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August could be the last month you would choose to visit Arizona, unless sweat lodges are your problem.
Dry heat can beat humidity, but 115 degrees is 115 degrees no matter how you slice it.
With the air conditioning on, driving through Arizona is one of the most beautiful states in the country, where the landscapes of some regions resemble Mars, and others boast seemingly endless canyons full of signature cacti.
Located outside of Arizona’s largest city, Phoenix, lies the trendy suburb Scottsdale.
Oddly enough, many would argue that it’s even more of a draw: a rare place where the ‘burbs outshine the metropolis.
While the beautiful mountain town bustles with world-class cuisine, shopping, resorts and entertainment, there is an element of cheesiness that cannot go unnoticed.
I mean, how many turquoise trinkets could you possibly need in the old town?
But further south, in what seems like the middle of nowhere, lies the hip city Tucsona more authentic, less crowded destination, and without a doubt that of Arizona most underrated outing.
Trade luxury for authenticity this fall
As I type this sentence, Scottsdale’s thermostats read 109 degrees, while Tucson isn’t far behind at 105.
As summer draws to a close, and not fast enough in ArizonaFall is a great time to visit the Grand Canyon State.
Statewide, temperatures drop like flies once summer comes to an end, making the desert an attractive destination once again.
But before you pull the trigger on a posh Scottsdale resort, consider what Tucson has to offer. In some ways they are very similar and in others they are completely opposite.
Scottsdale is trying to be authentic in the same way Cabo is by displaying pieces of the past in downtown San Jose del Cabo, an almost desperate plea to tourists essentially saying, “Ignore the shiny resorts!” We have not forgotten our roots!”
Scottsdale has built all these nice things ranging from globally renowned restaurants to lavish resorts, but then perusing Old Town becomes a bit of a cornball, leaving the feeling that they’re just trying too hard.
Tucson, on the other hand, is more than just a college town and doesn’t have to try, living up to its nickname of the ‘Old Pueblo’ with age-old missions and old sedans.
Scottsdale would describe itself as a luxury retreat, while Tucson embraces a what-you-see-is-what-you-get attitude, yet offers grand hotels, amazing nature to explore, and relics of the Old West.
Tip: the one from Tucson JW Marriot is the perfect vacation destination, with resort-style pools and a lazy river with a scenic mountain backdrop
Avoid the crowds of the Grand Canyon: explore Arizona’s Saguaro overlooked
Scottsdale and the Grand Canyon have to be in the top 2 most visited destinations in the state.
But southern Arizona seems to have been forgotten on many people’s maps.
Those who skipped this part of the state are doing themselves a disservice.
No, there may not be the same epic views that the Grand Canyon offers, but Saguaro is no snoozefest.
If you don’t know, saguaros are a type of cacti, and this park lives up to the name with endless rows of cacti perfect for photo ops.
Be wary: Although these cacti look like they’re posing for a hug, this is a great way to use your first aid kit.
Less than 30 minutes from Tucson, Saguaro National Park is perfect for scenic hikes, wildlife spotting, and stargazing at nightfall – all without having to fight for space.
Entrance fees range from $15-25 depending on whether you drive in or walk in.
An underrated foodie heaven
Tucson may fly under the radar, but it’s neck-and-neck with Scottsdale’s food scene. Although, again, the argument that is Tucson is more authentic.
Located just an hour north of the Mexican state of Sonora, it aims to showcase local southwestern flair mixed with a heavy influence on Mexican cuisine, including cheesy dishes like Sonoran Hot Dogs.
But the incredibly tasty cuisine goes much deeper than that. The food culture as a whole has received that much UNESCO recognition.
Holes in the walls, food festivals, wineries, breweries, you name it, and Tucson has it.
Tip: take a look Tumerico – Yelp’s #1 restaurant in America.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
