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Where Is Tucson, Arizona? Location, Map & Guide
You're thinking: Where is Tucson Arizona?
You'll find out here - as we're locals in Tucson. And know where Tucson is, and why that's good to know.
One thing people always hear about Tucson Arizona is seeing its stunning landscapes, with a one-of-a-kind desert. Visitors discovering Tucson are often amazed the city is surrounded by mountains. So if you want to discover where our friendly city is, check out your interests.
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It's where you're certain to Have A Wonderful Trip!
Exactly Where is Tucson Arizona?
If you wondered if Tucson is in Southern Arizona, you'd be right.
It's located in the southern third part of Arizona, a bit more to the east than west. in the southwestern region of the United States. Tucson lies in Pima County, and is the largest city in the southern region. If fact it's the second largest city in all of Arizona. And it's situated within the Sonoran Desert.
It's approximately 60 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border and 110 miles southeast of Phoenix, Arizona. This geographic placement helps explain Tucon's Mexican cultural influence combined with the Old West history from the 1800s.
Check the map below for a visual answer to your exact question of where is Tucson Arizona.
Map Locating Tucson, Arizona
Check the location of Tucson on the map below:
Where is Tucson Arizona - Related to Other Major Cities
If you wonder how far Tucson is from Phoenix Arizona, it's approximately 110 miles. Interstate-10 connects the two cities.
- Visitors sometimes divide their Vacation Time between Tucson and Phoenix. Especially Flying In to Phoenix (where more flight options ae available), and taking a roadtrip down to Tucson for several days.
- Or using Phoenix as the fly-in because they found a lower priced flight. Then taking a shuttle to Tucson for their vacay.
But did you know there is an International Airport in Tucson. Flights arrive from many places. And a best price all-told (adding in shuttle cost + time) might be found. It's worth comparing.
San Diego is 400 miles from Tucson. We've done both:
- Driving between the cities, which takes 5-6 hours.
- Or Flying With a Short Plane-Hop, about 1 hour.
Nogales Arizona is the border town south of Tucson by about 60 miles, a one hour drive. Taking that trip used to attract many Tucson visitors. Especially for taking the opportunity to visit Nogales, Sonora Mexico. We used to do that at least a couple of times a year. And when we had visitors, we'd absolutely Take That Easy Border Crossing into Mexico, for the shops and restaurants. But we haven't done that now in quite a while.
Even Las Vegas is a Relatively Short Air Hop from Tucson Arizona.
- It's 410 miles, give-or-take. Many Tucsonans make the 6-1/2 hour drive, for a stay in a casino there.
- Another Nevada place Arizonans love to go: Laughlin. Smaller vibe than glitzy Vegas, with the Colorado River right there. About 5-1/2 hour drive over 338 miles.
And where is Tucson Arizona within the western United States?
How Far Is Tucson From the U.S.-Mexico Border?
With Tucson roughly 60 miles north of the Mexican border, that country's influence is felt in local culture and culinary arts.
Nogales Arizona is the nearest border town. But people use other Arizona/Mexico border crossings for specific purposes. For instance:
- Accessing one good dentist referred to us by our Nurse Practiioner. Into Naco Sonora from Naco Arizona.
- Going to our closest oceanic beach town, Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco). Using the border crossing at Sasabe.
Remember, Tucson Arizona was part of Mexico prior to the 1854 Gadsden Purchase.
The yellow highlights the current U.S. areas that were part of the Gadsden Purchase.Quick Facts About Tucson
Here are some facts related to where is Tucson Arizona.
- Tucson is in the U.S. state of Arizona, in the southeastern region of the state.
- Tucson's population is approximately 550,000. But Tucson's entire metropolitan area has about 1 million people. Which includes the suburban Towns Near Tucson, of Marana, Oro Valley and Vail.
- Tucson's elevation is 2,643ft/806m. Arizona's elevations influence The Climate and Weather. The higher you go, the cooler the temps, overall.
- Phoenix is hotter than Tucson, at an elevation of 1086ft/331m.
- Flagstaff is much cooler/colder than Tucson, at an elevation of 6821ft/2134m.
- The Time Zone where Tucson is located is Mountain Standard Time (MST).
- Time in Tucson always goes by standard time, as we don't ever change our clocks forward & back. Because there's No Daylight Savings Time Observed in Tucson. Also in most of Arizona.
- The one Arizona area that uses Daylight Savings Time is The Navajo Nation in the northeast corner of the state.
What Is Tucson Known For?
If you've wondered if Tucson is sandy and barren, think again!
- Tucson is known for its Sonoran Desert Positioning, amidst lofty mountains, saguaro cacti and amazing sunsets.
- Tucson is naturally placed for Having a Multi-Cultural Experience and atmosphere.
- Tucson is the home of the University of Arizona (U-of-A). Where They Give You Experiences, too!
You may find surprising Ways That Tucson is Known.
A Unique Desert Environment
Surrounded by the Sonoran Desert, Tucson is known for its warm, dry climate.
The Tucson desert is recognized as the most biologically diverse desert in North America, if not the entire world! If you've not seen it, you'll probably feel it's surprisingly lush.
A neighborhood showing the Sonoran Desert Flora.It's not at all like the stereotype of barren deserts, with rolling dunes. You'll see vast stretches of the iconic giant saguaro cacti, and many other cacti species.
- But you can easily get to tree-covered mountains.
- You'll see our intermittent rivers flow with a good Arizona Monsoon.
It's considered a subtropical desert, with a second rainy season in winter. Those two rainy times are the support for our rich ecosystem.
- You'll see spring flowers, creosote bushes, a variety of grasses, palo verde & mesquite trees, etc.
- In turn the flora helps support the wildlife, like roadrunners, javelina & desert tortoise.
Our granddaughter noted this young Desert Tortoise,when we were in Saguaro National Park West.
Culture and History
Tucson is known for its combined culture and history of Native Americans, Mexicans, and Western life.
Our city is known for a thriving local arts scene. It's also a foodies delight, having been awarded For Its Culinary Gems! Many locals say Tucson has the best Mexican food in the U.S. Visit to see if you agree!
The historic Mission San Xavier del Bac, outstanding in the desert environment. Only one of the Many Tucson Museums to Visit.
Historic Spanish mission - San Xavier.The University of Arizona
The University of Arizona (UofA) is our major public university.
It's right in the heart of the city. A great influence on Tucson's youthful energy and innovation. People in town love following the Wildcat teams: for basketball, for football, and for women's softball.
Why Search for Tucson’s Location?
TOURISM IS A REASON
Are you planning to Make a Trip to Tucson Arizona? Many tourists like Exploring Our Friendly City, unique national park, and excellent cuisine ahead of time. When making their plan for a trip to Tucson.
STUDENTS HAVE A REASON
Tucson is great for students beginning their college entry time of life. They might consider the University of Arizona. If so, they'll want to know more about the city. Getting an idea of how it would be as an Arizona Wildcat!
THOSE RELOCATING HAVE A REASON
People planning the best place to live in their retirement often evaluate Tucson. The area has quite a few wonderful retirement areas, like Saddlebrook Ranch in Oro Valley, the Highlands at Dove Mountain in Marana or Mona Lisa Village on the north side of town.
Some think of moving here to Tucson for a job, for a different life-style, or other personal reasons. That's another group who would investigate the question of where is Tucson Arizona, exactly. One common question is How Does the Cost of Living Compare>
Final Thoughts: Why Tucson’s Location Matters
Tucson’s place in Arizona matters...
- Because of The Tucson Climate, which helps visitors get away from cold weather.
- Because of the culture, with the cross-border influence, and Mexican Food Choices All Around Town.
- Because there are plenty of Things To Do In Tucson. With stunning Places to See in Tucson.