There’s no doubt that beautiful Tucson, AZ is one of the best places to live and work in the Southwest. But with a population of more than 500,000, even the most hardcore Tucsonans may feel the need to escape the city to enjoy an occasional weekend getaway. The good news is there are plenty of close vacation spots to Tucson that are perfect for a couple of days of adventure — or a little rest and relaxation.

1. Kartchner Caverns State Park

Located about 50 miles southeast of Tucson, Kartchner Caverns State Park is the site of a spectacular limestone cave filled with nearly 2.5 miles of winding passages. Featured attractions include the Throne Room, which houses one of the largest soda straw stalactites in the world, and the Big Room, known for its expansive brushite moonmilk formation. The surrounding park offers numerous opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing and exploration. If you’re not up for camping, fully-appointed private cabins are available for your weekend accommodations.

2. Kitt Peak National Observatory

If stargazing is your thing, the observatory, situated in the Quinlin Mountains at an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet, features the world’s largest collection of optical telescopes. During the day, you can enjoy the guided and self-guided walking tours or spend time exploring the surrounding mountainside or the breathtaking Sonoran Desert far below.

3. Sonoita/Elgin Wine Trail

The area south of Tucson is a wine lover’s paradise! The Sonoita/Elgin Wine Trail includes a dozen vineyards and wineries where you can sample some of the finest vino the Southwest has to offer. You can also venture east of Tucson to navigate the Willcox Wine Trail to try out another dozen or so excellent wineries. You’ll also want to explore the historic town of Willcox where you can visit tourist favorites such as the Willcox Playa Wildlife Area, the Rex Allen Arizona Cowboy Museum and the Friends of Marty Robbins Museum.

4. Tombstone

Anyone who is fond of the Old West will want to visit Tombstone, AZ. Located about 70 miles southeast of Tucson, Tombstone is the site of the famous (or infamous) O.K. Corral and the legendary shootout between Wyatt Earp and his group of lawmen and the notorious Cowboys. Tombstone is also a popular tourist destination offering an assortment of Western-themed performance events and attractions.

5. Bisbee

Located in the Mule Mountains about 90 miles southeast of Tucson, the small city of Bisbee is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxing weekend mountain excursion. Once a booming gold, silver and copper mining town, Bisbee now features a thriving downtown area that offers an assortment of cultural attractions and historical sites. A 2016 USA Today poll named Bisbee “Best Historic Small Town.”

Don’t Forget About Home Security During a Trip

Don’t overlook the importance of home safety during a vacation — even a short one. Titan Alarm, Inc. can provide a custom security solution that will protect your home while you’re away. Contact us to schedule a free in-home consultation today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

The beautiful city of Tucson, AZ has much to offer for history buffs. Sometimes referred to as “The Old Pueblo,” Tucson is Arizona’s second-largest city, trailing only Phoenix in population. The name “Tucson” is an Americanized version of the Spanish word “Tucsón,” which is derived from a Native American phrase that means “base of the black hill.” This refers to Tucson’s location near a basalt-covered hill known as Sentinel Peak.

The original settlers of the area that eventually became Tucson were the Paleo-Indians, who arrived approximately 12,000 years ago. A Jesuit missionary named Eusebio Francisco Kino founded a settlement near the Tucson area in the late 17^th century. Tucson’s “founding father” is Hugo O’Connor, who was appointed governor of the Texas territory by the Spanish viceroy in 1767 and authorized the construction of a military fort called Presidio San Agustín del Tucsón in 1775.

This unique convergence of Native American, Spanish and Mexican heritage has resulted in numerous historical sites throughout the Tucson area. One of the best things to do in Tucson for any history fan is to check out these popular attractions:

• Presidio District – Located in historic downtown Tucson, the Presidio District is the site of the partially restored Presidio San Agustín del Tucsón fort. The Historic Block represents the heart of the Presidio District and includes the Tucson Museum of Art and numerous older homes dating back to the 18^th century. The museum showcases a permanent exhibit of pre-Columbian, Western, Latin American and Asian art.

• Arizona Historical Society Museum – This museum is adjacent to the University of Arizona campus in Tucson. It’s filled with artifacts from the days of the arrival of Tucson’s first settlers through Arizona’s time as a U.S. territory in the 19^th century until attaining statehood in 1912.

• Tumacácori National Historical Park – A part of the U.S. National Park Service, this former Native American village eventually became the site of the mission established by the Jesuit priest, Eusebio Francisco Kino. The site includes the mission’s ruins, which is a well-preserved adobe church. There is also a visitor center that houses a small museum containing artifacts from the era.

• Tombstone – The city of Tombstone is firmly embedded in Western lore. Located about 70 miles southeast of Tucson, Tombstone was the site of the famous gunfight at the OK Corral. Today, Tombstone is a major tourist town that includes a host of shops, restaurants and B & B’s, as well as Western-themed attractions such as horseback and stagecoach tours, gunfight shows, museums and more.

• Tubac Presidio State Historic Park – Located about 50 miles south of Tucson near the town of Tubac, this state park dates back to the mid-18^th century. The site includes numerous archeological exhibits that capture the history of the area. You can also hike the breathtaking three-mile Anza Trail, which connects the park with the neighboring Tumacácori National Historical Park.

Titan Alarm can provide a reliable security system that will keep your home safe while you’re off visiting all the Tucson historical sites. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on October 31, 2018.

Living in Tucson, AZ can be a walk in the park — literally! Tucson Parks and Recreations operates and maintains several parks in and around the city that are perfect for exercising, picnicking, relaxing or seeking refuge from the oppressive Tucson heat. We’ve put together a list of some of the top parks in the Tucson area.

1. Reid Park

Gene C. Reid Park, originally known as Randolph Park, is one of the best Tucson parks to visit for adults as well as children. Situated on 131 acres in central Tucson, Reid Park contains an outdoor performance center, a 9,500-seat baseball stadium, two man-made lakes and a zoo that’s 24-acres in size. The park occupies approximately one-third of a sprawling complex that also contains two 18-hole golf courses, an indoor recreational center and other amenities.

2. Rillito River Park

This 12-mile-long linear park runs along the banks of the Rillito River in Tucson. Perfect for the outdoor exercise enthusiast, the park features an assortment of amenities such as walking paths, horseback riding trails and a series of exercise stations.

3. Highland Vista Park

Located at 350 N. Cloverland Ave., Highland Vista Park includes a walking path, a multipurpose field for athletic and recreational activities, a covered playground with swings and a play structure. There’s a community garden as well. Avid readers will appreciate the on-site Little Free Library that enables you to share and exchange books with others in the community.

4. 20-30 Club Park

Located adjacent to Highland Vista Park, this park was conceived as a water harvesting project to alleviate the storm water runoff issue in the area. Known for its crescent-shaped “boomerang” berms, the 20-30 Club Park’s amenities include a half-mile walking trail that loops around the two parks.

5. Morris K. Udall Park

Are you looking for a great spot to take your furry companion for a little fun and exercise? Morris K. Udall Park in northeast Tucson features a one-acre turf area that gives you and Fido plenty of room to roam. Other park amenities include a dance/exercise area, an outdoor amphitheater, lighted volleyball courts, ramadas and baseball, football and soccer fields.

6. Christopher Columbus Park

If boating or fishing is your thing, Christopher Columbus Park, located in Tucson’s Eastside District, has you covered. The park is the site of the 13-acre Silverbell Lake where you can fish for bass, trout, catfish and sunfish, or enjoy a day of swimming or canoeing. Amenities include a dog park and a playground for the kids, as well as model boat and model plane areas.

7. Tucson Birding Trail

Birdwatchers will want to explore the Tucson Birding Trail to catch a glimpse of some of the more than 350 bird species that inhabit the Tucson area. You can also enjoy some of the most beautiful natural areas in the entire region.

Titan Alarm, Inc. Can Keep Your Tucson Home Safe

The last thing you want is to worry about the safety of your home while you’re recreating in Tucson. Titan Alarm can provide a well-designed security system that will keep your property safe during your days in the park. Contact us to learn more today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.