Come along and free yourself as we explore Tucson—a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and home to breathtaking vistas and world-class spas.
There is something cleansing about the Desert Southwest, which I’ve called home for 25 years. Although I live in Phoenix, Tucson feels like a world away, although it’s less than two hours by car. You can discover the diversity that awaits when you explore Tucson, AZ—the only UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the US—home to breathtaking vistas, world-class spas, and authentic Southwest flavors. Come along and free yourself as we explore Tucson, AZ.
Explore Tucson with a Trail Ride
Tucson is the place for memorable outdoor experiences if you enjoy hitting the trails. I grew up riding horses, so a great way to get that “free yourself” experience is to climb on a horse and experience nature with the wind blowing my hair.
You can book a stay at Tanque Verde Ranch, where your all-inclusive experience includes trail rides in the Rincon Mountains and the adjacent Saguaro National Park on this family-owned dude ranch. Of course, there’s also a watering hole where you can order a prickly pear margarita made with fresh prickly pear cactus fruit picked right on the ranch. Ensure you partake of the cowboy cookout—ribeyes on the grill and rolls cooked in the outdoor oven.
Dog House Saloon, Tanque Verde Guest Ranch, Tucson, AZ
While exploring Tucson, another great place for a trail ride is at Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, a historic inn that was once a girls’ school and is now a luxury resort. The courtyard is one of those welcoming spots that will make you want to stay forever while the views from the rooms, restaurant, and pool are breathtaking.
Hacienda Del Sol courtyard. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
But the real treat for me was taking a sunset trail ride during my stay. It’s such a pleasure to ride out with a guide who understands the desert landscape and can point out the vegetation and how each plant contributes to the desert environment. Our guide took us on a leisurely climb up to a mesa, where we watched the sun setting over the city before we made our way back to the stables.
Looking out over the Santa Catalina Mountains from the trail ride at Hacienda Del Sol. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
Explore Tucson from a Hiking Trail
If you prefer to spend your time outdoors while you explore Tucson, but hiking or strolling is more to your liking than sitting on a horse, head to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. This 98-acre treasure includes 21 interpreted acres with 2 miles of walking paths. It blends a zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, natural history museum, and aquarium. The museum was founded in 1952 and features 16 gardens, more than 230 animal species, and 56,000 individual plants.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson. Credit: Susan Lanier-Graham
My must-see things at the museum include the Earth Sciences Center, which recreates an underground cave, the raptor area, where you can watch birds of prey fly, and the tidepools, which showcase life in the Gulf of California.
Earth Sciences Center recreates an underground cave. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
Patio and Spa Time While You Explore Tucson
One of my favorite things to do in Tucson is to relax. When I said you could free yourself in Tucson, I meant it! Some beautiful resorts and spas offer incredible spaces for relaxing and soaking up that Arizona sunshine.
I adore the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. This is one of the top 100 resorts by Travel + Leisure magazine and was rated Arizona’s #1 resort by Condé Nast Traveler. I suggest spending the day at the spa, indulging in a spa treatment, and relaxing by the spa pool.
Spa Pool at Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
At the end of the day, head to the patio for drinks. There, you can look out over the Tortolita Mountains and listen to the sounds of Native American flute as the sun sets. Dinner on the CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar patio is the best way to end a perfect day.
View from Ignite at Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain. Photo courtesy Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
Another great way to soak up the Tucson atmosphere is to stay at JW Marriott Starr Pass. If you’re an early riser, you can sit on the patio and watch the sunrise.
JW Marriott Starr Pass Tucson Main Pool. Photo courtesy JW Marriott Starr Pass
One of my unforgettable moments at JW Marriott Starr Pass is each evening when the hosts welcome guests poolside, tell stories of the Old West, and offer up a tequila toast at the end of a relaxing day. I think that’s the ideal way to free yourself while wandering Tucson!
JW Marriott Starr Pass offers a tequila toast each evening. Photo courtesy JW Marriott Starr Pass
More Articles About Ways to Explore Tucson
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- Spawell: Tucson’s Newest Resort Spa
- Ultimate Gude to 48 Hours in Tucson, AZ
- Tucson Gem Show: A World of Shopping and Sightseeing
- 8 Things to Know About the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase
- Top Things to Do in Saguaro National Park
- Westward Look in Tucson
For more ways to explore Tucson, visit the Tucson website for great ideas on what to do, where to stay, and how to check out great ideas on what to eat so you can explore the gastronomic side of this amazing Southwest city. Be sure to check out Wander for more great things to do when you explore Arizona and other parts of the Southwest USA.
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