228: Experience the Southwest in Tucson, Arizona

Tamara heads to Tucson, Arizona frequently since her daughter Hannah is now a junior at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Kim and Tamara first experienced Tucson together at a Family Travel Association Conference, but since Hannah started school Tamara has visited a number of times. While many of her activities are centered around the University of Arizona, she has taken time to explore more of the area. A few tips for visiting Tucson: Visit in the summer for lower prices but expect dry temps over 100 and it can also be monsoon season with short heavy rain storms and flooding Avoid May graduation, August move in, Parent weekend in September or October, the Mineral & Gem Show in February, and big football or basketball games to find better availability for hotels If you want a resort hotel with a pool, you are better looking at some of the hotels in the foothills versus downtown You need to rent a car if you want to stay at a resort and explore the area It is about 2-2.5 hours from Phoenix if you want to fly into there instead of Tucson or combine the two destinations Favorite hotels: Best for families: Westin Paloma See Tamara's picks for the best places to stay in Tucson Favorite for couples: Hacienda Del Sol Best near campus: Graduate Tucson Best downtown: Home2Suites by Hilton Things to do in Tucson: Saguaro National Park Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum Sunset at West Gate Pass Night sky star gazing at Mt Lemmon Windy Point or Kitt Peak Hiking in Sabino Canyon Pima Air and Space Museum Horseback riding at White Stallion Ranch / Cowboy Cookout at Tanque Verde Ranch Old Town Tucson Shopping along Fourth Avenue Enjoy Mexican food See more things to do in Tucson Great brunch spots in Tucson Other Episodes You May Enjoy Scottsdale Tempe, Arizona