Best Of Tucson®

Best Urban Landscaping

University of Arizona

The entire UA campus is the UA Arboretum and the website offers a wonderful interactive map that helps identify the hundreds of different trees that call the campus home. On the side along Park Avenue is a pond with fish and slider turtles, and plenty of trees that offer shade and respite. Near Old Main (which is going through a major restoration this year) there's a crested saguaro (also called a mutant cactus) and great desert-inspired landscaping. Depending on the season, near Centennial Hall and east of Gila Hall dorm, there are rows of lemon and lime trees that scent the evening air. Olive trees dot the campus, and there are special little areas that, when discovered, seem perfect for book reading or bringing the kiddos. The best thing to do is take everyone for a campus hike and discover them yourself, then head over to the Student Union for dinner and a yogurt.

Runners up:

2. Tohono Chul Park

7366 N. Paseo del Norte

742-6455

3. Tucson Botanical Gardens

2150 N. Alvernon Way

326-9686