7-Day Southern Arizona Tour

Our Local Expert Says:

The Pima Air and Space museum can be daunting, but taking the hour long tram tour first can help you get your bearings. Afterwards, you can go back and spend more time at the planes that interest you most.

Description:

Dedicated to the preservation of the history of flight, the Pima Air and Space Museum houses over 27 historic aircraft, including John F. Kennedy's Air Force One, once used by Presidents Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon. Also on display is the X-15 and Russian Migs, among many, many others. The museum is located next to the Davis Monthan Air Force Base, which also houses the Arizona Maintenance and Regeneration Center, also know as "the boneyard." Here, lined up neatly and surreally are hundreds of mothballed military aircraft.

Description:

Located in the Huachuca Mountains, 90 miles southeast of Tucson, is one of the most beautiful nature preserves in Southern Arizona. It is managed and protected by the Nature Conservancy, an international conservation organization that has done an excellent job preserving its scenic beauty and variety of wildlife, particularly the world-famous hummingbirds. Pets, picnicking or smoking are not permitted in the park. Overnight accommodations are available at the Ramsey Canyon Inn, a beautiful bed-and-breakfast just outside the gates.

Description:

Nestled in Ramsey Canyon six miles south of Sierra Vista near the Mexican border, the Arizona Folklore Society presents the poetry, music and legend of the southwest, delivered by Arizona's official state balladeer Dolan Ellis and guest artists. The theater is close to the Nature Conservancy's hummingbird preserve, a place teeming with wildlife. This is a great place to enjoy both Arizona's natural beauty and its music. Ticket prices vary, but reservations are required.

Description:

In 1974, a pair of young cavers discovered a narrow crack in a hillside of the Whetstone Mountains with warm, moist air flowing out of it. The cavers spent several hours crawling into a pristine cavern. They kept their discovering secret for another four years until they told the couple that owned the land. The existence of the caverns remained a secret for another decade until the state bought the land and designated it a state park. Almost immediately, Kartchner became one of the top ten limestone caves in the world. Still pristine, Kartchner is a wet or "live" cave, which means its calcite features are still growing. Two 1.5 hour-long tours are offered daily. Doing at least one is a must-do.

Our Local Expert Says:

Birding is San Pedro's the main attraction, but the area is also rich in history. There are several nearly forgotten ghost towns and mine sites hidden in the dense mesquites along the river. The two best places to access the river are at the ghost town of Fairbanks on Highway 82 and at the San Pedro House on Highway 90.

Description:

The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area is one of the few remaining river ecosystems in Southern Arizona that has remained intact. Even though it has shrunk considerably over the past decades due to climatic and environmental changes, the river still hosts an amazing variety of wildlife, including 300 species of migrating and wintering birds. Start your hike at the place where the river meets AZ Highway 90 between Sierra Vista and Bisbee, about 1 1/2 hours southeast of Tucson. Access is free, but a small donation is requested. Info and souvenirs are available at the gift store.

Description:

Don't miss this important historic site when visiting the city of Tombstone. Walk where the famous fatal gunfight between Wyatt Earp, Virgil Earp, "Doc" Holliday and the Clanton/McLaury brothers took place, and witness a live re-enactment of the fateful fight, which takes place daily at 2p. Visit the corral museum, view accounts of Tombstone history and the famed Apache chief, Geronimo.

Our Local Expert Says:

The shootout and the mines get all the attention, but the story of the town's founder, Edward Schieffelin, who was first white man to explore much of southeastern Arizona is an often overlooked but equally fascinating story. If you go, don't overlook finding out what you can about this man. The Schieffelin Monument is about 5 miles east of town. Look for the sign as you enter town just past the graveyard.

Description:

A brief gunfight over 125 years ago and a nugget of Old West toughness has ensured Tombstone will never die. Modern day Tombstone is a mix of interesting Old West history of mining and boomtowns and classic tourist-trap souvenir shops. A visit to the Southwest would seem incomplete without a visit to "the town too tough to die." Seventy miles through the rolling grasslands of southeast Tucson make the drive alone worthwhile. Also, Tombstone is on the way to the quirky and at equally-interesting town of Bisbee.

Description:

Tombstone, the "town too tough to die", is known for its famous lawmen, infamous outlaws, and the Gunfight at the OK Corral. Visitors to the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park will be exposed to a building with a glut of historic significance in the shaping of the area since its construction in 1882. Huge rooms inside the 12,000 square foot, two-story Victorian structure hold evidence of the wild, wild west. Outside, a replica of the gallows can be found in the exercise yard where seven people were hanged. The real story of the Shootout at the OK Corral is on exhibit.

The professional staff at the park provide visitors with fact based interpretation of the history of the area. The park is the only publicly owned museum in town. Visitors have access to picnic tables. The building and restrooms are handicapped accessible.

Recreational opportunities offered by this 1 acre site relate to the historical building and surrounding town. Additionally a picnic area has been provided.

Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park is located in southeast Arizona, between the towns of Benson and Bisbee. The park is in the town of Tombstone, on State Highway 80.

Description:

This cozy cafe is located in the village of Sonoita, about one hour south of Tucson, in the rolling hills where Arizona's best wines grow. Decorated in upscale Southwestern colors, it offers a menu that can best be describes as eclectic. The menu includes a wide range of choices from local specialties such as prickly pear barbecue to fresh salmon with toasted pecan sauce; salads are made from fresh local produce, and desserts are made from scratch. Be sure to try some of the local wines.

Description:

About 45 miles south of Tucson off Interstate 10, there is a historic site well worth visiting. The old village of Tumacacori was a Franciscan mission till the days of the Mexican war of independence when the missionaries were told to leave. The mission was then taken over by the devout Akimel O'odham people, who maintained it, fighting off Apache raids until they, too, had to abandon the village. Today, an annual history festival tells the story of the mission. Each year during the first Sa and Su of December, visitors can watch demonstrations of pottery, weaving and other Native American or Spanish arts. The village bookstore accepts major credit cards.

Description:

Located in a historic landmark about 45 miles south of Tucson, and filled with a large selection of Southwest artifacts, this small eatery in Tumacacori has served authentic Mexican food based on family traditions handed down through generations. One of its unique creations is the fruit burro, which is essentially a pie made from blueberry, apple or peach, and served as a dessert dish. Domestic and Mexican beers are available, as well as a limited selection of wines. This jewel is located a half-mile north of Tumacacori National Monument.

Our Local Expert Says:

Birding is San Pedro's the main attraction, but the area is also rich in history. There are several nearly forgotten ghost towns and mine sites hidden in the dense mesquites along the river. The two best places to access the river are at the ghost town of Fairbanks on Highway 82 and at the San Pedro House on Highway 90.

Description:

The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area is one of the few remaining river ecosystems in Southern Arizona that has remained intact. Even though it has shrunk considerably over the past decades due to climatic and environmental changes, the river still hosts an amazing variety of wildlife, including 300 species of migrating and wintering birds. Start your hike at the place where the river meets AZ Highway 90 between Sierra Vista and Bisbee, about 1 1/2 hours southeast of Tucson. Access is free, but a small donation is requested. Info and souvenirs are available at the gift store.

Description:

When Spaniards built the Tubac Presidio in 1752, Tubac became the first European settlement in Arizona. In the 250 years that followed, Tubac saw bloody battles with Apaches, then nearly became a ghost town, then transformed into a mining boomtown, then almost another ghost town again. But in the 1940s, the tiny community in the Santa Cruz Valley 45 miles south of Tucson started attracting artists. Today, Tubac has a thriving artists colony, a golf resort, excellent restaurants, and rich history that can be seen the ruins of the Tubac Presidio and the nearby Mission de Tumacacori, a Spanish mission built in 1691.

Description:

This traditional course, located near the Mexico border, sits about 3,500 feet above sea level. Some scenes from the movie "Tin Cup" were filmed here. There is water that comes into play on at least three holes. The fairways are fairly open, but there are hundreds of trees on the course. The signature hole is #8, a 185-yard, par 3, requiring a tee shot over water. If you want to walk the course, a pull cart can be provided at no cost. There are beautiful views of the Santa Cruz River on the back nine. America's Favorite Golf School is located on the premises.

Description:

In Arizona's scenic southern desert, along the Santa Cruz River, lies Tubac Presidio. Within the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park are the remnants of a military fort founded by the Spanish in 1752. It was uncovered by archaeologists from the University of Arizona. An underground display features portions of the original foundation walls and plaza floor of the fort. Spanish soldiers established the fort to control the local Pima and Apache Indians and serve as a base for further exploration.

Visitors to the site will have access these fascinating archaeological remains including Arizona's first European settlement, the Tubac Presidio (1752), also the old Tubac Schoolhouse (1885) and Otero Social Hall (1914). Additionally the onsite museum has pre-European, Spanish Colonial, Mexican Republic and Territorial period exhibits, including the press that printed Arizona's first newspaper The Weekly Arizona in 1859. The park serves as a trailhead for the Anza Historic Trail.

Picnic tables are provided for to tourists to enjoy a relaxing meal and restrooms are handicapped accessible. The scenic little town of Tubac is full of art galleries and restaurants and is well worth a visit.

Recreational opportunities offered by this 10 acre site relate to the historical buildings and surrounding landscape. Tourists can enjoy a self-guided tour of the area and or take part in a birding survey, up to 180 birds can be seen at or around the park. Additionally a picnic area has been provided.

Tubac Presidio State Historic Park is located in the southeast area of Arizona and is close to the Mexican border. The park is 45 miles south of Tucson off Interstate 19 near the community of Tubac.

Our Local Expert Says:

On weekends, locals often sell fry bread and other foods under mesquite shelters in front of the mission.

Description:

The Mission San Xavier del Bac, also called the White Dove of the Desert, is nearly as iconic an image to Tucson as sunsets and saguaros. Built between 1783 and 1797, San Xavier del Bac is still an active Roman Catholic church for Tohono O'odham on the San Xavier Indian Reservation. The mission weaves together Moorish, Byzantine and Mexican Renaissance styles and is considered one of the finest examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the United States. The Mission San Xavier de Bac should be at or near the top of any visitor's list.

Description:

Whether you're opposed to open-pit copper mine and its environmental consequences or not, visiting this facility will leave you more knowledgeable about what was once one of the main industries in the state of Arizona. The earth science exhibits and displays of historic mining equipment are quite impressive, and you might want to view the multimedia shows before going on a tour of ASARCO's Mission open-pit mine.

Description:

Operated by the Tohono O'odham tribe on reservation land near the Tucson International Airport, this casino offers everything one can expect from a decent gambling establishment: poker, keno, bingo, and high paying slot machines as well as cheap food and complimentary drinks. If you are 18 years or older, go for it whenever you feel like it; it's open 24 hours, seven days a week.

Description:

Here's a museum south of Tucson that must surely be considered unique; a chilly reminder of the Cold War. Go underground and see one of the old Titan ballistic missiles, watch the roll-back silo door open, follow operations at the launch control center, and watch demonstrations of countdown procedures. Tours begin every half hour. To get here, go south on Interstate 19 and take exit 69 to the Duval Mine Road and follow the signs.

Description:

• Featuring a multi-acre landscaped courtyard, this hotel is in downtown Tucson, less than 8 miles from the airport.

• Guestrooms feature complimentary high-speed Internet access, microwaves, refrigerators, and free local phone calls.

• The hotel offers an outdoor heated pool, spa tub, and fitness center. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily.

Our Local Expert Says:

Gates Pass is on the way to Tucson Mountain Park, Old Tucson Studios, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Saguaro National Monument West, so you’re likely to see the pass whether you plan to or not.

Description:

For a panoramic view of Tucson and its surrounding mountain ranges, drive uphill west on Speedway Boulevard, which turns into Gates Pass Road. Stop at Gates Pass, at the apex of the road, and enjoy the desert and mountain vistas from the parking lot at the side of the road, particularly at sunset. Be aware that this is a narrow winding road frequently used by bicyclists.

Description:

Plan your visit to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum on Sunday to experience their sensational brunch offerings. Making use of indigenous ingredients, the menu includes inspired Arizonan dishes like the Montana de Nopal, a frittata with mesquite-smoked chorizo, prickly pear cactus; Tepery beans, Calabacitas (squash) and a Chile Hollandaise sauce; Blue Corn and sun-dried blueberry pancakes; and Arizona Toast topped with Picacho Peak-grown Pecans. Sip a Prickly Pear Margarita or Mimosa with your meal. The restaurant is also open for lunch daily, featuring Arizona-style salads, sandwiches and hot entrées.

Our Local Expert Says:

With a menu that changes daily, you'll never know what you're going to get. But if you can only make it to one Mexican restaurant, this should be it. Anything with a mole sauce is not to be missed. The made-to-order margaritas are the best.

Description:

Cafe Poca Cosa became the darling of Tucson's culinary scene a few years ago when model-restaurant owner-chef Susana Davila first made a splash with her inventive take on classic Mexican dishes. Years later, it can still be hard to get a reservation on a busy night. But it's worth the effort just to sample the restaurant's fresh, made from scratch daily dishes. There is no set menu here: what you see scrawled on the blackboard when you come in, is what you get. The good news? It's nearly always wonderful.

Our Local Expert Says:

Split a day between here and Saguaro National Park.

Description:

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is one of three or four not-to-be-missed attractions for anyone visiting Tucson. Spread across 21 acres in the drop-dead beautiful desert west of Tucson, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (locals refer to it simply as "the Desert museum") is a seamless mix of world-renowned zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden. The museum's outdoor trails offer an immersion into the Sonoran Desert that can't be beat. The desert museum is a wonderful complement to the neighboring Saguaro National Park.

Description:

There are two districts of Saguaro National Park that bookend Tucson on the east and the west. Both offer stunning views of the Sonoran Desert landscape, including saguaro forests. Both districts have driving roads that wander through parts of the park, but with its numerous hiking trails, the park is best experienced on foot. With its proximity to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, it would be easy to spend a day visiting the Tucson Mountain (West) District and the museum. The Rincon Mountain (East) District rises to over 8,000 feet and has 128 miles of trails.