Tucson

Tucson (TOO-sawn), also known as the "Old Pueblo", is the second-largest city in the state of Arizona and the county seat of Pima County in the Sonoran Desert. It is at a higher elevation than nearby Phoenix and is correspondingly cooler. Although with half a million residents it is smaller than the capital city, its cultural life is just as vibrant.

Understand

Tucson has always been a crossroads. Water was, until the onset of a severe drought in the late 1990s, relatively plentiful in Tucson, in spite of its location in the middle of a desert. This made it an important travel route, an agricultural center, and a communications nexus.

Tucson's history is ancient, with evidence of human occupation stretching back 10,000 years. Between 200 CE and 1450 ACE, the Hohokam culture dominated the area – the Pima and Tohono O'Odham peoples that still occupy the area are descendants of the Hohokam. In 1699, Father Eusebio Kino, S.J., established the Mission San Xavier del Bac, southwest of present-day Tucson. Over the next 100 years, other missions were established in the area, but European presence was minimal.

It wasn't until 1775 that the Presidio of Tucson was created by Don Hugo O'Connor. At that time, it was the northernmost Spanish outpost in the New World. In 1821, Tucson became part of the new country of Mexico, and in 1853 it became part of the United States as a result of the Gadsden Purchase. In 1863, Arizona became a US territory, and by 1880, its population was around 8,000. In 1912, Arizona became the 48th state to enter the union.

Tucson is still a crossroads, with European, Native American, Mexican, and Asian cultures bumping into one another, in sometimes conflicting and sometimes compatible – but always interesting – ways.

Climate
Tucson
Climate chart (explanation)
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Metric conversion
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Tucson has a hot desert climate with a long, hot summer and a mild winter. Fall and spring tend to be sunny and dry. If you're familiar with Phoenix weather, Tucson is slightly cooler and slightly wetter due to elevation and surrounding mountain ranges.

Summer has daytime high temperatures between 98 and 102 °F (37 and 39 °C) and low temperatures between 71 and 77 °F (22 and 25 °C). Early summer is dry: low humidity and clear skies. By mid-summer the monsoons start, bringing higher humidity, cloudy skies, and frequent thunderstorms. The monsoon season officially starts on June 15, but the actual arrival of storms varies from year to year. Storms usually are scattered, with intense rainfall, thunder and lightning in one part of town, and completely storm-free elsewhere, then changing in a few hours. Flash floods are possible. Large areas of the city do not have storm sewers (the street becomes the storm sewer), flooding main thoroughfares. A few underpasses have "feet of water" scales to discourage motorists from driving through in a rainstorm. (See "Stay safe" section for more information).

Winter in Tucson is mild compared to other parts of the U.S. Average daytime highs range between 65 and 70 °F (18 and 21 °C) and lows between 40 and 44 °F (4 and 7 °C). Tucson typically averages three hard freezes per winter season, with temperatures dipping to the mid or low-20s (−7 to −4 °C), but this is typically limited to only a very few nights. Snow is rare but occasionally falls at the lower elevations at the city street level, and is quite common up in the Santa Catalina Mountains.

The sun is intense in Tucson year-round. Those who spend time outdoors need sun protection. And in the summer months, heat stroke is a serious concern for those spending their time outdoors.

Visitor information

Get in

By plane

The airport is on the far southern end of the city. A taxi to central Tucson (University of Arizona area) will run about $25-30 and take 25 minutes. Bus services (Rt #11 and 25) to and from the airport is significantly cheaper but will take at least 60 minutes to/from downtown Tucson. Some people fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) and then take a shuttle or rent a car and drive to Tucson (about 2 hours). American Eagle operate 1hr flights between Phoenix and Tucson. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.

By train

Arriving by train to Tucson is possible as the city is served by Amtrak via its triweekly Sunset Limited train between New Orleans and Los Angeles. This train also conveys Texas Eagle carriages, offering a direct route to and from Chicago. Eastbound trains arrive around 7:30AM while westbound ones arrive early evening. Notice however that delays are quite common.

  • 🌍 Tucson railway station, 400 N Toole Ave. Located next to downtown, this historic station has both a waiting room and a ticket office. (updated May 2019)

By car
  • Interstate 10 (I-10) is an east-west cross-continental route, coming from southern New Mexico to the east and from Phoenix from the northwest. While I-10 is an east-west route, it runs northwest-southeast between Tucson and Phoenix, then from Phoenix runs west towards California.
  • Interstate 19 (I-19) is an intra-state route running south from Tucson, connecting it with Nogales, on the border US-Mexico with Nogales, Sonora, Mexico.
  • & N Oracle Rd (AZ 77) is a north-south route, the south end starting in Tucson going north through Oracle and Globe, then concurrent with US 60 from Globe to Show Low, then to Holbrook and I-40. AZ 77 and 79 replaced this section of the (Historic) US 80 after US Route 80 was decommissioned west of Dallas, Texas. The Historic US 80 ran along the present day AZ 77 to Oracle Junction (north of Tucson) where it follows AZ 79 through Florence, to US 60 in Queen Creek.
  • W Ajo Way/State Route (SR) 86 (AZ 86) runs east-west through southern Arizona, it's east end starting in Tucson, passing near Kitt Peak Observatory, through the Tohono O'odham Nation, and ending in the little town of Why at the junction with AZ 85, just north of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.

By bus

There are multiple long distance bus lines and van shuttles serving Tucson from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, El Paso, Phoenix, Douglas, Yuma & Nogales in the U.S. and from Nogales, Hermosillo, Puerto Peñasco, Agua Prieta and Culiacán in Mexico. Each company has a stop for their own bus station in different parts of town that are far from each other.

  • 🌍 Groome Transportation (formerly Arizona Shuttle Service), 5350 E Speedway Blvd, ☏ +1 520-795-6771. Offers shuttle service between Phoenix Sky Harbor and Tucson. Additional local scheduled stops in U of AZ at 501 N Park St, and Twin Peaks at 9633 N Tiffany Loop. Ask if they offer door to door service. (updated Mar 2021)
  • Flixbus, (bus stop) Univ of Arizona 6th St Garage at 1119 E 6th St (Bus will board in the covered bus loading zone on the south side of the Sixth Street garage.). They also have an additional stops at the Greyhound station in other places around the city. Check websites and tickets for boarding locations. (updated Dec 2018)
  • 🌍 Greyhound Lines, Autobus Americanos, Cruceros USA, 801 E 12th (E 12th & S Euclid), ☏ +1 520-792-3475. Daily 5AM-1PM & 5PM-11PM. Travels primarily on Interstate 10 (Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Phoenix, Tucson, Lordsburg, El Paso) an on I-8/10 (San Diego, Calexico, Yuma, Tucson and El Paso). Some variations of the route on I-10 may make additional stops in Quartzsite, Mesa, Casa Grande/Eloy, Benson, Wilcox, Deming and/or Las Cruces on I-10 in Arizona and New Mexico. Passengers transfer to other buses in Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and El Paso to get to additional cities in the U.S. Check schedules. 
  • 🌍 Premier Shuttle, 4207 6th Ave, ☏ +1 520 460-9010. Daily 8AM-6PM. Connects Phoenix to Nogales via Tucson. (updated Jan 2018)
  • 🌍 Sahuaro Shuttle, 4202 6th Ave (6th Ave & E District St), ☏ +1 520 573-1399. Daily 8AM-6PM. Connects Tucson to Phoenix in one direction and to Agua Prieta and Hermosillo via Nogales in the other. (updated Jan 2018)
  • 🌍 Shuttle Sonora, 4201 6th Ave (6th Ave & E District St), ☏ +1 520 294-1210. Daily 8AM-6PM. Phoenix, Tucson, Nogales and Douglas. They also serve as a ticket agent for Omnibus who connects Phoenix and Nogales to Mexico. (updated Jan 2018)
  • 🌍 TUFESA Bus Lines, 5550 S 12th Ave #148, ☏ +1 520-294-3780. Bus service along I-10/I-19 between Los Angeles, Phoenix, Tucson, Nogales and Hermosillo in Mexico 

Get around

By public transportation
  • 🌍 Sun Tran, 3920 N Sun Tran Blvd (main office), ☏ +1 520-628-1565 (customer service), . M-F 6AM-7PM, Sa-Su 8AM-5PM. An extensive metropolitan bus system, with routes and times listed here. The buses can accommodate up to two bicycles in the front; only folding bikes are permitted inside the bus. One-way fares (exact change required): $1.50 (adults), $0.50 (concessions), free (children under 5), $2 (express routes); 1-day pass: $3.50; 30-day pass: $42; 30-day economy pass: $15. 
  • Sun Link Streetcar. A streetcar route which extends from the University of Arizona to the downtown area and the Mercado district. It has now been integrated into the Sun Tran public transportation system; the streetcar route map can be downloaded here. It is especially popular in the evenings for making the rounds between University and the night life on 4th Ave. 

By car

I-10 and I-19 are the only freeways in Tucson, which has far fewer miles of freeway than other U.S. cities of its size. Since I-10 and I-19 mostly skirt the west and south sides, all east-west traffic and all east-side traffic is on surface streets.

Surface street travel can be slow during the workday, and even slower during rainstorms. Many older streets become completely flooded as they are the original "U-shape" where the entire street width is for rain drainage, instead of the modern typical street pitching down towards curbs. And several main surface streets have "reversible lanes", also dubbed "suicide lanes", where the center turn lane becomes an additional through traffic lane for peak hours. Watch the lane signals for proper usage, or you'll likely find yourself staring at the grill of another vehicle. Traffic direction typically alternates between morning and afternoon.

By bicycle

Tucson is a bike-friendly community, and has an extensive system of bike routes and paths (but is something you don't want to do in the summer unless you are experienced riding in very hot, dry weather).

In late 2017 the city launched Tugo Bike Share, a new public bike-sharing program, with 330 bicycles and 36 rental station scattered around the university district and downtown. Passes are available for one day ($8), one month ($18), or one year ($80), and allow unlimited use of the bikes for 30-minute intervals. Passes can be purchased at docking stations with a credit card, online with a credit or debit card, or with cash at any 7-Eleven, CVS, or Family Dollar stores (requires prior online registration). Bicycle stations with available bikes and docks can be found online or via the smartphone Cyclefinder app (iOS and Android).

By taxi

It is notoriously difficult to get around in Tucson by taxi, as you must usually reserve a cab hours in advance and contend with drivers who are often late, if they show up at all. As an alternative, ride-hailing services Uber and Lyft now both operate in Tucson, and are a decent alternative if you can't get a regular cab within a reasonable time frame.

See

Historic sights
  • Barrio Viejo (Barrio Histórico), Bounded by I-10, W Cushing St , S 6th Ave, and W 18th St (by the Tucson Convention Center). One of Tucson's oldest neighborhoods, much of the barrio was destroyed when the Tucson Convention Center was built. There are many colorful adobe buildings housing shops, galleries, and residences. Best explored on foot. 
    • 🌍 El Tiradito (The Castaway), Just south of the intersection of S Main Ave at W Cushing St (Barrio Viejo). El Tiradito is the only shrine to a sinner in North America. In the 1880s, a young man had an affair with his mother-in-law. When caught in the act, his father-in-law shot him and he stumbled from bed and ran out of the house. He dropped dead on this spot, and because he had not confessed his sins, he could not be buried in the church yard. His family and friends interred him where he fell, but remembered him with candles and flowers. People still burn candles and leave offerings today. Best visited at dusk or after dark. (updated Aug 2016)
    • 🌍 Sosa-Carrillo-Frémont House Museum, 151 S Granada Ave, ☏ +1 520-628-5774, . Th-Sa 10AM-4PM. A remnant of Tucson's old barrio which survived and is now surrounded by the Tucson Convention Center, this historic adobe house was built in the 1870s. Free, donations welcome. 
  • 🌍 Fort Lowell Museum, 2900 N Craycroft Rd, ☏ +1 520-885-3832. Th-Sa 10AM-4PM. Fort Lowell was a US Army post, active in the late 19th century during the Apache Wars. Most of the adobe structures are now in ruins, but the commanding officers' quarters have been reconstructed and now house a small museum, with exhibits focused on military life on the frontier. The building also has a small gift shop. Free, donations welcome. 
  • 🌍 San Pedro Chapel, 5230 E Fort Lowell Rd, ☏ +1 520-302-9265, . A historic Sonoran-style adobe chapel, built in 1915 and on the National Register of Historic Places. Unfortunately the church is usually only open for special events, but it can be freely appreciated from the outside. 

Museums and galleries
  • 🌍 Pima Air & Space Museum, 6000 E Valencia Rd, ☏ +1 520-574-0462. Daily 9AM-5PM (last admission at 3PM); closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Features over 400 historic aircraft on an 80-acre site with five hangars, three of them devoted to World War II. Veterans and volunteers are often on hand to answer any questions, and there are daily walking tours of the grounds. There is an onsite restaurant. Admission for 1-day pass: $19.50 (adults), $15.25 (Pima County residents), $16.75 (seniors), $13 (children ages 5-12), free (children under age 5); for 2-day pass: $26 (adults), $20.25 (Pima County residents), $22.75 (seniors), $15.50 (children ages 5-12), free (under age 5). (updated Dec 2023)
    • Tram Tour, ☏ +1 520-574-0462. As the grounds are so large, a tour tram is offered for those who do not wish to walk. The guided tour lasts one hour and covers 1½ miles and more than 150 planes. Departure times vary, so it is best to call ahead or inquire at the entrance. Price is in addition to museum admission: $6 (adults), free (children under 6). (updated Apr 2016)
  • 🌍 Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N Main Ave, ☏ +1 520-624-2333, . Tu W 10AM-5PM, Th 10AM-8PM, F Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. A museum complex housed in a collection of historic adobe houses, this museum hosts exhibits of regional contemporary art, as well as the Arizona Biennial. Its permanent collection of Latin American and pre-Columbian art is particularly noteworthy. There is a well-stocked shop in the lobby that is open during museum hours. $12 (adults), $10 (seniors), $7 (students/children 13-17), free (children under 13); free on 1st Th of month from 5PM-8PM. (updated Apr 2016)
  • 🌍 University of Arizona Museum of Art, 1031 N Olive Rd (on the U of A campus, by E Speedway), ☏ +1 520-621-7567. W 9AM-5PM, Th 9AM-8PM, F Sa 9AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. Houses an extensive of American and European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century, with excellent rotating exhibits. A highlight of the collection is the 15th-century Spanish altarpiece of Ciudad Rodrigo. $8 (adults), $6.50 (seniors), free (students). (updated Apr 2016)
  • 🌍 Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson (MOCA), 265 S Church Ave (across from the Tucson Convention Center), ☏ +1 520-624-5019. W-Su noon-5PM. Hosts exhibits of regional and national contemporary art. $8 (adults), $5 (students/seniors), free (veterans, military, children under 17); free on last Su of every month. (updated Apr 2016)
  • 🌍 Center for Creative Photography, 1030 Olive Rd (on the U of A campus, by E Speedway), ☏ +1 520-621-7968, toll-free: +1 520-621-9444, . Tu-F 9AM-4PM, Sa 1PM-4PM. The center was founded by Ansel Adams, and routinely features works of famous (and not-so-famous) photographers. When they have their Ansel Adams collection up it is a must see. Free, donations accepted. (updated Apr 2016)
  • 🌍 Philabaum Glass Gallery & Studio, 711 S 6th Ave (just south of Downtown), ☏ +1 520-884-7404, . Winter: Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM; summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day): Tu-Sa 11AM-4PM. Tom Philabaum built his first glass studio in 1975, and opened the adjacent gallery in 1982. Together they represent one of the most enduring art endeavors of present-day Tucson. Visitors are able to watch the glass blowing process in the studio, and shop the impressive collection of contemporary glass art from artists around the country. (updated Apr 2016)
  • 🌍 De Grazia Gallery in the Sun Historic District, 6300 N Swan Rd, ☏ +1 520-299-9191, toll-free: +1-800-545-2185, . Daily 10AM-4PM; closed 1 Jan, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. A collection of buildings on a 10-acre site, designed and built by well-known Arizona painter Ettore 'Ted' DeGrazia (1909-1982); the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A gallery showcases the artist's work in six permanent collections as well as special rotating exhibits, and a gift shop onsite sells good quality reproductions of some of his work. In early December the grounds also host the annual Fiesta de Guadalupe.
    The chapel is closed due to fire damage.     $8 (adults), $5 (children 12-18), free (children under 12). (updated Apr 2016)
  • 🌍 Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, 414 N Toole Ave (next to the Amtrak station), ☏ +1 520-623-2223, . T-Th 11AM-3PM, F Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 11AM-3PM, engine with cab visits Sa 10AM-1PM. A small museum devoted to the history of the railroads in southern Arizona, housed in the historic Southern Pacific Railroad Depot. The star attraction is the Southern Pacific Railroad 1673 steam locomotive. Docents and volunteers available to answer questions about the locomotive on Saturdays. For other times, tours can be arranged upon request. Free. 
  • 🌍 Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S 6th Ave, ☏ +1 520-792-9985. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa Su 10AM-5PM. $6 (children 1-18), $8 (adults), $6 (seniors); $2 2nd Sa of the month. 
  • 🌍 Arizona History Museum, 949 E 2nd St (University of Arizona Campus), ☏ +1 520-628-5774. M-Th 9AM-4PM, F 9AM-8PM, Sa Su 11AM-4PM. This museum is devoted to the history of Tucson and the surrounding area, with relevant displays. $8 (adults), $6 (seniors), $5 (students), $4 (children 7-17), free (children under 7). 
  • 🌍 Old Pascua Museum and Yaqui Cultural Center, 856 W Calle Santa Ana (south of Grant Rd and Fairview Ave), ☏ +1 520-884-8527, +1 520-990-5949. Tu-Sa 9AM-1PM. Museum that features more than 4000 artifacts on display from the old Pasqua tribe, displayed in a home built in 1926 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Free (donations welcome). 

Parks and wildlife
  • 🌍 Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N Kinney Rd, ☏ +1 520-883-2702. Oct-Feb 8:30AM-5PM, Mar-Sep 7:30AM-5PM. More like Biosphere II than a walled institution, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is part zoo, part natural history museum and part botanical garden all in one Tucson attraction. From tarantulas to black bears, coyotes to scorpions, the museum-zoo is an entrancing and full-contact tribute to the Sonoran desert's wildlife (the wire fences are nearly invisible and the hummingbirds in the buzzing, walk-in aviary seem to think you are the attraction). Give yourself time to soak in the Southwest splendor and if time is all you have, the Museum is also on the fringes of Saguaro National Park, home to the world's largest forests of Saguaro cacti. $14.50/adult, $5/child (Sep-May); $12/adult, $4/child Jun-Aug. 
  • 🌍 Colossal Cave Mountain Park, 16721 E Old Spanish Trail (Vail), ☏ +1 520-647-7275, . Daily 8AM-5PM, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas; tours hourly, last tour at 4PM. A "dry" cave with 3½ miles of mapped passageways. The cave was used by pre-Columbian Native Americans, and rediscovered in 1879. Also on park grounds are a cowboy ranch museum, a butterfly garden, horseback trails, and picnic and camping facilities. Park: $5 (auto), $1 (bicycle); cave: $16 (adults), $9 (children 5-12). (updated Apr 2016)
  • 🌍 Tohono Chul Park, 7366 N Paseo del Norte, ☏ +1 520-742-6455. "Tohono chul" means "desert corner" in the Tohono O'Odham's (desert people's) language, and this haven in the midst of Tucson's burgeoning north side offers a tea room, gift shop, bookstore, and art gallery in the middle of trails and gardens. There are extensive botanical exhibits explaining the native plants, and a wonderful plant-sale area in which to buy them for your own garden. Many kinds of desert birds are frequent visitors. 
  • 🌍 Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N Alvernon Way, ☏ +1 520-326-9686. Sa-W 8:30AM - 4:30PM, Th F 8:30AM - 8PM. This beautiful oasis in the heart of Tucson was the home of Bernice and Rutger Porter. Dating to the 1920s, the earliest buildings on the property were constructed of adobe bricks made right on site. True to the vision of Mrs. Porter, Tucson Botanical Gardens is a place of beauty, inspiration and education about the natural world. Adult $15; student, senior 62+, or military $13, child 4-17 $8, child under 4 years free. 
  • 🌍 Reid Park Zoo, 1030 S Randolph Way, ☏ +1 520-791-4022. Jun-Aug: daily 8AM-3PM, Sep-May: 9AM-4PM. Cares for more than 500 animals. The zoo has a state-of-the-art facility for treating cancers with radiation and heat therapy, and treats animal patients from zoos all over the country. Adult $9, senior $7, child 2-14 $5. 

Outside of town
  • 🌍 Mission San Xavier del Bac, 1950 W San Xavier Rd (Tohono O'odham San Xavier Indian Reservation, 10 miles S of Tucson), ☏ +1 520-294-2624. The "White Dove of the Desert" is a Tucson mission. Pure white and pristine against a hot desert backdrop, and still heady inside its elaborately colored and muraled interior from centuries of supplication, the Mission San Xavier del Bac was finished in 1797 when Arizona was still New Spain. It has been cleaned and restored by professional art conservators who worked with and trained members of the community. 
  • 🌍 Old Tucson Studios, 201 S Kinney Rd, ☏ +1 520-883-0100. Ever notice that Hollywood's Old West, the backdrop for the gun-slinging and cryptic comments of Hollywood's Western icons – Wayne, Eastwood, Douglas and Newman – has much in common with the Wild West of today's Tombstone and Geronimo? They've all been filmed at the Old Tucson Studios, which were built in 1939 for the making of the William Holden film Arizona. Still an active film, TV and commercial set, it's also a nostalgia-themed park, with main drag shootouts, corseted can-can dancers, educational shows, pre-Prohibition saloons, restaurants, and gift shops. 

Talk

Tucson is a very diverse city. English is the most widely spoken language. Many people in the south side are bilingual in English and Spanish.

Do

Performing arts

Festivals and events
  • 🌍 Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, ☏ +1 520-322-5773, fax: +1 520-322-6031, . late January - mid February. For two weeks every winter, the world meets in Tucson as it becomes a bustling, international marketplace of buyers and sellers at the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase. The "Gem Show" is much more than a single event at one location. Rather, there are thousands of participants and attendees at nearly 50 sites around town. Dozens of shows take place at the same time – in giant white tents, at hotels and resorts and at exhibit halls. There's something for everyone at the many open-to-the-public shows – from gold and diamonds to granite bookends and glass beads – and from fine specimens of dinosaur fossils to opals dug from the Australian Outback. 
  • 🌍 Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Pima County Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S 6th Ave, ☏ +1 520-741-2233, toll-free: +1-800-964-5662, . February. An annual week-long rodeo held in mid-February, the highlight of which is the Rodeo Parade. This event marks the start of rodeo season in the US. $22-60. 
  • 🌍 Wa:k Pow Wow, 1950 W San Xavier Rd (behind Mission San Xavier del Bac, on the San Xavier Indian Reservation), ☏ +1 520-573-4000, . 2nd weekend in March; activities begin at 10AM on Sa and extend until 6PM on Su. This annual two-day event showcases traditional dancing from a number of different regional tribes. Booths offer crafts and jewelry for sale, as well as food and beverages. $7 (adults), $5 (children), free (children under 6); $3 for parking. (updated Feb 2017)
  • 🌍 La Frontera Tucson International Mariachi Conference, 5655 W Valencia Rd (Casino del Sol Resort), ☏ +1 520-838-3908, fax: +1 520-792-0654, . Late April. An annual four-day event celebrating mariachi music and folklorico dance. International stars and local students alike give performances. (updated Apr 2016)
  • 🌍 Tucson Modernism Week, 260 S Church Ave (Tucson Convention Center). October. Annual festival celebrating Tucson's legacy of mid-century modern architecture and design, centered around the mid-century modern convention center and its Garrett Eckbo-designed plaza. Events include a vintage market where numerous vendors sell everything mod, from suits and ties to designer furniture to cool retro gadgets; a car show displaying mostly mid-century cars and trailers; various lectures on architecture; and tours of various mid-century modern homes around Tucson. Prices vary by event; the market and car show are free, but most lectures require tickets. (updated Nov 2018)
  • 🌍 All Souls Procession (All Soul's Weekend), Downtown (route begins on N 6th Ave and E 6th St, and ends on W Congress Ave after I-10). November. One of the largest festivals in Tucson and based on the Mexican holiday 'Día de los Muertos' (Day of the Dead), the highlight is a 3-mile parade beginning at dusk. Very colorful, with participants dressing in traditional or creative costumes. Takes place annually on the first Sunday in November. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 La Fiesta de Guadalupe, 6300 N Swan Rd (DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun), ☏ +1 520-299-9191, toll-free: +1-800-545-2185, . First Sunday in December, 10AM-4PM. This annual event celebrates Mexico's patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe, and features performances by mariachi bands, folklorico dancers, Yaqui dancers, and Spanish flamenco guitar. Booths sell crafts and souvenirs, as well as southwestern-style food and beverages. Free. (updated Apr 2016)
  • 🌍 Winterhaven Festival of Lights. December. An annual event in the Winterhaven subdivision north of Fort Lowell Road displaying a huge Christmas light festival involving several dozen homes in the subdivision. The festival starts in the middle of December, ending a few days before New Year's Day. The event is very popular, and traffic to the event is always very congested. 
  • Summer Car Shows. Year round. Typically after sunset during summer. Tucson's dry climate makes it an ideal location for classic car restoration. There are community organized car shows at various locations and times. Usually free.. (updated Jul 2019)

Sports and outdoor activities
  • 🌍 Arizona Wildcats, McKale Center, 1721 E. Enke Dr, ☏ +1 520 621-2287, toll-free: +1-800-452-2287, . M-F 9AM–5PM. The city's highest-profile sports teams are those of the University of Arizona, members of the Pac-12 Conference alongside 11 other schools in the western third of the country. While the school fields teams in 21 sports (nine men's and 12 women's), the biggest draws are (as at most major schools) football and men's basketball. The latter is a very tough ticket, considering the Wildcats' consistent regional and national success in that sport for the last 30 or so years. 
  • 🌍 Catalina State Park, 11570 N Oracle Rd (10 miles N of downtown), ☏ +1 520-628-5798. Daily 8AM-5PM (visitor center). On the northwestern edge of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this park covers 5,500 acres and has eight multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, of varying difficulty. Other popular activities include picnicking, wildlife viewing and birdwatching, with over 170 avian species identified in the park. A small shop at the visitor center carries such items as snack, water, sunscreen, maps, and books. $7 (vehicle w/1-4 adults), $3 (individual/bicycle). (updated Apr 2016)
  • 🌍 Tucson Mountain Park, 8451 W McCain Loop, ☏ +1 520-877-6000. This minor mountain range to the southwest of the city has an excellent trail network for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. The park has many healthy stands of saguaros. The higher-elevation trails provide beautiful views, and are a popular place to photograph sunsets. Free. 
  • 🌍 Funtasticks Family Fun Park, 221 East Wetmore Road. Park with different activities such as waterslides, bumper boats, go-karts, minigolf and arcade games. It has a fast food restaurant. 
  • 🌍 Golf N'Stuff, 6503 E. Tanque Verde Road. Another park with activities including minigolf, bumper boats, go-karts, laser tag, and arcade games. 
  • 🌍 Tucson Arena, 260 S Church Ave. The venue is part of the Tucson Convention Center, though it isn't Tucson's largest indoor arena (that would be the Arizona Wildcats' McKale Center). It hosts a number of events throughout the year including local events, concerts, Monster Truck shows, and circus performances. It has been the home for the Tucson Roadrunner American Hockey League (AHL) team. (updated Feb 2018)

Learn
  • 🌍 University of Arizona. Founded in 1885, the University of Arizona is the state's original land-grant university. Today, it hosts nearly 40,000 students, with nationally pre-eminent programs in astronomy, planetary science, optical sciences, pharmacy, business, fine arts, and basketball. One unusual thing is the Tree Walk, a self-guided tour to almost a hundred rare trees on campus. 

Buy

Gifts
  • 🌍 Bahti Indian Arts, 4330 N Campbell Ave #73, ☏ +1 520-577-0290. M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 8:30AM-4PM. Sells regional Native American arts and crafts. 
  • 🌍 Medicine Man Gallery, 6872 E Sunrise Dr #150 (Colonia Verde Shopping Center), ☏ +1 520-722-7798. Specializes in western painter Maynard Dixon, but also represents a number of other western and Native American artists. 
  • 🌍 Old Town Artisans, 201 N Court Ave, ☏ +1 520-623-6024. Sep-May: M-Sa 9:30AM-5:30PM, Su 11AM-5PM; Jun-Aug: M-Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 11AM-4PM. Sells Mexican and Arizona crafts, including jewelry and home decor. 
  • 🌍 San Xavier Plaza (in front of Mission San Xavier del Bac). A few stalls here sell friendship bowls (beautifully painted ceramic bowls) made by the Tohono O’odham. 
  • 🌍 Silver Sea Jewelry, 330 N 4th Ave, ☏ +1 520-624-9954, . Tu-Sa 11AM-7PM, Su M noon-5PM. In business since 1993, the store offers sterling silver jewelry at competitive prices, with interesting little figurines (fantasy, Gothic, Egyptian, skulls) and a variety of gifts. The helpful owner Lizzie can help you find the perfect goodie, including limited supply Stardust and Cake label jewelry. (updated Mar 2017)

Books

Outdoor goods
  • 🌍 REI, 160 W Wetmore Rd (Tucson Mall), ☏ +1 520-887-1938. M-F 10AM-9PM, Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 10AM-6PM. This branch of the Seattle-based chain carries a good selection of outdoor gear and clothing. They also offer classes and lectures, most of them free, on a range of topics relating to the region and travel in general. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 Summit Hut (Speedway Store), 5251 E Speedway Blvd, ☏ +1 520-325-1554, . M-F 9AM-8PM, Sa 9AM-6:30PM, Su 9AM-5PM. Offers great gear and resources for getting outdoors around Tucson. A very local shop with more than 30 years of experience. Go in and ask questions, these guys will take the time to help you out. (updated Mar 2017)

Other
  • 🌍 The RumRunner (The Rum Runner), 3131 E 1st St (just off SE corner of Speedway & Country Club), ☏ +1 520 326-0121. 11AM-10PM. Wine and spirits shop, with large international selection. Full-service cheese and deli counter, with wine tastings and in-house bistro. 
  • 🌍 Tanque Verde Swap Meet, 4100 S Palo Verde Rd, ☏ +1 520-294-4252. F 3PM-11PM, Sa 7AM-11PM, Su 7AM-3PM. A great place to find all sorts of oddities. 

Shopping centers
  • 🌍 La Encantada Shopping Center, 2905 E Skyline Dr, ☏ +1 520-299-3566. M-W 10AM-7PM, Th-Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 11AM-6PM. Tucson's only luxury shopping center. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 Park Place, 5870 E Broadway Blvd, ☏ +1 520-747-7575. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM. The mall is anchored by Dillard's, Macy's, Old Navy, and Sears, and has a Cinemark movie theater. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 Trail Dust Town, 6541 E Tanque Verde Rd, ☏ +1 520-296-4551, fax: +1 520-298-3614, . Daily 8AM-11PM (courtyard); shop hrs vary. This unusual shopping center is on an unfinished western movie set, and in addition to shops has a number of tourist attractions. These include a 1954 Allan Herschell carousel, a narrow-gauge railroad, and a military museum. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 Tucson Mall, 4500 N Oracle Rd, ☏ +1 520-293-7330. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su noon-6PM. Tucson's largest mall has 200 shops and is anchored by Macy's, Dillard's, and Sears. (updated Mar 2017)

Eat

As you can guess, Tucson is a veritable hub of Southwestern and Mexican cuisine. But Tucson is an adventurous town (easily the most liberal metropolitan area in Arizona) and as a result of its diversity, has a vibrant culinary culture.

One noteworthy concoction unique to Tucson, Phoenix, and southern Arizona is the Sonoran hot dog. First developed in Hermosillo, Sonora, it consists of a traditional hot dog wrapped with bacon and then grilled. It is served in a bolillo (a Mexican roll) with pinto beans, onions, and tomatoes, and topped with mayonnaise, mustard, and jalapeños. The hot dog is traditionally sold from street carts, but several of the longer-established vendors now have sit-down restaurants, with branches scattered around Tucson.

Budget
  • 🌍 Beyond Bread Central, 3026 N Campbell Ave (original location, btw Glenn and Ft Lowell), ☏ +1 520-322-9965, . M-F 6:30AM-8PM, Sa 7AM-8PM, Su 7AM-6PM. Amazing sandwiches on fresh-baked bread, made from ingredients that are as fresh as possible. (In addition to baking bread daily, the restaurant also roasts its turkey and beef on site.) They also have an espresso bar and pastries. A nice place for lunch, but watch out – it's very popular, and you may have to wait in line. Alternately, you can pre-order your meal for pickup online. Average sandwich (hot & cold) costs around $6-6.50, chips included. (updated Mar 2017)
    • 🌍 Beyond Bread Northwest, 421 W Ina Rd (SE corner of Ina and Oracle), ☏ +1 520-461-1111, . M-F 6:30AM-8PM, Sa 7AM-8PM, Su 7AM-6PM. Online orders for this location can be placed here. (updated Mar 2017)
    • 🌍 Beyond Bread East, 6260 E Speedway Blvd (Monterey Village Shopping Center), ☏ +1 520-747-7477, . M-F 6:30AM-8PM, Sa 7AM-8PM, Su 7AM-6PM. Online orders for this location can be placed here. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 Birrieria Guadalajara, 304 E 22nd St (SE corner of 22nd St and 4th Ave), ☏ +1 520-624-8020. Daily 7AM-8PM. A hole-in-the-wall Mexican diner frequented by the Hispanic workers and Gringos in the know. All the standard Mexican fare, but an unusual emphasis on caldos or soup. Birria is shredded beef in its own broth – this place makes the best! (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 Bison Witches, 326 N 4th Ave, ☏ +1 520-740-1541. Daily 11AM-midnight. Features tons of different sammies that are huge and will fill you up. Bread bowl soups are another popular choice at this deli/bar and is a college student's dream of a chill place to hang out and get in on some great drink specials. Thursdays is a great night for hanging out here. Sandwiches $8-12. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 BK Tacos (BK Carne Asada and Hot Dogs), 5118 S 12th Ave (original location), ☏ +1 520-295-0105, . Su-Th 9AM-midnight, F Sa 9AM-2:30AM. Very popular, specializes in Sonoran hot dogs, tacos, and other classic Mexican dishes. (updated Mar 2017)
    • 🌍 BK Tacos (BK Carne Asada and Hot Dogs), 2680 N 1st Ave (north of the university), ☏ +1 520-207-2245, . Su-Th 9AM-11PM, F Sa 9AM-midnight. A second branch of the very popular restaurant. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 Char's Thai Restaurant, 5039 E 5th St (by Rosemont Blvd), ☏ +1 520-795-1715. M-F 11AM-3PM, 5-9PM; Sa Su 5-9PM. It's not always easy to find good Asian restaurants in the desert, but this hole in the wall has to be near the top of anyone's list of favorites. Owned and operated by former residents of Bangkok, the restaurant has a huge selection of tasty curries and noodle dishes. The lunch specials are a great value; takeout available. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 Eegee's, 2510 E Speedway Blvd, ☏ +1 520-881-3280. Daily 9:30AM-10PM, drive-thru closes at 11PM. A Tucson chain of sub shops, you shouldn't leave Tucson without trying this place. Popular for their frozen slushie-snowcone combo (locally referred to simply as Eegees), they have piña colada, strawberry and lemonade flavors year-round and a unique flavor of the month. Eegee's are also known for their fries, which you can order with ranch dressing (ranch fries), marinara sauce (pizza fries) and fries with chili (chili cheese fries). They also offer pretzels, cookies, chips and sub sandwiches. There are a total of 26 branches in the Tucson area. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 Cafe Maggie (Epic Cafe), 745 N 4th Ave (SW corner of 4th Ave and University), ☏ +1 520-829-7280. Daily 6AM-11PM. An eclectic coffee house with outdoor tables, free Wi-Fi, good organic food, intricately tattooed wait staff, and an independent vibe. Bulletin boards to see what is going on in town. Coffee $1-3; soups, pastries, and sandwiches $3-8. (updated Feb 2017)
  • 🌍 El Güero Canelo, 5201 S 12th Ave (the original, S of Irvington), ☏ +1 520-295-9005. Su 8:30AM-10PM, M 10AM-10PM, Tu-Th 10AM-11PM, F 8:30AM-midnight, Sa 8AM-midnight. One of Tucson's most famous restaurants, primarily known for their Sonoran hot dogs. Offers a large selection of Mexican dishes. They have some of the best carne asada in the Southwest! Takeout available at all locations. 
    • 🌍 El Güero Canelo, 2480 N Oracle Rd, ☏ +1 520-882-8977. Su 8AM-10PM, M 10AM-10PM, Tu-Th 10AM-11PM, F Sa 8AM-midnight. (updated Mar 2017)
    • 🌍 El Güero Canelo, 5802 E 22nd St, ☏ +1 520-790-6000. Su 9AM-10PM, M 9:30AM-10PM, Tu-Th 9:30AM-11PM, F Sa 9AM-11PM. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 Guillermo's Double L Restaurant, 1830 S 4th Ave (South Tucson), ☏ +1 520-792-1585. M-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM. Solid Mexican food, with good atmosphere and prices. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 La Indita Restaurant Mexicano, 622 N 4th Ave, ☏ +1 520-792-0523. M-Sa 11AM-8:30PM, Su 9AM-8:30PM. Wonderful food and ambiance, a real gem. Also offers Native American dishes and many vegetarian options. Delivery and takeout can be ordered online. (updated Apr 2016)
  • 🌍 Mi Nidito, 1813 S 4th Ave, ☏ +1 520-622-5081, . W-Su 11AM-close. Authentic Mexican food with excellent margaritas. Dinner for two with margaritas is about $30. (updated Feb 2017)
  • 🌍 El Molinito, 5380 W 22nd St (by Craycroft), ☏ +1 520-747-9162. Su 9AM-9PM, M-Th 10AM-9PM, F Sa 10AM-10PM. A local favorite with great Mexican food, has been in Tucson for at least 20 years and has great service. Known for their frozen margaritas. Try their beans and carne asada tacos on a soft flour tortilla. Three other branches are on Ina Road, Pantano Road, and Oracle Road. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 Pat's Chili Dogs, 1202 W Niagara St (between St Mary's Rd and Speedway), ☏ +1 520-624-0891. Su noon-9PM, M-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM. An old time drive-in (carhop service however does not exist – you must walk up to the order window). Lunchtime is packed with Tucsonans ordering chili and cheese dogs in the state. French fries made from fresh potatoes on site, with lots of hot sauce. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 Viva Burrito Co, 1372 W St Marys Rd, ☏ +1 520-623-5211. Daily 24 hr. A local fast food chain known for its large, tasty breakfast burritos, as well as tacos and enchiladas. Has a drive-thru. There are a total of six branches in Tucson. (updated Mar 2017)

Mid-range
  • 🌍 El Charro Café, 311 N Court Ave, ☏ +1 520-622-1922. Daily 10AM-9PM. Opened in 1922, El Charro is the oldest continuously-operated, family-owned Mexican restaurant in the United States. The food is classic Southwestern, with more Sonoran influences than many Tucson restaurants. 
  • 🌍 Cup Cafe, 311 E Congress St (in the Hotel Congress), ☏ +1 520-798-1618. Daily 7AM-10PM. Unusual, eclectic mix of Indian, Thai, Japanese, American and Mediterranean food, easily the most interesting restaurant in Tucson. You'll find plenty of vegetarian and some vegan options. On a nice day you can sit outside. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 Guadalajara Original Grill, 1220 E Prince Rd, ☏ +1 520-323-1022. Su-Th 10AM-10PM, F Sa 10AM-11PM. A popular, fun and entertaining Mexican restaurant featuring live mariachis 7 nights per week, fresh salsa made table-side, and homemade tortillas. A great place to go with friends to enjoy the lively and homey atmosphere. The restaurant runs culinary tour of Mexico, and features dishes from different states of Mexico each month that are fun to try. Dinner time includes roaming mariachi singers. Mains $12-22. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 Guadalajara Fiesta Grill, 750 E Kolb Rd, ☏ +1 520-296-1122, . Su-Th 10AM-10PM, F Sa 10AM-11PM. Mexican cuisine, four restaurants around Tucson. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 El Minuto Cafe, 354 S Main Ave, ☏ +1 520-882-4145, . Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM. Authentic Sonoran cuisine in an adobe house in the barrio, open since 1936. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu, but do order the mole if they have it on the day you are there. The carne seca is superb and the chiles rellenos are magnificent. Make sure to sample the fresh, made-on-the-premises tortillas. Combine this with a visit to El Tiradito, which is nearby. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 North Italia, 2995 E Skyline Dr (La Encantada Mall), ☏ +1 520-299-1600. M-Th 11AM-10PM, F 11AM-11PM, Sa 10AM-11PM, Su 10AM-4PM. Italian in heritage, but extremely experimental. Dishes range from pizzas to pasta to steak, and are normally in the range of $19-$25 (others depend on market prices). (updated Feb 2017)
  • 🌍 Rosa's Mexican Food Restaurant, 1750 E Ft Lowell Rd, Ste 164 (by N Campbell Ave), ☏ +1 520-325-0362. Daily 11AM-10PM. Excellent Sonoran-style Mexican food in this family-owned and operated storefront restaurant. Rosa's salsa is consistently voted one of the top three in Tucson by the readers of the Tucson Weekly. The food is heavy on the meat and cheese, with buttery tortillas and delicious refried beans. Main course $7-$10. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 Sushi Ten, 4500 E Speedway Blvd, Ste 1, ☏ +1 520-324-0010. M-Th 11AM-9:30, F Sa 11AM-10PM, Su noon-9PM. A popular Japanese sushi house. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 Takamatsu, 5532 E Speedway Blvd #1, ☏ +1 520-512-0800. Su-Th 11AM-9:30PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM. Takamatsu concentrates on Japanese and Korean dishes where it's common to order sushi. Also, you'll notice that there is habachi-style cooking. Mains $12-$20. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 Teresa’s Mosaic Cafe, 2456 N Silver Mosaic Dr, ☏ +1 520-624-4512. M-Sa 7:30AM-9PM, Su 7:30AM-2PM. This long-established family-owned restaurant serves authentic Sonoran Mexican cuisine, and they make their own tortillas onsite. The albóndigas (Mexican meatballs) are especially recommended. Mains $9-16. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 Vero Amore, 3305 N Swan Rd, Ste 105, ☏ +1 520-325-4122, . Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM. This is a certified pizzeria that hand-makes their mozzarella, and has the finest ingredients from Italy. Their pizza crust is crispy and chewy, and the prosciutto caprese salad, margarita pizza, and capricciosa pizza are all recommended. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 Vivace Restaurant, 6440 N Campbell Ave, ☏ +1 520-795-7221. M-Th 11:30AM-9PM, F Sa 11:30AM-10PM. Vivace is an upscale restaurant that focuses on and serves Italian dishes. Casual dress. The establishment is spacious, and the atmosphere is enhanced by flowers at the tables. Table talk requires you to speak up a bit here. Also, you'll notice that there is an open kitchen. Mains $12-20. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 Yamato Japanese Restaurant, 857 E Grant Rd, ☏ +1 520-624-3377. M-F 11AM-2PM, 5PM-9:30PM, Sa 5PM-9:30PM. Highly regarded sushi and Japanese. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 Cadillac Chaparral Restaurant (The Cadillac Grill), 47621 E Ballesta Rd Tucson (along highway 79 between Oracle Junction and Florence, AZ), ☏ +1 520- 825-9677. Th F 4-8PM, Sa Su noon-8PM. Bar and restaurant on Hwy, very very casual, can hold a crowd. Can be a bit slow, if busy. Known for its inexpensive steaks and burgers. (updated Mar 2019)

Splurge
  • 🌍 Arizona Inn, 2200 E Elm St, ☏ +1 520-325-1541. Serving an American fare, this is a fine dining facility. Expect the average mains to cost in the range of $20 to $30. Architecturally, the restaurant is in an historic structure. The restaurant has a southwestern U.S. style decor. The interior is enhanced by prints and flowers at the tables, and the lighting is set quite dim. This is a white tablecloth restaurant, and the fireplace adds to the atmosphere and mood here. The establishment has several dining rooms. It has a romantic atmosphere. 
  • 🌍 Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 6360 N Campbell Ave, ☏ +1 520-529-5017. Fleming's is known for its prime steak and elegant, cherry wood atmosphere. Its wine list features over 100 wines available by the glass. This steakhouse also offers bar menu specials until 7PM. 
  • 🌍 The Grill at Hacienda del Sol, 5601 N Hacienda del Sol Rd, ☏ +1 520-529-3500, . Daily; Su brunch 9:30AM-2PM. Mobil four-star American-style grill featuring (Fall 2004) swordfish, Angus beef, buffalo sirloin, lamb, Scottish salmon, and other mains. Reservations are recommended, and can be made online. (updated Apr 2016)
  • 🌍 Mr. An's Teppan Steak, Sushi, & Seafood, 6091 N Oracle Rd, ☏ +1 520-797-0888. M-Th 4PM-10PM, F 4PM-11PM, Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 11AM-10PM. (updated Feb 2017)

Drink

Tucson has an active wine community, with many retailers, restaurants and wine bars regularly offering scheduled wine tasting events. Cochise County, southeast of Tucson has many wineries, some of which welcome visitors.

The majority of Tucson's nightlife for young and old is in three small areas of the town near the University of Arizona, all within walking distance to each other. The three are: 4th Avenue, University, and Downtown. Tucson nightlife tends to start later than nightlife in other areas of Arizona, such as Phoenix or Scottsdale. Expect bars and clubs to be sparsely populated until approx 10-10:30PM on an average weekend night.

4th Avenue stretches from University ave in the north to downtown Tucson in the south (only about ½ mile long). This stretch of 4th Avenue is the main nightlife strip of Tucson and filled with bars and restaurants of all varieties on each side of the street.

The downtown Tucson area just south of 4th Avenue tends caters to a nicer and wealthier crowd and is home to many of Tucson's higher class restaurants and cocktail bars, as well as the famous Club Congress.

The University Ave area of Tucson starts on University/Euclid on the west and runs several blocks until it ends into the school. It is approximately a 10-minute walk along University Avenue from the 4th Avenue area. Like 4th Avenue, University contains a strip of bars, stores, and restaurants that cater to a variety of tastes and ages (not just college kids).

  • 🌍 Barrio Brewing Company, 800 E 16th St (corner of Toole Ave), ☏ +1 520-791-2739. M-W 11AM-10PM, Th-Sa 11AM-midnight, Su 11AM-9PM. Popular microbrewery near the train tracks that meander through downtown Tucson. Built into a former industrial warehouse, the interior features high ceilings and concrete floors while the long patio outside faces the train tracks and provides a view of the Downtown skyline. $3 pints during happy hour and a good happy hour food menu. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 Bison Witches, 326 N 4th Ave, ☏ +1 520-740-1541. Kitchen: daily 11AM-midnight; bar: daily 11AM-2AM. At the heart of Tucson's 4th Avenue historic district, Bison Witches is a funky little bar and restaurant that serves amazing sandwiches, has a large selection of beer and has great margaritas. Bison Witches is always full but the wait for a table is never more than 15 minutes. At night, it can get crowded now that the back patio has been remodeled into an outdoor bar. (updated Feb 2017)
  • 🌍 Club Congress, 311 E Congress St, ☏ +1 520-622-8848. If you feel like dancing, this is the place to go. It's in the historic Congress Hotel, where you'll find three bars and one dance floor, featuring techno dance beats and live bands. Call ahead to see who's playing. Cover charge. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 Kon Tiki, 4625 E Broadway Blvd, ☏ +1 520-323-7193, . M-Th 11AM-1AM, F-Sa 10AM-2AM, Su 10AM-midnight. A Polynesian-themed bar with fruity, Cruzan-laden concoctions that's been in Tucson since 1963. Don't mind the snake behind the bar, the servers are nice and there is no cover. A reasonable place to drink, as $10 can get you feeling quite good. The Scorpion here is a must--but it is illegal to drink one by yourself, so be sure to arrange for a designated driver. Weekends can be very busy. $4.50-7.50. (updated Apr 2016)
  • 🌍 O'Malley's Bar and Grill, 247 N 4th Ave, ☏ +1 520-623-8600. Daily 11AM-2AM. The largest and liveliest bar on 4th Avenue. Pool tables, indoor and outdoor areas, and opens a large dance floor in the back later at night. Live music or DJs on the weekends. Expect a line and a large crowd here after 10PM on Friday and Saturday. Drink specials throughout the week during the day. Attracts both the college and local crowd. $5 cover on F/Sa nights after 10PM, military free with ID. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 🌍 The Surly Wench Pub, 424 N 4th Ave, ☏ +1 520-882-0009. Daily 2PM-2AM; serves food until closing. While a popular hangout for the local punk and LGBT crowd everyone is welcome. When bands are playing a $5 dollar cover is often charged. The Wench has two pool tables, an air hockey table and a lot of fun decor to peruse. They also often play B movies on a big screen over the entrance. (updated Mar 2017)

Sleep

Budget

Some motels on West Miracle Mile Road and south of 3000th block of North Oracle Road tend to be cheaper, run-down motels. Good deals can be found, but one probably wouldn't want to take one's family to these. This area is a legacy of the pre-freeway auto courts, 1937 to 1965, called Miracle Mile. A number of the old motor lodges remain. If you need a room for $25 this is the place to start looking.

Mid-range

Splurge
  • 🌍 The Arizona Inn, 2200 E Elm St, ☏ +1 520-325-1541. This charming and classic 1930 resort was built by Isabella Greenway, Arizona's first woman to serve in the U.S. Congress (1933-1937). Colorful stucco casitas and suites ramble through meticulously, groomed grounds. The Arizona Inn has won top awards from Zagat and Condé Nast, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 
  • 🌍 Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, 5501 N Hacienda Del Sol Rd, ☏ +1 520-299-1501, toll-free: +1-800-728-6514, . Check-in: after 3PM, check-out: before 11AM. Has a highly-regarded restaurant onsite, outdoor pool, gym, spa, and bicycle rental available. Pets permitted. $199+. (updated Apr 2016)
  • 🌍 The Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, 7000 N Resort Dr (at the foot of the Santa Catalina Mountains), ☏ +1 520-299-2020, toll-free: +1-800-234-5117, fax: +1 520-299-6832, . There are a total of 398 rooms on three floors. There are two pools, five restaurants, a spa, running path, hiking trails, and there are many species of birds right outside your room on the side that looks out to the mountains. There are also two 18-hole golf courses nearby the hotel. There is free access to Sabino Canyon via a van; however, complimentary WiFi to their guests is not offered. Expect average daily rates for their standard rooms to cost $250 per night during the summer and convention seasons. Typically most guests are retirees without grandchildren - younger guests with children tend to stick out like a handful of sore thumbs. 
  • 🌍 Tanque Verde Ranch, 14301 E Speedway Blvd, ☏ +1 520-296-6275, toll-free: +1-800-234-3833, . Guests at this dude ranch, founded in 1868, have a choice of getting daily massages or hitting the trail by horse or foot. Located on 640 acres in the foothills of the Rincon mountains east of Tucson, the ranch offers horseback riding, tennis, guided hiking, mountain biking and nature walks, all included in your nightly rate. 
  • 🌍 White Stallion Ranch, 9251 W Twin Peaks Rd, ☏ +1 520-297-0252, toll-free: +1-888-977-2624, fax: +1 520-744-2786, . A working cattle ranch with 41 guest rooms and suites and a hacienda. Modern amenities are also available, including a fitness center, sauna, tennis court, and rec center. 

Camping
  • 🌍 Tucson Mountain Park, Gilbert Ray Campground, 8451 W Mccain Loop. Secluded, quiet, county-run RV Park. 30 amp electric only, water and dump station available on the grounds. No reservations taken, honor system payments. Used mostly by out of state snowbirds during the winter, worth looking at to put up adventuresome guests on a budget or those travelers with a desire to see the night sky only a few miles out of Tucson. No showers. Note: rattlesnakes are not uncommon in the park. $20/night (RVs), $10/night (tents). 
  • 🌍 Catalina State Park, 11570 N Oracle Rd (10 miles N of downtown), ☏ +1 520-628-5798 (information), +1 520-586-2283 (reservations). Check-in: daily 8AM-5PM (ranger station). This campground has 120 campsites, all with water, grills, and picnic tables. Flush toilets and hot showers are available. Reservations are required and must be made at last 24 hours in advance; they can be made online. $15-20 (non-electric), $25-30 (electric); $5 reservation fee (nonrefundable). (updated Apr 2016)
  • 🌍 Colossal Cave Mountain Park (listed above), 16721 E Old Spanish Trail (Vail), ☏ +1 520-647-7275, . Check-in: 8AM-5PM. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the campground has 30 individual sites for tents as well as a few for RVs (no hookups). Most sites have picnic tables and grills, and water and toilets are available. $5 (car/RV), $12 (horse trailer). (updated Apr 2016)

Stay safe
  • If you go walking in the desert parks, or on your own, learn desert-safety tips. Take water, always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to get back, and if you have a cell phone, take it with you and have it on. It's disturbingly easy to get lost in the desert. Also, watch for snakes and bugs, as a few are dangerous to your health. When hiking, for example, rattlesnakes are easy to come across. When putting your slippers on in the morning, scorpions can be an unpleasant surprise.
  • Midtown (specifically the section along Alvernon Road between Grant and Ft. Lowell) and the south section of the city (in the general area between I-10, I-19, and Valencia) are not the safest places to be – but there are no real attractions in these areas anyway. Downtown is heavily occupied until 2AM when the bars close. If you are downtown after 2AM, be cautious. While murder rates are fairly low, they are violent and sometimes random. There is gang activity but for the most part it is directed against rival gangs. There are many homeless people downtown. The center city is heavily populated by the "young and restless", so it may seem a spooky to more conservative travelers due to the dirt and noise the youngsters create.
  • Tucson has one of the highest rates of vehicle theft in the USA, and there are a few locations in the city you're more likely to have your car/truck stolen at than at any other place in the town, such as the 🌍 Walmart on 1650 W Valencia Rd and the 🌍 Park Place mall. Higher vehicle theft rates are due in part to larger pickings of a metro area and in part to the proximity to Mexico, where vehicles can be across the border often before the owners know they are missing.
  • Parking and towing enforcement ramps up in the University campus area, especially during weekends of home football games.
  • During the monsoon season (usually in the months of July - September), Tucson does experience flash flooding. Under no circumstances should you attempt to drive across a flooded road that is barricaded. If your vehicle becomes stranded in your attempt to cross the barricaded road: you will be issued a traffic citation by the police under the 1995 "stupid motorist law" (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 28-910), fined in the amount of $2000, and ordered to pay for all rescue costs (usually $1500 or more – and that doesn't include the towing expense either). Also, if you knowingly drive a vehicle into a flooded road that is barricaded with a child under the age of 16, you may also be charged with a class-1 misdemeanor charge of child endangerment (Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 13-3619 - per each child in the car) in addition to the previously mentioned penalties if your car becomes stranded.

Stay healthy
  • Newcomers to the southwest often hear about a lung infection called Valley Fever (a fungal disease – the proper medical name is coccidioidomycosis). Although it's rare to contract this disease, it should be taken seriously as it is difficult for most doctors to accurately identify it (a blood test called a coccidioidal must be done to accurately diagnose this illness), and it takes weeks for the symptoms to fully develop for an experienced doctor to recognize them. Exposure to very dusty conditions (ATV riding in the desert, construction, getting caught in a sudden dust storm) increases the opportunity to become infected. It is recommended to wear a face mask if you intend to be exposed to dusty conditions, and strongly recommended if you have a lung disease or temporarily suffering from pneumonia. There is no cure for this disease, only long term treatment. For acute symptoms patients may be prescribed an antifungal drug such as fluconazole.
  • Take precautions for sunburn and heat stroke. This cannot be emphasized enough if you plan to make a trek in the desert mountains. It's easy to sunburn and windburn out in the desert, and the UV rays are very strong. It is recommended to use sunscreen with at least a UV protection rating of 30 or higher. Be mindful of the extreme heat when hiking in the mountains during the summer months to avoid suffering from heat exhaustion or possibly dying from heat stroke.
  • Mosquitoes can be bad after a monsoon (usually in the months of July - September), so consider wearing mosquito repellent with a high concentration of DEET to reduce the risk of acquiring diseases typically transmitted by these annoying insects.
  • Care should be taken when you decide to ride a motorcycle or ATV in the desert, so you don't get injured by running into or brushing against the "jumping cholla" cacti. Wearing thick protective clothing, helmets, and gloves while riding are an absolute must. These are very prickly cacti with stems that detach with little or no effort, also the cacti spines are very painful to remove from your skin once contact is made.

Connect

For visitor information about events and activities taking place in Tucson, check out the city of Tucson's on-line directory.

There are surprisingly many locations within the city of Tucson that are free Wi-Fi hotspots, so free Internet access shouldn't be viewed as a problem. Most of the hotspots are in coffee shops (such as the Bruegger's Bagel locations), the local book store (Bookman's), and the local libraries (no library membership required) throughout the city.

Cope

For all emergencies you may dial 9-1-1 from any cell (active or inactive cell phone) or land line phone free-of-charge. If using a cell phone be sure to inform the operator of your exact location, as it takes extra time for the operator to attempt to triangulate your location – time is of the essence in emergency situations. When calling 911 for assistance be as calm as possible, and do not panic or use profanity over the phone, as the operator on the phone might consider the call as a prank.

For non-emergencies dial the police department at +1 520-791-4444 between 8AM and 10PM (after 10PM, you may dial 9-1-1 for all issues).

Consulates

News

Go next
  • Nearby Tucson is Saguaro National Park, the most dense forest of the iconic cactus of the American West. The park has two unconnected units to the east and west of Tucson.
  • For cooler weather, you can make a day trip from Tucson up into the Santa Catalina Mountains and Mt. Lemmon (elevation over 9,000 ft (2,700 m), with snow in the winter). The mountains offer a number of hiking trails for all skill levels, as well as opportunities for horse riding, mountain biking, camping, and even downhill skiing.
  • Further afield is Phoenix to the north, if you want "more city" than Tucson, which can be done as a day trip from Tucson, or you can move your base of operations from Tucson to Phoenix.
  • For more cooler weather, further north from Phoenix along I-17 is Sedona, Flagstaff and Grand Canyon National Park. These destinations are a bit of a stretch as day trips from Tucson.
  • Heading south is Nogales, with named cities on both sides of the US-Mexico border – Nogales (Arizona) and Nogales (Sonora).
  • Southeast is Bisbee, which makes for a pleasant day trip. The Copper Queen has great food and historic accommodation.
  • Along the way to Bisbee is Tombstone – visit the famous old west boom town to see "haunted" theaters, graves of famous outlaws, and reenactments of the famous O.K. Corral shootout. For more serious Old West history, be sure to visit the Cochise County Courthouse museum. A must for any trip to southern Arizona.
  • North is Oracle, via Oracle Road (Arizona State Route 77). Along the way is Biosphere 2. Higher, Cooler, wetter, greener. Has Oracle State Park. Bedroom - artist community. Interesting people. Beautiful drive. Several overnight options (from motels to dude ranches) and restaurants. Two lively bars. Wonderful vistas of the north side of the Santa Catalina Mountains and Mt. Lemmon ski slopes. Borders Catalina National Forest (hiking, etc). Access to Arizona Trail. 'Back road to Mt Lemmon' starts in Oracle. Interesting history (Buffalo Bill, Gold Mining, Dude Ranches, et al). Main drag not much to look at but lots of hidden gems. See life in an unusually rich small Arizona town.
Routes through Tucson
Los Angeles ← Yuma ←  W  E  → Benson → San Antonio → New Orleans
Los Angeles ← Yuma ←  W  E  → Benson → San Antonio → Dallas → St Louis → Chicago
Los Angeles ← Phoenix ← Picacho ←  W  E  → Benson → Las Cruces → El Paso
END ←  N  S  → Green Valley → → becomes → Nogales
Globe ← Oracle ←  N  S  → END


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