Tucson
What you need to know before you go
Located in Pima County, Arizona, Tucson is a quintessential Southwest city, set in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. While it might be famed for its mammoth saguaro cacti, 17th century Spanish mission, and Spaghetti Western film sets, “the Old Pueblo”, as it’s affectionally nicknamed, is also a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Here, you’ll find some of the state’s best restaurants, food festivals and farmers’ markets, with a spotlight on Native American and Mexican traditions. Sample desert-to-dish classics like sweet corn tamales, panko-crusted nopales fries made with opuntia cactus pads and green chili enchiladas.
When you’re not feasting al fresco, day trip to some of Tucson’s most iconic attractions including the Amerind Museum for indigenous art, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum for exotic botanicals and Medera Canyon for unforgettable bird watching and panoramic hiking trails. Movie buffs will relish a day out at the Old Tucson film studio where stars like John Wayne, Paul Newman and Clint Eastwood first slipped on their cowboy boots. Don’t miss the atmospheric All Souls Procession that takes place every November.
