As the location of U of A, Tucson is home to plenty of student drivers, outdoor seekers, cyclists, rock climbers, culinary freaks, art lovers, rock enthusiasts, and a slew of genuine characters. Named for the native Tohono O'odham word Ts-iuk-shan, Tucson literally means black base, a nod to the unique geography and a reference to being located at the base of the surrounding mountains.
Whether you plan to stroll through one of the 120+ parks, hike the Sabino Canyon, grab a Sonoran hot dog, or some food from the oldest Mexican restaurant in the country, be ready for a touch of the Old West. The city is brimming with sites to see from the Pima Air & Space Museum, the largest aerospace museum in the country, to the Tucson Botanical Gardens, an excellent destination for introspective strolls and a look at unique flora. As the home to a university known for programs such as archaeology, philosophy, mining engineering, and Earth and (yes, we’re serious) Marine sciences, Tucson draws aspiring students and snowbirds alike.
A city rife with Mexican heritage, Tucson claims to be the birthplace of the chimichanga and became a part of the United States due to the Gadsen Purchase in 1854. If you have a keen eye for Southwestern art, you’ll probably find yourself headed for the Arizona State Museum which houses the world’s most extensive collection of Southwest pottery. You can also see history come alive if you catch the Rodeo Parade, the largest non-motorized parade in the country and a rare glimpse into the past.
Whether you’re a Wildcat or just a nature lover, Tucson has a ton to offer.