Top travel guide publisher Fodor's put Tucson on its list of inspiring travel destinations for 2019.
The travel publisher's annual "Go List" includes 52 locations around the globe that inspire travel, inspire curiosity and satisfy wanderlust.
Fodor's sited Old Pueblo's mountain views, sunsets and Adobe architecture among the reasons the city captured the attention of its writers. The cultural melting pot of Spanish, Native American and Anglo American traditions collide for an experience that embraces the best of all cultures.
The Sonoran Desert city begs to be explored, with it's mix of nature, Mexican and Mexican-inpsired dining and entertainment.
The extremely bike-friendly place offers up plenty of accommodations, from the very affordable chain hotels and motels you find everywhere to award-winning Canyon Ranch, a destination wellness resort.
If you live here and have forgotten the beauty and entertainment destinations that surround you, here is a very small list of things to jumpstart your own exploration. Fall/Winter is the perfect time to hit the dusty trails.
1. Tucson is surrounded by 4 mountain ranges. There are hiking and biking trails galore. Be sure to explore Saguaro National Park (East and West), Tucson Mountain Park, Catalina State Park and Sabino Canyon Recreational Area and Seven Falls.
2. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Explore 98 acres of zoo, museum, aquarium, botanical garden and art gallery. There are 2 miles of walking paths that traverse 21 acres of desert landscape.
3. Mission San Xavier del Bac is a historic Spanish Catholic mission south of downtown Tucson on San Xavier Reservation.
4. File this under quirky but interesting - Tucson is home to the largest airplane boneyard - Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. It is basically where commercial and military airplanes go to die, get used for parts or put back into service after sitting for a long time. Low humidity and rainfall make it the perfect spot to preserve these planes. Aviation buffs will love it, and Davis-Monthan is the only U.S. boneyard that gives tours.
There is SO much more than this to explore in Tucson, not to mention the fantastic dining and entertainment.
If you are traveling, here are some of the other places in the United States that made Fodor's Go List for 2019 - Bear Ears National Monument, Utah; Nashville, Tenn.; Detroit, Mich.; Rapid City, S.D.; Hawaii; Downtown Los Angeles; Key West, Fla.; New York's Catskills; and Big Bend National Park, Texas. See the full list here.