Tucson Arizona is the state’s second largest
city, and while it offers nearly as much to see and do as its larger
cousin, Tucson is the more typically Arizonian of the two. It hosts
the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show (the largest of its kind) every
February and the Fiesta de los Vaqueros, also in February, which features
a popular, non-motorized parade. Downtown Tucson is easy to get around
and there are a number of good cafés, bars and shops along
4th Avenue. The surrounding mountains are great spot for any number
of outdoor adventures.
The University of Arizona is in Tucson, with a campus that contains
several notable museums, like the UA Museum of Art. It isn’t
far from there to the Presidio Historic District and the Tucson Museum
of Art. The outstanding Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is one of the
area’s main attractions, as is the Pima Air & Space Museum
with its astonishing collection of over 5,000 decommissioned aircraft.
Tucson Arizona abounds in opportunities for outdoor adventurers. Golfers
will find dozens of great courses in Tucson, form the Gallery Golf
Club to the brand new del Lago Golf Club. Sabino Canyon in the Santa
Calima Mountains is a popular get-away spot for relaxing hiking and
camping. Mt. Lemmon has more strenuous trials, but many lead to the
enjoyable Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley. Colossal Cave Mountain Park offers
riding-trails, tours and pleasant picnicking. Cowboys and cowgirls
(and those who are cowboys and girls at heart) won’t want to
miss the Cocoraque Ranch & Pavilion is the only working ranch
in Tucson.
Gamblers may want to hit the Desert Diamonds
Casino for a little poker, Blackjack, Kino, slots and more.
American West history buffs should be
impressed by the fully preserved Bird Cage Theater, which has seen
16 gunfights and 26 killings since it was built in 1881.
Visitors to the Tucson area can take
a look at Biosphere 2, a self-contained environment and the largest
glass-covered mini world in the maxi world. See scientists at work
and visit the snack bar and gift shop.
