Tucson, Arizona about two hours south of Phoenix is in the county of Pima County and is home to the University of Arizona. Tucson has a great number of attractions that makes it a top destination for travel in the Southwestern region of America.
For photographers the Tucson, Arizona area provides plenty of opportunities for interesting photographs of the beautiful Southwestern desert as well has human created subjects such as historic buildings and airplanes.
Top Things to do in Tucson, Arizona
- Saguaro National Park – Scenic views, hiking trails & picnic areas are offered at this home of the country’s largest cacti.
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – Natural history museum combining live animal exhibits & demonstrations with botanical gardens.
- Sabino Canyon Recreation Area – This vast national forest area offers hiking trails & tram rides through picturesque desert canyons.
- Mission San Xavier del Bac – Completed in 1797, this iconic mission church features baroque architecture & painted artwork.
- Pima Air & Space Museum – Over 300 air- & spacecraft are on display at this museum that encompasses 80 acres of exhibits.
- Old Tucson – Movie set used in several Westerns now functioning as a family theme park with live entertainment.
- Center for Creative Photography – Ansel Adams-founded gallery with 80,000+ photography prints & a vast research facility & archives.
- Airplane Boneyard – Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Aircraft Boneyard, the largest aircraft storage area in the world of retired military airplanes.
“Foodies, cyclists and the aesthetically inclined will find much to like in this desert city, home to a new bike-share system, adobe architecture
The New York Timesand restaurants that reflect a mix of cultural influences. “
“And at five o’clock in the morning we left to drive to Old Tucson, and I sat with my mouth open in the van. I was stunned by the beauty of that country.”
– Erika Slezak
When should I visit Tucson?
Winter is crowded in Tucson as northerners escape colder climates for the desert. Shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather and reasonable room rates so some of the best times to visit Tucson are from April to May and from September to October. Summer will be very hot – the average July temperature is 100 degrees with a low of 76 degrees.
What is there to do in downtown Tucson?
- Craft breweries, nightlight, restaurants, museums
- Fox Theater
- Artisan Studios
Viente de Agosto Park- Hub Restaurant & Creamery
- El Presidio Inn
- Children’s Museum of Tucson
- The J. Knox Corbett House
- The Tucson Museum of Art
What is there to do indoors in Tucson?
- Art Museums
- Shopping
- Restaurants
- Breweries
- Biosphere 2 tour
Tucson for Foodies
Along with the natural wonders of the canyons, National Parks, cactus, dry desert climate, Tucson is known as a foodie paradise especially in you like Mexican inspired dishes. Don’t miss these amazing Mexican inspired dishes while in Tucson: Carne Seca at El Charro Cafe. Green Corn Waffle at Mother Hubbard’s Cafe. Taquitos at Seis Kitchen. Sonoran hot Dog at BK Carne Asada. Spiced Fruit Salad at Taqueria Pico de Gallo. Fish Tacos at Taqueria Pico de Gallo. Tostilocos at Jason’s Mexican.“Winning the UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation in 2015 shined a spotlight on the city in the shadow of Phoenix, but make no mistake, what Tucson lacks in size, it makes up for in might — and heart and soul.”
https://www.thrillist.com/eat/phoenix/tucson-arizona-best-food-city