Tucson Vacation Information

Tucson is situated in a high desert valley surrounded by mountains....a great setting for Southwest vacations.

The nearby mountain terrain is dramatic and its vegetation ranges from saguaro cactus forests to pine forests.

The culture in Tucson is a blend of Indian, Spanish (the Mexican border is only 64 miles away!) and Anglo.

This and the many interesting attractions make for a great Arizona getaway!

When to go on a Tucson vacation: Summers are very hot, but from November through April, Tucson weather is great....mild days (mid 60s to 80), cool nights and minimal rain. What a great winter getaway!

Things to do in Tucson

• Arizona Sonora Desert Museum - This is a zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden in one. It features the flora and fauna of the desert, wildlife, and desert birds.

Sabino Canyon

Mission San Xavier del Bac

• Sabino Canyon - This beautiful area in the Catalina Mountains is great for an active Tucson vacation with its hiking, swimming, and biking....also, offers a narated bus tour.
• Kitt Peak National Opitcal Astronomy Observatory - this planetarium and research is located 56 miles SW of Tucson on the Tohono O'odham Indian Reservation
• Pima Air and Space Museum - one of the largest aircraft collections in the world including the B-17 "Flying Fortress" and experimental aircraft
• Tucson Mountain Park - 20,000 acre desert nature reserve
• Mission San Xavier del Bac - Built by Franciscans in 1797, the white adobe church has beautiful frescoes arches, domes, and towers, called by the "America's Sistine Chapel"
• Tucson Botanical Gardens - desert gardens and educational programs

Tucson Shopping

For girls getaways, check out the upscale La Encantada in the ritzy resort area near the Santa Cantalina foothills. The Old Town Artisans is a one-block adobe shopping area of 150 local artists selling their arts and crafts. Along 4th Avenue, is a funky shopping area with unique bookstores and shops. There are several malls, including the Foothills Mall Outlet.

Hotels in Tucson

• Arizona Inn - classy, relaxing casual elegance, free breakfast, steeped in history, beautiful gardens and grounds, expensive, great for a romantic weekend getaway
• Westward Look - Ph. 520-297-1151, lovely guest rooms with private balconies or patios, 80-acre property

Cheap Tucson Hotels

• Hotel Congress Tucson - simple rooms, very reasonable rates
• La Siesta - Ph. 520-624-1192, funky, fun motel, cheap
• Roadrunner Hostel & Inn - Ph. (520) 628-4709, if you are looking for the cheapest Tucson hotel, check out this place, dorm style and private rooms, downtown Tucson

Tucson Bed and Breakfast

• Jeremiah Inn B&B - Ph. 520-749-3072, peaceful inn at the base of Catalina Mountains, gourmet breakfast on patio, great amenities
• Sam Hughes Inn - 1930's California Spanish style, garden, patio, comfortable, warm and friendly, reasonable rates, great for a romantic weekend getaway

Tucson Golf Vacation

• Omni Tucson National Resort - Ph. (520) 297-2271, beautiful setting in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, 36 hole championship golf course, 650 acre resort and spa
• Loews Ventana Canyon Resort - breathtaking views, 2 championship golf courses, spa, 5 diamond restaurant

Tucson Restaurants

Check out Anthony's in the Catalinas, a romantic restaurant, which is pricey, elegant and has great views. The lamb Wellington and Chateaubriand are reccommmended. Try the well-known Cafe Poca Cosa, a restaurant in Tucson that specializes in Mexican Moles (sauces of chocolate, red wine and chilis).

South Tucson has lots of Mexican restaurants. El Guero Canelo specializes in giant burros. Cafe Poca Cosa is an upscale, contemporary Mexican restaurant with unique menu items.

Vila Thai Cuisine has great Thai food. If you like Italian food, check out Vivace for great pastas and risotto at reasonable prices.