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Things To Do In Greater Tucson Area

There are many great things to do in the greater-Tucson area, and many great properties for sale to fit any budget. Tucson is a city in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert surrounded by multiple mountain ranges, including the Santa Catalinas. Reflecting its 19th-century beginnings are the restored mansions of its El Presidio Historic District and the adobe row houses of Barrio Historico. Home to the University of Arizona, Tuscon has many vintage shops, nightclubs and restaurants on Fourth Avenue near the campus.

Here’s a brief list of things to do:

Arizona Sonora Desert Museum

Wandering through this living museum is like taking an enchanted walk through the desert. There’s lots of information, plenty of shade and water, and close-up views of bobcats, prairie dogs, coyotes, hawks, Mexican gray wolves, mountain lions, scorpions, rattlesnakes, roadrunners, quail, and more. Aviaries offer a birder’s haven and the new aquarium shows our native aquatic fauna. The internationally famous museum—ranked in the top 10 on TripAdvisor—has seasonal fine dining and year-round casual dining. Trained museum docents give live-animal demonstrations and seasonal guided tours. Admission fee. Open daily at 2021 N. Kinney Rd. Call 520-883-2702 or visit desertmuseum.org for hours of operation.

BISBEE

When you visit this old mining-town-turned-artists’ enclave and wander among the steeply tiered hillside houses or delve 1,500 feet underground on the Queen Mine Tour (520-432-2071) to experience what mining was really like, you’ll understand why people speak so fondly of this little town. Take a Lavender Jeep Tour (520-432-5369) to find more of what Bisbee and Southern Arizona have to offer. On the 2nd Sat. of each month, tour the more than 20 shops and galleries that stay open late for a town-wide art walk, featuring live entertainment, sidewalk sales, demonstrations, and food. Located about 90 miles southeast of Tucson on AZ Hwy. 80. Phone the Bisbee Visitor Center, 520-432-3554 or 866-2BISBEE, or visit discoverbisbee.com. Check out our Bisbee special section for a broad selection of restaurants, shops, hotels, and attractions.

CASINO FUN

You can bet Tucson has its share of casinos. Desert Diamond Casino & Hotel (7350 S. Nogales Hwy., 520-294-7777, ddcaz.com), owned and operated by the Tohono O’odham Nation, deals up live blackjack, slots, bingo, and poker, among other games. Or check out its 2nd area location in Sahuarita at I-19 and Pima Mine Rd. Also, Casino of the Sun (7406 S. Camino de Oeste, with a 2nd location, Casino Del Sol Resort, at 5655 W. Valencia Rd.; 800-344-9435, casinodelsolresort.com), owned and operated by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, brings a little piece of Vegas to the Old Pueblo, offering live blackjack, video poker, slot machines, bingo, and more. If you’re not having any luck with the one-armed bandit, grab something to eat—from Mexican food to prime rib—or catch a show; most casinos offer big-name entertainment. You must be 21 or older to enter any of the casinos.

CATALINA STATE PARK

Just 12 miles north of Tucson on Oracle Rd. (AZ Hwy. 77), this park offers the best views of the canyons, cliffs, domes, and spires on the north side of the Santa Catalina Mountains. White-tailed deer abound. Walk the Romero Ruin Interpretive Trail to the archaeological site of an ancient Hohokam village that was later a Spanish hacienda. Picnicking, camping, biking, and hiking are available. A day pass is $7 per vehicle. Phone 520-628-5798.

CHIRICAHUA MOUNTAINS

“Land of the standing-up rocks,” home to Geronimo and Cochise—the Chiricahuas have had a long and distinguished list of tenants. Chiricahua National Monument, known for its incredible volcanic rock formations, has more than 20 campsites and 22-plus miles of hiking and horseback-riding trails. While there, you might even spot the elegant trogon (a parrotlike bird). Located 36 miles southeast of Willcox on AZ Hwy. 186. Phone 520-824-3560. While you’re in the area, be sure to visit Portal Reserve, Echo Canyon, and, in the nearby Dragoon Mountains, Cochise Stronghold.

DAY OF THE DEAD

Tucsonans citywide celebrate Día de los Muertos, a Mexican holiday that pays tribute to ancestors and late loved ones, Oct. 31–Nov. 2. Enjoy music, dancing, colorful altars, skeleton figurines, festive community gatherings, and the always festive All Souls Procession—this year on Nov. 6—through downtown and Fourth Avenue. To purchase your own Day of the Dead treasures any day of the year, stop by Borderlands Trading Company (6020 N. Oracle Rd. and 7700 E. Wrightstown Rd.), Picante Designs (2932 E. Broadway Blvd.), and Tolteca Tlacuilo (186 N. Meyer Ave.)
DESERT GREENS

Find an urban oasis near you! Tucson Botanical Gardens (2150 N. Alvernon Way, 520-326-9686, tucsonbotanical.org) has demonstration gardens; a seasonal café; tours; lectures; classes; a gift shop; and exhibits of arid, semitropical, and tropical plants—all displayed in intimate garden settings around an adobe home. Tohono Chul (7366 N. Paseo del Norte, 520-742-6455, tohonochulpark.org) was created to promote the conservation of arid regions. It includes nature trails, art and cultural exhibits, a greenhouse, a children’s garden, a restaurant, plants for sale, and gift shops.

EL TOUR DE TUCSON

This annual event, which began in 1983, takes place on the Sat. before Thanksgiving (Nov. 19 this year) and brings more than 5,000 cyclists to Tucson to compete for prizes and medallions. Four courses range from 42 to 111 miles. Children and parents also participate on their own 11-mile, 5-mile, and 1⁄4-mile courses. Rides start all over town, but all finish downtown. For information, call 520-745-2033, or visit perimeterbicycling.com.

INTO THE SUNSET

Saddle up and ride through the land that inspires cowboys to write poetry. Guests of White Stallion Ranch (520-297-0252) and Tanque Verde Ranch (520-296-6275) enjoy Western-style horseback rides with experienced wranglers; or travel to Triangle T Guest Ranch (520-586-7533), 60 miles east of Tucson in the foothills of the Dragoon Mountains, to experience sunrise and sunset rides. Book a room in one of the ranch’s Western-themed casitas. If you already have a place to stay and just want to go on a trail ride, check out Arizona Horseback Experience (520-455-5696), Pusch Ridge Stables (520-825-1664), or Pantano Riding Stables (520-298-8980).

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