8 things to do in Tucson before it gets really (really!) hot
It's officially spring, which means the days below 100 degrees are numbered.
Before we turn to air conditioning and frequent trips up Mount Lemmon, here are some things you should really enjoy before you start to settle indoors this summer.
Spend a day exploring the Desert Museum
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While the Desert Museum is always a neat place to spend the day (and is open throughout the year), the mostly-outdoor wildlife museum is easier to navigate in non-summer months.
Plus, you'll be able to take your time viewing the desert wildlife without having to stop for frequent AC breaks.
But summer day or not, it's never a bad idea to get a swirl cone while checking out the otter exhibit.
Find more information about going to the desert museum here.
Explore in-town attractions, like the Tucson Botanical Gardens and Tohono Chul
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While perhaps best known for the magical lights and luminarias in the winter, these spots are pretty magical right now thanks to the spring bloom.
Both Tucson Botanical Gardens and Tohono Chul offer a beautiful and unique look at desert landscapes and are a great place to take a stroll with all ages.
Find more information here about the Tucson Botanical Gardens and Tohono Chul.
Hike at all the outdoor spots
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Sabino Canyon. Catalina State Park. Saguaro National Park. Gates Pass.
Before we become indoor cats for the next few months, carve out some time to soak up your favorite hike without worrying about heat exhaustion.
One of our outdoor reporter Doug Kruetz' top picks is the Phoneline Trail and Blackett’s Ridge Trail in Sabino Canyon. It gives you a dramatic bird’s-eye view of the already spectacular canyon.
Hike Tumamoc — in the middle of the day!
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Speaking of hiking, don't forget one of Tucson's most iconic hikes Tumamoc Hill.
While we love a good sunrise hike, hike it during the middle of the day and see the city in full daylight splendor!
Watch a UA baseball game at Hi Corbett field
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Bummed that the Wildcats' basketball season is over? You can still check out other UA sports.
Head out to Hi Corbett Field, sit in the stands, cheer for the Wildcats and grab yourself a cold drink, because there's nothing quite like a baseball game on a spring day.
Bike or hike a portion of the Loop
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The loop, a 131-mile multi-use trail spanning the Tucson metropolitan area, is officially completed!
Check out the map and find an area of the trail you haven't explored before and get going!
Admire some wildflowers
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It's definitely not a banner year for wildflowers around Tucson — but you can still see some blue lupines and other colorful blooms around the desert this season.
You can catch some beautiful flowers at Saguaro National Park and Catalina State Park — both have been boasting some brilliant gold poppies.
What's your favorite wildflower viewing spot in Tucson?
Drink a (hot) horchata latte
UpdatedUnless you're one of those folks who likes the temperature of their drink to reflect the temperature of the outdoors, now is the time to soak in drinking all the hot drinks before respados and margaritas become our only options.
Our pick: The horchata latte at Tucson Coffee Roasters.
The horchata latte isn’t made the traditional way with rice milk, but is made with horchata flavoring, cinnamon, espresso, and your milk of choice.
It’s served at both Tucson Coffee Roasters locations, Swan Road and Camp Lowell Drive, and Craycroft Road and Broadway Boulevard.
