Jan and Jim's Guidebook
Food scene
This small Mexican restaurant is a short 8 minutes from the Casitas. The food is very good, the cocktails are delicious, and the service is excellent.
10 locals recommend
El Cisne Restaurant
4717 E Sunrise DrThis small Mexican restaurant is a short 8 minutes from the Casitas. The food is very good, the cocktails are delicious, and the service is excellent.
This Mexican Cafe is known for its dried beef enchiladas -- try them! They are delicious. The margaritas are good, too!
67 locals recommend
El Charro Cafe Ventana
6910 E Sunrise DrThis Mexican Cafe is known for its dried beef enchiladas -- try them! They are delicious. The margaritas are good, too!
If you enjoy Indian food, this restaurant is one of our favorites.
23 locals recommend
Saffron Indian Bistro
7607 N Oracle RdIf you enjoy Indian food, this restaurant is one of our favorites.
Hiking / Biking
There are many hiking options in the Sabino Canyon area. One of our favorites is an intermediate level hike, called the Seven Falls.
457 locals recommend
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
5700 North Sabino Canyon RoadThere are many hiking options in the Sabino Canyon area. One of our favorites is an intermediate level hike, called the Seven Falls.
This bicycle trail is made up of more than 100 miles of hard surface trails, along washes and through desert landscape. If you enjoy biking, this is a must do. Rent a bike if you didn't bring one.... there are several good rental options in Tucson.
8 locals recommend
The Loop Trail
Chuck Huckelberry LoopThis bicycle trail is made up of more than 100 miles of hard surface trails, along washes and through desert landscape. If you enjoy biking, this is a must do. Rent a bike if you didn't bring one.... there are several good rental options in Tucson.
City/town information
If you enjoy the small shop / gallery experience, take a drive south to Tubac. There, you'll find many shopping options, with cafes and coffee shops too. The quality of gifts and art is diverse... and you'll find authentic southwestern gifts to take home.
152 locals recommend
Tubac
If you enjoy the small shop / gallery experience, take a drive south to Tubac. There, you'll find many shopping options, with cafes and coffee shops too. The quality of gifts and art is diverse... and you'll find authentic southwestern gifts to take home.
Sightseeing
The campus of the University of Arizona is simply stunning. Take a walk across the quad; visit one of the several top-notch museums on campus, including the historical society building/museum. If you're a sports fan, visit the sports museum. The bookstore is huge.... buy a t shirt for yourself or as a gift.
197 locals recommend
The University of Arizona
1200 East University BoulevardThe campus of the University of Arizona is simply stunning. Take a walk across the quad; visit one of the several top-notch museums on campus, including the historical society building/museum. If you're a sports fan, visit the sports museum. The bookstore is huge.... buy a t shirt for yourself or as a gift.
Traveler advice
What to pack
Bring Sunscreen! And drink plenty of water.
The sun is intense, even though the fall/winter months. Please protect your exposed sun with sunscreen. Also, I make it a point to always have a water bottle with me. We suggest you do, too. If you're hiking, bring twice as much water as you think you'll need. If your hike will be hours long, you'll need to carefully plan your water needs. Take extra!
Book before you go
Desert Animals and Critters -- Beware!
In Tucson, you may see javelina (these critters look like wild boars, but they are from a different family), bobcats, rattle snakes, scorpions, and gila monsters (large, orange and black lizards.) Please respect these animals and keep your distance. Our welcome book in the casitas has pictures of each, for your awareness.