Living in the desert has allowed me to explore and visit many vacation destinations. One of my favorite warm weather destinations is Tucson, Arizona. It has all of what a large city has, but on a smaller scale.

Many people visit Tucson for the fabulous weather, delicious food and terrific resorts. Whatever the reason may be for traveling to Tucson, there is a little something for everyone.

Places to Stay

The entrance of Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort

There are several fantastic resorts in the Tucson area. Depending on your preference and budget, there is just the right place for you to stay. When planning your visit, keep in mind what activities you would like to do. Tucson is spread out so I would suggest staying in the same vicinity of what you want to do. I have listed my favorite places to stay. They each have their own vibe, which will help you fall in love with Tucson.

Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort is a luxury historic resort located near the Santa Catalina Mountain Range. The scenery from this resort is breathtaking. Visit this resort, anytime of the year, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the customer service, food and surroundings.
The Arizona Inn is a historic boutique hotel that is family owned and operated since 1930. The hotel is located in the Midtown neighborhood, which is close to the University of Arizona. This hotel is centrally located in the city of Tucson.
The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa is a great spot for adults and families. This resort offers golf, tennis, a spa, 5 pools and more! La Paloma has everything you would need during your stay. This resort is also located in north Tucson, near the Catalina Mountains.
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is a great choice if you are planning on relaxing throughout your stay. This resort also has golf, a spa, tennis and pools. The views of the desert and mountains are beautiful. The resort also has the best Prickly Pear Margarita. You’ll have to order one, or two during your stay.
The Tuxon Hotel is a new place to stay in Tucson as of the summer of 2020. The hotel was once a motel that has been revamped to give you the boutique hotel feel. This hotel is part of the Marriott brand, but definitely has an Arizona vibe from everything to the decor to the menu. The Tuxon Hotel is located near “A Mountain” which allows you to get in a nice hike at the start of your day. I highly recommend staying at the Tuxon is you are looking for a budget friendly option that provides great customer service and a fun drink menu! This is a great option is you plan to hand out downtown or near campus.

A little travel tip for you. If you’re on a budget visit the resorts off season for a better hotel rate.

What to Do

Visit the University of Arizona - The well known desert college has a great campus. Take a walk through campus and try out one of the great restaurants on University Boulevard or 4th Avenue.
Mount Lemmon is just an hour drive from Tucson. Take the scenic drive to over 9,000 feet and explore. Heading to Mount Lemmon will make you forget that you are in southern Arizona. This is a great place to visit if you are up for outdoor adventures.
If you golf, schedule a tee time at one of the two courses at The Gallery, Oro Valley Tucson.
There are several hiking trails in Tucson. Staying near the Catalina Mountain Range will allow you to be even closer to several trail heads.
Visit Saguaro National Park! You’ll be amazed with all of the saguaros you will see throughout the park. This park is definitely worth visiting!

Where to Eat

Make sure to try a Prickly Pear Margarita during your trip!

Frog & Firkin - If you’re near the University of Arizona and are looking for a place to eat with outdoor dining, make a stop at Frog’s. They have a great menu that includes tasty sandwiches, pizza and more! I suggest ordering the Lady Di with fries. This restaurant is located on University Boulevard and is near many good spots that are bound to have some college students there as well.
Beyond Bread is well known for their incredible sandwiches and soups. You really need to grab a bite to eat at any of their Tucson locations. My favorite items on the menu are the tomato basil soup, Bart’s Bag (turkey) sandwich and Ollie’s Original (veggie) sandwich.
El Charro is another well known Tucson restaurant. There are three locations for this restaurant, but my favorite is their downtown spot. It’s the original restaurant and is the oldest Mexican food restaurant in the nation that has been continuously running by the same family. The food is traditional Mexico-Sonoran style food. You can’t leave this restaurant without ordering a margarita, a cheese crisp and the crispy chicken flautas. This restaurant is a true taste of Tucson!
If you’re looking for a delicious steak, take a drive to Li’l Abner’s Steakhouse. This restaurant is known for its mesquite grilled steaks. The restaurant also serves chicken, ribs and fish. The servings are large and this is a spot you just won’t forget visiting.
Sometimes when traveling you need a quick bite to eat. Well, Brooklyn Pizza Company is a great option for you. The pizza is terrific and don’t forget to order the garlic knots! You can even order your pizza and enjoy a drink or two at Sky Bar while you wait.

Tucson is a wonderful desert getaway that will surely help you unwind and enjoy the desert. This is definitely a destination worth visiting!

Post updated 11/12/20