Tucson Destination Guide

Tucson Frequently Asked Questions

Bigger than you might think. While smaller than its neighbor Phoenix, Tucson has more than 800,000 residents and is the 35th largest city in the nation. It is still one of the most rapidly growing cities in America as well.

Where did Tucson get its nickname "Old Pueblo"?

Tucson was formally founded in 1775, about the time the nation's forefathers were signing the Declaration of Independence. Locally, the city is still called the Old Pueblo for the adobe fortress or "presidio" that marked its early borders.

Which baseball teams play in Tucson?

Tucson is the only city in the United States to host three Major League Baseball teams for Spring Training. In Tucson, fans can catch the excitement of the Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Chicago White Sox as they get fired up for the regular season. The three teams play games during March at Hi-Corbett Field and Tucson Electric Park. Tucson's own minor-league franchise, the Tucson Sidewinders, is the AAA affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and plays at Tucson Electric Park.

I don't remember Tucson having this much golf. What happened?

The Tucson golf scene came into its own in the early 1990s with the introduction of a handful of high-end, daily-fee courses. Courses like Arizona National (formerly the Raven at Sabino Springs) and Heritage Highlands were added to a formidable lineup that already included Tom Fazio's Mountain and Canyon courses at the Lodge at Ventana Canyon, the TPC Starr Pass, and Tucson Omni National Resort.

What are some good museums in town?

It is worth seeing the Pima Air and Space Museum and the Old Tucson Studios. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is an incredible collection of live desert animals and plants. For aviation fanatics, the many Airplane Graveyards, with countless rows of abandoned airliners are stunning. To get a perspective of the area's history and for a real Southwestern sight visit the Mission San Xavier del Bac which has stood since the 1700s. Columbia University's Biosphere 2 is a half-hour north of Tucson as well.

How far is Tucson from Phoenix?

Tucson is 111 miles southeast or about a two hour drive on I-10 from Phoenix.

Is the city of Tucson just like a smaller Phoenix?

Absolutely not. Tucson is just far enough away from Phoenix to have its own identity. Its rich Spanish heritage is abundant to its Southwestern feel. Tucson is also much easier to get around than Phoenix. Tucson is also regarded as being more liberal than the Republican Mecca of Phoenix.

What are the most highly touted courses in Tucson?

In Golf Magazine's 2002 edition of the "Top 100 Courses You Can Play," Tucson placed two tracks on the list the Mountain Course at Ventana Canyon at No. 81 and Arizona National at No. 99. The city also has an admirable history of hosting professional golf events. The remodeled North Course at Randolph Park is home of the LPGA Welch's/Circle K Championship and Omni Tucson National Resort hosts the PGA's Tucson Open.