How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Tucson, Arizona

Tucson is a compelling mix of college town, Old West outpost, and Hispanic and Native American cultures. With the Santa Catalina Mountains framing the city’s eastern realms and several nearby nature areas, Arizona’s second-largest city provides a natural allure to match its many man-made diversions. Read on to learn how to spend the perfect weekend in Tuscon.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Explore the outdoors by visiting nearby Saguaro National Park, named for the treelike cacti native only to the region. One of the highlights is a watering hole that attracts coyotes, foxes and other animals in early morning and late afternoon.
2. Take a short side trip west of downtown to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. The attraction is actually a zoo specializing in the plant and animal life of the region. Along with the chance to see wild creatures such as mountain lions and bighorn sheep, the center offers an art institute, colorful gardens and two restaurants.
3. Drop by the University of Arizona to visit its acclaimed Art Museum, an eclectic and extensive treasure trove of works that includes countless superb sculptures. Among these are many by the late great Jacques Lipchitz, plus works by Rodin, Picasso, Henry Moore and many others.
4. While on campus, stop by the Center for Creative Photography. The center has one of the most impressive collections of photography in America with a showcase of works by Ansel Adams, Richard Avedon and many others.
5. Enjoy a Mexican meal at one of the many excellent choices in Tucson. Downtown has several good options including the boisterous Café Poca Cosa and the long-time local favorite the El Charro Café.
6. Kids--and lovers of Western films--will especially enjoy Old Tucson Studios, an Old West village originally built as the setting for a 1939 western. Today, Old Tucson hosts frequent film and television shoots, and offers a handful of cowboy-themed rides, an old-time saloon and barbecue joint.
7. Spend an afternoon shopping and strolling in the Fourth Avenue Historic District. Visitors will encounter cool boutiques, gift stores and plenty of restaurants. The main stretch is between Speedway Boulevard and Congress Street.

Tips & Warnings

• The Tucson International Airport is about six miles south of the city’s downtown. Several major carriers fly here including American, Delta and United.

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