Tucson

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Sun, Saguaros, and Septagenarians

An April 2000 trip to Tucson by PabloDiablo Best of IgoUgo

Tucson was always a rough and tumble place, a town where the law was decided by whoever had the fastest gun. It's softened up a bit (warmth-seeking retirees really aren't quick on the trigger), but there's still plenty to do no matter what age you are.

  • 9 reviews

Sun, Saguaros, and SeptagenariansBest of IgoUgo

Overview

I've been going to Tucson nearly every year since I was born, so it's hard to pick one 'best thing' over 20 years of traveling. I must say, though, that the one thing I miss most when I'm not there is just looking at the Catalina mountains.

Quick Tips:

Bring sunblock! And drink water! You're in the middle of the desert. The temperature can fluctuate wildly from day to night, and in the winter it can get chilly, but pretty much from April to September it's going to be toasty. Better than Florida because it's less humid.

Best Way To Get Around:

Unfortunately, a car. Tucson is spread out. Downtown has buses, and it is also more easily walked, but to get to the sights outside of downtown Tucson, a car's your best bet.

Oracle VillaBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

Usually when we're in Tucson, we stay with my grandmother in her condo (free accommodations and food!, but this year we stayed in Oracle Villa, which conveniently enough, is a similar complex not three minutes away from hers. There are a certain number of condos which are available for short-term rent. The condo was neat, comfortable, and certainly large enough for the four of us. The place also had a nice, though, not too large, pool, tennis courts, and even a golf course. Right outside our little back porch was a strip of desert, where we saw many Gamble's quail, lizards, bunnies, and even prairie dogs. The only problem was the little cockroaches that seemed to be living with us. They weren't the big kind, but still they weren't the most pleasant houseguests. The management said they'd take care of them, but alas we didn't stay long enough to see if they made good on their promise.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by PabloDiablo on June 26, 2000

Oracle Villa
11 East Orange Grove Rd Tucson, Arizona
(520) 297-6141

WildflowerBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Wildflower Grill"

It's hard to categorize the type of cuisine the Wildflower Grill serves up, but whatever it is it's excellent. The dishes cover a wide variety of veggies, meats and fish, but overall I found a slightly Asian influence above others. It's a little expensive, but worth it. Even though it's in the middle of the desert, the restaurant serves up some of the freshest fish I've tasted. And you have to try the wasabe mashed potatoes. Out of this world! Sit outdoors to take advantage of the amazing Tucson climate.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by PabloDiablo on June 26, 2000

Wildflower
7037 North Oracle Road Tucson, Arizona 85704
+1 520 219 4230

Keaton'sBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Keaton's Arizona Grill"

There are actually two Keaton's locations in Tucson, but I don't think I've been to the other one. Keaton's doesn't look all that intriguing from the outside (and not overly special from the inside), but what counts here is the food. The restaurant is consistently rated at or near the top in the area for American food. Good salads, burgers, steaks, etc. Some pretty good fish, too. It's not extraordinary, but you'll get a good meal every time.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by PabloDiablo on June 28, 2000

Keaton's
7401 North La Cholla Blvd Tucson, Arizona 85741
+1 520 297 1999

Arizona-Sonora Desert MuseumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

I have always loved the Desert Museum, which is actually more of a zoo than a museum. Located in the Tucson Mountains west of the city, it showcases the flora, fauna, and geology of the surrounding Sonoran Desert. It has really amazing habitats, such as the bighorn sheep habitat and the prarie dog habitat. The aviary is great--you walk in, and birds of all sorts are flying above you while little hummingbirds buzz by your ears. This is one of the finest, most interesting zoos I've been to. Make sure to bring water and sunscreen, though, because you'll be doing a lot of walking outside even though some of the exhibits are indoors.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by PabloDiablo on June 26, 2000

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
2021 North Kinney Road Tucson, Arizona 85743
+1 520 883 1380

Colossal Cave Mountain ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Colossal Cave"

Colossal Cave is just that...a big cave. (Actually, I don't remember if it's actually a cave or a cavern. I don't even remember the difference, to be truthful. But that's not the point.) It's got gorgeous stalag/stalactites and an underground lake. I think there are some bats down there, too. Not the best cave in the U.S., but it's a fun one, especially for younger kids. And it's always 70 degrees! The ride out is a little long, though.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by PabloDiablo on June 26, 2000

Colossal Cave Mountain Park
16711 East Colossal Cave Road Vail, Arizona 85641
+1 520 647 7275

Mission San Xavier del BacBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

'The White Dove of the Desert', one of the original Spanish missions built in current U.S. territory, is one of the finest examples of mission architecture left in the whole country. The church stands stark white against the Sonoran landscape, and it's quite a site to behold. The interior was being restored when I last visited; I don't know if they're done yet. San Xavier still holds Catholic services, and there is also a small museum attached to it detailing its history. Check out the Native American vendors outside, as well. Children may get bored here if you stay too long, unless they are architecture and/or history buffs. Hey, you never know.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by PabloDiablo on June 28, 2000

Mission San Xavier del Bac
1950 West San Xavier Road Tucson, Arizona 85746
+1 520 294 2624

TubacBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

I didn't appreciate Tubac when I went with my family a few years ago; but I like it a little more now. It's a small community noted for its artists' enclave. The town is growing because of recently added hotels, resorts, other businessed, etc. nearby, but it's still under control. There are a wide range of artisans here, from potters to painters and sculptors. Their galleries are pretty neat, though I grew tired of them far before my parents did. Again, beware staying too long if your kids don't appreciate art. And walking between galleries.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by PabloDiablo on June 28, 2000

Tubac
Interstate 19 Tubac, Arizona 85646
+1 520 398 2704 (Tub

Mount Lemmon Ski ValleyBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley"

No, it's definitely not the largest or most challenging ski area you've ever seen. But it's in the freaking desert, for chrissake! There isn't much skiing available! And, although I've never skied there myself, I've heard from many people that it's actually pretty good. Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley is located, oddly enough, on Mt. Lemmon, which is the highest peak in the Santa Catalina range on the city's northern flank. I've been there to hike and walk around, and the place is beautiful. There's many trails to hike. Call ahead to find out about conditions (there might not be snow. It's hard to ski then.) 602 576-1400
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by PabloDiablo on June 21, 2000

Mount Lemmon Ski Valley
10300 Ski Run Road Tucson, Arizona 85619
+1 520 576 1321

About the Writer

PabloDiablo
PabloDiablo
San Francisco, California

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