Tucson City Tour. For an historic understanding of Tucson, this tour is a must. Begins with a panoramic view of the city (below) from Sentinel Peak followed by a visit to the historic downtown area with stops at the original Mission of San Xavier del Bac founded by Father Kino and the old Barrio neighborhood.

If your time permits, we can explore the development of Tucson after the arrival of the railroad in 1880. Optional stops can be arranged at the Railroad Station and downtown branch of the Arizona Historical Society where you can see (among other things) how Tucson Police arrested the notorious bank robber, John Dillenger.

Arizona Historical Society Museums. The main museum is near the University of Arizona campus and houses a number of excellent exhibits about Arizona's past and admission to statehood. A downtown branch follows the development of Tucson with special displays on the fire and police departments. Photos and artifacts about the arrest of notorious bank robber, John Dillenger, are featured here. Another branch at Fort Lowell park contains exhibits tracing the history of the army assigned to protect early occupants from Indian raids.

DeGrazia's Gallery in the Sun. Ted DeGrazia (1909-1982) was an artist who specialized in simple, expressive images of Native American Indians in vibrant colors. The gallery continues to display his works, includes a small adobe chapel he constructed on the site, and has a gift shop where you can purchase reproductions in a variety of media. I was fortunate to have met him (right) at his gallery in 1974.

Sabino Canyon. Close to the city of Tucson, Sabino Canyon is part of the Coronado National Forest. This beautiful canyon has desert vegetation, hiking trails, a superb visitor's center with educational films and gift shop. A narrated tram takes visitors deep into the canyon. (Access may be limited following heavy periods of rain).

Sentinel Peak. Located on the Western edge of Tucson, this overlook offers an excellent view of the entire city and was used as an observation post by early settlers. The "A" on the peak was constructed to commemorate a football victory by the University of Arizona in 1915 and it is traditional for students to paint it in school colors every year.

Tucson Botanical Gardens. This marvelous setting began as the home of Rutger and Bernice Porter. Over time, they created sixteen landscape themes including cactus, herb, tropical, wildflower, butterfly, and children's gardens. A unique gift shop is also on site.

Tohono Chul Park. A beautiful 49-acre park with gardens, trails, and small animals. There are over 500 different plants from the Southwest United States and Northern Mexico. Off a quaint, center courtyard you will find gift and garden shops along with the Tea Room which serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea.

Tucson Museum of Art and Historical Block. This area was built on the site of the original presidio in downton Tucson. Art is displayed in the main museum as well as adjoining homes once owned by the Fish, Steven/Duffield, and Corbett families. The nearby Cordova House hosts a unique exhibit of pre- and post-railroad era furnishings. A gift shop is also located in the museum.

Pima Air and Space Museum. The world's largest privately funded aerospace attraction and home to over 200 of the most important aircraft in the history of flight. Collection includes a full size replica of the Wright Flyer, several World War II vintage bombers, fighter aircraft like the Thunderstreak (right), the VC-118 "Air Force One" used by Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, and the SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft. The museum also houses the Challenger Learning Center, Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame, a Thunderbird snack bar, and an extensive gift shop.

The University of Arizona. The oldest university in Arizona is located not far from downtown Tucson and is very pedestrian friendly. Highlights include the Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium, Old Main, Bear Down Gym, and the Center for Creative Photography. The latter's archives hold more individual prints by 20th Century North American photographers--over 60,000--than any other museum in the country.