Tucson: Thriving in the Desert
from WorldWeb.com Travel Guide

Cactus Flowers Photo Courtesy of the MTCVB and Fred Hood

As the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the United States, Tucson has a rich and multifarious history that has resulted in one of the world's most unique travel destinations, overflowing with cultural venues, interesting attractions and special events. But history is not the only reason tourists flock to Tucson. Located in the southwestern state of Arizona and surrounded by a number of parks and mountains, Tucson's visitors are eager to explore the area's desert beauty and take advantage of recreational opportunities in the warm, sunny weather. Visitors also enjoy the wide selection of cosmopolitan cuisine, performance art and sporting events that make Tucson a city worth discovering.

ORIENTATION

Tuscon is located in southern Arizona, between Phoenix (120 mi / 193 km away) and the Mexican border (60 mi / 97 km away). Tuscon is in a high desert valley, surrounded by four mountain ranges: the Tucsons to the west, the Rincons to the east, the Santa Ritas to the south, and the Santa Catalinas to the north. The city is 318 mi (512 km) southwest of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and 262 mi (421 km) northwest of El Paso, Texas. Inside Arizona, Tucson is 63 mi (101 km) from Nogales, 112 mi (179 km) from Tempe and 24 mi (39 km) from the many points of interest in Green Valley.

HISTORY

Tucson's history is characterized by diversity and struggle. The city has belonged to three different countries and fought on both sides of the U.S. Civil War. The Spanish, Mexican and Native American roots of present-day Tucson can be traced back to the conflicts that shaped the region many years ago.

	Downtown Tucson Photo Courtesy of the MTCVB and Steve Renzi

The Hohokam people began farming the Tucson area in 300 A.D., inhabiting the land until roughly 1450, when they vanished for unknown reasons. Following the Hohokam decline, the Pima and Tohono O'odham American Indians, believed to be descendants of the Hohokam people, built their own civilization. The Pima and Tohono O'odham people lived along the Santa Cruz River and established an Indian village known as Stjukshon. In 1692, Spanish missionaries, seeking converts and subjects for the king, discovered the Indian village and began to settle nearby. In 1700, Spanish Jesuit Eusebio Francisco Kino established the San Xavier Mission in the village of Bac, not far from Stjukshon. A number of Spanish ranchers and miners soon entered the valley, forcing Native Americans to protect their territory. In 1775, Hugo O'Conor established a Spanish garrison for protection from Indian raids, which was moved in 1776 to the walled safety of the Tucson Presidio. This event marked the inauguration of Tucson.

Native American Dancing Photo Courtesy of the MTCVB and Lorraine DarConte

By 1804, Tucson was inhabited by 1,000 people—mostly Spaniards, Mexicans, and Native Americans—who made their living growing crops and raising livestock. Following the Mexican revolution of 1821, Tucson became part of Mexico. Trade routes opened between California and the East Coast, bringing American trappers and traders through Arizona. The United States, eager to establish a southern rail route, bought Arizona from Mexico as part of the Gasden Purchase in 1854.

Tucson was rife with conflict as natives struggled to defend their territory from new settlers, who arrived in growing numbers. By 1860, the days of the Wild West were in full swing, and disputes frequently ended in shootouts. These battles paralyzed Tucson for decades, creating a distraction from the U.S. Civil War going on in the East.

Tucson held the honor of territorial capitol between 1867 and 1877, which helped accelerate civic progress. The Southern Pacific Railroad reached Tucson in 1880, connecting the burgeoning city with the rest of the United States. Tucson continued to grow, as visitors flocked to what became the city's main attraction in the mid-20th century: dude ranches.

Today, dude ranches are no longer Tucson's main attraction. The city's landscape features elaborate resorts, office buildings, convention centres, sports arenas, theatres and auditoriums. Tucson is a thriving cosmopolitan city, business center and cultural hub.

Month Avg. Daily Temperature Average Rainfall Min Max Jan 37°F (4 °C) 65°F (18 °C) 23 mm Feb 40°F (5 °C) 69°F (20 °C) 21 mm Mar 43°F (7 °C) 74°F (23 °C) 19 mm Apr 50°F (10 °C) 82°F (27 °C) 10 mm May 57°F (14 °C) 90°F (32 °C) 5 mm Jun 67°F (20 °C) 100°F (38 °C) 7 mm Jul 74°F (23 °C) 101°F (37 °C) 52 mm Aug 72°F (22 °C) 98°F (36 °C) 54 mm Sep 67°F (20 °C) 95°F (34 °C) 29 mm Oct 55°F (14 °C) 86°F (29 °C) 19 mm Nov 44°F (8 °C) 74°F (23 °C) 20 mm Dec 38°F (4 °C) 66°F (18 °C) 25 mm

Climate data from the Western Regional Climate Center

CLIMATE

Expect to enjoy warm weather and plenty of sunshine in Tuscon. The city boasts 350 days of sunshine each year, ranking among the highest in the United States. Although temperatures are high in the summer, averaging 88°F (31°C), low humidity makes the warm days more comfortable. The temperature drops when the sun goes down, resulting in refreshingly cool evenings. During the spring, fall and winter, the mild temperatures are enjoyable. Tucson receives the most rainfall in July and August, replenishing the city's lush vegetation.

TRANSPORTATION

Tucson can be accessed by car through route I-10, the nation's southernmost transcontinental highway, which travels southeast from Phoenix. From the west, route I-8 can be used to connect to I-10, and from the South, SR 77 is an exceptionally scenic route leading into the city. Tucson is also served by Amtrak railway and Greyhound Lines. Tucson International Airport, located 10 mi (16 km) south of downtown, is served by most major passenger airlines. For those traveling from the Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, the Arizona Shuttle Service travels directly to Tucson. Transportation to and from the airport is facilitated by taxi cab, motorcoach and limousine service. Once in Tucson, rental cars, taxi cabs and public transit—which runs throughout the metropolitan area—help visitors navigate the city. Exploring downtown Tucson is easy with the Tucson Inner City Express Transit, a public transit system offering free rides in the downtown area.

Native American Baskets Photo Courtesy of the MTCVB and Steve Renzi

ATTRACTIONS

History, Culture and Education
Travelers interested in exploring Tucson's rich history find no shortage of resources. Tucson is laden with museums delving into the area's archeology, offering a bountiful supply of artefacts, exhibits and works of art. The collections of artefacts from prehistoric Hohokam and Mogollon Native Americans at Arizona State Museum is considered to be the most comprehensive in the world. The Arizona Historical Society, dedicated to the collection, preservation and interpretation of Arizona history, operates four museums in the city: the Second Street Museum, which houses the society's research library and archives; the Fort Lowell Museum, which explores military life on the Arizona frontier; the Downtown Museum, which houses exhibits spanning from Tucson's origins as a Presidio in 1775 to the modern era; and the Sosa-Carillo-Fremont House, which features exhibits about Tucson's Hispanic pioneer families.

	Mission San Xavier del Bac Photo Courtesy of the MTCVB and Gill Kenny

Art Conoisseurs appreciate the great variety of works in the city's museums and galleries. The University of Arizona Museum of Art features 50 European paintings from the Renaissance through the 17th century, including the work of Giovanni Piazetta, Jacopo Pontormo and Tintoretto. Tohono Chul Park, a 50-acre desert preserve, offers a gallery of ever-changing art exhibits. The Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block is an historical arts complex featuring pre-Columbian, Spanish Colonial and Western American artwork, as well as a selection of temporary historical and contemporary art exhibits.

In addition to cultural attractions, plenty of fun and educational activities await families wishing to expand their horizons at the Flaudrau Science Center & Planetarium and the Tucson Children's Museum. The Flaudrau Science Center & Planetarium features a mineral museum, a public observatory and interactive exhibits exploring sound, light, optical illusions, magnetism and astronomy. Science shows, cultural presentations and laser light shows are visible at the center's multimedia planetarium. Visitors with young children appreciate the wide range of hands-on exhibits at the Tucson Children's Museum, including a firehouse, electricity and optics displays, a health center and a dress-up room.

Arts and Entertainment
Performing arts come alive at Tucson's many theatres and music halls. Tucson features a number of dedicated performance arts groups, including the Arizona Theater Company, which offers a variety of professional theatrical performances from September to April; the Arizona Opera company, which performs with a full orchestra throughout the year; the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, which performs classical and pop music from September to May; and Ballet Arizona, which offers a selection of performances and seasonal special events. For family entertainment, the Gaslight Theatre offers interactive performances that encourage audience participation.

Specialty Attractions
The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum features a zoo, a botanical garden and a natural history museum, all in one location. Visitors have the opportunity to see over 1,300 types of living plants and 300 species of animals, including mountain lions, prairie dogs and gila monsters. Over two miles of path lead visitors around the 21-acre site, showcasing the lush foliage of the botanical garden. The museum features a walk-through cave displaying regional gems and minerals.

Biosphere 2 Photo Courtesy of the MTCVB and Gill Kenny

An airtight replica of Earth's environment, Biosphere 2 is a 7.2-million-square-foot, sealed glass structure containing five biomes, agricultural areas, a rainforest and a 900,000 gallon ocean. The self-contained eco-system has allowed scientists to conduct a wide range of research and even explore the possibility of colonizing the Moon and Mars. Biosphere 2 features hands-on exhibits, a gift shop and a visitor center. Open daily for tours, visitors do not want to miss this attraction of epic proportions located 25 mi (40 km) north of Tucson.

	Old Tucson Studios Photo Courtesy of the MTCVB

Western film buffs relish the opportunity to visit Old Tucson Studios, 12 mi (19 km) west of Tucson, where a replica of 1860s Tucson was reconstructed in 1939 for the western feature film Arizona. Decades later the site was used in the movie Tombstone, the story of Wyatt Earp. More than 300 films, TV episodes and commercials have been filmed at the studios. Visitors have the opportunity to witness live gunfights, stunt demonstrations and Western musical reviews.

Shopping
Tucson's cultural history is vibrantly expressed in the city's independent shops and boutiques, which are rife with handmade arts, crafts and traditional items. Specialty shops contain a myriad of handcrafted Mexican and Native American treasures, including feathered and furred kachina dolls, jewelry, moccasins, pottery rugs and Western wear. Just north of downtown, the city's one-block adobe restoration area, which showcases over 150 local artists, is an excellent place to browse Native and Latin American folk art. Shopping in downtown Tucson also means discovering a number of interesting shops, selling everything from antiques to new fashions.

Dining
Visitors to Tucson find themselves in a world of culinary delights. Tucson boasts more than 3,000 eateries, offering a rich palette of cosmopolitan dining experiences including French, Italian, Mediterranean, East Indian and Southwestern cuisine. Over 150 restaurants serve Mexican cuisine, offering dishes ranging from Sonoran to Mexico City style and everything in between.

The Gallery Golf Course Photo Courtesy of the MTCVB

Parks and Recreation
Tucson's city parks are equipped with facilities for virtually any recreational activity. The city abounds with swimming pools, tennis, racquetball and handball courts, picnic areas, playgrounds and baseball fields. Over 40 golf courses are located closeby. The Santa Catalina mountains, a short drive north of Tucson, boast exceptional hiking opportunities. Half-day, full-day and overnight horseback riding trips are offered by several touring companies, allowing visitors to explore the folliage and beauty of the mountains and desert. Skiing and snowboarding are popular activities at Mount Lemmon Ski Valley, 30 mi (48 km) northeast of Tucson. Catalina State Park, 9 mi (15 km) north of the city, features 5,511 acres of desert plants, as well as opportunities for bird watching, hiking, camping and horseback riding.

	Mariachi Band Photo Courtesy of the MTCVB and Gill Kenny

Events

Cultural and Special Events
Tucson's event calendar is filled with exciting festivals, shows, exhibitions and special events. In January, the city hosts the Arizona Square and Round Dance Festival at the Tucson Convention Center. February features the world's largest gem and mineral show, a 14-day event attracting hundreds of dealers selling to wholesalers and the public. Also in February is La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Rodeo, an eight day festival offering visitors the opportunity to see competitive rodeo, indulge in a cowboy breakfast and watch a three-hour parade showcasing Western floats, Mexican folk dancers, marching bands and horse-drawn buggies. For those interested in music, the Tucson International Mariachi Conference in April offers performances by world-renowned mariachis and Mexican folk dancing groups.

La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Rodeo Photo Courtesy of the MTCVB and Gill Kenny

Sporting Events
Sports fans travel to Tucson to watch spring training for two major league baseball clubs, the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Chicago White Sox. The Tucson Sidewinders, a minor league baseball club, can be seen from April to early September. Top rate college football and basketball is offered at the University of Arizona, home of the Arizona Wildcats.

Visitors appreciate the diversity of activities and attractions in Tucson, where differences are celebrated and traditions are preserved. Whether exploring the city's history, attending one of the many special events, or looking for treasures in the shopping districts, Tucson offers a memorable vacation experience.