Tucson

Tucson, Arizona, is one of America's most underrated destinations — a Sonoran Desert city surrounded by five mountain ranges, home to the University of Arizona, with a genuine Mexican-American border culture, outstanding hiking and a night sky so dark (the world's first "International Dark Sky City") that astronomical tourism has become a significant draw. Saguaro National Park (both the eastern Rincon Mountain District and the western Tucson Mountain District) encircles the city — the giant saguaro cactus, which grows only in the Sonoran Desert and can live 200 years, creates an otherworldly landscape that is genuinely remarkable. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (half zoo, half botanical garden, entirely excellent) is one of America's finest nature institutions. Biosphere 2 (50 minutes north, a sealed ecological research dome built in the 1980s) is a fascinating scientific attraction. Mount Lemmon Ski Valley (9,157 feet, reached via the Catalina Highway "Sky Island Scenic Byway") has actual skiing just 90 minutes from the desert floor. The Saguaro, the Rincon, the Santa Catalinas and the Santa Ritas provide exceptional hiking in every direction. The Tucson food scene reflects its Mexican-American culture — Sonoran hot dogs (wrapped in bacon, on a bolillo roll), carne asada, menudo and excellent modern restaurants. Fourth Avenue and Congress Street are the independent culture hubs. Kitt Peak National Observatory (60 miles west) is outstanding for stargazing.