Southwest in December: Phoenix, Tucson, Santa Fe???
 

Hi-
I am thinking of traveling somewhere southwest with my husband this coming December (early, say the first weekend), and I was hoping for some info.

The only spot in Arizona we've been to is the Grand Canyon, and that obviously doesn't give us a true feel for AZ!!

We were tossing ideas around, and came up with Phoenix/Scottsdale, Tucson and Santa Fe. Which is your favorite? What's the weather like there in early December? Are there other areas in AZ that you would recommend over the ones I mentioned?

We'd only be going for a long weekend, and we aren't golfers - from what I've read, this is a fairly important bit of info =P
So, other than golf, what can we do for a long weekend?

Any input is much appreciated, TIA!!

-BostonGal

Do you like to hike? Tucson has some great places for hiking. We visited at Christmas 2 years ago and enjoyed Saguaro NP and Sabino Canyon as well as Arizona Desert Museum.

Surely there must be somethings of interest for tourists to do in Phoenix/Scottsdale & Tuscon but I think you will be overwhelmed by your options in Santa Fe & Taos. I went to both one year at the end of December and it was absolutely frigid, hovering at zero. Being from Boston, that might not be what you're looking for in December, in which case you might want to put Phoenix on the top of your list to enjoy some warmer weather.

SuzieTrue - we LOVE to hike! We just got back from Montana/Wyoming and we are gearing up for Kilimanjaro, so we'd be up for an active vacation..
I'll check out those places, thanks for the suggestion.

Tandoori_Girl - really, it's that cold there? Hmm ok, maybe we will do AZ and put Santa Fe on our list of places to go at a different time. Thanks!

We were in Phx/Scottsdale last December. It was beautiful (loved the Xmas-lit palm trees!). Weather was gorgeous, 80's during the day, a little cooler at night.

You can shop, dine at some great restaurants, sight-see. Same as anywhere else, only better! (I'm slightly prejudiced, we plan to retire there.)

is this going to be a long weekend or Saturday/Sunday only? How much time do you have? Are you flying in? What city? renting a car? AZ is a paradise for hikers. We love Sirre Vista in South-East corner of AZ

Leona - I can't believe how warm it was for you!

Incognito - we'll arrive on Dec 2 and depart on Dec 6, flying on Delta into Phoenix, so we'll be there for 4days. If we need a car, we'll rent one. I imagine we'll need one if we want to hike or take a trip to Scottsdale.

Where would you suggest staying? What about hikes, do you have any faves?

Thanks!

My money is on Tucson. Stay at Ventana.
On-line or in person head to the Summit Hut and purchase maps for the Santa Catalina mountains/foothills areas-
includes hikes in Sabino Canyou and
all over Mt.Lemmon.

Head over to the west side of town for a not to miss experience - the Arizona Desert Museum!! Do check the web site for times of the raptor flight. You
could combine this with a hike in
Sauguaro National Monument (west).

Drive south 45 mins. to Tubac an artist colony for a good feel of regional art
and craft. You'll probably be able to experience some Navidad Festival goings on as it will be Christmas season.

There's much more, yet that's plenty for 4 days.
R5

If you decide to stay in Phx, the Phoenician or the Westin Kierland are both wonderful.

razzledazzle thanks for the info on Tucson, I will definitely compare flights!

It's less than a two hour drive from Phoenix to Tucson. If you can't get a direct flight into Tucson, it may prove cheaper ( and no more time consuming) to fly into Sky Harbor and drive to Tucson. Best of Luck.

personally, I love Santa Fe. My wife and I been there about 3 times in the last 7-8 years, always in December (usually the first part.) We have always had very pleasant weather. Maybe some snow. of course, the weather is variable. But if you want a definite desert atmosphere, then head to Tucson. (Phoenix has never done much for me.)