What Should I do in Arizona?

We're heading to Arizona soon. We'll spend a few days in Phoenix relaxing by the pool (if the weather warms up) and seeing the area. After that we'll likely head down to Tuscon where I hope we'll have warmer weather, and the opportunity to do some hiking and enjoy some terrific Mexican food.

Mara of MotherOfAllTrips was kind enough to give me a few suggestions (including Taliesin West and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum both of which seem like must-see destinations). But I need more! Tell me about your favorite activities and restaurants in the Phoenix/Scottsdale or Tucson areas. Help me find a hotel in Tuscon. Even better, get credit for your ideas, by adding them to our city guides

Photo Credit: Greg O'Beirne

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Comments

  1. Mara Gorman on December 15, 2008 at 8:04 p.m.

    I remember this awesome Mexican restaurant in Phoenix - Asi es la vida (Such is life). Really good food. They don't have a website though, so you'll have to check and see if they are still open:

    Asi es la vida
    3602 N 24th St
    Phoenix, AZ 85016

    (602) 952-1255?

    In Scottsdale I like Cowboy Ciao although we don't take the kids there usually...

  2. Shelly Rivoli (Travels with Baby) on December 16, 2008 at 9:13 a.m.

    We were just in Phoenix and Tucson! Mostly at "family hotel," but I couldn't get over the gorgeous desert scene and saguaros. Head to Saguaro National Park if you get a chance (Tucson), hit Rooster Cogburn's Ranch in between the two cities if you need a road stop.

  3. Amie O'Shaughnessy (Ciao Bambino) on December 16, 2008 at 5:14 p.m.

    You might want to check out Tanque Verde - a dude ranch outside of Tuscon loaded with amenities. I haven't been there since I was a kid, but a family from the Ciao Bambino community reviewed the property and it sound s fun and relaxing - especially if you like horseback riding.
    http://www.ciaobambino.com/profile_co...

  4. Suzanne Rowan Kelleher on December 17, 2008 at 5:25 a.m.

    Debbie, goCityKids.com has a great calendar with fun events for families. Here are some of the holiday happenings in Phoenix:

    http://blog.wejustgotback.com/blogeng...

    And from last month's "Land of the Free series," here are five fabulous and free things to do with kids in Tucson, contributed by DesertMama of the Traveling Mamas:

    http://blog.wejustgotback.com/blogeng...

  5. Debbie on December 17, 2008 at 1:37 p.m.

    Great tips everyone! I'm getting more excited for this trip every day.

  6. Asha {Parent Hacks} on December 20, 2008 at 4:27 p.m.

    The Sonora Desert Museum! One of my best childhood memories.

  7. Michael (Darn Good Digs) on December 29, 2008 at 7:41 a.m.

    We went to Tucson with our then seventh-month old back in 2006 - and loved it. We stayed at the Catalina Park Inn B&B (see our review on Darn Good Digs), near the university restaurants, cafes and shops. We visited the Sonora Desert Museum, hiked in the Sagauro National Forest (perhaps our favorite) and Sabino Canyon, and walked around old town Tucson near the art museum (the museum was closed when we were there). One night we ate at an old southwest-mexican place downtown, el charro I think, which we just happened upon and really enjoyed. On our way out of town we stopped at San Xavier del Bac Mission, which was worth the trip too.

  8. Charlie on January 29, 2009 at 3:27 p.m.

    While all of your ideas are great, you forgot to mention many of the great things available to visitors at night. From the trendy areas or Oldtown Scottsdale, to the scenic views in North Phoenix.

  9. Sarah Peters on October 29, 2010 at 2:18 p.m.

    One of the most interesting "zoos" we have been to is Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde. I highly recommend it if you have time and it's a nice little drive (about an hour out of Phoenix). In the Phoenix area, the Children's Museum of Phoenix is a ton of fun for kids, and some of the easy hiking trails in the White Tank Mountains and South Mountain are a great way to see the desert too.