Vail Car Rental

Guide to Vail

Geography

Vail is a census-designated place in Pima County in the state of Arizona in the United States. It is located 24 miles southeast of Tucson.

Climate

Arizona’s climate is arid to semi-arid. In Vail, summers are hot and partly cloudy while the winters are cold, dry, and mostly clear. Over the course of the year, the temperature rarely falls below 31°F or goes above 104°F.

Culture

In the late 19th century, brothers Edward and Walter Vail established ranches in the area and Vail was named after them. It was initially a rest and water stop on the Southern Pacific Railroad. Edward Vail signed a deed granting the right of way across his ranch to the railroad.

Things To Do in Vail

Go on a spelunking adventure

One of the attractions Vail is best known for is the Colossal Cave Mountain Park. Here, there are plenty of activities to indulge in for adults as well as kids. Visitors can opt for an easy guided walk through the caves or go for a full spelunking adventure. Kids adore the petting zoo and horseback rides, while young adults gravitate towards the rustic camping sites. There is also a café providing delicious meals. You can see magnificent stalactites and stalagmites as well as a large number of insects devouring bats at dusk and dawn.

Hike through verdant vegetation

The Cienega Creek Natural Preserve is a hidden treasure, located off the Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead. It is one of the few creeks in Arizona that has a perennial flow and does not have non-native fish. Several endangered species like the Gila Chub and Longfin Dace are found here. Once you reach the creek, you will feel like you are in the midst of an oasis in the desert. You can hike under the canopy of riparian vegetation, pack a picnic to enjoy beside the lush greenery, and if you look up, you can catch sight of several trains passing along several criss crossing bridges. It is a captivating sight indeed.

Visit a museum with kids

The Pima Air and Space Museum is one of the largest non-government-funded air and space museums in the world, exhibiting more than 350 aircraft and spacecraft. Kids and adults alike will be impressed by the historically significant and technically advanced crafts like a real Wright flyer and a 787 Dreamliner. There are 6 indoor hangars with 3 of these dedicated to WWII. The most exciting part is that you are allowed to touch the planes.

Eating Out in Vail

Argenziano’s is the first Italian restaurant in Vail serving sumptuous pizzas, like the margherita and taco pizzas. You can also opt for the manicotti and the sausage lasagna. Montgomery’s Grill & Saloon has a family-friendly ambiance and offers staples like burgers, wings, and sandwiches. It is the perfect place to have lunch before heading for the Colossal Caves. Happy Wok serves Chinese and Asian fusion appetizers, soups, and noodle dishes. Savor the Hunan Triple Delight, which has chicken, beef, shrimp with broccoli, carrot, bell pepper, and onion, cooked in a spicy Hunan sauce.

Vail Transport

Airport

Vail is served primarily by the Tucson Airport (TUS) which lies 14.2 miles away.

Getting Around Vail

Although select bus routes are available to take you to the main tourist attractions, we recommend bringing your own car or renting one in the city for maximum comfort, convenience, and flexibility, especially if you would like to explore Vail in your own time rather than being rushed by tour guides. The most popular car rental agency in Vail is Enterprise. There are two main branches in the city center.