Even though Tucson gives the image of a sleepy desert town, this civilized southwestern metropolis caters to more than 3.5 million visitors a year.

Mild weather, world-renowned museums, first-class resorts, a host of cultural and outdoor activities, fabulous dining and nightlife and close proximity to the Old West towns in the southern corner of the state make this city a premier destination.

Located two hours south of Phoenix, Arizona's second largest city spreads out along the Santa Cruz River Valley and up into the foothills of the five surrounding mountain ranges.

Situated in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Tucson is home to Arizona's second state park -- Saguaro National Park (the first being Grand Canyon National Park). The stately protected saguaro stands can also be seen in the state parks ringing Tucson, which only adds to the allure of the city's many outdoor activities.

But even though there is a rustic edge to Tucson, don't let the charm of this southwestern community fool you. This sophisticated community ranks as one of the few cities in the United States with a resident symphony as well as opera, theater and ballet companies; it is one of the world's leading golf and spa destinations; and is home to the southernmost ski area in the continental United States.