If you travel along the banks of the Santa Cruz River, upon reaching the point where Interstate 10 meets Interstate 19, you will find the city of Tucson, Arizona. Four mountain ranges surround this beautiful city: the Santa Catalinas to the north, the Rincons to the east, the Santa Ritas to the south and the Tucsons to the west. Although Tucson Arizona is a desert valley, you will be surprised to see a good deal of natural growth.

Tucson Arizona is home to the University of Arizona which was established in 1885 as the state's first university. A number of Indian reservations are nearby. In fact, Tucson was originally a Native American village called Stook-zone, which means water at the foot of a black mountain.

If you decide to take a Tucson vacation, you will never run out of things to do. Fans of Western movies can visit Old Tucson Studios and see how Western films are made. The Mission San Xavier del Bac is a restored white adobe church that represents a classic example of Spanish Colonial architecture. Sabino Canyon in the Catalina Mountains is a great place to hike, bike, swim or picnic. If you are an aircraft enthusiast, your Tucson vacation should include a trip to the Pima Air Museum, where 220 are on display. The collection, which is the largest in the world, includes President Kennedy's Air Force One.

Arizona Map

Those of you who would like to vacation in the lap of luxury might consider a trip to any one of the many Tucson resorts. If you are interested in Tucson golf courses, you will definitely want to stay at the Hilton El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort, which is located in the Catalina Mountain range. In addition to being home to one of the best Tucson golf courses, the El Conquistador is a great place for a family vacation. Kids will love the Springs Water Oasis, which features a 143 ft. water slide. You can also enroll your kids in Camp Quail for daytime fun and frolic.

The Loews Ventana Canyon is also home to one of the excellent Tucson golf courses. Conde Nast Traveler ranked this excellent Tucson resort as one of the top 25 in North America. Not only is the Loews Ventana Canyon kid friendly Tucson resort, it is also pet-friendly! The hotel concierge will inform you about pet-sitting services, local veterinarians and the best dog-walking routes.

If in planning your travel to Arizona, you would like to explore the option of visiting a spa, consider the Westwood Look Resort, which is located at the desert foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The spa features a wide variety of treatment rooms that make use of therapeutic herbs, warm stones and the famous cleansing mud of the Sonoran Desert. The Westwood Resort is conveniently located for all types of Arizona travel. There is east access to the resort from Tucson International Airport. Another option is to fly into Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, and either take a connecting, a shuttle or a drive to the Westwood Look Resort.