Guidebook for Tucson
Parks & Nature
Hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, trail running, road cycling, and bouldering.
Tucson Mountains
Hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, trail running, road cycling, and bouldering.
Looking for iconic saguaros (sa-woo-ar-os)? This park is chock-full of 'em! Plus if your mobility limited, you can drive the loop. Time the drive right and you may catch some phenomenal sunset pictures too!
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Saguaro National Park West
Looking for iconic saguaros (sa-woo-ar-os)? This park is chock-full of 'em! Plus if your mobility limited, you can drive the loop. Time the drive right and you may catch some phenomenal sunset pictures too!
This park caters to many; especially: trail runners, hikers, and those looking to enjoy the desert with ease. Trails are rugged & some roads paved or graded for ease of walking/strolling. Warnings: pick a path that suits your ability, bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, put on sunglasses, stay on the designated paths, and please refrain from littering :)
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Sabino Canyon
This park caters to many; especially: trail runners, hikers, and those looking to enjoy the desert with ease. Trails are rugged & some roads paved or graded for ease of walking/strolling. Warnings: pick a path that suits your ability, bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, put on sunglasses, stay on the designated paths, and please refrain from littering :)
The grounds are fabulous and location great. Here you can see what the desert blooming desert looks like if you don't want to hunting and pecking to find it in nature. Plus, in early to mid summer (depending on the weather) there is a cult following for a night blooming cerus called the "Queen of the Night" that is watched/waited when the park is open at night...a great date opportunity!
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Tohono Chul
7366 N Paseo Del NorteThe grounds are fabulous and location great. Here you can see what the desert blooming desert looks like if you don't want to hunting and pecking to find it in nature. Plus, in early to mid summer (depending on the weather) there is a cult following for a night blooming cerus called the "Queen of the Night" that is watched/waited when the park is open at night...a great date opportunity!
Food Scene
Locally owned, delicious farm to fork (or table) concept restaurant with varying menu chock full of standards and eclectic dishes, plus great cocktails!
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Proper
300 E Congress StLocally owned, delicious farm to fork (or table) concept restaurant with varying menu chock full of standards and eclectic dishes, plus great cocktails!
Chef Janos (a local icon) took a risk early in downtown Tucson's current revitalization and, BOY, has it paid off! Menu varies regularly to accommodate local produce availability. Creative, intriguing, and always tasty dishes and cocktails. One of our faves!
43 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails
135 S 6th AveChef Janos (a local icon) took a risk early in downtown Tucson's current revitalization and, BOY, has it paid off! Menu varies regularly to accommodate local produce availability. Creative, intriguing, and always tasty dishes and cocktails. One of our faves!
Locally owned Breakfast/Lunch/Coffee Shop a short hop & skip away with spacious patio seating. Wonderful menu, great chai, excellent coffee, good atmosphere and if you want a locally sourced egg with your dish; here, you can ask for it!
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Five Points Market & Restaurant
756 S Stone AveLocally owned Breakfast/Lunch/Coffee Shop a short hop & skip away with spacious patio seating. Wonderful menu, great chai, excellent coffee, good atmosphere and if you want a locally sourced egg with your dish; here, you can ask for it!
Historic, locally owned (by same family) with great patio, occasional live music, and consistently good food. Across from the Tucson Convention Center and an easy walk away too!
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Cushing Street Bar & Restaurant
198 W Cushing StHistoric, locally owned (by same family) with great patio, occasional live music, and consistently good food. Across from the Tucson Convention Center and an easy walk away too!
Locally owned by mother & son duo. This restaurant is tucked away from the fray offering great breakfasts and lunches, plus newly offering dinner too. They frequently feature local artists on their vine covered patio. If the sun is too much for you, there's plenty of seating inside this historic location too. Oh and the desserts!
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Café à La C'Art
150 N Main AveLocally owned by mother & son duo. This restaurant is tucked away from the fray offering great breakfasts and lunches, plus newly offering dinner too. They frequently feature local artists on their vine covered patio. If the sun is too much for you, there's plenty of seating inside this historic location too. Oh and the desserts!
Are you a scone seeker?!? Well, look no further...this is THE place for them! You're limited to 4 baked items only...yes, they're that good...so choose wisely and go often ;)
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Raging Sage Coffee Roasters
2458 N Campbell AveAre you a scone seeker?!? Well, look no further...this is THE place for them! You're limited to 4 baked items only...yes, they're that good...so choose wisely and go often ;)
Great specialty coffee drinks, teas, comfort breakfast items, and delicious lunches in a modern atmosphere in the heart of downtown...need more be said?!?
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Caffe Luce
245 E Congress StGreat specialty coffee drinks, teas, comfort breakfast items, and delicious lunches in a modern atmosphere in the heart of downtown...need more be said?!?
When you enter Penca you're instantly transported! The decor: exposed brick, steel, old wood, and glass feels akin to a place you'd find in a bigger city. Well, that's because it's cuisine is from Mexico City with a modern twist. No chimis or changas here...only deliciously combined and authentic Mexican food will be found. And their drinks & liquor options are top notch too!
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Penca
50 E Broadway BlvdWhen you enter Penca you're instantly transported! The decor: exposed brick, steel, old wood, and glass feels akin to a place you'd find in a bigger city. Well, that's because it's cuisine is from Mexico City with a modern twist. No chimis or changas here...only deliciously combined and authentic Mexican food will be found. And their drinks & liquor options are top notch too!
Here too you'll be transported to a chicly decorated space. Different from Penca, this Mexican cuisine hails from even further south...Oaxaca is the source of the menu's inspiration. This restaurant and owner/chef, Suzanna Davila, is a local institution with amazing flavors, delicious mole, and great cocktails too. Like tequila?!? Well, this is the place to sip some!
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Cafe Poca Cosa
110 E Pennington StHere too you'll be transported to a chicly decorated space. Different from Penca, this Mexican cuisine hails from even further south...Oaxaca is the source of the menu's inspiration. This restaurant and owner/chef, Suzanna Davila, is a local institution with amazing flavors, delicious mole, and great cocktails too. Like tequila?!? Well, this is the place to sip some!
Like no other restaurant in Tucson! The Coronet's European inspired setting offers the freshest locally sourced menu items combined with elegant simplicity boasting a superbly flavorful menu. Plus, on weekends they have freshly baked cinnamon rolls...yum! Their cocktails are old school made new school...always creative and on point. To boot they're locally owned and operated too! Can you tell this is a fave?!?
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The Coronet
198 W Cushing StLike no other restaurant in Tucson! The Coronet's European inspired setting offers the freshest locally sourced menu items combined with elegant simplicity boasting a superbly flavorful menu. Plus, on weekends they have freshly baked cinnamon rolls...yum! Their cocktails are old school made new school...always creative and on point. To boot they're locally owned and operated too! Can you tell this is a fave?!?
Modern atmosphere, great courtyard, fabulous high cuisine food, and mixologist dream come true! Your palette and senses will be tantalized, tickled, and teased but you're sure to be fully pleased; that is, if, you can walk afterwards, because here gluttony is an easy feat!
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Agustin Kitchen
100 South Avenida del ConventoModern atmosphere, great courtyard, fabulous high cuisine food, and mixologist dream come true! Your palette and senses will be tantalized, tickled, and teased but you're sure to be fully pleased; that is, if, you can walk afterwards, because here gluttony is an easy feat!
Authentic Mexican bakery. Their empanadas (apple, cherry, mango & pineapple) are addictive. The orejitas (palmiers) delish. Conchitos & cuernitos (mexican style croissants) too. Fresh tortillas, salsa, local honey, and THE BEST cake doughnut ever!!!
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La Estrella Bakery Inc
120 South Avenida del ConventoAuthentic Mexican bakery. Their empanadas (apple, cherry, mango & pineapple) are addictive. The orejitas (palmiers) delish. Conchitos & cuernitos (mexican style croissants) too. Fresh tortillas, salsa, local honey, and THE BEST cake doughnut ever!!!
My favorite chai latte exists here! It is rich, creamy, to the brink with spicy-ness, and perfectly sweet. That's because it is made with local Maya chai. Oh, their coffee drinks are great too. Plus the atmosphere comfortable with several other shops/eateries around the courtyard too!
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Presta Coffee Roasters
100 South Avenida del ConventoMy favorite chai latte exists here! It is rich, creamy, to the brink with spicy-ness, and perfectly sweet. That's because it is made with local Maya chai. Oh, their coffee drinks are great too. Plus the atmosphere comfortable with several other shops/eateries around the courtyard too!
Great place for a breakfast burrito, taco lunch, quick and easy dinner. Locally owned & operated. Their horchata is a fave. Fresh and tasty too! Whatcha waiting for?!?
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Seis Kitchen
1765 E River RdGreat place for a breakfast burrito, taco lunch, quick and easy dinner. Locally owned & operated. Their horchata is a fave. Fresh and tasty too! Whatcha waiting for?!?
Located in the historic Hotel Congress (also has Club Congress) plus locally owned & operated. This spot has a great patio/outdoor seating, creative and tasty menu, plus open later more nights. Super popular brunch spot with Bloody Mary bar too!
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Cup Cafe
311 E Congress StLocated in the historic Hotel Congress (also has Club Congress) plus locally owned & operated. This spot has a great patio/outdoor seating, creative and tasty menu, plus open later more nights. Super popular brunch spot with Bloody Mary bar too!
Great weekday spot for a quick, dine-in or take-out lunch. Friday happy hours often feature wine tastings. Wonderful patio seating area with cool and shady spots. It is on the rail line so it can be loud when a train is first passing but the sounds quickly get incorporated into the background. AND there's a restaurant themed after a dining rail car with great food/drinks, Sunday brunch with mimosa/bellini bar too!
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Maynards Market & Kitchen
400 N Toole AveGreat weekday spot for a quick, dine-in or take-out lunch. Friday happy hours often feature wine tastings. Wonderful patio seating area with cool and shady spots. It is on the rail line so it can be loud when a train is first passing but the sounds quickly get incorporated into the background. AND there's a restaurant themed after a dining rail car with great food/drinks, Sunday brunch with mimosa/bellini bar too!
It is hard to classify Time Market (locally owned & operated) because it is part market, part pizzeria, part cafe, part prepared foods, part beer/wine shop rolled into one stop. All of it well executed too. Plus they also make a great pain au levain that will two robust bread eaters a week!
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Time Market
444 E University BlvdIt is hard to classify Time Market (locally owned & operated) because it is part market, part pizzeria, part cafe, part prepared foods, part beer/wine shop rolled into one stop. All of it well executed too. Plus they also make a great pain au levain that will two robust bread eaters a week!
There is food here but this spot is aimed at brews & wine; as exemplified by the extensive menu offerings. The food here is much better than any bar food you'll find around plus the atmosphere modern & unique with diverse clientele.
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Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar
220 N 4th AveThere is food here but this spot is aimed at brews & wine; as exemplified by the extensive menu offerings. The food here is much better than any bar food you'll find around plus the atmosphere modern & unique with diverse clientele.
Guatemalan/El Salvedoran restaurant with authentic dishes. Make sure to taste their tamarind drink & ask for the special rice (cheesy yumminess). Hard to find another place like it!
Maya Quetzal Inc
621 N 4th AveGuatemalan/El Salvedoran restaurant with authentic dishes. Make sure to taste their tamarind drink & ask for the special rice (cheesy yumminess). Hard to find another place like it!
Shopping
If 5 Points Market & Kitchen doesn't have what you need and you don't want to go too far, Johnny Gibson's Market is your next closest option. Also locally owned and delightfully stocked featuring a broad spectrum of brand selection, fresh fish/meat, prepared foods and always shady patio in the back.
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Johnny Gibson's Downtown Market
11 S 6th AveIf 5 Points Market & Kitchen doesn't have what you need and you don't want to go too far, Johnny Gibson's Market is your next closest option. Also locally owned and delightfully stocked featuring a broad spectrum of brand selection, fresh fish/meat, prepared foods and always shady patio in the back.
Great outdoor (stores are indoors) shopping mall featuring many national brands (Tiffany's, Crate & Barrel, William Sonoma, etc) and upscale grocery (AJ's). Plus, there are many tasty restaurants that have mesmerizing views. For dessert in the desert try Frost, a local gelato shop.
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La Encantada
2905 E Skyline DrGreat outdoor (stores are indoors) shopping mall featuring many national brands (Tiffany's, Crate & Barrel, William Sonoma, etc) and upscale grocery (AJ's). Plus, there are many tasty restaurants that have mesmerizing views. For dessert in the desert try Frost, a local gelato shop.
This is a super unique store where most of all the inventory is recycled/upcycled (whatever term you prefer). Most of the items are Tucson centric; which makes this shop a great place for souvenirs!
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Pop Cycle
422 N 4th AveThis is a super unique store where most of all the inventory is recycled/upcycled (whatever term you prefer). Most of the items are Tucson centric; which makes this shop a great place for souvenirs!
This locally owned clothing store's mission is US made fabrics and clothing. Each item purchased provides, 12 emergency meals...or more...to folks in need (the local Food Bank is one of its beneficiaries). Here you can find: great fashions, fair pricing, and the opportunity to positively contribute to the fashion industry!
Fed By Threads LLC
345 E Congress StThis locally owned clothing store's mission is US made fabrics and clothing. Each item purchased provides, 12 emergency meals...or more...to folks in need (the local Food Bank is one of its beneficiaries). Here you can find: great fashions, fair pricing, and the opportunity to positively contribute to the fashion industry!
Drinks & Nightlife
Locally owned multi-venue locale. Restaurant is first stop with great pasta, cheese boards, wood fired pizza, and creative salads. Cocktails are interesting, fun & tasty. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere with beer/wine & pizza step into the courtyard to the "garage like" space. Like boozy, alchemy style drinks??? The bar below is sure to please!
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Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink
101 E Pennington StLocally owned multi-venue locale. Restaurant is first stop with great pasta, cheese boards, wood fired pizza, and creative salads. Cocktails are interesting, fun & tasty. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere with beer/wine & pizza step into the courtyard to the "garage like" space. Like boozy, alchemy style drinks??? The bar below is sure to please!
Great venue that brings in many known and cult performers!
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Rialto Theatre
318 E Congress StGreat venue that brings in many known and cult performers!
Sightseeing
Also known as Sentinel Peak. From this home you can: run/jog, cycle, or drive to this hill that rises nearly 700 feet above Tucson for a bird's eye view of the Old Pueblo. Warning: it climbs steadily and only gets harder toward the top and the last three grades may cause colorful words uttered ;)
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Tumamoc Hill
Also known as Sentinel Peak. From this home you can: run/jog, cycle, or drive to this hill that rises nearly 700 feet above Tucson for a bird's eye view of the Old Pueblo. Warning: it climbs steadily and only gets harder toward the top and the last three grades may cause colorful words uttered ;)
Near to Tumamoc Hill. You can run, cycle, and/or drive up "A" Mountain; which makes it a great spot for those with limited mobility. Roundtrip is just about 6 miles and elevation change is about 400 feet. So it's not as steep as Sentinel Peak (Tumamoc Hill) but a good workout nonetheless.
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Sentinel Peak Park (Bergen "A")
1001 Sentinel Peak Rd SNear to Tumamoc Hill. You can run, cycle, and/or drive up "A" Mountain; which makes it a great spot for those with limited mobility. Roundtrip is just about 6 miles and elevation change is about 400 feet. So it's not as steep as Sentinel Peak (Tumamoc Hill) but a good workout nonetheless.
Get a sense of how the Old Pueblo (as Tucson is often referred to) used to be. Historic re-creations and education.
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El Presidio Park
165 W Alameda StGet a sense of how the Old Pueblo (as Tucson is often referred to) used to be. Historic re-creations and education.
Arts & Culture
This tucked away oasis is within walking distance and a great Old Pueblo venue. Local artisan shops, shady courtyard that often features live music, and a cantina!
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Old Town Artisans
201 N Court AveThis tucked away oasis is within walking distance and a great Old Pueblo venue. Local artisan shops, shady courtyard that often features live music, and a cantina!
If you're a cyclist this is a great place to apply some pedal power; as the Gallery is a good distance and uphill. Otherwise if you're driving to hike at Sabino Canyon this makes a great stop over spot. DeGrazia is an iconic artistic legend who planted himself in the middle of the desert (at that time) and created this venue for his art. A fabulous place to see adobe structures, great art, desert environs, city & mountain vistas, plus cute gift shop too!
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DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum
6300 N Swan RdIf you're a cyclist this is a great place to apply some pedal power; as the Gallery is a good distance and uphill. Otherwise if you're driving to hike at Sabino Canyon this makes a great stop over spot. DeGrazia is an iconic artistic legend who planted himself in the middle of the desert (at that time) and created this venue for his art. A fabulous place to see adobe structures, great art, desert environs, city & mountain vistas, plus cute gift shop too!
Essentials
You need not be a member to shop here. Produce is mostly local, labeled (GMO, etc), prepared foods offered at a great price with dining area to enjoy it too. Loads of items offered in bulk so you can buy what you need; especially seasonings and spices which this home does not have.
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Food Conspiracy Co-op
412 N 4th AveYou need not be a member to shop here. Produce is mostly local, labeled (GMO, etc), prepared foods offered at a great price with dining area to enjoy it too. Loads of items offered in bulk so you can buy what you need; especially seasonings and spices which this home does not have.
Safeway
1940 E Broadway BlvdTraditional grocery store.