I’ve traveled to Arizona numerous times and still haven’t seen the Grand Canyon. I know, it’s shocking. Where do I end up? Tucson. Yes, there really is more to see in Arizona!

I try to do something new every time I’m in Tucson. Luckily, this southwest city is filled with history, nature and good food, so I’m constantly finding new favorite places.  My latest trip was my best yet – here are some of my favorite moments!

Sonoran Desert Museum:
Although the entry fee is somewhat steep (around $20 per adult), don’t let this deter you. The number of things to do at this museum pays for itself. Filled with botanical gardens, a natural history museum, aquarium, animal exhibits and various natural collections, it’s easy to spend an entire day here. A majority of the museum is outdoors and requires walking, so prepare accordingly!

 

Along with the amazing landscape (Mountains! Saguaro!), my favorite part of the Sonoran Desert Museum was the hummingbird aviary. I’m not a bird aficionado by any means, but being surrounded by these tiny birds was amazing. I’ve tried to do it in nature but it just doesn’t work.

 

Tucson Tamale
Good food is always on my priority list when I travel, so I had to indulge in one of my favorite Mexican treats. I picked up some tamales from Tucson Tamale and they more than lived up to my expectations. Just thinking about them makes my stomach rumble. They offer classic options, like carnitas, chicken, and bean, and some non-traditional flavors for more adventurous eaters, like pumpkin and chocolate cherry. To-go tamales have two per pack, they are more than enough for a full meal. My fav? The green chile chicken.

Gates Pass
Sometimes unplanned moments are the most memorable. As we left the Sonoran Desert Museum, we were routed through Gates Pass, a winding road through the mountains. It’s hard to enjoy the scenery when you’re driving your Uncle’s old pickup truck, but luckily, I took advantage of pull offs to enjoy the view. Gazing at the miles of cacti, agave and mountains takes you back in time to a terrain that has remained untouched for centuries. If the radio station you’re listening to is playing Eagles? There’s nothing more desert than that.

Prickly Pear
This sweet purple syrup is my souvenir of choice! Prickly Pear is somewhat of a novelty and has an Instagram-worthy color. I’m planning on using it for margaritas and other mixed drinks!

There are a few places that didn’t make the cut this time around – the Titan Missile Museum and Pima Air & Space Museum are two places I’d like to see. Oh, and the Grand Canyon. Someday I’ll make it there!