The Arizona desert carries more than heat and silence. It holds stories, warnings, and rules that were passed down long before any roads cut through the land. You won’t find these rules posted at trailheads or printed in guidebooks. You hear them told by people who know better than
Tucked into the edge of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucson, the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun isn’t just a museum. It’s an experience. Built by the artist Ettore “Ted” DeGrazia himself, the space is a celebration of desert life, native cultures, and the power of creativity rooted
Ni Hao Tea is one of the best spots in Tucson for fresh and well-made boba. It has two locations, one at Broadway and Swan and another near Campbell and Glenn. The focus here is on doing things the right way. The tea is brewed fresh. The boba is made
Just west of downtown Tucson, past the hum of the highway and the desert neighborhoods, sits one of the city’s most surprising natural spaces: Sweetwater Wetlands. It is a great place in Southern Arizona to spot wildlife, take a peaceful walk, or just listen to the sounds of running
You’re out in the desert, minding your business, when you spot it. A saguaro cactus, standing tall, arm up like it’s greeting you across the trail. Maybe it’s friendly. Maybe it’s lonely. More likely? It’s just being weird. Saguaros are full of personality. None of
There are plenty of ways to take in Arizona’s desert beauty, but watching the sun set at Gates Pass stands out for good reason. Tucked just west of Tucson, this scenic mountain pass winds through the Tucson Mountains and opens up to a postcard-worthy stretch of Sonoran Desert with
A visit to Reid Park Zoo is always a fun way to spend the day in Tucson, but the Behind the Scenes Tour offers something completely different. Instead of just viewing animals from the usual public viewing ares, this tour takes you into restricted areas, gives you a glimpse into
Nestled in the heart of Tucson’s historic Barrio Viejo, El Tiradito Wishing Shrine is one of the city’s most unique and enduring landmarks. Unlike most shrines in the Southwest, El Tiradito is not dedicated to a saint or religious figure but rather to a tragic love story that
Tucked away in the Sonoran Desert, Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is one of Arizona’s most intriguing archaeological sites. Located in Coolidge, about halfway between Phoenix and Tucson, this ancient structure offers a rare glimpse into the world of the Hohokam people, who built this four-story great house over
Nestled in the foothills of the Rincon Mountains, Colossal Cave is one of Arizona’s most fascinating hidden gems. With winding passageways, stunning rock formations, and a rich history dating back thousands of years, this limestone cave is a must-visit for adventurers, history buffs, and anyone looking to experience something
If there’s one food that defines Arizona’s street food culture, it’s the Sonoran hot dog. Wrapped in bacon, loaded with toppings, and served on a soft bolillo-style bun, this borderland creation is a must-try for anyone visiting the state. Whether you're in Tucson, Phoenix, or
In the heart of Southern Arizona, the town of Benson tells its stories in vibrant, larger-than-life murals scattered throughout its charming streets. All of Benson’s murals were brought to life by a single artist, Doug Quarles. These painted walls offer more than just art. They capture Benson’s rich