228: Experience the Southwest in Tucson, Arizona

Vacation Mavens

Tamara heads to Tucson, Arizona frequently since her daughter Hannah is now a junior at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Kim and Tamara first experienced Tucson together at a Family Travel Association Conference, but since Hannah started school Tamara has visited a number of times.

While many of her activities are centered around the University of Arizona, she has taken time to explore more of the area.

A few tips for visiting Tucson:

• Visit in the summer for lower prices but expect dry temps over 100 and it can also be monsoon season with short heavy rain storms and flooding
• Avoid May graduation, August move in, Parent weekend in September or October, the Mineral & Gem Show in February, and big football or basketball games to find better availability for hotels
• If you want a resort hotel with a pool, you are better looking at some of the hotels in the foothills versus downtown
• You need to rent a car if you want to stay at a resort and explore the area
• It is about 2-2.5 hours from Phoenix if you want to fly into there instead of Tucson or combine the two destinations

Favorite hotels:

• Best for families: Westin Paloma
• See Tamara's picks for the best places to stay in Tucson
• Favorite for couples: Hacienda Del Sol
• Best near campus: Graduate Tucson
• Best downtown: Home2Suites by Hilton

Things to do in Tucson:

• Saguaro National Park
• Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum
• Sunset at West Gate Pass
• Night sky star gazing at Mt Lemmon Windy Point or Kitt Peak
• Hiking in Sabino Canyon
• Pima Air and Space Museum
• Horseback riding at White Stallion Ranch / Cowboy Cookout at Tanque Verde Ranch
• Old Town Tucson
• Shopping along Fourth Avenue
• Enjoy Mexican food
• See more things to do in Tucson
• Great brunch spots in Tucson

Other Episodes You May Enjoy

• Scottsdale
• Tempe, Arizona