Final Up to date
August may be the final month you’d decide to go to Arizona, until sweat lodges are your jam.
Dry warmth might beat humidity, however 115 levels is 115 levels any means you slice it.
With the A/C blasting, driving by Arizona is among the most lovely states within the nation, the place some areas’ landscapes resemble Mars, and others boast seemingly countless canyons lined with quintessential cacti.
Positioned outdoors Arizona’s largest metropolis, Phoenix, is the fashionable suburb of Scottsdale.
Oddly sufficient, many would argue it is much more of a draw – a uncommon place the place the ‘burbs outshine the metropolis.
Whereas the pretty mountain town is brimming with world-class delicacies, procuring, resorts, and nightlife, there’s a component of cheesiness that may’t go unnoticed.
I imply, what number of turquoise trinkets might you probably want in Previous City?
Nonetheless, additional south in what looks as if the center of nowhere lies the hip metropolis of Tucson, a extra genuine, much less crowded vacation spot, and indubitably, Arizona’s most underrated getaway.
Swap Luxurious For Authenticity This Fall
As I am typing this sentence, Scottsdale’s thermostats learn 109 levels, whereas Tucson is not far behind at 105.
As summer time winds down, and not quick sufficient in Arizona, fall is a superb time to go to the ‘Grand Canyon State’.
Statewide temps drop like flies as soon as summer time involves a detailed, making the desert an attractive vacation spot as soon as once more.
However earlier than you pull the set off on a ritzy Scottsdale resort, think about what Tucson has to supply. They’re rather a lot alike in some methods and complete opposites in others.
Scottsdale tries to be genuine the identical means Cabo does by showcasing items of the previous in San Jose del Cabo’s metropolis middle, a near-desperate plea to vacationers primarily saying, “Ignore the shiny resorts! We did not overlook our roots!”.
Scottsdale constructed all these good issues starting from globally famend eating places to lavish resorts, however then perusing Previous City turns into considerably of a cornball, exuding the sense they’re merely attempting too exhausting.
Tucson alternatively is greater than only a faculty city and does not need to attempt, dwelling up the nickname of the ‘Previous Pueblo’ with centuries-old missions and longstanding saloons.
Scottsdale would outline itself as a luxurious getaway whereas Tucson embraces a what-you-see-is-what-you-get perspective, but nonetheless providing grand accommodations, astounding nature to discover, and remnants from the Previous West.
Tip: Tucson’s JW Marriott is the proper place to trip, residence to resort-style swimming pools and a lazy river backdropped by picturesque mountains
Keep away from Grand Canyon Crowds: Discover Arizona’s Missed Saguaro
Scottsdale and the Grand Canyon gotta be within the high 2 most visited locations within the state.
However southern Arizona appears to be forgotten on the maps of many.
Those that’ve skipped this a part of the state are doing themselves a disservice.
No, there is probably not the identical epic views the Grand Canyon gives, however Saguaro is not any snoozefest.
In case you’re unaware, saguaros are a kind of cactus, and this park lives as much as the identify with countless rows of cacti good for photo-ops.
Simply be cautious that regardless of these cacti trying like they’re posing for a hug, that is an effective way to place your first help equipment to make use of.
Saguaro Nationwide Park is lower than half-hour from Tucson and ideal for pleasant scenic hikes, wildlife recognizing, and stargazing come dusk – all with out combating for house.
Entry fees vary from $15-25 relying when you drive in or stroll in.
An Below-hyped Foodie Heaven
Tucson might fly beneath the radar, nevertheless it goes neck and neck with Scottsdale’s meals scene. Though, but once more, the argument being Tucson is extra genuine.
Positioned simply an hour north of Mexico’s state of Sonora, it goals to showcase native Southwest aptitude blended with a heavy affect on Mexican delicacies, together with low cost eats like Sonoran Sizzling Canine.
However the extremely flavorful delicacies goes means deeper than that. A lot so the meals scene as a complete has acquired UNESCO recognition.
Gap-in-the-walls, meals festivals, wineries, breweries, you identify it, and Tucson has it.
Tip: Take a look at Tumerico – Yelp’s #1 restaurant in America.
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Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the publish.
