One city, 3 price points: Tucson, Ariz.

Stay

In the heart of downtown is the hip Hotel Congress, built circa 1919. It has a popular cafe and Club Congress, a dance club with live cutting edge music. One double or two twins, $79-$99; two double beds, $99-$119. 311 E. Congress St. www.hotelcongress.com.

Eat

El Guero Canelo, a city institution, serves a decadent Mexican hot dog wrapped in bacon, topped with beans, grilled onions, tomatoes and a dollop of jalapeño; to $7; 2480 N. Oracle Road. 520-882-8977, www.elguerocanelo.com.

Experience

Hit the Presidio Trail, a 2.5-mile loop around nearly two dozen downtown historic sites, www.tucsonpresidiotrust.org.

Stop at the Sosa-Carrillo Fremont House, a restored adobe building; $3; www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org. A short drive from town is Saguaro National Park with ancient rock art and towering cactuses; $10 per vehicle (valid seven days); www.nps.gov/sagu.

MODERATE

Getting there

Round-trip rates of $419 to Tucson require a 21-day advance purchase and a minimum Saturday night stay; two daily nonstop Delta flights.

Stay

The Westward Look Resort, a 1912 homestead estate, offers a free third consecutive night when staying two nights at rates from $149. Valid through Dec. 22 (promo code 3FOR2); 245 E. Ina Road. www.westwardlook.com.

Eat

Vero Amore follows the standards of the Verace Pizza Napoletana Association (culinary traditions to prepare fine Neapolitan pizza) to create pies for grown-ups with handmade buffalo mozzarella and Italian imported roma tomatoes, then baked in brick wood-burning ovens; to $10.50; 3305 N. Swan Road. 520-325-4122, www.veroamorepizza.com.

Experience

Spend an evening at Kitt Peak National Observatory, a 90-minute drive southwest of Tucson at an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet (dress appropriately). Reservations required; $48. Go early for the scenic ride up the peak or a guided tour, $7.75. Free admission to the visitors center. www.noao.edu/kpno.

SPLURGE

Getting there

One-way, walk-up business class rates to Phoenix from $523; nonstop AirTran or Delta.

Stay

The Lowes Ventana Canyon I’d Rather Be Golfing package combines an overnight with two rounds of play on one of two Tom Fazio-designed resort PGA courses. From $310, double, Sept. 27-Dec. 31 (blackouts may apply). 7000 N. Resort Drive. www.loewshotels.com.

Eat

For an Italian fix, Caffe Milano is an authentic choice ranging from panini at lunch to dinners complete with espresso; entrees to $20; 46 W. Congress St. www.caffemilano.us. When it must be Mexican, visit Cafe Poca Cosa; entrees $12-$30. 110 E. Pennington St. 520-622-6400, www.cafepocacosatucson.com.

Experience

Combine a three-hour off-road Sonoran desert tour with a champagne sunset celebration high atop a peak. Black Diamond Hummer Tours offers this guided adventure, and others, with Hummer H2 transportation; $139 per person, including water, soft drinks, snacks; www.bdhummertours.com.