Tuscon Official Destination Guide - Fall/Winter 2008 - (Page 8)

DAVID LAZAROFF 740-8451. For a map and complete listing of school districts, see page 106. LOCATION Tucson is located in the heart of Southern Arizona—an area known as the Sonoran Desert—about 100 miles south of the state capital, Phoenix, and 60 miles north of the U.S.Mexico border. Tucson is 2,389 feet above sea level, and the metropolitan area covers nearly 500 square miles. For a commanding view of the city, drive up to Tucson’s Sentinel Peak, designated “A” Mountain in 1915 by University of Arizona students. From the top you can see the five mountain Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument ranges surrounding the valley: • Santa Catalina Mountains—prominent, rugged range on the north and northeast • Rincon Mountains— rolling mountains to the east • Santa Rita Mountains— rising in the distant south and southeast • Tucson Mountains— shorter, more jagged mountains to the west • Tortolita Mountains— closing the ring on the northwest side Tucson has three major dry river washes: the Santa Cruz River, the Rillito River, and Pantano Wash. VISITOR INFORMATION fabrics. In the warmer months, indoor air conditioning can get chilly for some, so be prepared with a lightweight jacket or sweater. Sunscreen ARIZONA FACTS State bird—Cactus wren State flower—Saguaro cactus blossom State gem—Turquoise State tree—Palo verde DESERT FLORA & FAUNA The Sonoran Desert is a fragile ecosystem teeming with a variety of plant and animal species that depend on each other for survival, and conservation law protects many of them. Please leave the desert just as you find it. Purchase cacti and other native plants at Tucson’s established desert gardens or cactus nurseries. (See page 100.) to protect the skin is recommended year-round. In the winter, a lightweight coat or jacket will usually suffice, unless you’re planning to visit higher mountain areas where colder temperatures and snow are probable. CONVENTION CENTER The Tucson Convention Center is located in historic downtown Tucson and is the home of many events, cultural activities, and conventions throughout the year (260 S. Church Ave., 791-4101). EDUCATION Tucson is home to the nationally acclaimed University of Arizona and the eighth-largest multicampus community college system in the United States, in addition to several districts of primary and secondary schools. University of Arizona, 621-2211; Pima Community College, 800-8607 4 6 2 ; O ff i c e o f t h e P i m a County School Superintendent, Santa Rita Mountains BRUCE GRIFFIN DRESS Tucsonans take a relaxed approach to dress, and casual clothing is acceptable for most occasions. Summer wear includes wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and lightweight CURRENCY EXCHANGE All current forms of currency can be exchanged at Arizona Stamp & Coin, 4668 E. Speedway Blvd., 795-1594. 8 TUCSON OFFICIAL DESTINATION GUIDE WWW.VISITTUCSON.ORG http://www.visittucson.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Tuscon Official Destination Guide - Fall/Winter 2008

Tuscon Official Destination Guide - Fall/Winter 2008 Contents Welcome to Tucson Maps & Transportation Accommodations Culinary Heritage & Culture Outdoor Adventure & Nature Golf Attractions & the Arts Shopping Newcomers & Services Index

Tuscon Official Destination Guide - Fall/Winter 2008

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