TUCSON, ARIZONA
The “Old Pueblo” of Southern Arizona!
Sprawled across the Sonoran desert valley at an elevation of 2,400 feet, and surrounded by four mountain ranges, Tucson is the second most populated city in Arizona, and is part of the Arizona Sun Corridor. Known as ‘The Old Pueblo’, the area is known for its rich southwest history, diverse scenery, local cuisine, and dedication to the arts. Tucson is home to Saguaro National Park, is part of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, and is close to numerous Southern Arizona national and regional park units. It’s a lively city that cherishes its outdoor lifestyle, and is home to the University of Arizona along with a diverse selection of restaurants, shops and nightlife venues.
Climate-wise, Tucson is cooler than Yuma and Phoenix, and is situated in a high desert valley that was once an ancient inland sea. It is surrounded by four mountain ranges: the Catalinas to the north; the Rincons to the east; the Santa Ritas to the south; and the Tucson’s to the west. With mountains as protection and the Santa Cruz River as a water source, this area attracted inhabitants over 12,000 years ago. The Native American name given by the Pima to their village at the base of Sentinel Peak, stjukshon (pronounced Too-sawn), means spring at the foot of the black hill.
Tucson was founded on August 20, 1775, though once part of Mexico, the city officially became part of the United States in 1854. Tucson experienced the Wild West era of 1860-1880, and then with the Southern Pacific Railroad’s arrival in 1880, its multicultural roots grew with new residents who adopted customs of the Tohono O’odham Indians and Mexicans living here.
Although the Native American, Mexican, Mexican American and Western atmosphere has been preserved, Tucson has become a cosmopolitan city boasting performing arts centers, museums and galleries, and the host of numerous trade shows and expos, and annual sporting events and cultural festivals including the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase, Tucson Festival of Books, World Golf Championships, Tucson International Mariachi Conference.
Tucson is bordered by Catalina State Park, Coronado National Forest, Saguaro National Park East and Saguaro National Park West, and the Tohono O’odham Nation. Set in the diverse Sonoran Desert, Tucson and Southern Arizona is home to the popular birding and nature destinations of Madera Canyon, Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge, Patagonia Lake State Park, and Lake Arivaca. Tucson and surrounding areas have over 40 municipal, public and private golf courses; plus the region has become a top spa destination and is home to two of the top spas in the world.
Tucson is the gateway to Southern Arizona destinations including the popular western towns like Tombstone and Bisbee, golf and retirement community of Green Valley, the historic art communities of Tubac and Amado, the Mexico border towns Nogales and Rio Rico, the quaint community of Patagonia, the ranching and horse community of Sonoita, and the popular wine region of Elgin.
From farm-to-table dining to Mexican fare, and brand hotels to southwestern resorts, Tucson has numerous lodging and dining options.
Local Highlights include: DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, El Presidio Historic District, Barrio Historico, Arizona Historical Society Museum, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Arizona State Museum, Fort Lowell Park and Museum, Old Pueblo Trolley, Old Tucson Studios, Tohono Chul Park, Tucson Botanical Gardens, Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block, Mission San Xavier Del Bac, Catalina State Park, Colossal Cave.
Regional Highlights include: Biosphere 2 (approx. 25 miles), Ironwood Forest National Monument (approx. 34 miles), Mount Lemmon (approx. 40 miles), Madera Canyon (42 miles), Picacho Peak State Park (approx. 42 miles), Tumacacori National Historical Park (approx. 50 miles), Kartchner Caverns State Park (approx. 52 miles), Kitt Peak National Observatory (approx. 54 miles), Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge (approx. 72 miles), Patagonia Lake State Park (approx. 72 miles), Casa Grande Ruins National Monument (approx. 78 miles), Chiricahua National Monument (approx. 115 miles), Fort Bowie National Historic Site (approx. 118 miles), Coronado National Memorial (approx 92 miles).
Nearby Cities include: Green Valley & Sahuarita (approx. 30 miles), Tubac (approx. 47 miles), Benson (approx. 45 miles), Patagonia (approx. 60 miles), Arivaca (approx. 65 miles), Nogales AZ & MX (approx. 70 miles), Tombstone (approx. 70 miles), Casa Grande (approx. 73 miles), Sierra Vista (approx. 75 miles), Willcox (approx. 80 miles), Bisbee (approx. 93 miles), Phoenix (approx. 115 miles), Gila Bend (approx. 125 miles), Yuma (approx. 240 miles).
Nearest Airports include: Tucson International Airport (approx. 8 miles), and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (approx. 112 miles).
