It's easy to find reasons to love Tucson. The beautiful desert scenery, amazing weather, and plentiful national parks and forests are a start. Or how about the rich Western history, bountiful cultural activities, and world-class museums? Whatever you're into, Tucson has got something you'll love.

Surrounded by mountain ranges, Tucson is the quintessential Western desert town. Locals embrace the spirit of the desert at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. This museum provides an interactive look at the local ecology. Families the zoo, which showcases native animals and plants. You can catch a glimpse of endangered species like the ocelot and desert pupfish here. Sonoran animals like coyotes, bears, and mountain lions can be found in their natural settings. There is even an entire aviary dedicated to hummingbirds!

Step back in time at the Mission San Xavier del Bac. The mission was founded in 1770 and is still used as a spiritual center by the Tohono O'odham Indians. Wander the grounds and appreciate the Baroque-style architecture of the mission buildings. Dive even further into history at Old Tucson Studios. This set represents a classic old west town and has been used as a set in over 400 films. Visitors can watch classic re-enacted wild shoot-ups acts here, and wander the town at their leisure.

The Pima Air and Space Museum houses over 350 aircraft and spacecraft on display. Meander through 80 acres of historical and unusual planes, including a replica of the 1903 Wright Brothers Flyer.

The University of Arizona gives the entire city a cozy college town vibe. The university houses the Flandrau Science Center, the Mineral Museum, and the Campus Arboretum. Also on campus is the impressive Arizona State Museum. This museum is the largest anthropology museum in the Southwest. It was established in 1893 and educates visitors on Indian cultural history.

The University of Arizona Museum of Art features a diverse assortment of art pieces. The artwork spans historical and stylistic periods.

The Reid Park Zoo has a modest collection of exotic animals. Children enjoy the interactive experience of feeding a giraffe by hand. The Lee H. Brown Family Conservation Learning Center is located within the zoo.

For more animal education, head to the International Wildlife Museum in Tucson. The museum teaches visitors about various animal habitats, behaviors, and evolution.

Tucson is an excellent place to experience nature. Saguaro National Park has world-class hiking trails with frequent wildlife sightings. If you're in search of beautiful scenery without leaving your car, take a trip down the Mount Lemmon Scenic Drive. This stretch of highway offers incredible views of the valley. Catalina State Park is north of Tucson and offers good hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Check out the Romero Ruin archeological site on a trail less than a mile long. Tumamoc Hill has a short and easy hike to the peak, which offers spectacular views. There is informative signage along the way about the local plant life.

Living in Tucson is an amazing experience. Locals enjoy exciting cultural activities and easy access to outdoor recreation. Many homeowners love the desert ecosystem and incorporate it into their yards. LawnStarter's professional landscapers are experts at designing and installing water-wise landscapes for Tucson locals. They select native plants that thrive in the local climate and create truly special outdoor spaces. If desert landscaping isn't your thing, they can create tropical paradises that make you forget you're in a desert completely. Scheduling services is simple and easy with the use of our app. It's time to stop and smell the desert primroses - and don't lift a finger planting them!