Arizona Travel Answers

Hi! It's been a while since I've been there, but "back then" Flagstaff was worth a little more time than you've devoted to it. Apart from Meteor Crater (which is a quite impressive hole in the ground and should at least be looked at when you go by) there's the optional train ride to the Grand Canyon. They used an old steam engine train then - if you're into this kind of thing. I've only briefly been to Phoenix and not at all to Tucson, so I'm no big help on that one - but I quite enjoyed Scottsdale, BTW. Have a great trip and enjoy whatever you're doing, Heike

The Arizona-Sonora Museum was a favorite of mine when I was down there.

The A-S Museum is just outside Tucson

I've spent time in both cities (more in Tucson) and for me, Tucson was the more interesting town. There is very little to see in downtown Tucson, so I would spend the time at the Sonoran Desert Museum and other outdoor activities. I have some tips on my Tucson page.

For a pretty good list of things to see and do around Tucson, check my blog. My list has clickable links so you can do some virtual exploring: http://www.mikepintucson.blogspot.com/ There is more than enough to keep you occupied for weeks around Southern Arizona. What you see and do depends on what you like. My favorites are: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum San Xavier del Bac Mission Pima Air & Space Museum Kartchner Caverns Tombstone (I know a lot of people will disagree) and Bisbee. Mt. Lemmon Sabino Canyon Saguaro National Park (I prefer the east - Rincon - district) But your itinerary has you doing way too much driving. Flagstaff is 2 hours north of Phoenix and Tucson is 2 hours south, so I would recommend one or the other, not both. If you decide on heading north, there are tons of things -- Sedona, Jerome, Verde canyon railroad, Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater, Wupatki National Monument (I would skip meteor crater)

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I have actually been to Flagstaff 3-4 times, so that is why I am just venturing a short visit to it on the way back. I wasn't aware that there was so much to do in Tucson, so I guess I will add another day in Tucson and skip Flagstaff this time around. I'll be sure to review your pages. Thanks again!

Tuscon has a number of wonderful things to do, MikePinTucson suggestions are excellent. As mentioned by many others absolutely don't miss the Arizona-Sonora Desert. I have been there a couple of times, and if I every return to Tuscon, I'll visit it again, it is outstanding. There is Great hiking in Saguaro National Park, and you don't have to be crazy about airplanes to enjoy Pima Air and Space Museum. Any one of these could easily fill an entire day.

Looks like people are leaning towards Tucson. Those familiar with the area, what part of Tucson is good to stay at for convenience in driving/sightseeing and safety? North? East? Airport? I am seeing a lot of hotels at the airport but since I am driving, I am guessing those places are not ideal (tend to not have food nearby). Thanks again.

The North East area of Tucson is very nice - and the roads are good and easy to get around. We spent two winters there, so I got to know the place fairly well and drove everywhere. The area around Sabino Canyon was being built up then and also very nice. I wouldn't stay near the airport - there are better, much more scenic areas.

How about driving around Superstition Mountains? You can do hiking and horseback riding, and the ride is beautiful. However, if are going counter clock wise, the road after the dam turns into twisting unpaved road. Beautiful, but I would not recommend driving it if you are afraid of mountainous road. If remember, Superstition Mountains are a relatively short drive from Phoenix (about an hour?). You could easily do it as a day trip. That was one of my favorite places when I went to Phoenix/Tucson about 6 hours ago. I also like Boyce Thompson Arboretum better Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden. It's about an hour drive east of Phoenix.

Hi.. I've been to Tucson 'Saguaro National Park is a must see' I lived in Phoenix, its a 'city' :) shopping in Scottsdale is your best bet. But I live in Sedona... take interstate 17 north on the way to Flagstaff, exit at(hwy 89-A)going north to Sedona. 'It's still on the way to Flagstaff ... but we have a saying here... God created the Grand Canyon, but he lives here in Sedona.:) Over 50 western movies were shot here on location. hwy 89-A goes north through Oak Creek Canyon... on of the 5 most scenic drives in America. And if you make the time, we have Jeep Tours, Hot Air Balloons, Helicopter Rides, World class shopping, Resturants and more. You might consider staying in Sedona instead of Flagstaff (just a thought) You won't be disappointed.

Thanks, I have been to both Flagstaff and Sedona before. Due to the suggestions of other posters, I am staying mainly in Southern Arizona for this trip--just Phoenix and Tucson. Any restaurant suggestions would be great too!

I'm out of touch with what's good now in Tucson, but check out www.chowhound.com's appropriate section for good tips. The people are always knowledgeable and friendly. It used to be that the brunch or lunch outdoors at Tohono Chul Park was lovely.. good food and that lovely sun!