Help with things to do in Phoeniz and Tucson, AZ
 

We will be in Phoenix next week for vacation. We plan to take a day trip to Tucson. What are the things we shouldn't miss seeing or doing in these cities? We are interested in outdoor activities, nature, maybe some hikes. Also what is the dress for daytime? I know nights will be cool, but are shorts or capris good during the day or will we look ridiculous? Will it be warm enough to sit by the pool? Thanks for your help.

With only a day trip down to Tucson, you visit do this:
http://www.desertmuseum.org/
Since it's 2 hours down and 2 hours back, that may be
all you have time for.

Consider making time for this, perhaps a night down in Tucson ?
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/for...s/sabino.shtml
The weather will depend on the forecast-so
stay tuned to something like weather.com

R5

Forgot to mention a trip down south of Tucson
to the artists colony
that is Tubac-
http://www.tubacarizona.com/

Oh, and if your at all interested in the Sonoran
desert night sky, and all things astronomical,
a tour of Kitt Peak is fabulous
http://www.noao.edu/kpno/

I'd much rather vacay in Tucson than Phoenix.
:)

R5

On the way to Tucson, consider stopping near Picacho Peak at the Ostrich Farm. Lots of fun - doesn't take too long, makes a nice break from the drive.

I prefer Tucson to Phoenix. If your stay arrangements are flexible, you might consider splitting your time between Phoenix and Tucson.

Sabino Canyon is a wonderful hike in suburban Tucson. Mount Lemon has trails and beautiful vistas.

If you visited the Desert Museum web site you picked up that it's an outdoor setting with desert wildlife in open setting. Also a very pleasant walk around.

www.heard.org - I have a trip report from Spring Break that you may find helpful, although we didn't spend much time in either city. Just click my name

It's been quite cool (freezing, actually) overnight here in Tucson, but we've had highs in the mid 60's. It's forecast to be in the low 70's over the next week.

Agree that if your plans are flexible, Tucson is worth a night or two. There are a lot of hikes close to the city - Mt. Lemmon is a bit of a haul if you're only coming for one day.

In Phoenix, we especially liked the Heard Museum, Taliesen West, and the Desert Botanical Garden.

We just got back from Scottsdale/Phoenix a few weeks ago. We wore shorts alot of the time, it did get quite cool in the evenings but we're from Washington state so didn't bother us too much :-) If there was one thing, I would say you have to call Stellar Adventures, it was awesome! We did an ATV tour for two hours in the desert and then did a shooting experience, where we got to shoot handguns and bigger guns with an exploding target, THE most fun I have ever had. It was a surprise for my husband's 50th. He just couldn't wipe the smile off his face. Number one recommendation. I also laid out by the pool :-)

If you are into hiking and are in Tucson do not miss going to Sabino Canyon. You can take a tram to the top and hike down, it's absolutely stunning.

http://www.sabinocanyon.com/trail_sc.php

Also in Tucson, if you end up downtown, have a meal at Cafe Poca Cosa, it's incredible, reasonably priced food for the quality and it's very "Arizona". The menu changes twice every day, it's very fresh, very gourmet, and although the place is swanky it's not pretentious or snobby at all!

http://www.cafepocacosatucson.com/

Tucson: Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, Sabino Canyon,Mission San Xavier del Bac, Ted De Grazia's Gallery in the Sun.