1 day in Tucson - what would you see first?
 

We are flying into Tucson, and flying out of Phoenix. I have a few questions:

1. What rental car agency can i use at TUS/PHX airports that will rent me a 7 passenger vehicle? I can't find any agencies that are at both airports.

2. If you had one day in Tucson, what 2 or 3 things would you try to see (in order starting w/favorite)

3. What hotel/lodge can you recommend in Tucson for 1 night (for 2 adults and 4 children).

The Sonoran Desert Museum (Zoo)! Our daughter loved it so much we went twice over three days.

Thank you. Does anyone have ideas where a family of 6 could stay for 1 night? I did see the Desert museum as a child. My kids are interested in seeing Old Tucson Studios.

We only have a Friday to see Tucson. Then we are driving to Peoria, AZ to visit friends...want to get to their house at a decent hour, hopefully when their children get home from school...or a little later. Does it really take 2 1/2 hours to drive from Tucson to the Phoenix area? How is the drive on I-19 /I-10? Mapquest says we have to drive 110 miles!!

Yep, it's about 110 miles. But you can go 70mph on I-10, I presume, and if you don't hit traffic, you can make it under two hours. Traffic = slower travel time, obviously. Last time I drove I-10 about 15 years ago, it was a very easy drive between Tucson and Phoenix, probably still is except for traffic near the cities.

Andrew

Thank you. I am having much difficulty obtaining a mini-van. I want to pick it up at TUS and drop off in PHX. From 3/30 at 11:30pm - 4/7 at about 12:00 noon.

We are using frequent flyer points, and recently made a flight reservation.

This rental car thing is really holding us up!!!! How do people do this?? I tried Breezenet.com last night. No luck. Today I tried Alamo online. Their online "weekly rent a car exclusive" shows minivans for $249 for a week. However, it looks like they are all out vans for that special.

Will we really get to go on this trip??

I can only suggest being creative. Look at dropping it off at an off-airport location. That might give you more agency options?

Also, you could look into renting something for the first day or two until you get to Peoria. Then drop it off, pick up a minivan in Peoria and keep it for the rest of the stay. I know it would be a bit of a pain, but it would be one way to make it work without (possibly) breaking the bank.

It really depends on the age of the children. If they are almost teens, then Old Tucson and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. If they are a lot younger, I would do tombstone and Kartchner Caverns. The Desert Museum is great, but not so much for younger kids.

Try La quinta for lodging http://www.lq.com/lq/properties/prop...amp;propId=699. A friend stayed there recently and she said it was really nice and had just been renovated.

The drive to Phoenix area is pretty fast. Most of I-10 is 75 mph, and most people drive 80+. So from central Tucson to downtown Phoenix wouldn't be more than 2 hours, max.

Please feel free to email any other questions. Wish you had mre time in southern AZ. There is a lot to see and do.

Sorry, I can't help with the minivan question.
If I had only one day in Tucson, I would start early at the Sonoran Desert Museum. The animals are most active in the morning, be sure to visit the hummingbird house. Unique items in the gift shop. The drive to the museum will provide some scenery, but after lunch I'd be sure to visit the Saguaro Nat'l Park and take the tram type tour to the top. This is very interesting and you can also choose to walk back down if the spirit moves you.
The drive from Tucson to Phoenix is roughly 2 hours - the later in the day, the longer it takes because of trucks.. This is a fun drive and you get to see the ostrich farms and funky roadside art.

If you're going in the spring, I'd recommend spending time in Sabino Canyon. Take the tram up and walk down....and if you're lucky, you'll be able to take off your shoes and walk through the water flowing along across the road.

Amerisuites or Residence Inn by Marriott.

I would suggest going to Kartchner Caverns. Order tickets in advance on their website.