South Tucson is in Southern Arizona . It is in Pima County. The town is a square mile community, just south of downtown Tucson. The city of Tucson completely surrounds the town at the junction of Interstate 10 and 19. It is also on the Southern Pacific Railroad line between Tucson and Nogales.
Overview:
South Tucson is rich in ethnic heritage. It is a small community that makes its contribution to metropolitan Tucson by maintaining nearly 300 businesses. Today, South Tucson has a population of 5,700. The town sits at an elevation of 2,438 feet. The southwestern climate has a winter low Temperature of 40 degrees and a summer high Temperature of 100 degrees. The community sits in the middle of a big town with colorful outdoor murals, outstanding Mexican restaurants and unique architectural style.
History:
South Tucson is a little cultural haven that is ideally situated for commerce. Both Interstate 19, the main highway into the United States from Nogales, Sonora, and Interstate 10, the major cross-country highway from Los Angeles to the East Coast, meet in town. This crossing of interstates encourages industry, manufacturing and retail service.
Community Features:
There are many attractions that you won't want to miss during your visit. The internationally known Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum is just west of town. It is one of the most interesting and well-maintained environments that you will ever see. Visitors will see creatures in their natural habitats. Kit Peak Observatory can be found the to the southwest. It houses one of the largest telescopes. You can choose from a day or night visit to the observatory. It is a real treat to look into the sky and beyond. Old Tucson Studios is a popular western movie set, situated to the northwest of South Tucson. Since the studio never shuts down, visitors have the opportunity of seeing how a movie is made behide the scenes. San Xavier del Bac is located south of town, just off of Interstate 19. The Spanish mission was built in 1700. It is the first Spanish mission established in Arizona . It is known as the "White Dove of the Desert" and is filled with of history.
South Tucson has an outdoor activity that will interest everyone. Saguaro National Park is divided into two separate areas. One is on the west side of Tucson and the other is on the east side. Both of them have spectacular views of these mammoth saguaro cacti. There are driving tours through the park that give visitors a glimpse into the beautiful Sonoran Desert. The park has preserved these decades old cacti for everyone to marvel at their stamina in the harsh desert.
Events:
Annual Nortefio Music Festival September