Southern Arizona
Just north of the Mexican border, Southern Arizona is a region rich in human history. Inhabited since pre-Columbian times, the area has provided homes for Native American tribes, cowboys, miners and nuclear missile technicians in the last two centuries. Visit the region to discover its wealth of museums and galleries, historic towns and varied landscapes. From the cactus-studded deserts to the strange rock formations of the low-lying Chiricahua Mountains, Southern Arizona is an area of exceptional natural beauty.
Base your travels in Southern Arizona from Tucson, the state’s second-largest city. Here find all the modern amenities of an international city alongside 35 historic precincts. Ride Tucson’s famous streetcar to discover the city’s major attractions, including St. Augustine Cathedral and the Tucson Museum of Art. Find both in Downtown Tucson, alongside hip restaurants, fashionable bars and excellent shopping opportunities.
Take a daytrip from the city to explore the surrounding area. Drive 30 minutes south to reach the Titan Missile Museum, a fascinating relic of the Cold War era. Take a guided tour of the former nuclear missile site to see a 103-foot-long (30-meter) Titan II missile.
Located on two sites on either side of Tucson, Saguaro National Park is one of Southern Arizona’s most idyllic natural destinations. Named after an enormous cactus, the national park features plants that draw most visitors. Capture photographs of spectacular desert sunsets before returning to the city. While summer has extreme heat at the peak of the day, winter in the desert offers milder days.
Mining was once the major industry of Southern Arizona. Visit Bisbee to see its picturesque main street and remnants of the Old West. Take a trip down into the Copper Queen Mine.
Southern Arizona is served by the Tucson International Airport as well as bus and train services. Rent a car for the freedom to explore its natural landscapes. Find accommodations in Tucson and the smaller towns of the region.