Tucson

Whether your interests lie in outdoor pursuits, cowboy culture, the arts, or remarkable local gastronomy, you’ll find plenty of things to see in Tucson for your day trips. Founded as a military fort in 1775, Tucson was Arizona’s most populous city until the 1920s. Tucson’s identity has been shaped in large part by the University of Arizona, which was established here in 1885 as the first university in Arizona territory.

Tucson may be Arizona's second-largest city, but many of its attractions encourage visitors to get back to nature. There are over 165 miles of hiking trails here, as well as opportunities for wilderness hiking and backcountry camping. The popular Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum complex, which includes a zoo, botanical garden, natural history museum, aquarium, and art gallery, is located just south of the national park.

Despite its ever-expanding size, Tucson exudes a small-town atmosphere. Neighborhoods like the El Presidio Historic District and the Barrio Histórico – complete with colorful adobe buildings and quaint shops – make you feel like you're in a traditional Mexican village. 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.

Tucson was the first city in the United States to be designated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2015, and foodies can choose from a variety of delectable Mexican and Native American fare at chef-focused restaurants. Tucson has a plethora of theaters, museums, galleries, and studios for those who enjoy the arts.

• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.0/5
• Website: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/
• Admission: Free
• Location: Arizona