If you've never had an up-close encounter with a real Saguaro cactus, or seen a coyote skim over the ground like a ghost through a pool of silver moonlight, or witnessed a rose-colored sunrise over a golden wilderness, then you need to visit the desert. Specifically, you need to take a trip to Tucson, Arizona. Located in southern Arizona near the Catalina Mountains, the area now called Tucson was inhabited by the Hohokam people for about 4,000 years before the arrival of Spanish missionaries in the late 1600s. The adobe walled Tucson Presidio and the Mission San Xavier Del Bac still stand as iconic structures marking their arrival. Since Tucson joined the United States in 1854, it has become home to cattle ranchers, miners, Apache people, railroads and railroad workers, and all the stories that we've come to associate with the Wild West. Now a thriving metropolitan area boasting the presence of the University of Arizona, Tucson draws millions of visitors a year.

Here are a few suggestions of things to do in Tucson:

• Explore Sabino Canyon: Hike, bike, pack a picnic basket, or take a narrated shuttle bus tour to witness the spectacular natural beauty of this part of the Coronado National Forest.
• See the desert from a hot air balloon: Tucson Balloon Rides offers a sunrise flight followed by a champagne brunch, a truly romantic experience.
• Horseback riding: Another exhilarating way to witness the sun drenched beauty of the Arizona landscape is by horseback.
• Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: This place is a combined natural history museum, botanical garden and zoo, featuring some of the animals native to Arizona like coyotes, bear, mountain lions, and desert birds.
• Pima Air and Space Museum: Visit this military and science museum housing one of the world's largest aircraft collections.
• Kitt Peak National Observatory: Check out this working research station and see the night sky in ways you may never have imagined.

No matter when you arrive in Tucson, the weather is almost guaranteed to be dry and sunny. It's especially pleasant here during the winter, which explains Tucson's status as a destination point for many annual festivals including the Southwest Wings Birding Festival, The Tucson International Mariachi Conference, the WCG Golf Championship, and dozens of others.

The best way to experience Tucson is by staying in a vacation rental. For your stay, book a luxury desert villa, or find a condo downtown. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable properties here no matter when you plan your visit.