Guidebook for Tucson
Parks & Nature
Sabino Canyon
Pontatoc Trail
Pontatoc TrailDouglas Springs Trail
Douglas Springs TrailUsually has water in the canyon. Can be very slippery. Be cautious on the rocks.
8 locals recommend
Tanque Verde Falls Trailhead
Tanque Verde Falls TrailUsually has water in the canyon. Can be very slippery. Be cautious on the rocks.
Wasson Peak
Lovely drive out and nice views at the top.
Can walk, run, bike along this paved trail that follows the Rillito River bed for. Part of a 'wash' system that connects with Santa Cruz and Pantano for miles of exercise without auto traffic.
Rillito River Park
Rillito River ParkCan walk, run, bike along this paved trail that follows the Rillito River bed for. Part of a 'wash' system that connects with Santa Cruz and Pantano for miles of exercise without auto traffic.
Saguaro National Park East
Beautiful stands of Saguaro cacti. Biking and hiking.
Take W. Speedway up to Gates Pass and follow it around for a breathtaking view. This route also takes you to Sonora Desert Museum and Old Tucson.
80 locals recommend
Saguaro National Park West
Take W. Speedway up to Gates Pass and follow it around for a breathtaking view. This route also takes you to Sonora Desert Museum and Old Tucson.
Large park with lovely zoo and pond. Also a pool which is open during the summer months. Also has a dog park for off leash opportunities for your dog.
30 locals recommend
Reid Park
900 S Randolph WayLarge park with lovely zoo and pond. Also a pool which is open during the summer months. Also has a dog park for off leash opportunities for your dog.
George Mehl Foothills Park
4000 E River RdHas an off leash area for dogs.
Sightseeing
Historic mission settled by Father Kino in 17th century recently restored. Be sure to buy some fry bread from the local Tohono O'odham families.
329 locals recommend
Mission San Xavier del Bac
1950 W San Xavier RdHistoric mission settled by Father Kino in 17th century recently restored. Be sure to buy some fry bread from the local Tohono O'odham families.
Drive from Sonoran Desert to Alpine meadows in 50 minutes! The village has places to stop to eat and if you go to the top there is a ski lift and views. Stops along the route up Mt Lemmon Highway for great views.
Summerhaven
Drive from Sonoran Desert to Alpine meadows in 50 minutes! The village has places to stop to eat and if you go to the top there is a ski lift and views. Stops along the route up Mt Lemmon Highway for great views.
Air museum. Retired planes. Indoor and outdoor displays.
258 locals recommend
Pima Air and Space Museum
6000 E Valencia RdAir museum. Retired planes. Indoor and outdoor displays.
Presidio San Agustin del Tucson
196 N Court AveThe original Tucson presidio from 1700s.
Food Scene
I love the coffee and scones! Tiny old house on Campbell with nice extra space to sit on patio.
74 locals recommend
Raging Sage Coffee Roasters
2458 N Campbell AveI love the coffee and scones! Tiny old house on Campbell with nice extra space to sit on patio.
Great variety of homemade breads daily. Yummy desserts. Nice soups and sandwiches.
91 locals recommend
Beyond Bread
3026 N Campbell AveGreat variety of homemade breads daily. Yummy desserts. Nice soups and sandwiches.
Prep & Pastry
2660 N Campbell AveUnique variety of options; all delicious.
Enjoy outside patio with heaters in the cool weather. Nice gift shop with greeting cards. Nice selection for vegetarians.
76 locals recommend
Blue Willow Restaurant
2616 N Campbell AveEnjoy outside patio with heaters in the cool weather. Nice gift shop with greeting cards. Nice selection for vegetarians.
Totally delicious and great variety. Close to downtown.
101 locals recommend
LaCo Tucson | Outdoor Downtown Tucson Restaurant
76 N Court AveTotally delicious and great variety. Close to downtown.
Comfortable setting near the University of Arizona. Great coffee and food. Can sit and work for hours and feel totally welcome.
10 locals recommend
Bentley's House of Coffee & Tea
1730 E Speedway BlvdComfortable setting near the University of Arizona. Great coffee and food. Can sit and work for hours and feel totally welcome.
In the heart of the 4th Avenue District. Good spot for a beer and hamburger.
13 locals recommend
TallBoys
201 N Court AveIn the heart of the 4th Avenue District. Good spot for a beer and hamburger.
Casa Molina Del Norte
3001 N Campbell AveGreat Margaritas and Mexican food.
El Charro Café
311 N Court AveHistoric Mexican Restaurant in downtown district
Caruso's
434 N 4th AveYummy Italian in historic 4th Avenue district. Nice outdoor seating!
HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery
266 E Congress St50s style
Pastiche Modern Eatery
3025 N Campbell AveLocally made bagels in all varieties. Sandwiches and coffee. Several locations around town.
22 locals recommend
Bruegger's Bagels
1064 N Campbell AveLocally made bagels in all varieties. Sandwiches and coffee. Several locations around town.
Brooklyn Pizza Company
534 N 4th AveGood pizza on 4th Avenue. Powered by solar.
Close by family run business with good food. We sometimes do take out.
8 locals recommend
Karuna's Thai Plate
1917 E Grant RdClose by family run business with good food. We sometimes do take out.
Entertainment & Activities
Second Saturdays Downtown. Walk around downtown Tucson and 4th Avenue in the evening. Most stores/vendors are open. Get a feel for the diverse culture of the 'old pueblo'
7 locals recommend
Downtown Tucson Partnership
100 N Stone AveSecond Saturdays Downtown. Walk around downtown Tucson and 4th Avenue in the evening. Most stores/vendors are open. Get a feel for the diverse culture of the 'old pueblo'
Fox Tucson Theatre
17 W Congress StLive shows. Iconic restored theater.
Museum for children with large variety of hands on, learning activities.
69 locals recommend
Children's Museum Tucson
200 S 6th AveMuseum for children with large variety of hands on, learning activities.
Arts & Culture
Arizona State Museum
1013 E University BlvdPrehistory and Native American exhibits
Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block
140 N Main AveOld Town Artisans
201 N Court AveLocal artisans.
Drinks & Nightlife
Hotel Congress
311 E Congress StCushing Street Bar & Restaurant
198 W Cushing StEssentials
Trader Joe's
4209 N Campbell AveAlbertsons
2854 N Campbell AveSprouts Farmers Market
4645 E Speedway BlvdAlso fresh, bottled water. Bulk spices, organic produce. local tofu.
19 locals recommend
Aqua Vita Market
2801 N Country Club RdAlso fresh, bottled water. Bulk spices, organic produce. local tofu.
Safeway
1940 E Broadway BlvdLighthouse YMCA
2900 N Columbus BlvdOutdoor pool.
Large gym and heated outdoor pool open all year round. Facility is closed on Saturdays.
Jewish Community Center
3800 East River RoadLarge gym and heated outdoor pool open all year round. Facility is closed on Saturdays.