Tucson

From World travel guide

Tucson is the second-largest city in the state of Arizona, one of the United States of America.

At an elevation of 2,400 feet, is has slightly cooler temperatures than its desert cousin, Phoenix. It is situated in the biologically diverse Sonoran Desert. With a population of 486,699 (2000 Census) in Tucson and 843,746 in the metro area, Tucson was the 32nd fastest growing of 280 metropolitan areas from 1990-2000.

Tucson's infamy:

• Speedway Boulevard was once named the "ugliest street in America" by Life magazine.
• Quote from the cinematic scifi flop 13th Floor:

  "I did what the letter said," said the bartender, "and went some place that no one would ever go...Tucson! When I got there I found no movement...no life...what I saw scared me to the bottom of my soul!"

Contents 1 Understand 2 Get in 2.1 By plane 2.2 By train 2.3 By car 2.4 By bus 3 Get around 4 See 5 Do 6 Learn 7 Work 8 Buy 9 Eat 9.1 Budget 9.2 Mid-range 9.3 Splurge 10 Drink 11 Sleep 11.1 Budget 11.2 Mid-range 11.3 Splurge 12 Stay safe 13 Get out 14 External links

Understand

Tucson has always been a crossroads. Until recently, water was relatively plentiful in Tucson, in spite of its location in the middle of a desert. This made it an important travel route, an agricultural center, and a communications nexus.

Tucson's history is ancient, with evidence of human occupation stretching back 10,000 years. Between A.D. 200 and 1450, the Hohokam culture dominated the area -- the Pima and Tohono O'Odham peoples that still occupy the area are descendants of the Hohokam. In 1699, Father Eusebio Kino, S.J., established the Mission San Xavier del Bac, southwest of present-day Tucson. Over the next 100 years, other missions were established in the area, but European presence was minimal.

It wasn't until 1775 that the Presidio of Tucson was created by Don Hugo O'Conor. At that time, it was the northernmost Spanish outpost in the New World. In 1821, Tucson became part of the new country of Mexico, and in 1853 it became part of the United States as a result of the Gadsden Purchase. In 1863, Arizona became a US territory, and by 1880, its population was around 8,000. In 1912, Arizona became the 48th state to enter the union.

Today, Tucson is still a crossroads, with European, Native American, Mexican, and Asian cultures bumping into one another, in sometimes conflicting and sometimes compatible -- but always interesting -- ways.

Get in

By plane

Tucson International Airport 7250 S. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 573-8000.

By train

Amtrak Station: 400 N. Toole Ave., Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 623-4442.

By car

I-10 from the north and southeast, and I-19 from the south.

By bus

Greyhound Lines Station: 2 S. 4th Ave., Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 792-3475.

Get around

• By Bus. Extensive metropolitan bus system, Sun Tran
• By Car. I-10 and I-19 are the only freeways in Tucson. East-west travel on surface streets above I-10 can be slow during the work day.
• By Bike. Tucson is a bike-friendly community, and has an extensive system of bike routes and paths.

See

• Sabino Canyon. Spectacular desert canyon cut into the south side of the Santa Catalina Mountains, now on Tucson's northern urban fringe. http://www.sabinocanyon.com/
• Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. 2021 N. Kinney Rd., Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 883-2702. More like Biosphere II than a walled institution, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is part zoo, part natural history museum and part botanical garden all in one Tucson attraction. From tarantulas to black bears, coyotes to scorpions, the museum-zoo is an entrancing and full-contact tribute to the Sonoran desert's wildlife (the wire fences are nearly invisible and the hummingbirds in the buzzing, walk-in aviary seem to think you are the attraction). Give yourself time to soak in the Southwest splendor and if time is all you have, the Museum is also on the fringes of Saguaro National Park, home to the world's largest forests of Saguaro cacti. http://www.desertmuseum.org/
• Saguaro National Park. 3693 South Old Spanish Trail Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 733-5153. The most dense forest of the iconic cactus of the American West. The park has two unconnected units to the east and west of Tucson. http://www.nps.gov/sagu/
• Tohono Chul Park. 7366 N. Paseo del Norte, Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 742-6455. "Tohono chul" means "desert corner" in the Tohono O'Odham's (desert people's) language, and this haven in the midst of Tucson's burgeoning north side offers a tea room, gift shop, book store, and art gallery in the middle of trails and gardens. There are extensive botanical exhibits explaining the native plants, and a wonderful plant-sale area in which to buy them for your own garden. Many kinds of desert birds are frequent visitors. http://www.tohonochulpark.org/
• Mission San Xavier del Bac. 1950 W. San Xavier Rd., Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 294-2624. The "White Dove of the Desert" is a Tucson mission. Pure white and pristine against a hot desert backdrop, and still heady inside its elaborately colored and muraled interior from centuries of supplication, the Mission San Xavier del Bac was finished in 1797 when Arizona was still New Spain. It has recently been cleaned and restored by professional art conservators who worked with and trained members of the community. http://dizzy.library.arizona.edu/images/swf/San_Xavier.html
• Old Tucson Studios. 201 S. Kinney Rd., Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 883-0100. Ever notice that Hollywood's Old West, the backdrop for the gun-slinging and cryptic comments of Hollywood's Western icons -- Wayne, Eastwood, Douglas and Newman -- has much in common with the Wild West of today's Tombstone and Geronimo? They've all been filmed at the Old Tucson Studios, originally built in 1939 for the making of the William Holden vehicle "Arizona." Still an active film, TV and commercial set, it's also a nostalgia-themed park, with main drag shootouts, corseted can-can dancers, educational shows, pre-Prohibition saloons, restaurants and gift shops.
• El Tiradito (The Castaway). On South Granada Avenue at West Cushing Street, Tucson, AZ. El Tiradito is the only shrine to a sinner in North America. In the 1880s, a young man had an affair with his mother-in-law. When caught in the act, his father-in-law shot him and he stumbled from bed and ran out of the house. He dropped dead on this spot, and because he had not confessed his sins, he could not be buried in the church yard. His family and friends interred him where he fell, but remembered him with candles and flowers. People still burn candles and leave offerings today. The shrine is located in what remains of Tucson's barrio (much of which was destroyed when the Tucson Convention Center was built). Best visited at dusk or after dark.
• Center for Creative Photography is located on the University of Arizona campus, and routinely features works of famous (and not-so-famous) photographers. When they have their Ansel Adams collection up it is a must see. http://dizzy.library.arizona.edu/branches/ccp/ccphome.html
• Kitt Peak National Observatory is one hour southeast of Tucson. A "don't miss" for the astronomy buff, there are several astronomical telescopes plus a large solar telescope. There are tours available. http://www.noao.edu/outreach/kpoutreach.html
• Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory is one hour due south of Tucson off I-19 near the town of Amado. Call ahead for tour information. http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/flwo/visitcenter.html
• Pima Air & Space Museum. 6000 E. Valencia Rd., Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 574-0462. Features over 250 historic aircraft. http://www.pimaair.org/
• Titan Missile Museum. 1580 W. Duval Mine Rd., Sahuarita, AZ; Tel. (520) 625-7736. Site south of Tucson preserves a Cold-War-era underground silo housing an unarmed Titan-II ICBM. Part of a larger field of such silos, this was one of the places from which nuclear war on the Soviet Union would have been waged. http://www.pimaair.org/TitanMM/titanhome.shtml
• Tucson Botanical Gardens. 2150 North Alvernon Way, Tucson, Arizona 85712; Tel. (520) 326-9686. This beautiful oasis in the heart of Tucson was originally the home of Bernice and Rutger Porter. Dating to the 1920s, the earliest buildings on the property were constructed of adobe bricks made right on site. True to the vision of Mrs. Porter, Tucson Botanical Gardens is a place of beauty, inspiration and education about the natural world. http://www.tucsonbotanical.org/

Do

• Club Congress. 311 E. Congress St., Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 622-8848. If you feel like dancing, Club Congress is the place to go. Located in the historic Congress Hotel, you'll find three bars and one dance floor, featuring techno dance beats and live bands. Call ahead to see who's playing. Cover charge.
• Plush Live music - talented local, regional, and national touring acts 5-7 nights a week.

Learn

• University of Arizona. Founded in 1885, the University of Arizona is the state's original land-grant university. Today, it hosts nearly 40,000 students, with nationally pre-eminent programs in astronomy, optical sciences, fine arts, and basketball. http://www.arizona.edu/
• Pima Community College. Multicampus two-year college system. http://www.pima.edu/

Work

Buy

Eat

Budget

• Yoshimatsu Healthy Japanese Food. 2745 N Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520) 320-1574 Local, home-made Japanese food. Recently opened a sushi bar within the same building. Great first date location and a separate vegetarian menu.
• Beyond Bread. 3055 N. Campbell Ave., Ste. 183, Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 322-9965. Amazing sandwiches on fresh-baked bread, made from ingredients that are as fresh as possible. (In addition to baking bread daily, the restaurant also roasts its turkey and beef on site.) They also have an espresso bar and pastries. A nice place for lunch, but watch out -- it's very popular, and you may have to wait in line. http://www.beyondbread.com/
• eegee's is a favorite sub shop of the locals, noted for its flavored ices. There are several locations, but the chain is exclusive to the Tucson area. http://www.eegees.com/
• Char Thai. 5039 E 5th St, Tucson, 85711. Tel. (520) 795-1715. It's not always easy to find good Asian restaurants in the desert, but this hole in the wall has to be near the top of anyone's list of favorites. Owned and operated by former residents of Bangkok, the restaurant has a huge selection of tasty curries and noodle dishes. The lunch specials are a great value.

Mid-range

• Cafe Poca Cosa. 88 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 622-6400. Fantastic Southwestern cuisine in a fun atmosphere. Downtown, Cafe Poca Cosa serves Mexican cuisine as you've never tasted it before. Order the Plato Poca Cosa ($20), and chef-owner Suzana Davila will choose three entrees for you to sample. Trust her judgment (dinner for two, about $46). (See Money magazine article.)

• Cup Cafe. 311 E. Congress St., Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 798-1618. Unusual, eclectic mix of Indian, Thai, Japanese, American and Mediterranean food, easily the most interesting restaurant in Tucson. You'll find plenty of vegetarian and some vegan options. On a nice day you can sit outside. http://www.hotcong.com/cup/

• El Charro Café. 311 N. Court Ave., Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 622-1922. Opened in 1922, El Charro is the oldest continuously-operated, family-owned Mexican restaurant in the United States. The food is classic Southwestern, with more Sonoran influences than many Tucson restaurants. http://www.elcharrocafe.com/

• El Minuto Cafe. 354 S. Main Ave., Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 882-4145. Authentic Sonoran cuisine in an adobe house in the barrio, open since 1936. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu, but do order the mole if they have it on the day you are there. The carne seca is superb and the chiles rellenos are magnificent. Make sure to sample the fresh, made-on-the-premises tortillas. Combine this with a visit to El Tiradito, which is nearby.

Splurge

• Hacienda del Sol. 5601 N. Hacienda del Sol Rd., Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 529-3500. Mobil four-star American-style grill featuring (Fall 2004) swordfish, Angus beef, buffalo sirloin, lamb, Scottish salmon, and other entrees. Reservations recommended. http://www.haciendadelsol.com/grill/
• Vivace. 4310 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, 85718; Tel. (520) 795-7221. Considered by many locals to be the best Italian restaurant in town. Entrees range from their incredible seafood lasagna to tender prime rib. The wine selection is fabulous and be sure to stay for desert. Reservations recommended.

Drink

• Barrio Food & Drink. 135 S. 6th Ave., Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 629-0191. One of the best bars in Tucson, with fully-stocked offerings, and knowledgeable, friendly staff. The decor is quintessentially Southwestern, and is both casual and elegant.

• Bison Witches. 326 N. 4th Ave., Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 740-1541. Located at the heart of Tucson's 4th Avenue historic distric, Bison Witches is a funky little bar that serves amazing sandwiches and the best margaritas in town.

Sleep

Budget

• Congress Hotel. 311 E. Congress St., Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 622-8848. This historic hotel was the site of John Dillinger's arrest. The rooms are small, but have a funky, historic feel. In addition to regular rooms, you'll find a youth hostel -- but beware, the hostel rooms are over the dance floor. http://congress.dakotacom.net/

Mid-range

• Lodge on the Desert. 306 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ; Tel. (800) 456-5634. Founded in 1936 as a dude ranch on the edge of town, Lodge on the Desert is now in the heart of the city. However, it still exudes desert style and beauty. The 35 rooms are beautifully appointed with unique Southwestern flair. http://www.lodgeonthedesert.com/

Splurge

• The Arizona Inn. 2200 E. Elm St., Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 325-1541. This charming and classic 1930 resort was built by Isabella Greenway, Arizona's first woman to serve in the U.S. Congress (1933-1937). Colorful stucco casitas and suites ramble through meticulously groomed grounds. The Arizona Inn has won top awards from Zagat and Condé Nast, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. http://www.arizonainn.com/

Stay safe

If you go walking in the desert parks, or on your own, learn desert safety tips. Take water, always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to get back, and if you have a cell phone, take it with you and have it on. It's disturbingly easy to get lost in the desert. Also, watch for snakes and bugs, as a few are dangerous to your health. When hiking, for example, rattlesnakes are easy to come across. When putting your slippers on in the morning, scorpions can be an unpleasant surprise.

Get out

If you're a traveler, and you're leaving Tucson, you might want to go to Phoenix, or Nogales, Mexico. For cool weather, head up to I-17 to Flagstaff. Also take the Catalina Highway to nearby Mount Lemmon.

• Bisbee. For a pleasant day trip try Bisbee. The Copper Queen has great food and historic accommodation.

External links

• City of Tucson's Visitor Page
• Azstarnet -- Web presence of The Arizona Daily Star, Tucson's major daily newspaper.
• Tucson Citizen -- Web presence of The Tucson Citizen, Tucson's second daily newspaper. Besides news, provides detailed community information, including an events calendar and dining guide.
• Greater Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Tucson-Pima Public Library

Dmoz:North_America/United_States/Arizona/Localities/T/Tucson WikiPedia:Tucson

• Tucson Underground
• Tucson Weekly

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