subject: A Visit To Tucson [print this page] The second-largest city in the state of Arizona, Tucson is a unique and historic city with plenty to offer for the tourist interested in getting a real taste of the Southwest. Located in the Sonoran Desert region, Tucson has a long and colorful history and has been the home to many cultures stretching back at least 10,000 years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes and some of the remnants of the tribes who lived there over 2000 years ago still make their home there.
Around 1700 the Spanish began building missions in the area, and Tucson became part of Mexico in 1821, then part of American territory in 1863. The area is still a mix of several cultures and it is that diversity as well as the natural beauty of the area that give it its unique and Interesting flavor. For the tourist, the combination of the citys attractions and the proximity of nature preserves and parks, particularly Saguaro National Park, make Tucson a fascinating destination with plenty of activities and things to see.
Museums, Southwestern cuisine, desert panoramas, towering saguaro cacti and old movie studios where many Westerns were (and still are) made make Tucson a great holiday destination for the whole family. The Saguaro National Park is located just east and west (it is divided into two parts) of the city and is home to the largest forests of saguaro cacti in the world. On the edge of the park is the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a fantastic natural history facility with live specimens of many desert plants, animals and birds. It is not to be missed and is a destination anyone will enjoy, not just the kids. There are several other parks and attractions in the vicinity of Tucson, including the Kitt Observatory and the Old Tucson Studios where John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and others shot it up on the screen in countless Westerns.
There are many hotels in Tucson ranging from luxury accommodations to budget-range and camping facilities are available. In addition to Arizona hotels and bed & breakfasts, there are resorts and ranch accommodations available in the surrounding area.
