According to forum posts, popular areas to stay in Tucson include downtown and the University area for a lively environment and access to amenities like restaurants and cultural activities. The Catalina Foothills are preferred for their scenic views and quieter surroundings.

Some travelers have recommended staying at hotels like Hotel Congress for its proximity to downtown, although it can be noisy. The Tucson Marriott University Park is favored for its location near the University, providing a good sense of campus life. For those seeking a quieter stay, the Catalina Foothills offer more residential accommodations with scenic views.

Travelers have called out that Tucson is not particularly walkable, and driving is often necessary to explore different parts. For those looking to enjoy natural beauty and hiking, staying near Saguaro National Park or Catalina State Park in Oro Valley is suggested.

According to forum posts, popular restaurant choices in Tucson include El Minuto, known for its consistently good Mexican food, and Vivace, which is praised for its amazing takeout options. Hacienda del Sol also gets high marks for its dining experience.

Travelers have called out specific restaurants for unique Tucson experiences. El Charro is noted for its authentic Mexican cuisine, and the Grill at Hacienda del Sol is celebrated for its outstanding food and views. For a different flavor, Cafe Desta offers Ethiopian cuisine and is conveniently located for those attending events at the Music Hall.

For those seeking more budget-friendly meals, forum users suggest places like Polish Cottage for reasonably priced European dishes and Tacotote for quick Mexican meals. Additionally, Guadalajara Grill is recommended for its patio ambiance and live mariachi music, providing a good value dining experience with meals within the $15-20 range.

According to forum posts, Groome Transportation is a commonly recommended shuttle service for travel between Phoenix and Tucson. It offers multiple drop-off points in Tucson and has been in operation for decades.

Some travelers have noted that renting a car is a favorable option due to its convenience and the potential for cheaper rates, especially when booked through memberships like Costco. Prices can be as low as $25 for a one-way rental without additional drop fees between these cities, depending on the rental company and timing.

Another transportation option mentioned by forum users is the Greyhound bus service. This provides an alternative for those looking for direct travel between the two cities without the need to drive.

For travelers preferring to drive, the journey offers opportunities to visit attractions such as the Casa Grande Ruins and Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch. Some users recommend taking Highway 79 for a more scenic and less trafficked route compared to Interstate 10.

Some travelers recommended visiting the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which is an outdoor museum showcasing the local flora and fauna. The Saguaro National Park, both East and West sections, offers scenic drives and light hiking opportunities.

For those interested in history and architecture, the Mission San Xavier del Bac was highlighted as a must-see. It's an iconic Spanish colonial mission that represents the area's rich cultural heritage.

A tram ride at Sabino Canyon was suggested as a relaxing way to enjoy the local landscape. Additionally, a visit to the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun offers insight into the art and life of Ettore Ted DeGrazia, a noted Arizona artist.

For a unique local experience, staying at a dude ranch such as the Tanque Verde Ranch, which was rated highly in a popular travel magazine, could provide a mix of relaxation and adventure activities like horseback riding.

According to forum posts, popular hiking areas in Tucson include Saguaro National Park East, Sabino Canyon, and Catalina State Park. These locations offer a variety of trails that cater to different difficulties and preferences.

Some travelers recommended specific trails such as the Phone Line Trail in Sabino Canyon, the Canyon Loop Trail in Catalina State Park, and multiple trails accessible from the Broadway and Douglas Spring trailheads in Saguaro East. These trails provide scenic views and are well-loved by both locals and visitors.

Travelers have called out that Saguaro National Park East offers an 8-mile paved loop drive with numerous trailheads, making it easy to explore different parts of the park. Sabino Canyon features a narrated tram ride that allows for easy access to various trails, and Catalina State Park is praised for its natural beauty and manageable trail lengths.

According to forum posts, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a highly recommended attraction that features a diverse range of wildlife and plant exhibits. Travelers have praised its combination of zoo, botanical garden, and museum elements that provide an educational and engaging experience. The museum showcases desert animals in naturalistic settings, which can be particularly active during the cooler morning hours.

Some travelers specifically noted the museum's unique aviaries, including a hummingbird aviary where visitors can experience close encounters with these vibrant birds. Additionally, the museum offers demonstrations such as raptor presentations, enhancing the visitor experience with live educational sessions about desert wildlife.

Despite its popularity, a few visitors felt that some parts of the museum could benefit from updates or improvements. However, for many, it remains a must-visit destination in Tucson, offering extensive walking paths and a comprehensive introduction to the Sonoran Desert's ecosystem.

According to forum posts, Saguaro West is characterized by a denser saguaro forest, dramatic volcanic hillsides, and two-way roads allowing easy back-and-forth travel. It's also adjacent to the Tucson Mountain Park and close to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. In contrast, Saguaro East offers a paved 8-mile loop drive with trailheads, featuring gentle rolling hills and less dense saguaro growth, which some travelers find less photogenic.

Some travelers said that Saguaro East provides a quieter, more disconnected experience, which is appreciated by those seeking solitude or less commercialized settings. On the other hand, Saguaro West is noted for its proximity to additional attractions like the Desert Museum, enhancing the visitor experience with educational opportunities about the desert ecosystem.

For many users, both parks offer unique hiking opportunities; however, Saguaro West is often preferred for its photogenic trails and historical sites like the Signal Hill petroglyphs. Saguaro East is favored for its accessibility and the variety of short hikes accessible from the loop drive.