Tucson, Arizona
- bourbonandbluebird
- Mar 31, 2019
- 5 min read
Tucson, Arizona is a fantastic place to get a glimpse of Arizona and the desert without the overwhelming rush (and heat!) of Phoenix. It is clean, urban, and accessible. On nearly any trip to Arizona, I have always landed in Tucson and explored in and around the city. Not to mention, there is room to visit many other places nearby, including the historic Tombstone or Bisbee.
How to get around:
I would certainly recommend driving in Tucson. The roads are clear and well maintained, making it easy for commuting from one place to another. The traffic isn’t bad either, even at places that are busy, such as the airport. Another option would be to Uber or take the bus system, all depending on the amount of luggage you have or what you are doing.
Where to stay:
We have never attempted to stay at a luxury hotel there, but many of the cheaper, chain hotels are actually pretty nice. Many of them have pools as well, which is helpful for hot summer days. The rates are more expensive near the central areas, but if you have a car, finding a cheap hotel should be no problem.
What to do in Tucson:
Tucson is home to plenty of things to do both near and far. Some of my favorite days there have been just driving around and shopping since they have tons of options for thrifting.
The Pima Air and Space Museum is one of the most popular attractions. It features hundreds of aircraft, both modern and historical. The museum offers extensive information on aviation and aircraft, particularly focusing on military aspects. Additionally, there is a boneyard with numerous decommissioned planes arranged in neat rows. The space section of the museum is equally fascinating, showcasing stunning exhibits. The experience can be quite overwhelming due to the vast amount of things to see. The museum covers a large area, and shuttles are available to transport visitors between different sections if needed. Remember to bring water, as the summer days can be quite hot outside!
My personal favorite place to visit in Tucson is San Xavier del Bac. This old cathedral has been in progress since the 1700s and is still being built. Here, one can find marvelous artwork in the ceilings, beautiful gardens and shrines, and lots of history. I did not take a tour, but I wish I did because there is so much detail in the architecture. For example, the door handles are snakes, which is interesting given Christianity usually depicts snakes as evil due to the one in the Garden of Eden. However, when the church was being built, they were depicted in a good light since snakes are typically by water, which is necessary for survival. Unique things like this are easy to miss, which is why I would recommend a tour. Also, take the hike up the nearby hill because it offers fantastic views of the cathedral and the area.
There is also a handful of other old sights and art museums to check out depending on your interests!
What to do near Tucson:
Tucson is a great city to use as a base for other adventures and offers plenty of opportunity to digress into other areas of Arizona. I would definitely make some day trips south or even just to Vail! Here are some suggestions:
Vail:
Here you can experience two great natural ares. This city is home to Saguaro National Park, as well as Colossal Caves. Both are great to tour if you have a chance. Saguaro National Park is home to some of the biggest cacti you will ever see. The saguaro cactus is the cliché cactus we all see in depictions of the desert, usually accompanied by a cow skull and perhaps a roadrunner or lizard, but there are not the only cacti in the park. Here, you can find chollas, prickly pear, teddy bears, agave, mesquite, and many more desert plants. There is a drive that one can take in their car up through the park, which is the best way to experience it. I would definitely stop by the visitor center to get more information and routes and double check that your car is good to go.
The other spot, Colossal Caves, is a dry cave filled with stalagmites and stalactites. Originally discovered by indigenous peoples and then by thieves looking for a hideout, the caves were developed by the Civil Conservation Corps, which is what makes it accessible today. There are some awesome options for tours, some of which are more intense and physical than others, but all of them are informative and great! Make sure to bring a light jacket, some of the caves are rather chilly.
If you are really adventurous, there is a ranch nearby where you can pet animals and even take a ride through the desert.
Tombstone and Bisbee:
These historic cities aren’t far from Tucson and are great places to spend a day or two. Tombstone is home to many historical legends involving the wild west, between the OK Corral gunfight with Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and the others, the famous Big Nose Kate’s Saloon, the strange Bird Cage Theater, numerous mines, Boothill Cemetary, and more. For a full immersion into the old west, this is definitely the place because many people dress in that time period, there’s tons of historic sites, and even reenactments of the gunfight daily.
Bisbee is one of my favorite places in all of Arizona. It is a small town located in a valley near Douglas and the Mexican border. Here you can find plenty to do and eat, from visiting the historical Copper Queen Mine, the Bisbee Historical Museum, and so many odds and ends you will find throughout the street. Bisbee is home to a vibrant and odd culture that is very unique. There are tons of yummy snacks, coffee, sandwiches, and more all across town, but my favorite is Cafe Roka. Also, if you are staying close to evening, consider taking a ghost tour to get a more spooky perspective.
Overall, Tucson is a great place to explore and use as a gateway into other Arizona cities. You can find plenty of things to do, good food, and vibrant beauty. Whether you are wanting to explore it or the nearby area, I would completely recommend checking it out during your time in Arizona!
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