the best outdoor recreation in Arizona including:
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| Saguaro and barrel cacti are common plants at Saguaro National Park’s western unit |
- more than 150 miles of hiking trails
- the southernmost ski area in the United States
- great biking – Tucson is ranked by Bicycling Magazine as one of the top 3 North American cities for biking
- birdwatching – Tucson and southeastern Arizona are one of the nation’s birding hot spots with over 500 species recorded
- star gazing – southern Arizona has some of the clearest night skies in the U.S. and is home to several leading astronomical observatories.
Tucson is spread out and there’s more to see and do than you can cover in one vacation.
So, below we’ve listed some of our current favorite places to stay, to dine and to visit.
Click on each link to read our full review.
Where to Stay in Tucson
With a lovely spa, large pool complex and seven dining options, Tucson’s newest resort makes a secluded Tucson Arizona vacation destination. Tucked up against the Tucson Mountains, Starr Pass Resort is hidden away from the bustle of the city in a lovely desert setting.
Elegant and luxurious, Ventana Canyon Resort is most famous for its spectacular golf course. Its dramatic desert and mountain setting, fine dining and high level of service have made it one of the premier Tucson Arizona vacation lodgings.
La Paloma has long a favorite with locals and travelers for its scenic foothills setting, swimming pools and low summer rates. Gourmet Southwestern meals at the famous Janos Restaurant and access to the stunning, private La Paloma Golf Course are a plus.
This peaceful, historic property sits on 80 acres of scenic desert. With an old fashioned ambience and the feel of a private home, Westward is a change of pace from your typical resort. Nature trails, a cozy spa and a top-rated gourmet restaurant make this a great getaway for nature lovers and gourmands.
Where to Eat in Tucson
This popular Mexican restaurant has been owned and operated by the same family for 82 years. Their restaurant empire has grown but the original downtown café is still our favorite. We like their Sonoran and Tucson style food and the café’s old Tucson atmosphere.
Since 1986, Terra Cotta's Chef Donna Nordin has created distinctive, contemporary Southwestern cuisine. The stylish new building continues the restaurant’s reputation for setting a casual ambience and unique atmosphere that showcases an impressive collection of regional art.
Consistently rated as one of Tucson’s best restaurants, This is the place to go for fine dining in an old Southwestern setting. Tucked away on the beautiful grounds of Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, The Grill offers eclectic cuisine, great service and beautiful views of the Santa Catalina Mountains.
This “tea room” is actually a restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch as well as afternoon tea. Set in beautiful Tohono Chul Park, the Tea Room has delicious Southwestern style food in a casual garden setting. Sit out on the patio so you can watch the hummingbirds feeding at the flowers.
What To Do in Tucson
If you want to see wildlife up close, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is the place to go. This world renowned destination is part zoo, part botanical garden and part desert preserve with animals like bighorn sheep, desert tortoise and mountain lions roaming naturalistic habitats.
Often called the West’s "Sistine Chapel," this 17th century Spanish mission is still a working parish. It’s gorgeously colored frescoes, ornately carved woodwork and gleaming white exterior make it the most beautiful building in Tucson. But its palpable, spirit-moving sense of history keeps us coming back.
While zoo animals such as lions, tigers and giraffes are the main draw here, this lovely zoo is also a favorite for its verdant grounds with large trees and convenient mid-city location. A small train, plenty of shady seating and 17-acre size make it a great family attraction.
Visiting this desert oasis is a Tucson Arizona vacation must for its incredible scenery. Hiking trails follow the perennial Sabino Creek and up the steep-walled canyon into the high country of the Santa Catalinas. This is also a great birding and wildlife watching spot.
Another one of our top Tucson Arizona vacation favorites, Tohono Chul is an oasis in the center of Tucson’s busy Northwest side. This desert preserve combines lovely thematic gardens, a wonderful art gallery, a great restaurant and three distinctive gift shops.
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