Walking the Tucson terrain

If you are looking for a mix of the cultures of the United States and Mexico, Tucson, Arizona is definitely the place to visit. Located 188 kilometers southeast of Phoenix and 98 kilometers north of the US-Mexico border, Tucson is the largest city in southern Arizona and the second largest in the state.

There is a long history of settlement here by ancient Native American peoples, Spanish explorers, and Anglo-Saxon frontiersmen. This gives the city an unprecedented rich culture and heritage.

The geography here is a postcard image of cacti, forests, rolling hills, and towering mountains. This makes it one of the best places to visit in the state and the perfect destination for your next driving vacation.

There are several car rental depots in the area from which you can pick up your rental vehicle. Renting a car really is the easiest way to enjoy your Tucson vacation, as many of the most popular attractions are outside the city limits.

1. Tucson Mountain Park

Driving west of Tucson for about a half hour will take you to the stunning Tucson Mountain Park. Home to more than 22,000 acres of lush Sonoran desert and mountains, this park is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get back in touch with nature. At this beautiful natural attraction, prepare to enjoy stunning sunsets as you drive, hike, or bike along the beautiful trails and mountain paths. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy one of the many great picnic spots scattered throughout the park.

The park is also home to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, the Old Tucson Studios, and the Gates Pass Overlook, as an impressive vantage point that will give you uninterrupted views of this strikingly beautiful area.

2. Dusty Town

A short drive out of town will allow you to go back in time and discover the highlights of Trail Dust Town. The collection of shops and restaurants is a slice of the 19th century West and is the perfect way to experience the traditional cultures of this part of the country. The old town is home to boardwalks, an old town square with shaded park benches, and a traditional town center gazebo to top it all off.

As you walk the streets of Trail Dust Town, enjoy the Dragoon Street Wild, Wild West Stunt Shows, or take a ride on the Trail Dust Town Railroad. Take time to visit the Horseback Soldier Museum and pan for gold in Gabby’s Gulch. Trail Dust Town is also home to the Presidion’s Fiesta Carousel, the oldest operating carousel in town. With so much to see and do, you could easily spend an entire day here, so get ready to have the time of your life!

3. Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)

MOCA (as it is commonly known) is Tucson’s premier institution for contemporary art. The museum features exhibits of local, national, and international artwork, with many unique and interesting exhibits on display. This is the perfect opportunity to appreciate modern art and learn how it is constantly changing and developing in contemporary times.

4. Bisbee

If you’re in the mood for a little road trip, drive west for two hours and you’ll arrive in the city of Bisbee. This former mining town turned artists’ enclave is the perfect place to visit and step back in time and discover Arizona’s bygone days. Wander between the tiered houses or go deeper underground on the Queen Mine Tour. The Copper Shop is also a popular tourist destination and is where you’ll find many interesting crafts from local artisans and one-of-a-kind copper pieces.

For those with an adventurous spirit, a Lavender Jeep Tour will be perfect for you. The Old Bisbee Ghost Tour will also be an exceptionally fun adventure, but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. Whatever you want to do, you’re sure to find it in Bisbee, as there really is so much to see and do.

5. Balloon rides over southern Arizona

Perhaps the best way to see the Tucson Basin and surrounding mountain ranges is in a hot air balloon. This unique adventure will allow you to calmly float above saguaros and take in spectacular views of the Catalina and Tucson mountain ranges. The stunning landscapes will simply take your breath away and the magic of the hot air balloon will soothe your spirit. The trip ends with a magnificent champagne brunch that essentially tops a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Visiting Tucson is guaranteed to be an experience that will remain in your heart forever. There is so much to see and do and a rental car makes it even easier. So you just have to take it easy, enjoy and above all, have fun!

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