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Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics

Tourism / Weather

Tucson, Arizona is most famous for its dramatic beauty!  

desert imageThe Sonoran Desert covers this region with spectacular cacti – including the giant saguaro, a symbol of the American Southwest. The legendary year-round sunshine and saguaro- and sunset-landscape have captivated visitors for decades. To complement the local desert beauty, there are scenic mountain ranges surrounding the city.  On the flip-side to its Old West heritage, you will find yourself in the center of a thriving visual and performing arts scene, not to mention the amazing  trend-setting restaurants (UNESCO designated City of Gastronomy).  Tucson’s vibrant multi-cultural tradition shines with many thriving and respected galleries and museums to enjoy.  Once you immerse yourself in the laid-back atmosphere of Tucson, you may never want to leave.

Dining Options:   Discover why Tucson was named the first US Capital of Gastronomy by UNESCO, https://www.visittucson.org/become-a-tucson-foodie!  The most convenient dining options outside of the immediate University area are located on Historic 4th Avenue, http://www.fourthavenue.org/ and downtown Tucson, accessible via car or the Sun Link streetcar.  Check out La Indita (Mexican/Native American), BOCA Tacos Y Tequila, The B Line (go for dessert!), or the Coronet on 4th Avenue.  Or head downtown to the Downtown Kitchen, El Charro (local favorite for Mexican), Hotel Congress, or Seis Kitchen at Mercado San Agustin.

Attractions: 
Saguaro National Park (West) and Tucson Mountain Park – full of iconic Saguaro cacti.
Sabino Canyon (day hike) – https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coronado/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=25704&actid=50
Arizona Sonora Desert Museum – located in Saguaro  National Park, https://www.desertmuseum.org/
Biosphere-2 – http://biosphere2.org/
Pima Air & Space Museum – http://www.pimaair.org/
Colossal Cave Mountain Park – http://colossalcave.com/
Kitt Peak National Observatory – https://www.noao.edu/kpno/
Tucson Botanical Gardens – https://tucsonbotanical.org/
Mission San Xavier del Bac – well preserved Spanish colonial architecture.
Mt. Lemmon – at 7,000 feet, beautiful alpine forest.
Iron Door Restaurant at Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley
Tumamoc Mountain and Sentinel Peak – an easy hike with a great view of Tucson from the top.
Hotel Congress – a downtown historic hotel and restaurant, https://hotelcongress.com/

Websites for more information:
https://www.visittucson.org/
https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/tucson-us-az-t.htm
https://www.thecrazytourist.com/top-25-things-to-do-in-tucson-az/

Weather Considerations:   Tucson average high temperature in January is ~ 68° Fahrenheit and the average low is ~ 43° Fahrenheit.  Before packing, visit http://www.wunderground.com/, and enter Tucson zip code 85719.