From Niagara Falls to Nogales (Phoenix, Tucson: 2015, rent, credit card)

[Falls14303]

I'll be in Phoenix in a week to run the marathon! My first trip to someplace warm in the winter. I'm only going to be there for 5 days, and I wanted to see as much of the state as possible. Living on the border up here, I've always been curious about the border area by Nogales. I see there are a couple ways to get there (shuttle, bus - I won't have a car). Is it a realistic day trip? Is there much to see or do there? Would going to Tucson for the day be just as interesting?

Either way I will be happy to be absent from -20 windchill temporarily!

[gemstone1]

By car (I'd rent one), a 6 hour round trip from Phoenix, will make for a long day....but I'd go (stop here for lunch), take some extra cash for silver jewelery, and return thru Patagonia, stopping for ice cream. Stop overnight in Tucson, go up to Mt Lemmon to take in the view, go down the back side (gravel road) into Oracle and make your way back to Phoenix, just in time to make your flight, as (IMO), there is nothing to see in Phoenix. Beautiful country and views on the mountain drive.

Regards
Gemstone1

[observer53]

I think to say there is "nothing to see in Phoenix" is a view not to be adopted by someone who has never been here. I would not bother to spend a day driving to Nogales. Yes, the drive back suggested would be pretty. But, I'd go on a day trip to Sedona before I'd do that. But for any day trip out of the Valley, rent a car.


What to see in Phoenix depends on what interests you. The Musical Instrument Museum is truly a world class facility. The Heard Museum (southwestern Native American culture and art) is another. Taliesin West architecture school (established by Frank Lloyd Wright); Pueblo Grande Museum; lots of shopping, of course, particularly in Scottsdale.


If you get a car for Sedona, keep it and drive out Scottsdale Road up to Carefree, go west into Cave Creek and back down into Phoenix. Beautiful desert scenery right here in the Valley. Drive to South Mountain Park in south Phoenix and drive up to the lookout, especially at dusk. (Or, for a slightly lower view, go have a drink or dinner at Rustler's Rooste, and watch the city lights.


Good luck with the marathon, and safe travels!

[rational1]

Originally Posted by observer53

What to see in Phoenix depends on what interests you. The Musical Instrument Museum is truly a world class facility. The Heard Museum (southwestern Native American culture and art) is another. Taliesin West architecture school (established by Frank Lloyd Wright); Pueblo Grande Museum; lots of shopping, of course, particularly in Scottsdale.

IN Phoenix you haven't mentioned the Desert Botanical Gardens, which is very close to the airport. And quite an experience for anyone from the frozen north.

Without a car, your options for going outside Phoenix are rather limited. I believe there are tours that might be a good option.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by rational1

IN Phoenix you haven't mentioned the Desert Botanical Gardens, which is very close to the airport. And quite an experience for anyone from the frozen north.

Without a car, your options for going outside Phoenix are rather limited. I believe there are tours that might be a good option.

Forgot an obvious one! Thanks!

[jlawrence01]

Originally Posted by Falls14303

I'll be in Phoenix in a week to run the marathon! My first trip to someplace warm in the winter. I'm only going to be there for 5 days, and I wanted to see as much of the state as possible. Living on the border up here, I've always been curious about the border area by Nogales. I see there are a couple ways to get there (shuttle, bus - I won't have a car). Is it a realistic day trip? Is there much to see or do there? Would going to Tucson for the day be just as interesting?

Either way I will be happy to be absent from -20 windchill temporarily!

You can take any number of Mexican shuttles or buses (Tufesa, Tap Royal and Greyhound) that serve Phoenx, Tucson and Nogales. Personally, I would NOT spend the time or the money to see Nogales. I have been to every border city on the southern border from Matamoros to Tijuana. There is not much in Nogales. Both Tucson and Phoenix have a lot more to enjoy, especially for someone who has not been down here.

[1Patois]

Originally Posted by observer53

I think to say there is "nothing to see in Phoenix" is a view not to be adopted by someone who has never been here. I would not bother to spend a day driving to Nogales. Yes, the drive back suggested would be pretty. But, I'd go on a day trip to Sedona before I'd do that. But for any day trip out of the Valley, rent a car.


What to see in Phoenix depends on what interests you. The Musical Instrument Museum is truly a world class facility. The Heard Museum (southwestern Native American culture and art) is another. Taliesin West architecture school (established by Frank Lloyd Wright); Pueblo Grande Museum; lots of shopping, of course, particularly in Scottsdale.


If you get a car for Sedona, keep it and drive out Scottsdale Road up to Carefree, go west into Cave Creek and back down into Phoenix. Beautiful desert scenery right here in the Valley. Drive to South Mountain Park in south Phoenix and drive up to the lookout, especially at dusk. (Or, for a slightly lower view, go have a drink or dinner at Rustler's Rooste, and watch the city lights.


Good luck with the marathon, and safe travels!

You're right,but stop pushing Sedona...it gets crowded enough with tourists LOL I say it is better to do Monument Valley area

[1Patois]

Nogales? Gross! Well,let me share with you how I spent my 2015 Christmas Eve: I did the I-19 from Tucson... Not only us it closer and more easily-accessible than done if the places folks have mentioned so far, but not only can you see 2-3 Authentic Spanish missions, but you can visit the Titan Missile and do the tour, and if you save time, visit Baboquivari Peak for the astronomical observatory and the sweeping views of the forested desert mountains...visiting Ajo and Tumacàcori is good for the soul. It was a priceless experience that I would readily do all over again.
The 19 goes all the way down to the border, so you can put to see 'la frontera' if you want to !

[vientianevinny]

Sedona is a ripoff tourist trap for pretentious Midwesterners, with credit cards burning a hole in their pockets. I send people there, who don't know how to enjoy themselves.

[azdr0710]

Originally Posted by 1Patois

visit Baboquivari Peak for the astronomical observatory and the sweeping views of the forested desert mountains

it's Kitt Peak for the observatories......

gee, with all these helpful replies, I hope the OP will report back, at least......