TUCSON, ARIZONA VISITORS' INFORMATION
A QUICK PRIMER ON THE "OLD PUEBLO" AND THE GEM SHOWS
ABOUT TUCSON
Tucson is situated in southern Arizona about 60 miles north of Mexico and 100 miles south of Phoenix. It is the seat of Pima County, and the 32nd largest city in the United States. It is also a small city with a big heart, affectionately known as "The Old Pueblo," or "The Baked Apple," by its residents. Tucson has a Wild West flavor, a rich Mexican heritage and cultural influence, and is also home to a thriving arts community.
If you are visiting Tucson from a major city such as London or New York, you will find it to be friendly, easygoing and very laid back compared to larger urban centers. Dress is casual. Most people wear shorts, sneakers and t-shirts all year, though Tucsonans love to dress up for important cultural events such as the All Soul's Procession. Smart casual dress is acceptable even at the opera or at Tucson's fanciest restaurants.
Summer temperatures can soar above 100F, but the winters are glorious, and similar to spring in Europe, with blue skies, light breezy days, and afternoon temperatures typically in the high 60s and low 70s. Part time residents, known disdainfully as "snowbirds" by Tucson's year-round inhabitants flock to the Sonoran Desert in winter. Learn more about Tucson weather.
GETTING TO TUCSON
Tucson's small, friendly and highly efficient airport is served by several major carries, with daily non-stop flights from Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, Houston, Denver, Las Vegas, Oakland, and many other cities. The Tucson Airport Shuttle provides affordable van service all over the city, and major car rental agencies are represented at the airport. Tucson is about a two-hour drive from Phoenix, and seven hours from Los Angeles, and is served by Amtrak.
I-10 HiGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS
The Arizona Department of Transportation has completed extensive improvements to I-10 in Tucson. All downtown exits are now open.
THE ANNUAL TUCSON GEM SHOWS
If you're on this site, you probably already know that every February, Tucson hosts the largest rock, fossil, gem, mineral, meteorite and jewelry showcase in the entire world. Dates for the Tucson gem shows are available here, and please see the directory on our home page or site map for a detailed listing of all online gem show resources offered on this web site.
TUCSON INFORMATION — USEFUL LINKS
Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau
Dates for the Tucson, Arizona gem and mineral shows
Tucson restaurant and dining guide
Tucson bars, music and nightlife guide
Tucson gem show-friendly hotel guide
A brief history of Tucson
Tucson entertainment guide
Tucson Weekly free newspaper