Join us to an enriching quest to explore the
City of Tucson, hemmed in the Sonoran desert, on an alluvial plain. This is Arizona's second-largest populated city, that is engulfed by 5 minor ranges - to the north by the Tortolita Mountains and the Santa Catalina Mountains, to the south by the Santa Rita Mountains, to the east by the Rincon Mountains and to the west by the Tucson Mountains. This
'Optics Valley' welcomes you to enjoy an astounding vacation among artsy and funky attractions, numerous historical and astronomical sights, and the arid valley is home to scores of funky restaurants, cool nightlife and numerous eclectic shops. Tucson is located north of the US - Mexico border, and as you set foot in this city, you can vividly witness the beautiful cross border heritage thriving in the Valley. With average 340 days of sunny days, Tucson is one of America's most sought for tourist destinations.
Image by MAL10587 via http://www.panoramio.com/photo/436997History of Tucson
History reveals that,
Paleo-Indians were the first group of people that have visited Tucson for the very first time. They have settled in the valley about 12,000 years ago. Farming and pottery were extensively followed during the Early Agricultural period and the early Ceramic period. In 1732, Jesuits founded Mission San Xavier del Bac near present-day
Tucscon. The first military post, Presidio San Augustin del Tucson, was
established in 1776.
United States forces capture Tucson in 1846. With the establishment of the University of Arizona in Tucson, popultion grew and by 1900, the city's population was 7531. As Arizona attained statehood in 1912, five different flags had flown over Tucson - American, Mexican, Spanish, Confederate, and the State of Arizona. Tucson was appointed the largest city and commercial hub in the state of Arizona, during the early statehood and territorial periods.
Important Locations in Tucson
Mount Wrightson, at 9,453 ft above sea level is the highest point in Tucson area. El Presidio is the oldest neighborhood in Tucson. Since 1890s, Barrio Santa Rosa, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district. In the Downtown area, you will find many attractions, including - the Art Deco Fox Theater, a 1919 designed Hotel Congress, St. Augustine Cathedral, the Rialto Theatre, Tucson's oldest restaurant - El Charro Cafe, the old Pima County Courthouse and beyond.
University of Arizona Campus
The massive campus encompasses many notable attractions and a haven for history & culture buffs. The main draws are the University of Arizona Art Museum, the Arizona State Museum, vintage and bargained shops, the Arizona Stadium or simply stroll around.
Check out more details here.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
This 21 acres facility is called a museum but it is actually a zoo, that hosts 300 indigenous species and over 1200 plant species.
Know more about the museum here.
Saguaro National Park
The 91,327-acre park is divided into two sections - The Rincon Mountain District and the Tucson Mountain District. The park is the home to the saguaro cactus and it offers miles of hiking trails.
Click here to learn more.
Mission San Xavier del Bac
This
18th-century architecture style icon is a stunning Roman Catholic
Church. It is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit this magnificent
venue to marvel architecture, history or to attend a weekly mass.
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Tucson Museum of Art & Historic Block
History
is best explored in Tucson Museum of Art & Historic Block - an
old-fashioned, Mexican-inspired village. You will enjoy the innovative
and diverse exhibits.
For more details, Click Here.
Pima Air & Space Museum
Fancy
exploring the world's largest air and space museum? Visit Pima Air
& Space Museum, that showcases over 300 historic aircrafts and
spacecrafts. Plan a visit here anytime between 9 am to 5 pm (opens
daily).
Discover more about the museum.
Explore the top tourist attractions in Tucson!
People and Culture of Tucson
According to 2010 census, the city has an estimated population of 520,116. The city exudes a friendly and ramshackle-cool vibe. The major racial makeup of Tucson, include - White(69.7% ), Mexican American (31.6%) and Black or African-American(5.0% ). Geographically and Culturally, the city exhibits extreme proximity to Mexico. Cross border heritage is clearly highlighted in all activities of the city, be it festivals, events or the tradition and culture of the Tucsonans. The city features a strong blend of Native American, Mexican, Spanish and Anglo traditions, with a rich Hispanic heritage.
Tucson Time Zone and Phone Codes
Tucson is in the Mountain Time Zone (UTC-7). Tucson does not have a Summer Daylight Saving Time (DST)
Standard time zone: UTC/PST - 7 hours
Daylight saving time: No DST
Current time zone offset: UTC/PDT - 7 hour
Time zone abbreviation: MST, DST
Phone Codes of Tucson
Tucson Area Code: 520
International Country Code: 1
Best Time to Visit Tucson
Bestowed with 340 days of sunny skies and moderate winter temperatures, Tucson attracts heaps of visitors every year. The months from
April - May and from
September - October are the best times to plan a vacation to Tucson. During the summer months, you can for sure get good deals on hotel rates, but be prepared to bear the scorching heat. If you're an outdoor nuts, forget a summer vacation to Tucson - the flaming temperature will make outdoor activities intolerable.
Some notable festivals/events of Tucson are:Spring FlingTucson Folk FestivalArizona International Film FestivalFiesta de GaribaldiJuneteenthTucson Culinary FestivalTucson Meet Yourself Festival4th Avenue Winter Street FestivalAll Souls Procession
Tucson General Information Map Guide
