A PERSONAL GUIDE TO TUCSON, AZ, Part 1: Guest post by Paul Justison

Goddess of Agave, painted by Rock "Cyfi" Martinez, 2017, Tucson, AZ 

With many thanks to my friend Paul Justison for his excellent guide to the city of Tucson, posted here in two parts--Part 1, this week and Part 2, next week. Paul is the author of the novel Lost and Found in the 60s (Unsolicited Press, 2022.)

I spent my formative years in Tucson and go back often, because it’s special in many ways. Tucson sits in a high Sonoran Desert valley surrounded by mountains. The Catalinas to the north will command your attention. Many cultures have thrived here — Yaqui, Tohono O’odham, Spanish, Mexican, and after the USA bought the area from Mexico in 1848 — Anglo-Americans. Politically it tends to be left of center. When the Arizona legislature passed a bill that discriminated against Mexican Americans, the local — Pima County — sheriff refused to implement it. And today Tucson honors the Native American and Mexican food traditions for which it was recognized by UNESCO as a “City of Gastronomy.”

When to Go

It can get hot. Dry heat, but really hot — high 90s to low 100s. October through April is best with rarely cold and usually cool to mild temperatures, though early October and late April can still be quite warm. There’s still plenty to do and see in the summer, and hotels will be far less expensive. Just be prepared for serious heat.

Where to Stay

Tucson has accommodations in all types and price ranges, from luxury dude ranches, health and golf resorts to budget motels and B&Bs. I have one favorite and almost always stay there — the Arizona Inn — A Historic Boutique Hotel Retreat in Tucson | Arizona Inn . Linda Ronstadt, who grew up in Tucson, called it her favorite hotel in the world 5 Places to Visit in Tucson, Arizona, With Singer Linda Ronstadt — The New York Times . To me, the Inn is an oasis of beauty, calm, and exceptional food.

What to see — Natural environment

Undoubtedly the best place to learn about the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert is The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum — Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, AZ — Zoo, Botanical Garden and Art Gallery . It’s an aquarium, botanical garden, natural history museum, and zoo all rolled into one fascinating experience. The roughly 10-mile drive west from downtown will take you through foothills sprinkled with houses, over Gates Pass and down into a sahuaro cactus-filled valley. You will always remember your visit.

There are three great places to hike or wander around the desert. First, Sabino Canyon is about 10 miles northeast of the center of town. What makes this canyon so popular is both the almost always flowing waterfalls and the marvelous collection of massive boulders deposited throughout the canyon by an 1888 earthquake. It’s a popular place to visit, so you’ll have to park and take a shuttle to the hiking trails or just ride the shuttle to and from the lot. Coronado National Forest — Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

Second and third are the two Sahuaro National Park sites, one east and one west of town — Saguaro National Park (U.S. National Park Service) . Both have many hiking trails to get you into the desert and up onto viewing platforms. Unlike Sabino though, there will rarely be flowing water.

Lastly, in mid-town, you’ll find the Tucson Botanical Garden. If you can’t make it to the Desert Museum, this is a reasonable alternative for learning about desert plants, and it has a fun butterfly exhibit to walk through. Tucson Botanical Gardens — Your Urban Oasis in the heart of Tucson

What to see — Art

One of my favorite small museums in the world is the Center for Creative Photography — About CCP | Center for Creative Photography It houses the archives of Ansel Adams and many other renowned photographers. Of interest to casual photographers and art lovers are the exhibitions they regularly host. I’ve seen exhibitions of Linda McCartney and Louis Carlos Bernal here. Well worth your time and it’s free, though check their calendar for sometimes they are between exhibits.

About a ¼ of a mile away on foot is the Arizona State Museum, which has a fine collection of Native American basketry, jewelry and pottery. Unfortunately, it’s closed for renovations until late 2026. Their website has much of the collection online and updates on the renovations. Home | Arizona State Museum

There are so many spectacular murals all over town that there are websites devoted to cataloguing them. Here are a few of those. The Tucson Murals Project ; 100+ murals in Tucson, plus a map | tucson life | tucson.com ; Tucson Murals If you’re interest in the murals. Peruse one or more of the above and then go on a mural hunting tour. If you’re short on time, I have two suggestions. My absolute favorite mural is the All Souls Procession by Susan Kay Johnson. It actually has an entry in the Library of Congress — Colorful Tucson, Arizona, is a city replete with murals, including several of gigantic proportions. Here, a portion of the All Souls Procession mural by local artist Susan Kay Johnson — original digital file | Library of Congress It takes up the entire block of 9th Avenue between University and 4th Street. And while you’re there, walk or drive slowly around the neighborhood. For it’s one of many quirky Tucson neighborhoods.

Two of the most monumentally spectacular murals are in sight of each other, but they are separated by one of the geometrically weirdest intersections, so take care in getting to them. The official address of the Goddess of Agave is 440 N. 7th Avenue which is Benjamin Plumbing Supply. Put that address in your GPS and park in their lot, but please not in one of the close in customer spots unless you are also looking for plumbing parts. Benjamin Supply also has a description of the mural on their website — Benjamin Supply — Tucson-AZ — but ignore the 6th street address. There’s no access to parking from that address. From that lot you can also see another spectacular mural — Epic Ride. Here’s the story behind that mural and two others These are Joe Pagac’s favorite murals he’s created in Tucson | tucson life | tucson.com

Photo Credit — Goddess of Agave — When In Your State

Paul has previously published A Personal Guide to Tucson, Arizona, on the web at Medium.