Tucson and the surrounding areas
Tucson and the surrounding area has really grown, I guess that proves its popularity, the bad side is traffic. There are plenty of multi-lane roads and highways but there are also plenty of cars and trucks fighting for space. Having said that, there is so much to see and do it is worth the battle.
One of my favorite places to stay is Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. It is a beautiful hotel with tons of amenities. Nestled in Ventana Canyon, the scenery is spectacular. It is a short trip from the resort to Sabino Canyon, take the tour for spectacular desert scenery, it’s a great experience.
Another great resort is the JW Marriott Starr Pass resort. It is out in the middle of nowhere (soon to change) and a beautiful hotel. They have a good spa and a spectacular golf course. They have nice restaurants and large meeting rooms. Overall a good place, desert location, nice views and very comfortable.
Close to the JW Marriott is the Arizona-Sonora desert Museum; it combines a zoo, museum and botanical garden. Plan to spend several hours here, there is a lot to see and you will definitely enjoy it. The zoo hosts many of the animals in their natural desert habitats. Some real eye openers there.
I like airplanes and was amazed at the Pima Air & Space Museum. It is one of the largest air and space museums in the world. There are more than 275 aircraft, many of the most historically significant and technically advanced aircraft produced. Adjacent to the museum is the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center (AMARG), also known as the “Boneyard.” The facility is located adjacent to the Museum at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. It is absolutely fascinating to see the thousands of airplanes parked there and being scavenged for parts.
Just down the road from Tucson, about 50 miles, is Tubac, AZ. Tubac is the perfect shoppers’ paradise with over eighty galleries and shops that feature hand-crafted items, sculpture, paintings, clothing and some of southern Arizona’s best import shops. A great shopping and sightseeing place.
