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You might have visited Phoenix or Flagstaff, but have you ever been to Tucson, Arizona? While the Grand Canyon and the city of Phoenix attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, Arizona’s second-largest city draws huge crowds as well, and it offers its visitors a wide range of adventures.
Whether you’re traveling to Tucson for a business meeting or making it the destination for your next vacation, be sure to schedule a taxi service and visit some of the sites listed below. With our detailed recommendations for different types of tourists and visitors, you’re sure to find something that will make your trip to Tucson memorable and exciting.
1. Outdoors Enthusiasts: Saguaro National Park
You won’t find a better place than Tucson to enjoy the Southwestern desert’s unique beauty. And you won’t find a better place than Saguaro National Park to marvel at the desert scenery firsthand.
The saguaro is a common type of cactus found in the Arizona desert, but it’s not the only sight to see at Saguaro National Park. The national park has two key area: the Tucson Mountain District to the west and the Rincon Mountain District to the east.
The park’s west side features a breathtaking saguaro forest, while the east side has a sky island-or free-standing mountain-surrounded by lower scrubland.
The national park has a variety of hikes that are suitable for all types of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Try the following, depending your situation:
Mica View Loop. This is the perfect hike for families with young children. In fact, since there’s no elevation gain, it’s more like a walk than a hike. You’ll see beautiful views of the park and could catch a glimpse of some of the park’s unique wildlife, like Gila woodpeckers.
Garwood Loop. This hike takes you through the Rincon Mountains’ beautiful foothills. You’ll walk along a ridge to get sweeping views of the nearby mountains and valleys.
Valley View Overlook Trail. This short hike can also introduce children to the area without tiring them out too much.
Rincon Mountain Saguaro Wilderness Area. If you visit the wilderness area, you can take advantage of several hikes, some of which take several days to complete. These trails are for experienced hikers only, and you’ll have to acquire a special permit before you start hiking.
If you haven’t visited the area before, bear in mind that the Southwest desert can be hazardous. Even if you plan to stay on main trails, bring plenty of water for every member in your group. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, along with loose, light, comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes.
2. Business Travelers: Downtown Restaurants
Any traveler can take the time to enjoy a delicious meal, but when you travel for business, you can usually plan on enjoying at least one business meal with the group you’ve traveled to see. If they’re Tucson natives, they might have a few recommendations in mind. If not, treat yourself to some of these delicious downtown options:
Cafe Poca Cosa. If you’ve never visited the Southwest, you can’t pass up a chance to try delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine. This highend restaurant updates its menu twice a day, and the chefs always prepare their food with the freshest ingredients.
Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails. With its combination of American and global cuisine, there’s something for everyone at this hip restaurant. If you plan to visit, make a reservation in advance to cut down your wait time.
The Coronet. If you prefer comforting café food over more exotic options, visit The Coronet, located near the Coronado Hotel. You can also enjoy a relaxing atmosphere on their large patio-which stays open all year round, thanks to Tucson’s beautiful weather.
Remember that when it comes to business travel, one of your primary goals is to make a good impression on the people you meet. Downtown Tucson traffic can be busy or difficult for visitors to navigate, so to ensure you arrive to your business dinner on time, don’t forget to call a cab.
3. Honeymooners: Tucson Botanical Gardens
When you’re enjoying a romantic getaway, you want to create the perfect atmosphere with your special someone. Fortunately, you don’t have to wander far to find the Tucson Botanical Gardens, which are located right in the heart of downtown Tucson.
At these extensive gardens, you can enjoy a stroll down beautiful flower-lined paths. You can visit greenhouses and unique floral exhibits and enjoy delicious food at the Gardens’ cafe. While you plan your trip, check out the Botanical Gardens’ website-the site often hosts unique events like food and wine festivals.
Enjoy Your Trip
No matter the reason you’re traveling to Tucson, you have plenty of opportunities to visit sites and participate in opportunities that will make your trip worthwhile.
As you travel from place to place, make sure to follow other tips that can make the journey even easier, like choosing a reliable taxi service to transport you from your airport to your hotel and anywhere in between.
