Tucson

Day Trips in Phoenix

"Tucson sits in the shadow of Mount Lemmon, one of the Arizona’s “sky islands” or a high-altitude forest lying above a very different type of ecosystem below. Tucson is surrounded by tall saguaros, protected by Saguaro National Park. Hundreds of miles of hiking trails through the surrounding mountains and desert areas, and urban trails connecting neighborhoods within the city, offer plenty of walking options — from easy strolls to strenuous climbs. Art lovers can explore the murals of Tucson throughout the town — enjoying the work of local, national, and international muralists — or visit one of 12 galleries.Wild West enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Old Tucson, the setting for most of the old Western movies, offering live action shows, musicals, and live entertainment. For a lunch break, you can stop at El Charro Cafe, the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant, still offering a great meal. Then visit the Pima Air and Space Museum, one of the largest aviation museums in the world. On the way back to Phoenix, a stop at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum offers a good understanding of the natural environment in and around Southern Arizona." - MATADOR_NETWORK