Every tourist destination has its attractions. However, because every tourist is different, these attractions have greater or lesser value. In this series Gary gives his reasons for traveling to a particular place. Hopefully some of his thoughts will entice you to consider adding this particular place to your itinerary. The entire series is being categorized under the heading, “Spotlights.” You may find more information about these locations in the archives of this website, under headings such as, “Great Places,” “Things to Do in,” “Best of,” “Top 10” and “Places of a Lifetime.” In addition, there may be “Walking Tours” of these places available for purchase on the website for the low price of $1.49 each.

Tucson AZ lies in the Sonora Desert, in southern Arizona. Because of its proximity to Mexico, it is graced with lovely Spanish architecture. Include Tucson AZ in your Southwestern US itinerary for at least the following reasons:

Just outside of town is one of the loveliest Spanish mission churches in the entire Southwest. Mission San Xavier del Bac is known as the “white dove of the desert” for obvious reasons.

San Xavier del Bac

2. The outskirts of Tucson AZ is a Mecca for cactophiles like me. Saguaro National Park preserves the habitat of the largest cactus in the world, the Giant Saguaro. Tucson AZ is the only part of the world where this plant lives naturally. The park is divided into two districts.

Giant Saguaro