Hipmunk City Love: Tucson, AZ

Author: TheHipmunk

This post was posted by TheHipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind blog on January 19th 2016.

For many visitors, the American Southwest conjures images of bank-robbing outlaws, cowboys around a desert campfire, and frontier towns livened with gun-toting sheriffs and busty barmaids. The Old West was undoubtedly one of the most fascinating periods in American history, a time of discovery and adventure as the nation moved westward and settled into a new era. While many of the images we draw from the period are merely dramatic representations given to us through Hollywood Westerns, Tucson offers visitors a unique opportunity to visit and explore this exciting chapter of America’s past.

Whether you have a day or a long weekend in Tucson, take the time to see some of its historic attractions and immerse yourself in the remnants of the Wild West.

7 a.m.: Watch the Sunrise at Saguaro National Park

Image via Trover by maya gigi

To really get yourself in the Old West state of mind, start your day in Tucson at nearby Saguaro National Park. Home to the saguaro, America’s largest cactus, this protected park is ideal for watching the sunrise above the towering silhouettes on the Sonoran Desert landscape. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you may wish to plan an entire day to enjoy Saguaro National Park. It is a popular area for hiking, cycling, and even backcountry camping. (If you are interested in camping at the park, you’ll need to purchase a permit in advance.)

9 a.m.: Take a Drive to Tombstone, AZ

Image via Trover by Paula @ A Traveler’s Postcard

Chisel out three to five hours to visit nearby Tombstone, where you can immerse yourself in a real-life ghost town straight out of the Old West. This historic city was once among the greatest of frontier boomtowns, fueled by successful silver mines. However, by the beginning of the 20th century, Tombstone’s population had dwindled, and the rest is history. Today tourists populate the town, which gives visitors a unique opportunity to see the American West as it once was. Watch re-enactments of shootouts at the actual O.K. Corral, take Old West-style portraits at Can-Can Old Time photos, join a historic tour on the Butterfield Stage Coach, or even try your hand at shooting the iconic Colt .45 at the shooting gallery.

1 p.m.: Explore Tucson’s Past at the Arizona History Museum

Image via Trover by Lisa Bunker

Back in Tucson, spend an hour or two perusing the exhibits of the Arizona History Museum, spanning the state’s history from the Spanish colonial era to the territorial period. You’ll leave with a new appreciation for the region’s diverse lineage. The Geronimo exhibit on the most famous Apache warrior from the Wild West period is especially interesting.

4 p.m.: Experience the Wild West at Old Tucson Studios

Image via Trover by Wendy Beck

With a full day of nature, ghost towns, and history under your belt, you’ll be ready for an evening of Wild West-style entertainment. Old Tucson Studios is one of the city’s most popular attractions, and has been the setting for more than 300 films and TV programs. The shows are particularly popular, bringing the Old West to life through music and spectacular stunts. There are also a variety of family activities to enjoy, such as panning for gold, trail rides, and a train that takes you on an informative tour of the surrounding desert landscape.

Must Eat: Go Inside an Old Saloon at Pinnacle Peak

Image via Trover by Amy Olsen

Pinnacle Peak is a popular Tucson restaurant serving cowboy-style fare in a saloon setting. Enjoy a world-famous mesquite grilled steak, beef that is slow cooked over a fire pit for 15 hours, or enjoy a mug of Pinnacle Peak’s home-brewed root beer. The restaurant’s Western food is the perfect ending to a day in the Wild West. Do note that there is a strict dress code—no ties allowed.

Find Your Desert Oasis in Tucson

Image via Trover by Beth Hughes

Tucson has a large selection of accommodations to choose from, but why not stay at a property where you can enjoy the beautiful desert landscape? No matter what your budget is, there are Tucson hotels from $32 that promise to inspire. Loews Ventana Canyon is reasonably-priced at $99 a night, offers large rooms, and has a free shuttle to the Sabino Canyon trails and Seven Falls waterfalls, an excellent choice if you are keen to get out in nature. For a more boutique-type stay, the Lodge on the Desert from $96 per night has gorgeous rooms in Southwest decor, and breathtaking grounds complete with an assortment of desert flora.

Tucson is a modern and diverse city, but take the time to explore the city’s Wild West past. You’ll leave with a new appreciation for both the desert landscape and a fascinating chapter from America’s past.