A place that takes pride in its Latino roots and frontier history, Tucson is a culturally vibrant, exceedingly attractive destination. The second largest city in Arizona, it is home to the state's principle university and has a storied intellectual climate. Furthermore, it is located in the beautiful Sonoran Desert Valley, and nature is never more than a stone's throw away.

The star of Tucson's excellent system of museums is the Center for Creative Photography. Here you can see the work of geniuses such as Ansel Adams, whose portraits of natural beauty in the American west have inspired millions. With a well deserved international reputation, it is a must see for any photographer.

The downtown historic district is a great place to view 19th century buildings and craft shops. For the outdoorsmen, a trip to nearby Sabino Canyon, where a USFS Ranger Station can provide hiking info, is a good choice. Those in the mood for a challenging two day hike can summit Mt. Lemmon.

Lodging and Entertainment in Tucson

Seasonal variations in hotel prices can double the cost or cut it dramatically, so plan accordingly--winter and spring are most expensive--and make reservations ahead of time. For great live entertainment, head to Club Congress and the Rialto Theatre, which are across from each other. The Rialto typically handles the big acts that require more ample seating.