I moved from Chicago to the greater Tucson, Arizona, area... in the sizzling prime of summer.
Typically, that sentence drops jaws and earns some funny looks. I love the desert, and even though the heat is no joke (temps regularly reach 110 degrees during summer months), I love it and encourage all my friends to visit.
It’s easier to keep cool than you might think. I’ve found that the key to success is staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, and getting outside in the early morning and later evening hours. A great pool certainly helps, too.
While the city of Tucson may be known for its intense heat, these are five fun ways to keep cool when visiting the City of Gastronomy.
In this article
Float Along Arizona’s Longest Lazy River
One of the best ways to cool off is getting wet. Ideally, at Southern Arizona’s longest lazy river at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa.
Stretching 1,205 feet long, the Starr Canyon River took me a solid 8 minutes to float all the way around (yes, I timed myself), and the kid in me loved the adjoining Monsoon Falls Water Slide. Better yet: I could order a frozen adult beverage without leaving my inner tube.
For an added luxury touch, rent one of the private cabanas along the lazy river or reflection pools. Each of these cabanas came with a TV, snacks, water, sunscreen, and adjustable shades to keep out of the sun. You can easily spend an entire day lounging at the pool and floating along the fun-for-all-ages Starr Canyon River. Book a room or consider purchasing a day pass, which grants admission starting at $40.
Sip and Shop in the Mercado District
The Mercado District in Tucson is one of the trendier parts of town. It’s filled with cafes, restaurants, locally owned shops, and lots of community events. The city earned a UNESCO designation as a Creative City of Gastronomy for its 4,000-year agricultural history blending its Indigenous, Spanish, and Mexican traditions, some of which you can experience here.
Order an iced coffee to go and wander in and out of the many air-conditioned storefronts to keep cool while exploring a neighborhood that makes up so much of the Tucson spirit.
Here, you can wind your way through many traditional Southwestern-style buildings, and if you walk long enough, you’ll spot some of Tucson’s 500 colorful murals.
Get Your Hiking in Early
Arizona is home to incredible scenery. To enjoy it during summer, go for a hike, but wake up early to beat the heat.
Choose either Tucson Mountain Park or Saguaro National Park. Whichever you choose, I highly recommend starting before 8 a.m. during the summer months; the earlier the better.
At Tucson Mountain Park, check out the 4.2-mile Brown Mountain Loop. If you’re new to hiking and staying at the nearby JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa, join one of their guided moderate-level hikes every morning at 7:30 a.m.
At Saguaro National Park, easy hikes include the Desert Ecology Trail, Mica View Trail, or the Freeman Homestead Trail.
If you’re still feeling too sweaty, you can enjoy the air conditioning from your car and drive around the scenic paved 8-mile Cactus Forest Drive loop. Note that the national park is split into two distinct areas (east and west). These hikes are in the main part of the park at the east entrance, also known as the Rincon Mountain District. Whichever entrance you choose, you’ll be treated to endless views of magnificent Saguaro cacti.
Snag an Early Morning Tee Time
You don't need a handicap to justify an early tee time at The Club at Starr Pass. Choose to play nine, 18, or even 27 holes of Arnold Palmer Signature Golf. This luxury golf course is surrounded by so many Saguaro cacti you may think you’ve accidentally strolled into a national park.
When you start early, it’s not too hard to keep cool, either. Golf cart rides ensure a nice breeze as you drive, you’ll find water stations around the course, plus frequent beverage carts to grab a cold one. After your game, head into the Creosote-Sonoran Kitchen and Cocktails to cool down, refuel, and celebrate your victory (or help forget that whiff).
Go Stargazing
Moving from the bright lights of Chicago to Arizona, one thing that leaves me speechless every night is the stars.
When the sun’s gone down for the night and the temps start to dip, I like to get outside, look up, and see something truly beautiful.
Saguaro National Park is certified by the International Dark Sky Association as an Urban Night Sky Place. The national park frequently hosts stargazing events. Alternatively, at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass, you can enjoy a presentation by an astronomer who guides you through the stars in and around Tucson and Tucson Mountain Park. Wherever you choose to look up, you’re in for a treat.
The Shortcut
Mornings and nights are the best time to plan your outdoor activities, but plan to be at the pool or inside between roughly 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
If you can be at a trailhead before 8 a.m., check out Tucson Mountain Park or Saguaro National Park. Starr Pass runs a guided option if you'd rather not go alone.
Don't pack it in just because the sun goes down; stargazing at the city's certified dark-sky designation is enough of a reason to plan a summer trip.
Cait Kontalis was hosted by the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa as part of her trip to Tucson. Some expenses were covered. All opinions and recommendations in this article are her own.
