Tucson’s selection of interesting things to see and places to visit is varied and provides for nature lovers and urbanites alike. Visitors rarely miss out on the awesome Sabino Canyon and the fascinating Kartchner Caverns State Park, while others are impressed by the trendy shopping and dining district that is Fourth Avenue.
Fourth Avenue
Covering a lengthy six-block area, Fourth Avenue is a historic area of the city that’s dedicated entirely to shopping, eating and evening entertainment. Wander around it of an afternoon and soak up the laid-back atmosphere or settle yourself down at one of the many cute little cafés or restaurants and enjoy the people-watching opportunities as well as the excellent cuisine. Come sundown, the area comes alive as night owls head to venues such as Plush, Surly Wench Pub, North and O'Malleys.
Kartchner Caverns State Park
The fascinating collection of limestone caves at Kartchner Caverns State Park is considered among the world’s top 10 cave systems of this nature. The caves were discovered in 1974 by two explorers, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts, but were not given serious attention until 1988 and not opened to the public until 1998. The highlight of the caves has to be the 1.5-hour long Throne Room Tour that takes an up-close look at their amazing rock formations. Phone: +1 520 586 2283.
Kitt Peak Observatory
The largest collection of optical telescopes on the planet can be found at the fascinating Kitt Peak Observatory. Daytime tours introduce visitors to four-metre and 2.1-metre long telescopes as well as the solar telescopes, while the night programme offer opportunities to stargaze using observatory equipment. Phone: +1 520 318 8726; www.noao.edu/kpno
Old Tucson Studios
Famed as one of US’s best cowboy movie-producing centres, the Old Tucson Studios are still operational to this day. However, it’s the onsite fun-packed theme park that’s the biggest attraction for visitors. An authentic mock-up of an old western town presents shows, stunts and staged gunfights with staff wearing authentic cowboy costumes. Phone: +1 520 883 0100; www.oldtucson.com
Sabino Canyon
Among Tucson’s most spectacular natural sights, Sabino Canyon is a large, rugged, desert-like chasm carved out of the Santa Catalina Mountains. In prehistoric times settlers built irrigation dams in the canyon, but today its only inhabitants are the large numbers of tourists who arrive to experience its magnificent views and hike to Seven Falls to swim in the crystal-clear pools.
