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The Weekend in Tucson, Arizona You Shouldn’t Miss

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1 month ago

Tucked away in a narrow valley and hemmed in on every side by towering mountains, Arizona’s second city is a true oasis in the desert. With centuries of history moulding it into the vibrant city it is today, Tucson is a peculiar, yet seamless blend of cultures. Native Americans, Spanish, Mexicans and European settlers more broadly have all played their part in Tucson’s past, something that is very much evident today.

Whether you choose to spend your weekend in Tucson soaking up that history in the museums, or letting you hair down with the 45,000-strong student crowd, you’re in for a great time. If soaking up the desert sun is more your thing, there are resorts dotted all around the city. And if you prefer to keep active, the nature trails are endless; just remember to pack plenty of water!

Travel tip: Tucson is pronounced ‘too-sohn’; the ‘c’ is silent.

The best time for a weekend in Tucson

Sitting in the Sonoran Desert, which runs the length of the west coast from Mexico, across the border to California and Arizona, Tucson has a very hot climate. There are two distinct seasons: summer and winter. Summer runs from April to October with average temperatures of around 100°F (30°C), although it often gets hotter still. The highest temperature ever recorded in Tucson was a staggering 117°F (47°C).

Add in high levels of humidity, visiting Tucson in summer can be unpleasant if you’re not used to it. The best time to visit is during the short winter season, running from November to March. Average temperatures hover around 53°F (12°C).

Travel tip: Hotel rates peak during winter. If you want to avoid the worst of the heat, but are traveling on a budget, April, May, September and October are a good compromise.

Getting to Tucson

By air

Tucson International Airport is six miles south of downtown. It’s served by the big three U.S. airlines along with Southwest and Sun Country. Taxis and ride shares are readily available and there is a regular bus service between the airport and Downtown.

Despite the name, there are no international flights at present; so if you’re coming for a weekend in Tucson from outside the U.S., you’ll need to make a transfer. Alternatively, fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor, around 100 miles north, and rent a car or take the bus to Tucson.

Overland

If you haven’t hired a car, there are two options for reaching Tucson: Amtrak’s three-times weekly Sunset Limited between Los Angeles and New Orleans; and the daily Texas Eagle between Los Angeles and Chicago both serve Tucson. Alternatively, Tucson is well served by intercity buses, which connect it with Phoenix and several cities in Texas and California.

Where to stay for a weekend in Tucson

Thanks to its fairly compact size, whichever area you choose to stay in, you won’t be far from the action. For most first-time visitors, Downtown or Catalina Foothills are the best options.

Downtown

Tucson’s lively beating heart, Downtown is our favorite neighborhood to stay in. With quirky restaurants, craft crew pubs and wild late night bars, it’s perfectly positioned for exploring Tucson’s shops and museums. Plus, the airport is just a 20-minute drive away.

The pick of the pack here is undoubtedly El Amador Inn. An inn like no other, it’s a collection of standalone buildings and apartments set around South 4th Avenue, close to Armory Park. Every one of them is decked out with elaborate furnishings, and the privacy is second to none. The value is outstanding, too, with rooms starting from $140 in the high season.

If you prefer a more conventional hotel, The Blenman House Inn is the place to stay. Right in the heart of Downtown, this gorgeous boutique comes with luxurious rooms and an outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees.

Another worthy contender, voco the Tuxon, whilst part of IHG, has a true boutique feel. The art deco design, trendy décor and free bicycle rental make voco the Tuxon one of the best chain hotels for a weekend in Tucson.

Catalina Foothills

Ideal if you’re craving luxury, Catalina Foothills is home to the majority of Tucson’s desert resorts. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, this is the perfect spot if you want to combine lounging by the pool with hiking or horseback riding. Downtown Tucson is just a 20-minute drive away, so you won’t miss any of the sights.

Our top pick here is Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch. Set up in the foothills themselves, this luxury ranch resort has unbeatable views of the Catalina Mountains and the desert beyond. Expect traditional Spanish décor, an excellent restaurant and a luxurious spa.

Slightly further out of town, but with the benefit of added tranquillity, Ventana Canyon Club and Lounge is another great choice. Every room here comes with views of the desert or mountains and a private terrace or balcony to enjoy them from.

For a slightly easier-on-the-wallet Catalina Foothills resort experience, check out Westward Look. One of the closest resorts to Downtown, it boasts three outdoor pools and two restaurants.

Top things to do on a weekend in Tucson

Learn about Tucson’s past at a museum

Given Tucson’s long and varied history, learning a little about what made the city what it is today is a must during your weekend in Tucson. The top spot for that is Arizona History Museum. Open daily (except Mondays) from 10 am to 3 pm, you can buy tickets on the door or online.

Alongside the Wild West exhibition, the museum has displays focusing on Arizona’s mining heyday in the late nineteenth century and the history of transport in Tucson. There’s a great collection of Spanish colonial period artefacts, and the newest exhibit showcases the growth of brewing and winemaking in the region.

Travel tip: If you plan to visit a few museums, a Tucson Attractions Passport may save your money.

If the transport exhibit has piqued your curiosity, a visit to the Southern Arizona Transport Museum will be a great addition to your weekend in Tucson. If the Spanish colonial period was more your thing, make Presido San Augustin del Tucson your next stop. Housed in a Spanish fort, the birthplace of Tucson, this fascinating museum tells the story of Tucson’s early years.

Visit Sabino Canyon

If you take a taxi from Tucson Airport, the chances are your driver will recommend Sabino Canyon. Take that advice, and ours. Sabino Canyon is a must on any weekend in Tucson itinerary.

Located to the northeast of Downtown, and just beyond Catalina Foothills, this awe-inspiring feat of geology, 12 million years in the making, is home to Tucson’s best wildlife. Watch out for rattlesnakes, lions and scorpions if you go for a hike!

To learn more about the canyon, take a ride on the Sabino Canyon Crawler. These electric shuttles whisk you through the canyon providing commentary along the way.

Hike in the Catalina Foothills

The best spot for hiking around Tucson, the Catalina Foothills has trails for all abilities. From a short stroll around Catalina State Park to full day mountain treks, there’s a hike for everyone. Expect to see plenty of cacti and everything from bighorn sheep to black bears.

Travel tip: If you’re staying at a resort in Catalina Foothills, ask hotel staff for their advice on hikes. The majority of resorts have trails within and from their grounds.

If hiking isn’t your thing, but you still want to experience the magic of the mountains, take a horseback ride through Coronado Forest.

Take a hot air balloon flight

Providing a view of Tucson and the surrounding valley like no other, a hot air balloon ride is an exhilarating and super-fun experience. Balloons always fly at sunrise as this provides the best visibility and atmospheric pressure; in turn, it provides riders with the best photo opportunities.

Flights operate daily year-round, but can be canceled in the event of bad weather. Book your flight on the first morning of your weekend in Tucson in case it needs to be rescheduled.

Revisit the Wild West at Old Tucson Studios

Built as a set for the 1940 movie Arizona, Old Tucson Studios has been used to film countless westerns since. Rio Bravo, El Dorado and Tombstone are some of the best known, but most know Old Tucson for the 1970/80s sitcom Little House on the Prairie.

Still a working studio, Old Tucson is open to the public almost every day. Check before visiting though, as the studios occasionally close to accommodate filming.

During your visit, don’t miss the chance to take a historical tour of the studios, and if you visit in the evening, the ghost tours are spookily good (yes, that means Tucson is a great choice for Halloween).

If you’re spending a long weekend in Tucson, this Fridays-only Old West tour is a must for any western fan. It includes a copper mine train ride plus visits to Tombstone, with a re-enactment of the O.K. Coral shootout, and the old mining town of Bisbee.

Where to eat and drink during a weekend in Tucson

The best restaurants in Tucson

Nook

When you do something well, there’s no point trying to do anything else. With that logic, Nook serves brunch and brunch alone every day. It’s the place to go for brunch in Tucson so it’s worth booking a table in advance unless you’re happy to sit outside in the heat and wait.

Jaime’s Pizza Kitchen

Pizza may be an American staple, but few restaurants come close to making true Neapolitan-style pizza. Jaime’s is the exception to that rule, and if you only eat one pizza during your weekend in Tucson, let this be it.

Open for lunch and dinner, Jaime’s menu features a number of house specialities. The real gem is the ‘create your own’ section, which lets you pick your base and toppings. For that classic Italian taste, go for the ‘Old World’ base.

Travel tip: To sample even more of Tucson’s best food, join a Secret Food Walking Tour and discover places only the locals know.

Thunder Bacon Burger

Another Tucson institution, loved by the student population, Thunder Bacon Burger isn’t just another burger joint. Chef and owner Lindy, along with his daughter Nicole, are beyond creative in the kitchen.

Green chillies, blue cheese, bacon and raspberry chipotle, or how about pineapple, onions, pepper jack, pickles, teriyaki glaze and house sauce? If there’s any other burger combos you’ve never imagined, the chances are, Thunder Bacon is serving them.

CRUDA Mariscos

Dishing up Tucson’s freshest seafood in the heart of Downtown, CRUDA is open for lunch and dinner. Oysters are their speciality; choose from aguachile sauce, frescos, a la cruda or Rockefeller. Their other highlights include seafood tostadas, tacos and pasta along with more simple, but still divine, burgers and fish and chips.

Charro Steak & Del Ray

An offspring of the world-renowned El Charro Café, Charro Steak & Del Ray is an homage to its Mexican roots. Set in a chic warehouse-style building attached to the upscale Lewis Hotel, Charro is the place to go for a meal to remember during your weekend in Tucson.

Alongside their signature cuts, Charro serves fresh seafood, fish, burgers and salads. The cocktail list is dangerously good, and there’s plenty of local and Latin American wine to accompany your steak.

Travel tip: If you’re a wine connoisseur, make the most of your weekend in Tucson with a visit to some of the Sonoran Desert’s top wineries.

One of the U.S.’s principal wine-making regions, Arizona’s vineyards are hidden deep in the desert.

Where to experience the best of Tucson’s nightlife

Pueblo Vida Brewing Company

Perfectly located on East Broadway, the hub of Tucson’s entertainment district, Pueblo Vida has been brewing here since 2014, though the ornate red brick building dates back to 1918. Locals will tell you that this is the ideal spot to start your night in Tucson with 14 beers on tap to choose from.

Tabu Bar

Anything but a taboo, if you ask the locals where to grab a quiet drink on a weekend in Tucson, they’ll say Tabu. Open until 2 am at weekends, Tabu is the place to go for a classy cocktail in a relaxed setting before turning in or mixing with the students and partying the night away.

Hi Fi

If you choose mixing with the students and partying the night away, the chances are you’ll end up in Hi Fi. Arguably the best location in Downtown, their outdoor terrace is a people watcher’s paradise. Inside, the music is loud and the dancefloor is always buzzing. The drinks are cheap, the service is fast and there are regular DJ sets and special events.


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