Are you a student feeling the itch to explore? This comprehensive guide provides actionable advice for incredible University of Arizona travel experiences, ensuring they are accessible, affordable, and manageable for any student...
Welcome to University of Arizona Travel! We are students passionate about exploring our incredible state. Our mission is to provide fellow Wildcats with simple, affordable, and exciting travel ideas to make the most of their time in Tucson. From local taco spots to Grand Canyon road trips, we're here to prove adventure is always within reach.
Have a travel question, a tip for a spot we missed, or want to collaborate? We'd love to hear from you! Please reach out to us at: contact@universityofarizona-travel.com.
Are you a student at the University of Arizona feeling the itch to explore? This comprehensive guide provides actionable advice for incredible University of Arizona travel experiences, ensuring they are accessible and affordable for any student...
Planning your first trip away from campus can seem daunting, but it's simpler than you think. First, decide on your budget and timeframe. Next, pick a destination. We cover dozens of options below, from mountain retreats to historic towns. Once you have a place in mind, figure out transportation and sketch out a loose itinerary...
When you have a long weekend, Arizona's diverse landscapes are your playground. One of the most popular getaways for U of A students is Sedona. Another top choice is Flagstaff, which offers a cool escape from the desert heat. It's also the gateway to the Grand Canyon, an absolute must-see.
Just a 20-minute drive south of the University of Arizona campus lies a stunning piece of Arizona history: the Mission San Xavier del Bac. Known as the "White Dove of the Desert," this beautiful Spanish Catholic mission is the oldest intact European structure in Arizona, with its origins dating back to 1692. The stunning white stucco walls rise dramatically from the desert floor, creating an unforgettable sight.
A visit is free (though donations are appreciated), making it a perfect trip for students on a budget. You can take a self-guided tour through the ornate and colorful church interior, walk the grounds, and climb the small grotto hill for a fantastic panoramic view of the mission and the surrounding valley. It's a peaceful and inspiring place that connects you to the deep history of the region.
Need a quick escape from the Tucson heat and the stress of classes? Mount Lemmon is the answer. The drive itself is an adventure, as the Catalina Highway scenic drive takes you from saguaro-filled desert landscapes to cool pine forests in about an hour. The temperature at the top is often 20-30 degrees cooler than in the city.
Once you're up there, you can explore numerous hiking trails, have a picnic at Rose Canyon Lake, or visit the tiny "town" of Summerhaven for some delicious, freshly-baked cookies at the Cookie Cabin. In the winter, it's home to the southernmost ski area in the continental US. It's the ultimate student day trip, offering a complete change of environment without a long drive.
Tombstone, "The Town Too Tough to Die," is a trip back in time to the Wild West. About a 90-minute drive from campus, this historic town is famous for the legendary Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. For students, the experience is a fun and campy look into Arizona's cowboy past.
You can walk the same dusty streets as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, watch re-enactments of the famous gunfight, explore the historic courthouse, and visit the Boothill Graveyard. While it can feel a bit touristy, it's a unique and entertaining day trip. Our verdict? It's absolutely worth visiting at least once for a memorable adventure with friends.
Exploring the local food scene is a key part of University of Arizona travel, and it doesn't get more local than Fourth Avenue. This eclectic street next to campus is packed with delicious and affordable options perfect for a student budget.
You absolutely must try the Sonoran Hot Dogs from a street cart—a local delicacy. For a great slice of pizza, hit up Time Market or Brooklyn Pizza Company. If you're craving tacos, The B-Line has amazing options. And for a coffee break or a late-night study session, the quirky and cozy Epic Cafe is a student institution. Exploring Fourth Avenue is the easiest and tastiest way to travel without even needing a car.