Best for bikers: Tucson is consistently ranked among the top five bicycling cities in the country with more than 325 miles of well-marked bike lanes and trails in the metropolitan area. The two-lane asphalt Rillito River Park Trail (520-877-6120, www.pima.gov/nrpr) winds 11 miles alongside a mostly-dry riverbed on the north side of town. You'll find easy access to parks, shopping areas, and public services without crossing busy streets.

Best place to putt: More than 40 public and private courses (888-465-3125, www.golftucson.com) provide golfers of all levels numerous challenges and unsurpassed panoramic views of the desert valley. One course is noted for design efforts that use the desert's natural terrain to create challenging and enjoyable play: Golf Club at Vistoso (520-797-9900, www.vistosogolf.com), where two saguaro cacti guard the 11th hole.

Best way to travel: Maybe it's the Old West image or the ranching heritage, but horseback riding has remained a mainstay in Tucson. It's not uncommon to see entire families out for an afternoon ride from any of the city's six public stables. Arizona Horseback Experience (from $85; 520-455-5696, www.horsebackexperience.com), a short drive south of the city, makes learning the sport easy for beginners with daylong, guided trail rides. Start with their Horsemanship 101 class, then traverse the desert.