Planning a trip to this area, and don't know if I will have time for both cities. Any comments on which would be better. What does Tucson have that I can't find in Phoenix?

Phoenix and Tucson are totally different and both well worth visiting for at least couple of days. You don't say how long you'll be here, but give them both a try. In Tucson definitely see Desert Sonoran Museum, Sabino Canyon, San Xavier del Bac, DeGrazia's studio, etc.

I know I'm going to raise the ire of those from Phoenix, but I wouldn't even bother with Phoenix. I've been there every spring for 12 years and now only go to Phoenix because my flight usually stops there. I think its a city that got way too big too fast. Driving is miserable in or around the city and there is (IMO) less to see there. Karen suggested some very nice places in Tuscon. Phoenix is an eastern big city transplanted in Arizona. Tucson retains much of its small western town charm and the surrounding geography is much prettier.

I second the negative view of Phoenix (which, as you may have heard, has been described as "Las Vegas without the casinos or any of the fun"). The Scottsdale area is sort of pretty and interesting, including Old Scottsdale, but I've never seen a good reason to spend a lot of time in Phoenix.

OUCH!!! That hurt...........I have always lived in Phoenix and think it is fantastic. Our downtown, residential areas and shopping are wonderful, just don't think you've gotten the right tour around town to see the sights. While I pointed out somoe things to do in Tucson, I much prefer Phoenix which is much more green and Tucson is much more deserty. In past responses, alot of us have listed things to do in Phoenix and I think it is definitely worth three days worth of touring...and when I write about Phoenix, I am including the Valley of the Sun which covers miles and miles and miles.

Sorry Karen, but I too, will have to agree with the majority. I was in Phoenix earlier this year and was bored to tears the whole time I was there. If you think downtown Phoenix is wonderful, you probably haven't travelled much. I've never seen such a deserted downtown area. As for as the neighborhoods, rather than refer to them as "neighborhoods", maybe we should call them "developments". Strip malls, gas stations and tract homes are all I saw. Who cares about the shopping?

Ofcourse I am going to recommend Phoenix - I live there and I feel the same about Tucson (BORING!) Isn't that funny... I guess I didn't get the right tour of Tucson. There is a lot to do in Phoenix, great hiking, golfing, shopping, sightseeing etc. I suggest staying in Scottsdale. Old town is nice with lots of shops and galleries. I agree that Downtown Phoenix doesn't compare to other cities like Seattle but is better than Tucson (in my opinion) It is improving though. I can specifically recommend some things for you to do if I knew better what kind of things you like to do. Honestly, I don't believe that Tucson has anything that Phoenix doesn't have except for the San Xavier Mission.