Marisela’s guidebook
Historic Landmark
Situated in downtown Tucson, San Xavier del Bac is a Spanish Catholic Mission that sits on the Tohono O’odham San Xavier Indian Reservation. The mission takes its name from a Christian missionary who is also hailed as the co-founder of the Jesuit Order, Francis Xavier. Built in the 18th Century, the site is often considered some of the finest Spanish colonial architecture in the United States. It is open to the public daily and attracts over 200,000 visitors a year many of whom consider the site a pilgrimage. Still run by Franciscan members of the Christian community, tourist can savor the serene atmosphere in one of the oldest European buildings in Arizona.
https://sanxaviermission.org/tohono-oodham-nation
329 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mission San Xavier del Bac
1950 W San Xavier RdSituated in downtown Tucson, San Xavier del Bac is a Spanish Catholic Mission that sits on the Tohono O’odham San Xavier Indian Reservation. The mission takes its name from a Christian missionary who is also hailed as the co-founder of the Jesuit Order, Francis Xavier. Built in the 18th Century, the site is often considered some of the finest Spanish colonial architecture in the United States. It is open to the public daily and attracts over 200,000 visitors a year many of whom consider the site a pilgrimage. Still run by Franciscan members of the Christian community, tourist can savor the serene atmosphere in one of the oldest European buildings in Arizona.
https://sanxaviermission.org/tohono-oodham-nation
A LANDMARK HOTEL WITH URBAN CHARM! Unique Southwestern charm, urban and vintage. The Hotel Congress, built in 1919, is the cultural landmark that anchors Downtown Tucson. Though classically renovated and updated, every nook and cranny of the hotel reveals a window to years past, from the Tap Room Bar to the colorful murals that line the walls – there is a story in every detail.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Congress Tap Room
311 E Congress StA LANDMARK HOTEL WITH URBAN CHARM! Unique Southwestern charm, urban and vintage. The Hotel Congress, built in 1919, is the cultural landmark that anchors Downtown Tucson. Though classically renovated and updated, every nook and cranny of the hotel reveals a window to years past, from the Tap Room Bar to the colorful murals that line the walls – there is a story in every detail.
***Located in Hacienda del Sol***
The open-air Terraza Garden Patio & Lounge is now open with additional health and safety precautions in place. Enjoy fresh air, desert surroundings and memorable food and drink at Hacienda Del Sol. Al fresco dining, specialty drinks, and live music set the stage for a unique gastronomic experience in the heart of Tucson, AZ at our historic hotel's onsite dining spot. Count on our expert chefs to put an innovative twist to every single dish, from tapas to tacos and everything in between.
An Authentic Tucson Experience Nestled at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountain Range, Hacienda Del Sol is a relaxing refuge with breathtaking views and a storied history. Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn are among many of the famous names who've strolled the grounds of this stunning resort, which is included in the National Registry of Historic Places in Arizona and is a member of Historic Hotels of America.
Terraza Garden Patio & Lounge
5501 N Hacienda Del Sol Rd***Located in Hacienda del Sol***
The open-air Terraza Garden Patio & Lounge is now open with additional health and safety precautions in place. Enjoy fresh air, desert surroundings and memorable food and drink at Hacienda Del Sol. Al fresco dining, specialty drinks, and live music set the stage for a unique gastronomic experience in the heart of Tucson, AZ at our historic hotel's onsite dining spot. Count on our expert chefs to put an innovative twist to every single dish, from tapas to tacos and everything in between.
An Authentic Tucson Experience Nestled at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountain Range, Hacienda Del Sol is a relaxing refuge with breathtaking views and a storied history. Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn are among many of the famous names who've strolled the grounds of this stunning resort, which is included in the National Registry of Historic Places in Arizona and is a member of Historic Hotels of America.
Barrio Viego (aka Barrio Historico), an historic neighborhood immediately south of the Tucson Convention Center, is one of the best preserved barrios in Tucson. The nearly 20 blocks of Sonoran-style architecture, comprised of thick-walled, original adobe row houses painted in yellows, reds, purples and other vibrant colors, give the area the feel of a Mexican village more than a turn-of-the-century American city. The area is mixed use and buildings include office spaces, artist studios, and restaurants, in addition to being residences, making it one of the more diverse neighborhoods in the city.
Barrio Viejo
373 South Meyer AvenueBarrio Viego (aka Barrio Historico), an historic neighborhood immediately south of the Tucson Convention Center, is one of the best preserved barrios in Tucson. The nearly 20 blocks of Sonoran-style architecture, comprised of thick-walled, original adobe row houses painted in yellows, reds, purples and other vibrant colors, give the area the feel of a Mexican village more than a turn-of-the-century American city. The area is mixed use and buildings include office spaces, artist studios, and restaurants, in addition to being residences, making it one of the more diverse neighborhoods in the city.
Hidden high in the southern Arizona Mountains with its endless Sonoran Desert vistas, rich history, and authentic Wild West vibe, Colossal Cave Mountain Park is a destination for the adventurous at heart. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
131 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque de la Montaña de la Cueva Colosal
16721 E Old Spanish TrailHidden high in the southern Arizona Mountains with its endless Sonoran Desert vistas, rich history, and authentic Wild West vibe, Colossal Cave Mountain Park is a destination for the adventurous at heart. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Arrive early in the day to appreciate more beauty Tucson has to offer. Agua Caliente Park can get a bit busy later in the day with many people taking professional photos.
Agua Caliente, literally meaning hot water, is a unique 101-acre park with a perennial warm spring. An artificial stream links together three ponds within the park. The ponds are fed by the spring water and support diverse wildlife and fish populations. The spring flow fluctuates during the year—at various times, due to drought, visitors may see the lower ponds dry. Human habitation has been found to date back about 5,500 years. The site makes for a perfect place for a picnic or day hike.
FREE
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque de Agua Caliente
12325 E Roger RdArrive early in the day to appreciate more beauty Tucson has to offer. Agua Caliente Park can get a bit busy later in the day with many people taking professional photos.
Agua Caliente, literally meaning hot water, is a unique 101-acre park with a perennial warm spring. An artificial stream links together three ponds within the park. The ponds are fed by the spring water and support diverse wildlife and fish populations. The spring flow fluctuates during the year—at various times, due to drought, visitors may see the lower ponds dry. Human habitation has been found to date back about 5,500 years. The site makes for a perfect place for a picnic or day hike.
FREE
Nature
This is a beautiful 8 mile drive with breathtaking views of the AZ desert.
Need National Park Pass = $25 for a weekly pass unless you hold an annual pass already :)
99 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Saguaro National Park East
This is a beautiful 8 mile drive with breathtaking views of the AZ desert.
Need National Park Pass = $25 for a weekly pass unless you hold an annual pass already :)
Cultivate your appreciation for the Sonoran Desert’s natural beauty and the impression it makes on everyone who explores our “Desert Corner”. Here, the seasons inspire wondrous events both in nature and culturally; Tohono Chul celebrates every opening, whether for an internationally known artist or an exquisite cactus flower.
$15 per adult
$6 per child
168 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tohono Chul
7366 N Paseo Del NorteCultivate your appreciation for the Sonoran Desert’s natural beauty and the impression it makes on everyone who explores our “Desert Corner”. Here, the seasons inspire wondrous events both in nature and culturally; Tohono Chul celebrates every opening, whether for an internationally known artist or an exquisite cactus flower.
$15 per adult
$6 per child
Here you will find outstanding scenery that features steep rock cliffs and unique desert vegetation adjacent to riparian corridors. You may get lucky and view a Gila Monster, Bobcat, Gambel's Quail, Eastern Collard Lizard, Gopher Snake and more. The animals of this area adapt to our 100 + degree summers and mild winters. The Sonoran desert has two rainy seasons: gentle winter rains and a dramatic summer monsoon. Due to winter snow melt and summer electrifying lightning storms Sabino Creek flows almost year around. Come have a picnic at one of the many pools and cascades that grace Sabino Creek.
457 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Área recreativa del Cañón Sabino
5700 North Sabino Canyon RoadHere you will find outstanding scenery that features steep rock cliffs and unique desert vegetation adjacent to riparian corridors. You may get lucky and view a Gila Monster, Bobcat, Gambel's Quail, Eastern Collard Lizard, Gopher Snake and more. The animals of this area adapt to our 100 + degree summers and mild winters. The Sonoran desert has two rainy seasons: gentle winter rains and a dramatic summer monsoon. Due to winter snow melt and summer electrifying lightning storms Sabino Creek flows almost year around. Come have a picnic at one of the many pools and cascades that grace Sabino Creek.
Market with Eateries & Shopping
https://mercadodistrict.com/mercado/
Great plaza to have lunch. We really enjoy Seis Kitchen, delicious Mexican cuisine and pup friendly. Plan to go down the street to the MSA Annex as well which is another plaza however shops and eateries are housed in shipping containers.
160 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mercado San Augustin
100 South Avenida del Conventohttps://mercadodistrict.com/mercado/
Great plaza to have lunch. We really enjoy Seis Kitchen, delicious Mexican cuisine and pup friendly. Plan to go down the street to the MSA Annex as well which is another plaza however shops and eateries are housed in shipping containers.
Eateries and shops are beautifully housed in shipping containers!
68 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
MSA Annex
267 South Avenida del ConventoEateries and shops are beautifully housed in shipping containers!
Often has live music at 6pm!
The historic St. Philips Plaza is a Tucson landmark well known for the beauty of its fountains, cobblestone patios, rose gardens, and towering Eucalyptus trees. The Plaza offers boutique shopping, galleries, restaurants, and professional offices located in central Tucson, next to the historic St. Philip’s Church. St. Philip’s Plaza not only offers a unique and elegant shopping and dining experience but is also a venue for live music on stage and personal celebrations. Along with our many shops and restaurants, come stroll our weekend market with over 100 artists and makers every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am - 3 pm while enjoying brunch and mimosas. At Tucson's award-winning St Philip's Plaza, we celebrate Tucson's unique culture, food and creative spirit - come see why we have been Tucson's most iconic shopping and dining destination for decades!
44 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
St Philip's Plaza Farmers' Market
4280 N Campbell AveOften has live music at 6pm!
The historic St. Philips Plaza is a Tucson landmark well known for the beauty of its fountains, cobblestone patios, rose gardens, and towering Eucalyptus trees. The Plaza offers boutique shopping, galleries, restaurants, and professional offices located in central Tucson, next to the historic St. Philip’s Church. St. Philip’s Plaza not only offers a unique and elegant shopping and dining experience but is also a venue for live music on stage and personal celebrations. Along with our many shops and restaurants, come stroll our weekend market with over 100 artists and makers every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am - 3 pm while enjoying brunch and mimosas. At Tucson's award-winning St Philip's Plaza, we celebrate Tucson's unique culture, food and creative spirit - come see why we have been Tucson's most iconic shopping and dining destination for decades!
Pinnacle Peak and Trail Dust Town are rich with their own history, and people come from all over the world to experience the old west at these centerpieces of Tucson. Don't miss a wild west stunt show by the Pistoleros Wild West Show! The shows are full of lots of high-falls, low-falls, gunfights, fistfights, explosions, and family friendly slapstick comedy! Take a ride on the CP Huntington Railroad! The miniature train is fun for all ages, and its path reveals some of Trail Dust Town's hidden gems. Enjoy the carousel and Ferris wheel at PollyAnna Park! This is a beautiful area perfect for an evening of rides, popcorn, and taking in the blissful Tucson weather. PollyAnna Park is also available for birthday parties! Home to many shops, Trail Dust Town is a perfect destination for gifts and souvenirs. Trail Dust Town is also home to the elegant Savoy Opera House- a beautiful venue with Victorian charm.
55 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ciudad Trail Dust
6541 E Tanque Verde RdPinnacle Peak and Trail Dust Town are rich with their own history, and people come from all over the world to experience the old west at these centerpieces of Tucson. Don't miss a wild west stunt show by the Pistoleros Wild West Show! The shows are full of lots of high-falls, low-falls, gunfights, fistfights, explosions, and family friendly slapstick comedy! Take a ride on the CP Huntington Railroad! The miniature train is fun for all ages, and its path reveals some of Trail Dust Town's hidden gems. Enjoy the carousel and Ferris wheel at PollyAnna Park! This is a beautiful area perfect for an evening of rides, popcorn, and taking in the blissful Tucson weather. PollyAnna Park is also available for birthday parties! Home to many shops, Trail Dust Town is a perfect destination for gifts and souvenirs. Trail Dust Town is also home to the elegant Savoy Opera House- a beautiful venue with Victorian charm.
ucson’s largest year-round farmers market is located in the Southeast corner of Rillito Park, along the bike trail known as The Loop. The weekly Sunday Rillito Park Farmers Market hosts farmers, ranchers and artisan food purveyors featuring local produce and fresh cuisine.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Heirloom Farmers Market - Rillito Park
4502 N 1st Aveucson’s largest year-round farmers market is located in the Southeast corner of Rillito Park, along the bike trail known as The Loop. The weekly Sunday Rillito Park Farmers Market hosts farmers, ranchers and artisan food purveyors featuring local produce and fresh cuisine.
Nearby Getaways from Tucson
Plan to pack a picnic lunch and have a beautiful hike!
485 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mount Lemmon
Plan to pack a picnic lunch and have a beautiful hike!
Tombstone
300 N Sumner St
Sonoita Vineyards
290 Elgin Canelo RdFor those visitors who want to get closer to the stars, Kitt Peak National Observatory offers the perfect views of the night sky. An astronomical observatory sits atop Kitt Peak in the Quinlan Mountains and boasts the largest and most diverse astronomical equipment in the world that includes 24 telescopes. Depending on visitors interest levels in all things astronomical there is a choice of day or night tours, one featuring the history of the observatory and the invention of the telescope, and the other that commences at sunset and allows visitors to observe the cosmos through telescopes above the Arizona Desert.
95 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kitt Peak National Observatory
For those visitors who want to get closer to the stars, Kitt Peak National Observatory offers the perfect views of the night sky. An astronomical observatory sits atop Kitt Peak in the Quinlan Mountains and boasts the largest and most diverse astronomical equipment in the world that includes 24 telescopes. Depending on visitors interest levels in all things astronomical there is a choice of day or night tours, one featuring the history of the observatory and the invention of the telescope, and the other that commences at sunset and allows visitors to observe the cosmos through telescopes above the Arizona Desert.
***February 5th and April 3rd***
The Arizona Renaissance Festival is one of the most interactive entertainment shows ever created with wonderful amusements and antics on going all around you! Enjoy non-stop entertainment presented on 16 stages every event day, each show packed with a unique mix of comedy, music and mischievous antics! Circus performers, jousting knights on horseback, and so much more! Sit back and relax or become a part of the action as you are surrounded by costumed characters roaming the festival village!
36 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Arizona Renaissance Festival
12601 US-60***February 5th and April 3rd***
The Arizona Renaissance Festival is one of the most interactive entertainment shows ever created with wonderful amusements and antics on going all around you! Enjoy non-stop entertainment presented on 16 stages every event day, each show packed with a unique mix of comedy, music and mischievous antics! Circus performers, jousting knights on horseback, and so much more! Sit back and relax or become a part of the action as you are surrounded by costumed characters roaming the festival village!
Tucson's best casino and entertainment venue. Award-winning dining, spa, golf and gaming options.
81 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Casino Del Sol
5655 W Valencia RdTucson's best casino and entertainment venue. Award-winning dining, spa, golf and gaming options.
Sample some Mexican Food
Since 2002, The Guadalajara Grill has been offering a wide variety of the best Mexican food including favorite dishes and innovative fresh dishes that keep our customers coming back. A colorful and warm ambiance surrounds you with original art and décor, making us one of Tucson’s top Mexican restaurants.
103 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Guadalajara Original Grill
1220 E Prince RdSince 2002, The Guadalajara Grill has been offering a wide variety of the best Mexican food including favorite dishes and innovative fresh dishes that keep our customers coming back. A colorful and warm ambiance surrounds you with original art and décor, making us one of Tucson’s top Mexican restaurants.
Must have a MEXICAN HOT DOG!! There are several locations, original restaurant is off of 12th Ave.
Daniel Contreras opened his first hot dog stand in Tucson in 1993. As a boy he ate, slept and breathed baseball (he was nearly a champion at 12), now he puts that same drive into Sonoran food.
He owns and operates three El Guero Canelo restaurants, a meat market in Tucson, a bakery and tortilla factory in Magdalena (he had to be sure the quality was just right).
79 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Güero Canelo Restaurant
2480 N Oracle RdMust have a MEXICAN HOT DOG!! There are several locations, original restaurant is off of 12th Ave.
Daniel Contreras opened his first hot dog stand in Tucson in 1993. As a boy he ate, slept and breathed baseball (he was nearly a champion at 12), now he puts that same drive into Sonoran food.
He owns and operates three El Guero Canelo restaurants, a meat market in Tucson, a bakery and tortilla factory in Magdalena (he had to be sure the quality was just right).
Latin Inspired Vegan & Vegetarian Food
Truly believe that fresh, organic, local and pure ingredients make a perfect meal. When you utilize the fresh produce from farmers down the road, you not only support your community but also experience a freshness and quality that is unlike anything else.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tumerico on 4th. Ave
402 East 4th StreetLatin Inspired Vegan & Vegetarian Food
Truly believe that fresh, organic, local and pure ingredients make a perfect meal. When you utilize the fresh produce from farmers down the road, you not only support your community but also experience a freshness and quality that is unlike anything else.
Mi Nidito's walls are lined with photographs of famous people who have made a visit to this Tucson mainstay. President Bill Clinton dined here in 1992 and If you’re looking to sum up the restaurant on one plate, order the El Presidente meal. It’s a plate loaded with all the restaurant’s favorites: a bean tostada, birria taco, chile relleno, chicken enchilada and beef tamale. The restaurant’s almost always jam packed, so be prepared for a wait.
79 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mi Nidito
1813 S 4th AveMi Nidito's walls are lined with photographs of famous people who have made a visit to this Tucson mainstay. President Bill Clinton dined here in 1992 and If you’re looking to sum up the restaurant on one plate, order the El Presidente meal. It’s a plate loaded with all the restaurant’s favorites: a bean tostada, birria taco, chile relleno, chicken enchilada and beef tamale. The restaurant’s almost always jam packed, so be prepared for a wait.
Presenting award-winning regional Mexican cuisine from 6 culinary regions of Mexico.
Located in Mercado San Agustin listed above!! :)
140 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Seis Kitchen
1765 E River RdPresenting award-winning regional Mexican cuisine from 6 culinary regions of Mexico.
Located in Mercado San Agustin listed above!! :)
El Charro Café offers a wide variety of Northern Mexican and Tucson-style Mexican dishes, from enchiladas to tamales to mini chimis, and their insanely delicious food has been hailed by everyone from Bon Appetit to the NY Times to Nation’s Restaurant News, which named it one of America’s 50 most iconic restaurants.
151 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Charro Café
311 N Court AveEl Charro Café offers a wide variety of Northern Mexican and Tucson-style Mexican dishes, from enchiladas to tamales to mini chimis, and their insanely delicious food has been hailed by everyone from Bon Appetit to the NY Times to Nation’s Restaurant News, which named it one of America’s 50 most iconic restaurants.
Attractions
The Desert Museum is a fusion experience:
zoo, botanical garden, art gallery & classes, natural history museum, and aquarium
670 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo del Desierto de Arizona-Sonora
2021 N Kinney RdThe Desert Museum is a fusion experience:
zoo, botanical garden, art gallery & classes, natural history museum, and aquarium
Museo del Aire y del Espacio de Pima
6000 E Valencia RdTopgolf
4050 W Costco DrLocated on the site of the historic Porter property, The Canadian Garden Council and the American Public Gardens Association named Tucson Botanical Gardens as one of the top 10 North American Gardens worth traveling for. A lush oasis in the heart of Tucson offering mature trees and expertly cultivated foliage, specialty gardens such as the Cactus & Succulent Garden, Barrio Garden, and Herb Garden highlight the diversity of native plants. Tropical butterflies from around the world are featured in the Cox Butterfly & Orchid Pavilion Oct.–May. Experience year-round art exhibits, classes, and events, as well as the creative, seasonal menu of Edna’s Eatery. Now celebrating over 40 years of living beauty, The Tucson Botanical Gardens is a unique gem not to be missed.
260 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tucson Botanical Gardens
2150 N Alvernon WayLocated on the site of the historic Porter property, The Canadian Garden Council and the American Public Gardens Association named Tucson Botanical Gardens as one of the top 10 North American Gardens worth traveling for. A lush oasis in the heart of Tucson offering mature trees and expertly cultivated foliage, specialty gardens such as the Cactus & Succulent Garden, Barrio Garden, and Herb Garden highlight the diversity of native plants. Tropical butterflies from around the world are featured in the Cox Butterfly & Orchid Pavilion Oct.–May. Experience year-round art exhibits, classes, and events, as well as the creative, seasonal menu of Edna’s Eatery. Now celebrating over 40 years of living beauty, The Tucson Botanical Gardens is a unique gem not to be missed.
Events
***February 19th - 27th***
The La Fiesta de los Vaqueros (Celebration of the Cowboy's) has been celebrating Rodeo since 1925. What once started as a three day event, has now grown to a nine day celebration centered around The Tucson Rodeo.
The 2.5-mile stream of horse-drawn coaches, outfitted riders, folk dancers, and marching bands is ranked as the world’s longest non-motorized parade.
Tucson Rodeo Grounds
4823 South 6th Avenue***February 19th - 27th***
The La Fiesta de los Vaqueros (Celebration of the Cowboy's) has been celebrating Rodeo since 1925. What once started as a three day event, has now grown to a nine day celebration centered around The Tucson Rodeo.
The 2.5-mile stream of horse-drawn coaches, outfitted riders, folk dancers, and marching bands is ranked as the world’s longest non-motorized parade.
2022 TUCSON GEM & MINERAL SHOW
***February 10th - 13th***
“The Show That Glows” - There will be 80 spectacular exhibits in our “Fluorescent Mineral Pavilion” by the Fluorescent Mineral Society
*There are two other gem shows as well: Madagascar Mineral Gem show and Arizona Independent Warehouse Show.
You will be surprised at how much time you spend learning and being fascinated by rocks!!
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
260 S Church Ave
260 South Church Avenue2022 TUCSON GEM & MINERAL SHOW
***February 10th - 13th***
“The Show That Glows” - There will be 80 spectacular exhibits in our “Fluorescent Mineral Pavilion” by the Fluorescent Mineral Society
*There are two other gem shows as well: Madagascar Mineral Gem show and Arizona Independent Warehouse Show.
You will be surprised at how much time you spend learning and being fascinated by rocks!!
Cruise , BBQ, & Blues Festival & Car Show
***February 19th***
The event at the Oro Valley Marketplace invites thousands of people out to rev up the weekend with live oldies music, kids' activities and great food. With 20 different classes of auto awards given in Best of Show, Best Interior, Best Paint, Best Engine and People's Choice. The one day event will feature live blues music on the main stage, classic BBQ on the grill, and an endless supply of everything we have come to love about fast cars and classic auto.
Oro Valley Marketplace
12155 North Oracle RoadCruise , BBQ, & Blues Festival & Car Show
***February 19th***
The event at the Oro Valley Marketplace invites thousands of people out to rev up the weekend with live oldies music, kids' activities and great food. With 20 different classes of auto awards given in Best of Show, Best Interior, Best Paint, Best Engine and People's Choice. The one day event will feature live blues music on the main stage, classic BBQ on the grill, and an endless supply of everything we have come to love about fast cars and classic auto.