Tucson
Dates
Embarking on a camper van trip to Tucson, Arizona is a journey filled with enthralling landscapes, captivating history, and unforgettable adventures. As you traverse the open road, your senses will be titillated by the striking beauty of the arid desert landscapes, punctuated by the stunning hues of the sunset adorning the expansive sky.
Tucson is the second-largest city in Arizona, rich in culture and history, boasting a unique blend of Mexican and Native American influences. Upon arriving in Tucson, the first place you should visit is the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. This is not an ordinary museum; it's a zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, and natural history museum all rolled into one. You'll get a chance to see a vast array of desert-native animals and plants, learn about the region's geology, and appreciate the art inspired by this captivating landscape. Next, head to Saguaro National Park. This park, named after the iconic Saguaro Cactus, is divided into two districts on either side of Tucson. It offers picturesque hiking trails where you can be one with nature and capture stunning photographs. The sight of the towering saguaro cacti against the backdrop of the crimson twilight sky is a spectacle not to be missed. Don't forget to treat your taste buds while in Tucson. The city is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and its Southwestern cuisine is a gastronomic delight. Visit El Charro Café, the nation's oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family, and dig into their famous carne seca. History buffs would love a visit to the Mission San Xavier del Bac, a historic Spanish Catholic mission located about 10 miles south of downtown Tucson. Known as the 'White Dove of the Desert,' this magnificent mission is a marvel of Spanish colonial architecture. For a dose of adventure, head to Sabino Canyon Recreation Area located in the Coronado National Forest. Whether you’re into hiking, biking, picnicking, or bird-watching, Sabino Canyon offers something for everyone. Don't forget to take the tram tour for an insightful narrative of the canyon's flora and fauna. Your Tucson trip won't be complete without a visit to the Pima Air and Space Museum. Home to over 300 aircrafts, it's one of the world's largest non-government funded aerospace museums. A walk through the museum takes you on a journey through the evolution of aviation technology. A trip to Tucson, Arizona, in a camper van offers an unmatched freedom to explore the unique landscapes, savor delectable cuisines, delve into history, and create countless memorable experiences. As you pack up your camper van and head home, you'll be leaving with a heart full of fascinating tales from the road less traveled.
Camper Van Beethoven: Eurovan Camper
Saguaro are a species of giant cacti and adorn the Arizona license plate serving as an icon of Southwest USA. It can take up to seven years for the cactus to reach five inches tall, reaching six feet at about 50+ years of age. Their first branch grows at around 75 years and full maturity height of up to 45 feet at 175+ years.
Towering above the downtown area is an iconic mountain called Sentinel Peak. Looking from a distance you may notice that the base is darker than the summit. The native Tohono O’odham people called this landmark Ts-iuk-shan, which is a translation of their word for black base. Spaniards later turned Ts-iuk-shan into Tucson.
Cyclists should consider dropping by on the last Saturday before Thanksgiving for El Tour de Tucson, Arizona's largest and longest running cycling event. The series of races attract more than 9,000 bike enthusiasts per year and usually raises about $2 million for local charities.