As you come in to land at Tucson airport, you’ll see a vast peach-coloured landscape and patches of lush green – and then Tucson itself, a grid of urbanity, right in the heart of the arid desert. Starting your adventure here gives you instant access to the beautiful desert landscapes of southern Arizona, as well as the attractive, cosmopolitan city of Tucson itself – home to the University of Arizona – and gateway to the iconic Saguaro National Park.
Soak up the city’s unique atmosphere
If you’re starting your trip in Tucson, then you’re in for a treat. With a large student population and a lively mix of Native American, Spanish and Mexican traditions, the city’s neighbourhoods are rich in culture, where independent stores rule the roost.
One of the best places to sample Tucson’s unique atmosphere is 4th Avenue, between the historic downtown and the university campus. This lively strip is lined with funky restaurants and coffeehouses, bookstores, galleries and a whole host of great little boutiques and vintage shops. There are annual street fairs here, too, as well as a plethora of other events.
Live to eat in the food capital
Food lovers will be in heaven in Tucson. The self-proclaimed ‘Mexican Food Capital of the United States’ is now a UNESCO Creative City, one of only six in the US and the only one selected for its cuisine.
The pick of the Mexican restaurants are concentrated in South Tucson and Downtown. One of the best is Café Poca Cosa, where the menu changes daily and portions are generous. If Mexican's not your thing, there are plenty of other mouth-watering options available. From excellent sushi, Thai and Indian, to Italian, Guatemalan and Middle Eastern, it’s a food extravaganza, with dishes from across the globe.
There are also several superb restaurants serving the very best of Southwestern cuisine, such as Acacia and the Grill at Hacienda del Sol in the Foothills.
Witness the beauty of the desert
You can’t visit Tucson without experiencing the impressive Saguaro National Park. Its famous, giant cacti are an icon of the American south-west, and they’re protected for all to see.
The park is divided in two parts, with the city in between. The larger section, the Rincon Mountain District, lies about 25km east of downtown Tucson. It’s here you can hike along trails, go horseback riding and backcountry camping. Back in the rental car, there’s a jaw-dropping 15km scenic route here, too.
The spectacular western half, known as the Tucson Mountain District, also has a variety of short and long scenic trails, and a beautiful loop drive on agraded dirt road through cactus forest. Visit the park in April to catch the cacti blossoming with flourishing white blooms.
Visit the ‘Sistine Chapel of North America’
South of Tucson, close to the airport, is the dazzling-white Mission San Xavier del Bac, the oldest surviving European building in Arizona. Nicknamed the 'White Dove of the Desert,' the structure you see today is an 18th-century rebuilding of the original 17th-century mission, which was almost destroyed in the Pima revolt of 1751.
The Spanish mission is one of the best-preserved and most beautiful in the country, and fully deserves its unofficial title of ‘Sistine Chapel of North America’.
The extraordinary ceiling, decor and wall paintings have to be seen to be believed. There’s a small museum that explains the mission’s history, offering free 45-minute guided tours.
Experience everything Tucson has to offer by car when you choose Hertz for your car rental at Tucson Airport.
