Move Over Scottsdale! This Less Crowded City Is The Most Underrated Arizona Getaway

Tucson skyline at twilight

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August is likely to be the final month you’d choose to go to Arizona, until sweat lodges are your jam.

Dry warmth could beat humidity, however 115 levels is 115 levels any method you slice it.

With the A/C blasting, driving by means of Arizona is likely one of the most lovely states within the nation, the place some areas’ landscapes resemble Mars, and others boast seemingly countless canyons lined with quintessential cacti.

Tucson skyline at twilight

Located 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.

While the pretty mountain town is brimming with world-class delicacies, purchasing, 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 Old Town?

However, additional south in what looks like the center of nowhere lies the hip metropolis of Tucson, a extra genuine, much less crowded vacation spot, and definitely, Arizona’s most underrated getaway.

Swap Luxury For Authenticity This Fall

Mission San Xavier del Bac in Tucson, AZ

As I’m typing this sentence, Scottsdale’s thermostats learn 109 levels, whereas Tucson is not far behind at 105.

As summer season winds down, and not quick sufficient in Arizona, fall is a good time to go to the ‘Grand Canyon State’.

Statewide temps drop like flies as soon as summer season involves an in depth, making the desert an attractive vacation spot as soon as once more.

But earlier than you pull the set off on a ritzy Scottsdale resort, think about what Tucson has to supply. They’re so much alike in some methods and whole opposites in others.

Resort pool in Tucson at sundown

Scottsdale tries to be genuine the identical method Cabo does by showcasing items of the previous in San Jose del Cabo’s metropolis heart, a near-desperate plea to vacationers primarily saying, “Ignore the shiny resorts! We didn’t forget our roots!”.

Scottsdale constructed all these good issues starting from globally famend eating places to lavish resorts, however then perusing Old Town turns into considerably of a cornball, exuding the sense they’re merely attempting too arduous.

Tucson then again is greater than only a school city and does not should strive, dwelling up the nickname of the ‘Old 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 Old West.

Dozens of cacti along hiking trail in Saguaro National Park

Tip: Tucson’s JW Marriott is the right place to trip, house to resort-style swimming pools and a lazy river backdropped by picturesque mountains

Avoid Grand Canyon Crowds: Explore Arizona’s Overlooked Saguaro

Scottsdale and the Grand Canyon gotta be within the high 2 most visited locations within the state.

But southern Arizona appears to be forgotten on the maps of many.

Those who’ve skipped this a part of the state are doing themselves a disservice.

No, there will not be the identical epic views the Grand Canyon presents, however Saguaro isn’t any snoozefest.

If you are unaware, saguaros are a sort of cactus, and this park lives as much as the title with countless rows of cacti excellent for photo-ops.

Just be cautious that regardless of these cacti trying like they’re posing for a hug, that is a good way to place your first support equipment to make use of.

Saguaro National Park sign

Saguaro National Park is lower than half-hour from Tucson and excellent for pleasing scenic hikes, wildlife recognizing, and stargazing come dusk – all with out combating for area.

Entry fees vary from $15-25 relying in the event you drive in or stroll in.

An Under-hyped Foodie Heaven

Tucson could fly below the radar, however it goes neck and neck with Scottsdale’s meals scene. Although, but once more, the argument being Tucson is extra genuine.

Located 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 Hot Dogs.

Food trucks in Tucson

But the extremely flavorful delicacies goes method deeper than that. So a lot so the meals scene as an entire has acquired UNESCO recognition.

Hole-in-the-walls, meals festivals, wineries, breweries, you title it, and Tucson has it.

Tip: Check out Tumerico – Yelp’s #1 restaurant in America.

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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the put up.



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