Tucson guidebook
City/town information
The historic Village of Tubac is about 45 minutes south of Tucson via I-19. Known as an arts colony, its fun to spend the day exploring the 100+ galleries, shops, and restaurants.
Eat at Elvira's!
152 locals recommend
Tubac
The historic Village of Tubac is about 45 minutes south of Tucson via I-19. Known as an arts colony, its fun to spend the day exploring the 100+ galleries, shops, and restaurants.
Eat at Elvira's!
For anyone who thinks the idea of sipping local wines while taking in the breathtaking, wide open scenery sounds like a perfect day, Sonoita, Arizona is an ideal destination. Sonoita is a part of the state’s original wine country and tasting rooms and vineyards continue to thrive around the small village.
56 locals recommend
Sonoita
For anyone who thinks the idea of sipping local wines while taking in the breathtaking, wide open scenery sounds like a perfect day, Sonoita, Arizona is an ideal destination. Sonoita is a part of the state’s original wine country and tasting rooms and vineyards continue to thrive around the small village.
Patagonia is often described as quirky, and the town more than lives up to the description with its brightly colored storefronts, unusual shops, and Western vibe.
48 locals recommend
Patagonia
Patagonia is often described as quirky, and the town more than lives up to the description with its brightly colored storefronts, unusual shops, and Western vibe.
Sightseeing
The oldest intact European structure in Arizona, the church's interior is filled with marvelous original statuary and mural paintings. It is a place where visitors can truly step back in time and enter an authentic 18th Century space.
329 locals recommend
Mission San Xavier del Bac
1950 W San Xavier RdThe oldest intact European structure in Arizona, the church's interior is filled with marvelous original statuary and mural paintings. It is a place where visitors can truly step back in time and enter an authentic 18th Century space.
About an hour East, beautiful rock formations and there is a close by very good Mexican restaurant in Benson- Mi Casa (the restaurant is not open on weekends).
18 locals recommend
Amerind Museum
2100 N Amerind RdAbout an hour East, beautiful rock formations and there is a close by very good Mexican restaurant in Benson- Mi Casa (the restaurant is not open on weekends).
Make a reservation for the outside tour when you purchase your tickets.
258 locals recommend
Pima Air and Space Museum
6000 E Valencia RdMake a reservation for the outside tour when you purchase your tickets.
Thousands of mothballed planes, impressive to see while driving to this museum.
The Historic Aviation Bone Yard
Thousands of mothballed planes, impressive to see while driving to this museum.
a fun way to get around and see and do things. You can purchase a day pass and get on and off. Starts just north of the U of A, goes through downtown, and ends at the Mercado, a Courtyard and container area with food and drink and artsy shopping.
8 locals recommend
Sun Link Streetcar
Sun Link Streetcara fun way to get around and see and do things. You can purchase a day pass and get on and off. Starts just north of the U of A, goes through downtown, and ends at the Mercado, a Courtyard and container area with food and drink and artsy shopping.
Food scene
La Encantada is an outdoor shopping center that includes a large variety of luxury and specialty retail stores including Apple, Crate & Barrel, AJ's Fine Foods, Anthropologie, lululemon, and Madewell. Restaurants include Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, Blanco Tacos + Tequila, North Italia, and RA Sushi Bar Restaurant.
229 locals recommend
La Encantada
2905 E Skyline DrLa Encantada is an outdoor shopping center that includes a large variety of luxury and specialty retail stores including Apple, Crate & Barrel, AJ's Fine Foods, Anthropologie, lululemon, and Madewell. Restaurants include Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, Blanco Tacos + Tequila, North Italia, and RA Sushi Bar Restaurant.
A wonderful place to visit and to have lunch in the garden.
11 locals recommend
Tohono Chul-Desert Discovery Education Center
7211 N Northern AveA wonderful place to visit and to have lunch in the garden.
Located close to the University, good for lunch or dinner inside or out.
27 locals recommend
Arizona Inn
2200 E Elm StLocated close to the University, good for lunch or dinner inside or out.
North Italia
2995 E Skyline DrGreat patio and delicious food in La Encantada
Blanco Tacos + Tequila
2905 E Skyline DrGreat tacos and bowls in a fun atmosphere.
RA Sushi Bar Restaurant
2905 E Skyline DrDelicious sushi and fun, hip ambiance.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
2985 E Skyline DrCozy comfort food.
Wildflower
7037 N Oracle RdUpscale date night or special occasion.
Culinary Dropout
2543 E Grant RdGreat casual restaurant concept.
Commoner & Co.-Tmp. Closed for Remodel
6960 E Sunrise DrDelicious food and great outdoor space.
Zinburger
1865 E River RdGreat Burgers.
Outdoor Adventure
The Zipline EcoTour will give each person the opportunity to zip across and learn about the Sonoran Desert flora and fauna while pushing the limits of their comfort zones. It includes 5 ziplines ranging in length from 400-1,500 feet. The last and longest run is a dual line making it possible to zip alongside a friend or loved one!
27 locals recommend
Arizona Zipline Adventures
35406 S Mt Lemmon RdThe Zipline EcoTour will give each person the opportunity to zip across and learn about the Sonoran Desert flora and fauna while pushing the limits of their comfort zones. It includes 5 ziplines ranging in length from 400-1,500 feet. The last and longest run is a dual line making it possible to zip alongside a friend or loved one!
Colossal Cave Mountain Park
16721 E Old Spanish TrailSabino Canyon is a significant canyon located in the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Coronado National Forest north of Tucson. Sabino Canyon is a popular recreation area providing a place to walk, hike or ride the tram. Enjoy multiple hiking trails and a tram (you can walk partway or all the way back down).
212 locals recommend
Sabino Canyon
Sabino Canyon is a significant canyon located in the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Coronado National Forest north of Tucson. Sabino Canyon is a popular recreation area providing a place to walk, hike or ride the tram. Enjoy multiple hiking trails and a tram (you can walk partway or all the way back down).
Pretty desert National Park (don’t miss the gift shop or the eight mile scenic loop).
99 locals recommend
Saguaro National Park East
Pretty desert National Park (don’t miss the gift shop or the eight mile scenic loop).
The Pontatoc Ridge Trail branches south off the canyon trail about 0.8 mile from the trailhead. It then climbs to the ridge top and changes direction to follow the ridge north to Pontatoc Saddle. At the saddle you’ll be rewarded with excellent views of Tucson lying at the foot of the Catalinas and stretching toward other mountain ranges across the basin. You’ll also get a closer look at the Pontatoc Cliffs and see a trail that leads to the base of those cliffs. Take care if you follow this trail; or better yet, don’t follow it at all. It takes a steep and rocky course above a precipitous cliff. Better to enjoy the views from the more solid footing of the saddle.
Pontatoc Ridge Trail
Pontatoc Ridge TrailThe Pontatoc Ridge Trail branches south off the canyon trail about 0.8 mile from the trailhead. It then climbs to the ridge top and changes direction to follow the ridge north to Pontatoc Saddle. At the saddle you’ll be rewarded with excellent views of Tucson lying at the foot of the Catalinas and stretching toward other mountain ranges across the basin. You’ll also get a closer look at the Pontatoc Cliffs and see a trail that leads to the base of those cliffs. Take care if you follow this trail; or better yet, don’t follow it at all. It takes a steep and rocky course above a precipitous cliff. Better to enjoy the views from the more solid footing of the saddle.
Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club
6200 N Club House LnGreat public golf course.
Udall Pickleball Courts
7200 E Tanque Verde RdFun place ate play pickle ball.
Neighborhoods
2544 E Allen Rd
2544 East Allen RoadValley of the Moon (funky neighborhood, not everyone’s cup of tea).
Grocery
AJ's
2805 E Skyline DrGourmet grocery store. Delicious prepared foods.
Safeway
4752 E Sunrise DrNearby grocery store for all the essentials.
Trader Joe's
4209 N Campbell Ave