Tuscon for visitors.
Sep 8th 2011, 10:32 pm
#1
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 331
Tuscon for visitors.
I am planning a trip to Tuscon AZ soon and I am looking for some suggestions on what to see, where to stop, eat etc.
My main reason for going is because I want to visit the Pima air museum and then the Davis Monthan AFB "Boneyard".
I appreciate any suggestions.
Many thanks.
My main reason for going is because I want to visit the Pima air museum and then the Davis Monthan AFB "Boneyard".
I appreciate any suggestions.
Many thanks.
Sep 8th 2011, 10:45 pm
#2
Joined: Oct 2006
Location: Reno Nevada
Posts: 15,917
Re: Tuscon for visitors.
I am planning a trip to Tuscon AZ soon and I am looking for some suggestions on what to see, where to stop, eat etc.
My main reason for going is because I want to visit the Pima air museum and then the Davis Monthan AFB "Boneyard".
I appreciate any suggestions.
Many thanks.
My main reason for going is because I want to visit the Pima air museum and then the Davis Monthan AFB "Boneyard".
I appreciate any suggestions.
Many thanks.
...we ate at the Greek restaurant across the road from our hotel we got the Hilton for a ridiculous cheap price on Price line... the Greek place is 1st class they have random dancing suddenly happen when you are eating and huge portions very clean, friendly and cheap http://www.eatmoregreek.com/tucson-east.html
Sep 8th 2011, 11:29 pm
#3
Septic Sprout
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 7,993
Re: Tuscon for visitors.
Saguaro National Park.
Lots of these fellers:
Lots of these fellers:
Sep 9th 2011, 6:08 am
#4
Some Where in the Desert
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: AZ
Posts: 247
Re: Tuscon for visitors.
I am planning a trip to Tuscon AZ soon and I am looking for some suggestions on what to see, where to stop, eat etc.
My main reason for going is because I want to visit the Pima air museum and then the Davis Monthan AFB "Boneyard".
I appreciate any suggestions.
Many thanks.
My main reason for going is because I want to visit the Pima air museum and then the Davis Monthan AFB "Boneyard".
I appreciate any suggestions.
Many thanks.
www.b2science.org/
San Xavier Mission
www.sanxaviermission.org
Titan Missile Museum
http://www.titanmissilemuseum.org/
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Benson, AZ 85602
www.pr.state.az.us/
Tuscon Botanical Gardens
Mount Lemmon
Sep 9th 2011, 2:16 pm
#5
Grumpy Know-it-all
Joined: Jul 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 8,928
Re: Tuscon for visitors.
Be aware of the fact that I-10 between Tucson and Phoenix is one of the busiest and most dangerous roads in the US, I think it's ranked third for fatalities. I assume you're flying into Phoenix and then driving down. I don't want to scare you too much but that road is a death trap. Outside of the metro area it narrows to a dual carriageway and there is way too much traffic on it. I did it on a Saturday morning once and even then it was rammed with traffic, I'd aim to do it on a Sunday, especially if you've just arrived from the UK because you'll be knackered.
Sep 9th 2011, 2:42 pm
#6
Septicity
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 23,762
Re: Tuscon for visitors.
Well there's that, the other main tourist attraction nearby is the national park and Tombstone is a bit further down the road.
Be aware of the fact that I-10 between Tucson and Phoenix is one of the busiest and most dangerous roads in the US, I think it's ranked third for fatalities. I assume you're flying into Phoenix and then driving down. I don't want to scare you too much but that road is a death trap. Outside of the metro area it narrows to a dual carriageway and there is way too much traffic on it. I did it on a Saturday morning once and even then it was rammed with traffic, I'd aim to do it on a Sunday, especially if you've just arrived from the UK because you'll be knackered.
Be aware of the fact that I-10 between Tucson and Phoenix is one of the busiest and most dangerous roads in the US, I think it's ranked third for fatalities. I assume you're flying into Phoenix and then driving down. I don't want to scare you too much but that road is a death trap. Outside of the metro area it narrows to a dual carriageway and there is way too much traffic on it. I did it on a Saturday morning once and even then it was rammed with traffic, I'd aim to do it on a Sunday, especially if you've just arrived from the UK because you'll be knackered.
It's probably the most boring freeway in AZ, but there's nothing especially dangerous about it. Of course, pussy out-of-state drivers will be intimidated -- it's just the way we are.
Take the 79 from Florence if you want to avoid I-10. It pops out near Biosphere 2 and the cacti are quite wonderful along the way.
Sep 9th 2011, 4:47 pm
#7
MODERATOR
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Posts: 58,679
Re: Tuscon for visitors.
It's probably the most boring freeway in AZ, but there's nothing especially dangerous about it. Of course, pussy out-of-state drivers will be intimidated -- it's just the way we are.
Take the 79 from Florence if you want to avoid I-10. It pops out near Biosphere 2 and the cacti are quite wonderful along the way.
I agree with fatbrit, the "back roads" between Phoenix and Tucson are much more pleasant and scenic.
If you have time, Kartchner Caverns is also southeast of Tucson, makes a nice day trip. If you've never seen a cave before, it's really good....but if you've seen others, this one will not be as awesome.
Rene
Sep 11th 2011, 6:55 pm
#8
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,847
Re: Tuscon for visitors.
We did this trip back in November last year.
The I-10 is OK if you do it once - i.e., down to Tucson - it's dull on the way back.
Take a 'back' road as suggested - there's some stunning scenery in AZ.
If you can spare the time, you can wind your way down & through the Superstition Mountains for some truly epic scenery if you're that way inclined.
The San Xavier Mission is worth a visit too - I'm very much an 'air head' as in 'interested in air / air force' stuff so understand your primary reason for going AND I very much enjoyed the San Xavier Mission too - it is a working church, so if you go on a Sunday it will be very busy AND/BUT the little market outside, run by the local Indians, sells all manner of interesting stuff to wear - and to eat!
Enjoy!
Cheers
HTS
The I-10 is OK if you do it once - i.e., down to Tucson - it's dull on the way back.
Take a 'back' road as suggested - there's some stunning scenery in AZ.
If you can spare the time, you can wind your way down & through the Superstition Mountains for some truly epic scenery if you're that way inclined.
The San Xavier Mission is worth a visit too - I'm very much an 'air head' as in 'interested in air / air force' stuff so understand your primary reason for going AND I very much enjoyed the San Xavier Mission too - it is a working church, so if you go on a Sunday it will be very busy AND/BUT the little market outside, run by the local Indians, sells all manner of interesting stuff to wear - and to eat!
Enjoy!
Cheers
HTS
Sep 11th 2011, 7:14 pm
#9
Septicity
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 23,762
Re: Tuscon for visitors.
The route via Kearny is certainly worth the extra. As is the 5-minute detour via the centre of Superior should you wonder what happens to a mining town when the mine closes!
Sep 12th 2011, 4:32 pm
#11
Grumpy Know-it-all
Joined: Jul 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 8,928
Re: Tuscon for visitors.
It's a deathtrap, I don't know the last time you guys went on it but I know deathtraps when I see them. Last time I did it was in February. Maybe you got lucky with the traffic or something but like I said, I did it on a Saturday morning. Rammed with traffic, nose to tail, road is far too narrow. Bear in mind I live in Alberta and I have to drive in extremely harsh winter conditions, and even by those standards I considered it dangerous. Maybe I was just unlucky that particular day but no question that road is overloaded. And it was dangerous in both directions. And yes there are roadworks on it too, where it gets dodgy is when it narrows down to dual carriageway.
