Explore AAA Travel
Southwest Desert
Road TripsTucson Sports & RecreationTucson is America's Winter Training Capital, and an athlete's mid-winter dream. With comfortable temperatures and abundant sunshine, it's almost impossible to lose a training day—no matter what your sport.
technotr/iStockphoto.com
Tucson's city parks and Pima County parks offer facilities for almost any activity. A number of swimming pools and tennis, racquetball and handball courts are available as well as picnic areas, playgrounds, and soccer and ball fields. For information about facilities and reservations for their use contact the Pima County Parks and Recreation office at 3500 W. River Rd., (520) 724-5000, or Tucson Parks and Recreation at 900 S. Randolph Way, (520) 791-4873.
ImagineGolf/iStockphoto.com
Tucson's climate is made to order for golf addicts. More than 60 courses are in the region—everything from world-renowned resorts to public access courses. The jaw-dropping topography and rugged desert terrain of the real Southwest have ignited the imaginations of the greatest golf course architects. Some were designed by Robert Cupp, Tom Fazio, Arthur Hill, Robert Trent Jones and Jack Nicklaus along with newcomer Notah Begay III.
Among the courses in Tucson are: Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort's Pusch Ridge and Cañada courses, (520) 544-5000, 10000 N. Oracle Rd. and 10555 N. La Cañada Dr.; Omni Tucson National, (520) 297-2271, 2727 W. Club Dr.; Randolph Municipal, (520) 791-4161, 600 S. Alvernon Way; and Ventana Canyon, (520) 577-1400, 6200 N. Clubhouse Ln. Also in the area is Canoa Ranch Golf Club, (520) 393-1966, at 5800 S. Camino del Sol in Green Valley.
Doug Bennett/iStockphoto.com
Ranked by several elite bicycling publications as one of America's most bike-friendly cities, Tucson also is home to what has been called one of the premier organized rides in the United States—El Tour de Tucson attracts more than 9,000 bicyclists of all ages and abilities each November.
Hiking is probably the best way to get up close and personal with the flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert. Tucson Mountain Park is laced with hiking trails and is among Tucson’s most fun places to go. The Santa Catalina Mountains offer many areas of unspoiled beauty as well. Hiking permits are required for some areas. Empty vehicles will be fined or towed if a permit is not displayed. For more information about permits and National Forest fee areas, contact the Coronado National Forest office in Tucson; phone (520) 388-8300.
Catalina State Park , (520) 628-5798, has trails that can challenge the experienced hiker but not intimidate the novice; two longer trails begin at the end of the park's paved road. For more information about hiking, phone the county's recreation office at (520) 724-5000. Hike In Tucson directs guided hiking trips along several area trails; phone (520) 477-6867 or (877) 445-3749.
Another great way to see the countryside is on a trail ride. Several stables offer half-day, full-day and overnight horseback riding trips into the mountains and desert. Check hotel brochure racks for stables. Skiing is available at Mount Lemmon Ski Valley, a scenic 30-mile drive northeast from Tucson. The southernmost ski area in the nation, Mount Lemmon offers both downhill and cross-country skiing. A scenic sky ride on the ski lift is offered during the off-season. Phone (520) 576-1400 for snow condition updates.
The University of Arizona's Wildcats excite crowds during the football, baseball and basketball seasons. Home football games are played at Arizona Stadium, baseball players batter up at Hi Corbett Field and basketball teams tip off at McKale Memorial Center.
Tucson, AZ
AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.
Sponsored Listing
Members save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa3800 W Starr Pass Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85745
Book NowAAA/CAA Preferred Best Western Rewards® members who complete 2 eligible nights, either separate or consecutive, between February 6 and May 7, 2023 at any Best Western® Hotels and Resorts-branded hotel in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean will earn 8,000 bonus points following completion of the eligible nights.
Best Western Green Valley Inn111 S La Canada Dr. Green Valley, AZ 85614
Book NowMembers save up to 10% and earn Honors points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Tucson Airport7051 S Tucson Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85756
Book NowCity Population
520,116
Elevation
2,389 ft.
Sales Tax
Arizona's statewide sales tax is 5.6 percent; an additional 2 percent is levied in Tucson. The tax on a hotel room in Pima County is 13.05 percent, plus an additional $2 per room per night in Tucson. There is a combined state and county rental car tax of 10 percent, plus a Pima County rental car fee of $3.50 per rental; a concession fee of 11.1 percent is added if the car is picked up at the airport, and an additional 2 percent tax is added if the car is picked up off airport property but within the Tucson city limits.
Emergency
911
Police (non-emergency)
(520) 791-6813 (8 a.m.-10 p.m.)
Hospitals
Carondelet St. Joseph's Hospital, (520) 873-3000; Carondelet St. Mary's Hospital, (520) 872-3000; Northwest Medical Center, (520) 742-9000; Tucson Medical Center, (520) 327-5461; University Medical Center, (520) 694-0111.
Air Travel
Ten miles south of downtown,
Rental Cars
Hertz, (520) 573-5201 or (800) 654-3131, offers discounts to AAA members.
Rail Service
The Amtrak station is at 400 N. Toole. For advance ticket and schedule information phone (800) 872-7245. Tickets may be purchased at the station.
Buses
The terminal for Greyhound Lines Inc. is at 471 W. Congress St.; phone (520) 792-3475 or (800) 231-2222.
Taxis
There are many independent taxi companies in Tucson. Rates are not regulated by the city. Companies that serve the area include Discount Cab, (520) 388-9000; VIP Taxi, (520) 300-3000; and Yellow Cab, (520) 624-6611.
Public Transportation
Sun Tran, (520) 792-9222, operates a fleet of buses running throughout the metro area as well as a streetcar line downtown.
As a AAA member, you'll save even more. Your AAA Travel Agent will check to see if AAA Vacations is combinable with other AAA member benefits, plus cruise and tour past passenger discounts and benefits.
