Saguaro National Park


Photo courtesy Bruce Griffin, Metropolitan Tucson CVB

When most people think of the desert, they picture giant cacti. At Saguaro National Park, you can see these majestic plants up close. The park "has two districts, separated by the City of Tucson. The Tucson Mountain District (Saguaro West) and the Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro East) are approximately 30 miles apart. While similar in terms of plants and animals, subtle differences make both areas worthy of a visit."

Winter is the park's busy season. Winters in the Tucson area consist of mild days averaging 65 degrees, and cool nights averaging 40 degrees. Daytime temperatures in the summer can exceed 105 degrees in the shade, but the desert cools off at night, averaging 72 degrees.

Visitors can take a guided tour through a cactus garden or go for a rigorous hike through the desert. A popular activity is to bike the eight-mile Cactus Forest Loop in the Rincon Mountain District. On the tour, visitors can see incredible views of the Rincon Mountains.

In addition to biking, hiking, backpacking, and educational workshops are available in the park. 

Saguaros are a very slow growing cactus. Studies indicate that a saguaro grows between 1 and 1.5 inches in the first eight years of its life. Because of this, it is important to treat them with care.

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is south of the west district of the park. It is a "world-renowned zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden, all in one place! Exhibits re-create the natural landscape of the Sonoran Desert Region so realistically you find yourself eye-to-eye with mountain lions, prairie dogs, Gila monsters, and more. Within the museum grounds are more than 300 animal species and 1,200 kinds of plants."

The park, which opened in 1952, sees more than 550,000 visitors each year.

Tucson, Arizona 

Once a rowdy frontier town, Tucson is now a fast-growing city, home to the University of Arizona, an active cultural community, and an ideal location for exploring the beautiful high desert setting. Give yourself plenty of time to explore the many area attractions.


Photo courtesy Steve Renzi, Metropolitan Tucson CVB

 Getting Around
 When it was founded in 1775, Tucson’s population was just over 3,000. By 1920, the population had grown to 20,292. Today, roughly 1 million people call greater Tucson home. That means that urban sprawl is a reality, and traffic can occasionally be an issue. Be sure to check with your innkeeper for advice.

Although you’ll definitely need a car to explore the area, T.I.C.E.T offers free transportation around the downtown area, including to the University of Arizona.

When to Go
 Tucson claims 350 sunny days a year, and you can enjoy them, along with moderate temperatures and low humidity from October through April. May through September, temperatures can hit triple digits, but room rates can drop into the double digits, so if you like it hot, plan to visit in summer. Some B&Bs close for July and August, so be sure to check.

Photo courtesy Gill Kenny, Tucson CVB

February and March are peak season in Tucson, with great weather and several major events and activities, including the La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, the Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase of Tucson (aka The Tucson Gem Show), and the Tucson International Mariachi Conference, as well as three Major League Baseball spring training teams: the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox, and Colorado Rockies.



Sights & Activities
 Outdoor enthusiasts can take their pick of a long list of options, including golf, hiking, horseback riding, ballooning, mountain biking, birding, caving, and much more, while art lovers will enjoy the city’s museums, galleries, historic sites, and musical and theatrical events. Click here for information on these and lots of other options.

If you’re traveling with a friend or family member, the Tucson Passport is a great deal at $15, giving you discounts and 2-for-1 deals on major attractions, including the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, the Arizona State Museum, Kitt Peak National Observatory, Old Tucson Studios, and many more.

B&Bs and Inns
Alta Vista courtyard

Tucson’s downtown B&Bs are ideal for business travelers, visitors to the University of Arizona (U. of A.), and anyone who wants to be closer to restaurants and cultural attractions. Inns outside of town offer endless vista of the desert landscape and mountains beyond, but are farther from town. Consider dividing your visit to a few days at each—you won’t believe it’s the same city! Tucson has many outstanding B&Bs; for a comprehensive list, click here; listed below are B&Bs we visited personally.

 Downtown/University of Arizona:

Adobe Rose Inn: This handsome 1930s adobe home combines southwest charm with a convenient location two blocks from the University of Arizona. Kiva fireplaces keep you warm on chilly evenings while the swimming pool and spa are a refreshing break.


Catalina Park Inn: In the West University Historic District, walking distance to the U. of A. and overlooking Catalina Park, this B&B offers all conveniences for business, combined with 1920s period charm.

Sam Hughes Inn: Innkeeper Susan Banner has created a wonderful balance of homey charm and ample privacy. She’s also a great source of information on Tucson restaurants and activities. Comfortable accommodations, spacious patio garden; central location, minutes from downtown and walking distance from the U. of A.

The Royal Elizabeth: An amazing oasis in the heart of downtown Tucson, this 1878 Victorian mansion combines period charm with luxury hotel amenities. In addition to the spacious suite accommodations is an inviting swimming pool, set in a lush courtyard garden.

 Southeast Tucson:
Alta Vista B&B: This B&B has panoramic views of the beautiful Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains and the Tanque Verde Valley, and is close to Saguaro National Park East, ideal for bird watching, hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. Innkeeper Gaila Smith will fill you up for a busy day with a hearty breakfast; when you return, the swimming pool and whirlpool spa will sooth weary muscles.

Alta Vista


Desert Dove B&B: Within walking distance of Saguaro National Park East, the Desert Dove is a territorial-style adobe home. Owners Harvey and Betty Ross are collectors of books, toys, dolls, pottery and quilts, and they enjoy helping their guests to explore this beautiful area.

Desert Trails B&B: A stone’s throw from Saguaro National Park East, this hacienda-style adobe home provides relaxing stay in a casual, rural setting, thanks to owners John, Steffi and daughter Beryl. Children are welcome; hiking, birding, and horseback riding are literally just outside.
 

Hacienda del Desierto

Hacienda del Desierto: Set in the foothills of the Rincon Mountains, this beautifully landscaped and decorated B&B has whirlpool spas ideal for stargazing and a flower-filled courtyard perfect for relaxing.

Northeast Tucson:

Cactus Cove: Combining a quiet country setting with dramatic mountain views and a convenient location just 10 minutes from restaurant row, owner Sally Gunderman goes out of her way to ensure that her guests enjoy a pampering, romantic getaway with delicious breakfasts.

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