About an hour from the Mexican border, Tucson offers visitors an exciting blend of cultures and nature-based activities. This Arizona city of about a million boasts around 350 days of sunshine each year. Its sunny climate has made it a popular destination for hikers, who can choose from five mountain ranges surrounding the city; cycling buffs (Bicycling magazine named Tucson one of the top three cities in North America for cycling); and golf, as enthusiasts can tee off on more than 40 courses, many designed by world-famous architects.

A Tucson vacation also includes an intriguing taste of three different cultures—Spanish, Mexican and Native American. Visitors can try the cuisine at more than 150 Mexican restaurants; behold the breathtaking beauty of the Mission San Xavier del Bac, built in the late 1600s by Spanish missionaries for the Tohono O’Odham Native American community; and tour ancient Native American archeological sites. Many who travel to Tucson visit one of the area’s world-class spas, which harness the healing powers of the Sonoran Desert. Saguaro National Park, home to the world’s largest concentration of Saguaro cactus, is another popular stop during a vacation in Tucson. And March brings baseball fans to the area to see Spring Training games for three Major League Baseball teams.

Average temperatures in Tucson range from a low of 37°F in January to a high of 101°F in July (but it’s a dry heat, as the locals like to say). Winter is the most popular season to visit. Nonstop air service is offered to Tucson from 29 destinations. Many major car rental agencies serve the area. For more information on Tucson travel, log on to www.visittucson.org, the Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website.