Tucson Flights And Sights

Encircled by mountain ranges and bookended by the two units of Saguaro National Park, Tucson is Arizona's second-largest city, and, for the vacationer, it has everything that Phoenix has to offer, plus a bit more. There are world-class golf resorts, excellent restaurants, art museums and galleries, an active cultural life, and, of course, plenty of great weather. Tucson also has a long history that melds Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo roots. And with a national park, a national forest, and other natural areas just beyond the city limits, Tucson is a city that celebrates its Sonoran Desert setting.

At Saguaro National Park, you can marvel at the massive cacti that have come to symbolize the desert Southwest, while at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (actually a zoo), you can acquaint yourself with the flora and fauna of this region. Take a hike or a horseback ride up one of the trails that leads into the wilderness from the edge of the city, and you may even meet up with a few desert denizens on their own turf. Look beyond the saguaros and prickly pears, and you can find a desert oasis, complete with waterfalls and swimming holes, and, a short drive from the city, a pine forest that's home to the southernmost ski area in the country.

Founded by the Spanish in 1775, Tucson was built on the site of a much older Native American village. The city's name comes from the Pima Indian word chukeson, which means "spring at the base of black mountain," a reference to the peak now known simply as "A Mountain," because of the large letter A on its slopes. From 1867 to 1877, Tucson was the territorial capital of Arizona, but eventually the capital was moved to Phoenix. Consequently, Tucson did not develop as quickly as Phoenix and still holds on to some of its Hispanic and Western heritage.

Tucson has a history of valuing quality of life over development, which sets it apart from the Phoenix area. Back in the days of urban renewal, its citizens turned back the bulldozers and managed to preserve at least some of the city's old Mexican character. Likewise, today, in the face of the sort of sprawl that has given Phoenix the feel of a landlocked Los Angeles, advocates for controlled growth are fighting hard to preserve both Tucson's desert environment and the city's unique character. However, the inevitable sprawl has now ringed much of Tucson with vast suburbs, though as yet, the city is far from becoming another Phoenix.

The struggle to retain an identity distinct from other Southwestern cities is ongoing, and despite long, drawn-out attempts to breathe life into the city's core, downtown Tucson has little to offer visitors other than an art museum, a convention center, a couple of historic neighborhoods, and a few good restaurants.

Despite this minor shortcoming, Tucson remains Arizona's most beautiful and most livable city. With the Santa Catalina Mountains for a backdrop, Tucson boasts one of the most dramatic settings in the Southwest, and whether you're taking in the mountain vistas from the tee box of the 12th hole, the saddle of a palomino, or a table for two, I'm sure you'll agree that Tucson makes a memorable vacation destination.

The mild climate and plentiful sunshine in Tucson make it a great place to relax and play in the great outdoors. With American Airlines flights to Tucson, it's easy to visit for a quick weekend retreat or a longer stay for the entire family. Our favorite things to do in Tucson are fun to try no matter how long your getaway will be.

Thanks to the pleasant weather, there are many activities in Tucson that let you connect with nature. Bring your hiking boots and explore one of the five mountain ranges that surround the city. The Santa Catalina, Tortolita, Rincon and Tucson Mountains have a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels. We especially like Sabino Canyon in the Santa Catalinas. If you're an experienced hiker, try the rugged Seven Falls trail, which takes about three hours and crisscrosses over Sabino Creek, ending at the falls and natural pools where you can take a dip before hiking back down. If it's a more relaxing hike you're after, try the paved Sabino Canyon Trail.

If you've brought along the whole family, one of the top things to do in Tucson has to be a visit to the Arizona-Sedona Desert Museum. You'll find exhibits that recreate the natural landscape of the Sonoran Desert so kids (and parents) will be thrilled to get up close with lifelike Gila monsters, mountain lions and other desert fauna. And if you have a little cowboy in your group, a visit to Tombstone, just south of Tucson, is in order. You'll be able to watch a recreation of the shootout at the O.K. Corral and see historical buildings and monuments.

Of course, one of the most popular activities in Tucson involves the ultimate in relaxation: spas! This area is known for rejuvenating spas that often incorporate the Sonoran Desert's mystical spirit. Did you know that hot stone massages were invented here? Take your pick of indulgent spas and resorts, many of which also feature challenging golf courses.

It's easy to fly to Tucson and experience all that the area has to offer, from active outdoor options to more leisurely pursuits. Let American Airlines can help you plan a trip that's exactly right for you.