The Southwestern United States is a vast region full of fun and fascinating places to visit. The most popular include Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam, and the Grand Canyon. But there’s so much more left to see and do!
Another place worth visiting is Tucson. A mid-sized city in Arizona located 60 miles from the Mexican border, Tucson is one of the most underrated destinations in the entire country. With great food, gorgeous landscapes, and friendly locals, Tucson has what most people want in a laid-back vacation destination.
Still not convinced? Fair enough. Let’s dive into seven specific reasons to visit Tucson:
Affordable accommodations
Popular tourist destinations have one thing in common: overpriced hotels. That’s the law of supply and demand for you! But hotels in Tucson are always affordably priced. The affordability is owed in part to Tucson being an underrated tourist destination. Take advantage while you still can! Once people realize how fun and exciting a weekend in Tucson can be, those prices will start to go up.
Delicious dining
Did you know Tucson was the first American city to be designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a “world city of gastronomy”? The crown jewel cuisine of Tucson is undoubtedly Sonoran-style Mexican food, though the city features fine dining options covering a wide variety of ethnic flavors. Are you a fan of hot dogs? If so, you must try the Sonoran, a local take on the classic American favorite.
Great shopping
Downtown Tucson includes the Fourth Avenue Shopping District, a stretch of road featuring several one-of-a-kind boutiques and stores. There are also four active malls in the area. Visitors who love to shop will have no problem finding what they’re looking for or discovering something they never knew they wanted until that moment. We recommend stopping into Pop Cycle and Antigone Books, both located on Fourth Avenue. The former features original items crafted by local artisans, while the latter includes antiques and novelties along with paperbacks and first editions.
Natural beauty
Do you enjoy spending time outdoors enjoying the wonders of Mother Nature? If so, then Tucson is right up your alley (or canyon). The surrounding region is home to several beautiful parks and forests, including Saguaro National Park and Coronado National Forest. The former features the Rincon Mountain District, while the latter includes Sabino Canyon and Mount Lemmon. But that’s not all Tucson has to offer nature lovers. Visitors should also pay a visit to the city’s Botanical Gardens and Tohono Chul Park.
Rich history
Like many other parts of the modern American Southwest, Tucson was once under the control of Mexico after the country won its independence from Spain. Many historical buildings from this period remain standing, giving visitors a vivid glimpse into the city’s past. There are also several museums showcasing artifacts and other treasures highlighting the cultural heritage of Tucson and the surrounding area.
Entertainment options
Do you like checking out a strange city’s nightclubs? Are you someone who enjoys a live concert or comedy act? If so, Tucson has you covered! It’s no New York or LA, but the city still sports a respectable nightlife scene. While most bars, clubs, and venues have a Western-theme courtesy of the region, they’re far from being the unfriendly dives we see in the movies (the jukebox won’t turn off the minute you walk in).
Bicycle-friendly
Tucson is considered one of the bicycle-friendliest cities in the entire United States. The city received a gold rating from the League of American Cyclists for its outstanding effort to make its streets safe for cyclists. There’s even a street designated as bicycle-only. While most visitors will be spending their time browsing in shops, taking in history, and soaking up natural splendor, you may also find yourself wanting to go for a bike ride along one of the city’s many beautiful streets and avenues.
Are you having a hard time picking your next vacation destination? If so, consider planning a trip to Tucson. The city is a vibrant hotspot of culture, history, nature, and entertainment without the hustle and bustle of most major urban centers. It’s a trip you’ll never forget and may want to repeat!
Julie Steinbeck is a freelance writer from Florida. She enjoys covering topics related to business, finance, and travel.
