Travel to Tucson- Home of the Wildcats (U of A)
Posted in Arizona, Family Fun, Travel | By Shelley Gillespie | Tags: Arizona, Book Fair, Museum, Travel, Tucson, University of Arizona, Wildcats
Tucson, Arizona is many places -a resort, an old historic city and the home of the Wildcats – the University of Arizona. We’ve already highlighted some of the attractions (Old Tucson Studios, Saguaro National Park). Depending on your interests, there is much to do in Tucson and the environs: Kitt Peak, Mount Lemmon, Picacho Peak, Biosphere 2 (see our blog).
Main Gate of University of Arizona
However, the University of Arizona is a major attraction in itself.
Most recent statistics at UA show enrollment of 37,000-plus, 29,000 of which are undergrads. With a large urban campus, including residential housing, UA offers attractions for visitors and students alike. There is a science museum, an art museum, a photography exhibit and a large bookstore that non-students can also use. The campus is walkable, so parking a vehicle and strolling around can give access to most interesting sights. In the heat of the summer, Tucson can be steamy. But in the spring, there is still snow on the mountains that are at a higher elevation.
Old Main at U of A
UA library with snow-capped mountain in background and book fair tents
On weekends, the Old Pueblo Trolley can take you on an inexpensive sight seeing tour of historic areas, downtown, shopping and land you at the entrance to UA. We decided to explore that option for a new view of Tucson. However, we found that the route of the trolley was not the full route shown on their Web site. For the price, we couldn’t really complain (25 cents on Sunday).
In March, there is a very large book fair, so reading aficionados can look at books, meet authors and stroll UA campus.
U of A Stadium - with no "Wildcats" in isght
With both the book fair and the trolley, we figured that’s most of a day to explore – things to see and do in Tucson. If you add in the museums and other UA attractions, you could easily spend 2-3 days in Tucson. If you visit one of the many resorts, add in a few more days – even great golfing. In other words, Tucson is a great destination. Only 90 miles from Phoenix, Tucson also has its own airport, southwest of the city.
So, this week join us for some Tucson sights and, of course, you have to eat! (We’ll highlight at least one restaurant.)
Tags: Arizona, Book Fair, Museum, Travel, Tucson, University of Arizona, Wildcats