Tucson

Only 1.5 hours from Phoenix, Tucson is a great day trip. You can stop by for a bite to eat on your way to the nearby attractions. Outdoor activities include hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Or step up in your adventure and try some bouldering or rock climbing. Conversely, you could spend the day learning the history of flight at the Pima Air and Space Museum. Or spend the night watching the stars whiz by at the Sky Center at Mt. Lemmon.

Despite its ever-expanding size, Tucson exudes a small-town atmosphere. Neighborhoods like the El Presidio Historic District and the Barrio Histórico – are complete with colorful adobe buildings and quaint shops. Meanwhile, the high-end restaurants and resorts of the Catalina Foothills district add a contemporary flair that may soon rival that of Phoenix's ritzy suburbs like Scottsdale. And the trendy shops and rowdy bars surrounding the palm tree-laden University of Arizona campus infuse this city with a youthful spirit. Unlike the sprawling state capital, Tucson has yet to overpower its surroundings; nearby mountains and wilderness areas like Saguaro National Park offer a true taste of the Sonoran Desert.

Distance from Phoenix: 108 miles
Travel time: 1 hour 50 min

Location: Pima County, Arizona, United States

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5