Tucson

Located in one of the oldest continually inhabited areas of North America, “The Old Pueblo” has flown four different flags over its history. Hohokam Indians lived and farmed here for 4,000 years before Spanish missionaries and soldiers arrived in the late 1600s. The Presidio San Agustín del Tucson and the Mission San Xavier del Bac were erected by these new locals in the 1700s, and still stand as two of the most iconic and historic structures in the region.

Tucson had a major growth spurt after World War I, when veterans with damaged lungs sought out the area’s dry heat and plentiful sunshine. During World War II, the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base opened, supplementing a rise in the local aeronautical industries, and coinciding with the arrival of air-conditioning, which made the desert climate livable year-round. Today, the desert city is a center of astronomy and optical research and manufacturing. It features diverse attractions to occupy the private-jet visitor, including the Old Tucson Studios, where many classic westerns were filmed, and numerous art museums.

Must see: If you enjoy the great outdoors, visit Tucson in July for the great Saguaro Harvest, when the cactus’ fruit is harvested at Colossal Cave Mountain Park. A visit to the Sabino Canyon is also a must during your trip.

Lodging: The Canyon Ranch Resort –This award-winning health and fitness resort has dieticians, exercise physiologists, behavioral health professionals, and medical staff on duty to ensure a wholesome experience during your stay. If you’d prefer a more conventional experience, check in to the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort.

Cuisine: Tucson’s tourism bureau promises the town has the most authentic (and best!) Mexican cuisine north of the border. Try Cafe Poca Casa, which features seasonal dishes inspired by different areas of the chef’s native country.

Ground Transportation: Car rentals are the way to go in Tucson, to allow for maximum exploration. In a pinch, though, the Sun Tran, the city’s public bus system, was named Arizona’s Best Transit System in 2012.

Packing Tips: If you’re planning to visit any of the national parks around Tucson or to go hiking at a higher elevation, make sure you arrive prepared for changeable weather. Sunscreen is a must in the summer months, as is a water bottle to fend of the oppressive heat.

Recommended Books: Charles Bowden is a journalist who frequently writes about the Southwestern U.S. and has appeared in The New York Times Book Review and Harper’s Magazine. He’s written frequently about Mexico’s Ciudad Juarez as well as crime and violence in American culture.

Currency: The U.S. dollar is the local currency.

Calling Code United States: 1

Best Travel Dates: It’s difficult to stay outdoors past noon during the summer (May–August) in the Tucson heat, but if you’re planning to stay at a resort and relax poolside for most of the day, it may be doable. Peak tourism season is during February, when the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show and the Fiesta de los Vaqueros rodeos are in town.

Airports in Tucson