Why We Love Tucson

Tucson is a delightful city with unique charm and stunning natural beauty, and we love it for the vibrant cultural scene, friendly community, and focus on the arts. Home to the famous saguaro cactus and surrounded by five mountain ranges, Tucson is known for its breathtaking landscapes which provide a beautiful backdrop for the city’s skyline.

Founded in 1877, Tucson is the oldest city in Arizona, but its story dates back over twelve thousand years, when it was settled by Indigenous peoples, most notably, the Hohokam. It is estimated to be the oldest continuously inhabited region in the United States, and this legacy continues through the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and Tohono O'odham Nation. As a city located on the land of Indigenous peoples, Tucson’s identity is heavily influenced by its rich ancestral roots which have been combined with Spanish Colonial, Mexican, and Anglo influences to make it the unique community it is today (Visit Tucson, 2023).

Tucson’s diversity is reflected in our food scene, which highlights a delicious fusion of flavors and cultures. It holds the distinction as being one of UNESCO’s designated Cities of Gastronomy, and locals and visitors enjoy our many award-winning restaurants known for using heritage ingredients and innovative approaches to localism and sustainability. Tucson also has a thriving arts and culture scene with numerous galleries and museums showcasing local artists, historic artifacts, and natural specimens. Our conference includes a trip to one of our favorite spots, the Tucson Botanical Gardens; however, we invite you to stay a bit longer and explore one or more of our team’s recommended must-sees:

Dining

The Cup Café at Hotel Congress: https://hotelcongress.com/family/the-cup/
The Monica: https://themonicatucson.com/
Nook: http://www.nookdowntown.com/
Time Market: https://www.timemarket.xyz/
La Chingada: https://lachingadacocina.com
Boxyard: https://theboxyardtucson.com/

Hiking/Exploring Nature

Tumamoc Hill: https://tumamoc.arizona.edu/tumamoc-hill/walk-hill
Saguaro National Park West: https://www.nps.gov/sagu/index.htm
Catalina State Park: https://azstateparks.com/catalina
King Canyon Trail: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/king-canyon-trail-to-wasson-peak
Painted Hills Trail: https://webcms.pima.gov/cms/one.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=579394

Outside Magazine article with tips from University of Arizona student

Attractions

UA’s Museums and Galleries: https://www.arizona.edu/arts-museums
Tohono Chul Gardens and Gallery:  https://tohonochul.org/
The Desert Museum: https://www.desertmuseum.org
The MSA Annex and Mercado: https://mercadodistrict.com/
Trail Dust Town:  https://www.traildusttown.com/
Whiskey Del Bac tours - https://www.whiskeydelbac.com/visit
Gaslight Theatre - https://www.thegaslighttheatre.com/
Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, January 27- February 11, 2024. World famous!

Reference

Visit Tucson. (2023, March). Tucson history & culture. https://www.visittucson.org/things-to-do/history-and-      culture/