Guidebook for Tucson

Chelsea
Guidebook for Tucson

Parks & Nature

Hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, trail running, road cycling, and bouldering.
Tucson Mountains
Hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, trail running, road cycling, and bouldering.
Looking for iconic saguaros (sa-woo-ar-os)? This park is chock-full of 'em! Plus if your mobility limited, you can drive the loop. Time the drive right and you may catch some phenomenal sunset pictures too!
80 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Saguaro National Park West
80 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Looking for iconic saguaros (sa-woo-ar-os)? This park is chock-full of 'em! Plus if your mobility limited, you can drive the loop. Time the drive right and you may catch some phenomenal sunset pictures too!
This park caters to many; especially: trail runners, hikers, and those looking to enjoy the desert with ease. Trails are rugged & some roads paved or graded for ease of walking/strolling. Warnings: pick a path that suits your ability, bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, put on sunglasses, stay on the designated paths, and please refrain from littering :)
212 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Сабино-Каньон
212 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This park caters to many; especially: trail runners, hikers, and those looking to enjoy the desert with ease. Trails are rugged & some roads paved or graded for ease of walking/strolling. Warnings: pick a path that suits your ability, bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, put on sunglasses, stay on the designated paths, and please refrain from littering :)
The grounds are fabulous and location great. Here you can see what the desert blooming desert looks like if you don't want to hunting and pecking to find it in nature. Plus, in early to mid summer (depending on the weather) there is a cult following for a night blooming cerus called the "Queen of the Night" that is watched/waited when the park is open at night...a great date opportunity!
168 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Тохоно Чул
7366 N Paseo Del Norte
168 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The grounds are fabulous and location great. Here you can see what the desert blooming desert looks like if you don't want to hunting and pecking to find it in nature. Plus, in early to mid summer (depending on the weather) there is a cult following for a night blooming cerus called the "Queen of the Night" that is watched/waited when the park is open at night...a great date opportunity!

Food Scene

Locally owned, delicious farm to fork (or table) concept restaurant with varying menu chock full of standards and eclectic dishes, plus great cocktails!
8 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Proper
300 E Congress St
8 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Locally owned, delicious farm to fork (or table) concept restaurant with varying menu chock full of standards and eclectic dishes, plus great cocktails!
Chef Janos (a local icon) took a risk early in downtown Tucson's current revitalization and, BOY, has it paid off! Menu varies regularly to accommodate local produce availability. Creative, intriguing, and always tasty dishes and cocktails. One of our faves!
43 (рекомендации местных жителей)
DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails
135 S 6th Ave
43 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Chef Janos (a local icon) took a risk early in downtown Tucson's current revitalization and, BOY, has it paid off! Menu varies regularly to accommodate local produce availability. Creative, intriguing, and always tasty dishes and cocktails. One of our faves!
Locally owned Breakfast/Lunch/Coffee Shop a short hop & skip away with spacious patio seating. Wonderful menu, great chai, excellent coffee, good atmosphere and if you want a locally sourced egg with your dish; here, you can ask for it!
92 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Five Points Market & Restaurant
756 S Stone Ave
92 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Locally owned Breakfast/Lunch/Coffee Shop a short hop & skip away with spacious patio seating. Wonderful menu, great chai, excellent coffee, good atmosphere and if you want a locally sourced egg with your dish; here, you can ask for it!
Historic, locally owned (by same family) with great patio, occasional live music, and consistently good food. Across from the Tucson Convention Center and an easy walk away too!
11 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Cushing Street Bar & Restaurant
198 W Cushing St
11 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Historic, locally owned (by same family) with great patio, occasional live music, and consistently good food. Across from the Tucson Convention Center and an easy walk away too!
Locally owned by mother & son duo. This restaurant is tucked away from the fray offering great breakfasts and lunches, plus newly offering dinner too. They frequently feature local artists on their vine covered patio. If the sun is too much for you, there's plenty of seating inside this historic location too. Oh and the desserts!
27 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Café à La C'Art
150 N Main Ave
27 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Locally owned by mother & son duo. This restaurant is tucked away from the fray offering great breakfasts and lunches, plus newly offering dinner too. They frequently feature local artists on their vine covered patio. If the sun is too much for you, there's plenty of seating inside this historic location too. Oh and the desserts!
Are you a scone seeker?!? Well, look no further...this is THE place for them! You're limited to 4 baked items only...yes, they're that good...so choose wisely and go often ;)
74 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Raging Sage Coffee Roasters
2458 N Campbell Ave
74 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Are you a scone seeker?!? Well, look no further...this is THE place for them! You're limited to 4 baked items only...yes, they're that good...so choose wisely and go often ;)
Great specialty coffee drinks, teas, comfort breakfast items, and delicious lunches in a modern atmosphere in the heart of downtown...need more be said?!?
44 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Caffe Luce
245 E Congress St
44 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Great specialty coffee drinks, teas, comfort breakfast items, and delicious lunches in a modern atmosphere in the heart of downtown...need more be said?!?
When you enter Penca you're instantly transported! The decor: exposed brick, steel, old wood, and glass feels akin to a place you'd find in a bigger city. Well, that's because it's cuisine is from Mexico City with a modern twist. No chimis or changas here...only deliciously combined and authentic Mexican food will be found. And their drinks & liquor options are top notch too!
51 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Penca
50 E Broadway Blvd
51 (рекомендации местных жителей)
When you enter Penca you're instantly transported! The decor: exposed brick, steel, old wood, and glass feels akin to a place you'd find in a bigger city. Well, that's because it's cuisine is from Mexico City with a modern twist. No chimis or changas here...only deliciously combined and authentic Mexican food will be found. And their drinks & liquor options are top notch too!
Here too you'll be transported to a chicly decorated space. Different from Penca, this Mexican cuisine hails from even further south...Oaxaca is the source of the menu's inspiration. This restaurant and owner/chef, Suzanna Davila, is a local institution with amazing flavors, delicious mole, and great cocktails too. Like tequila?!? Well, this is the place to sip some!
106 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Cafe Poca Cosa
110 E Pennington St
106 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Here too you'll be transported to a chicly decorated space. Different from Penca, this Mexican cuisine hails from even further south...Oaxaca is the source of the menu's inspiration. This restaurant and owner/chef, Suzanna Davila, is a local institution with amazing flavors, delicious mole, and great cocktails too. Like tequila?!? Well, this is the place to sip some!
Like no other restaurant in Tucson! The Coronet's European inspired setting offers the freshest locally sourced menu items combined with elegant simplicity boasting a superbly flavorful menu. Plus, on weekends they have freshly baked cinnamon rolls...yum! Their cocktails are old school made new school...always creative and on point. To boot they're locally owned and operated too! Can you tell this is a fave?!?
78 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The Coronet
198 W Cushing St
78 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Like no other restaurant in Tucson! The Coronet's European inspired setting offers the freshest locally sourced menu items combined with elegant simplicity boasting a superbly flavorful menu. Plus, on weekends they have freshly baked cinnamon rolls...yum! Their cocktails are old school made new school...always creative and on point. To boot they're locally owned and operated too! Can you tell this is a fave?!?
Modern atmosphere, great courtyard, fabulous high cuisine food, and mixologist dream come true! Your palette and senses will be tantalized, tickled, and teased but you're sure to be fully pleased; that is, if, you can walk afterwards, because here gluttony is an easy feat!
70 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Agustin Kitchen
100 South Avenida del Convento
70 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Modern atmosphere, great courtyard, fabulous high cuisine food, and mixologist dream come true! Your palette and senses will be tantalized, tickled, and teased but you're sure to be fully pleased; that is, if, you can walk afterwards, because here gluttony is an easy feat!
Authentic Mexican bakery. Their empanadas (apple, cherry, mango & pineapple) are addictive. The orejitas (palmiers) delish. Conchitos & cuernitos (mexican style croissants) too. Fresh tortillas, salsa, local honey, and THE BEST cake doughnut ever!!!
28 (рекомендации местных жителей)
La Estrella Bakery Inc
120 South Avenida del Convento
28 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Authentic Mexican bakery. Their empanadas (apple, cherry, mango & pineapple) are addictive. The orejitas (palmiers) delish. Conchitos & cuernitos (mexican style croissants) too. Fresh tortillas, salsa, local honey, and THE BEST cake doughnut ever!!!
My favorite chai latte exists here! It is rich, creamy, to the brink with spicy-ness, and perfectly sweet. That's because it is made with local Maya chai. Oh, their coffee drinks are great too. Plus the atmosphere comfortable with several other shops/eateries around the courtyard too!
60 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Presta Coffee Roasters
100 South Avenida del Convento
60 (рекомендации местных жителей)
My favorite chai latte exists here! It is rich, creamy, to the brink with spicy-ness, and perfectly sweet. That's because it is made with local Maya chai. Oh, their coffee drinks are great too. Plus the atmosphere comfortable with several other shops/eateries around the courtyard too!
Great place for a breakfast burrito, taco lunch, quick and easy dinner. Locally owned & operated. Their horchata is a fave. Fresh and tasty too! Whatcha waiting for?!?
140 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Seis Kitchen
1765 E River Rd
140 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Great place for a breakfast burrito, taco lunch, quick and easy dinner. Locally owned & operated. Their horchata is a fave. Fresh and tasty too! Whatcha waiting for?!?
Located in the historic Hotel Congress (also has Club Congress) plus locally owned & operated. This spot has a great patio/outdoor seating, creative and tasty menu, plus open later more nights. Super popular brunch spot with Bloody Mary bar too!
111 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Cup Cafe
311 E Congress St
111 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Located in the historic Hotel Congress (also has Club Congress) plus locally owned & operated. This spot has a great patio/outdoor seating, creative and tasty menu, plus open later more nights. Super popular brunch spot with Bloody Mary bar too!
Great weekday spot for a quick, dine-in or take-out lunch. Friday happy hours often feature wine tastings. Wonderful patio seating area with cool and shady spots. It is on the rail line so it can be loud when a train is first passing but the sounds quickly get incorporated into the background. AND there's a restaurant themed after a dining rail car with great food/drinks, Sunday brunch with mimosa/bellini bar too!
83 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Maynards Market & Kitchen
400 N Toole Ave
83 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Great weekday spot for a quick, dine-in or take-out lunch. Friday happy hours often feature wine tastings. Wonderful patio seating area with cool and shady spots. It is on the rail line so it can be loud when a train is first passing but the sounds quickly get incorporated into the background. AND there's a restaurant themed after a dining rail car with great food/drinks, Sunday brunch with mimosa/bellini bar too!
It is hard to classify Time Market (locally owned & operated) because it is part market, part pizzeria, part cafe, part prepared foods, part beer/wine shop rolled into one stop. All of it well executed too. Plus they also make a great pain au levain that will two robust bread eaters a week!
148 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Time Market
444 E University Blvd
148 (рекомендации местных жителей)
It is hard to classify Time Market (locally owned & operated) because it is part market, part pizzeria, part cafe, part prepared foods, part beer/wine shop rolled into one stop. All of it well executed too. Plus they also make a great pain au levain that will two robust bread eaters a week!
There is food here but this spot is aimed at brews & wine; as exemplified by the extensive menu offerings. The food here is much better than any bar food you'll find around plus the atmosphere modern & unique with diverse clientele.
54 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar
220 N 4th Ave
54 (рекомендации местных жителей)
There is food here but this spot is aimed at brews & wine; as exemplified by the extensive menu offerings. The food here is much better than any bar food you'll find around plus the atmosphere modern & unique with diverse clientele.
Guatemalan/El Salvedoran restaurant with authentic dishes. Make sure to taste their tamarind drink & ask for the special rice (cheesy yumminess). Hard to find another place like it!
Maya Quetzal Inc
621 N 4th Ave
Guatemalan/El Salvedoran restaurant with authentic dishes. Make sure to taste their tamarind drink & ask for the special rice (cheesy yumminess). Hard to find another place like it!

Shopping

If 5 Points Market & Kitchen doesn't have what you need and you don't want to go too far, Johnny Gibson's Market is your next closest option. Also locally owned and delightfully stocked featuring a broad spectrum of brand selection, fresh fish/meat, prepared foods and always shady patio in the back.
36 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Johnny Gibson's Downtown Market
11 S 6th Ave
36 (рекомендации местных жителей)
If 5 Points Market & Kitchen doesn't have what you need and you don't want to go too far, Johnny Gibson's Market is your next closest option. Also locally owned and delightfully stocked featuring a broad spectrum of brand selection, fresh fish/meat, prepared foods and always shady patio in the back.
Great outdoor (stores are indoors) shopping mall featuring many national brands (Tiffany's, Crate & Barrel, William Sonoma, etc) and upscale grocery (AJ's). Plus, there are many tasty restaurants that have mesmerizing views. For dessert in the desert try Frost, a local gelato shop.
229 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Музей польской почты
2905 E Skyline Dr
229 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Great outdoor (stores are indoors) shopping mall featuring many national brands (Tiffany's, Crate & Barrel, William Sonoma, etc) and upscale grocery (AJ's). Plus, there are many tasty restaurants that have mesmerizing views. For dessert in the desert try Frost, a local gelato shop.
This is a super unique store where most of all the inventory is recycled/upcycled (whatever term you prefer). Most of the items are Tucson centric; which makes this shop a great place for souvenirs!
33 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Pop Cycle
422 N 4th Ave
33 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This is a super unique store where most of all the inventory is recycled/upcycled (whatever term you prefer). Most of the items are Tucson centric; which makes this shop a great place for souvenirs!
This locally owned clothing store's mission is US made fabrics and clothing. Each item purchased provides, 12 emergency meals...or more...to folks in need (the local Food Bank is one of its beneficiaries). Here you can find: great fashions, fair pricing, and the opportunity to positively contribute to the fashion industry!
Fed By Threads LLC
345 E Congress St
This locally owned clothing store's mission is US made fabrics and clothing. Each item purchased provides, 12 emergency meals...or more...to folks in need (the local Food Bank is one of its beneficiaries). Here you can find: great fashions, fair pricing, and the opportunity to positively contribute to the fashion industry!

Drinks & Nightlife

Locally owned multi-venue locale. Restaurant is first stop with great pasta, cheese boards, wood fired pizza, and creative salads. Cocktails are interesting, fun & tasty. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere with beer/wine & pizza step into the courtyard to the "garage like" space. Like boozy, alchemy style drinks??? The bar below is sure to please!
79 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink
101 E Pennington St
79 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Locally owned multi-venue locale. Restaurant is first stop with great pasta, cheese boards, wood fired pizza, and creative salads. Cocktails are interesting, fun & tasty. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere with beer/wine & pizza step into the courtyard to the "garage like" space. Like boozy, alchemy style drinks??? The bar below is sure to please!
Great venue that brings in many known and cult performers!
92 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Rialto Theatre
318 E Congress St
92 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Great venue that brings in many known and cult performers!

Sightseeing

Also known as Sentinel Peak. From this home you can: run/jog, cycle, or drive to this hill that rises nearly 700 feet above Tucson for a bird's eye view of the Old Pueblo. Warning: it climbs steadily and only gets harder toward the top and the last three grades may cause colorful words uttered ;)
108 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Холм Тумамок
108 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Also known as Sentinel Peak. From this home you can: run/jog, cycle, or drive to this hill that rises nearly 700 feet above Tucson for a bird's eye view of the Old Pueblo. Warning: it climbs steadily and only gets harder toward the top and the last three grades may cause colorful words uttered ;)
Near to Tumamoc Hill. You can run, cycle, and/or drive up "A" Mountain; which makes it a great spot for those with limited mobility. Roundtrip is just about 6 miles and elevation change is about 400 feet. So it's not as steep as Sentinel Peak (Tumamoc Hill) but a good workout nonetheless.
135 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Парк Сентинел Пик (“A” гора)
1001 Sentinel Peak Rd S
135 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Near to Tumamoc Hill. You can run, cycle, and/or drive up "A" Mountain; which makes it a great spot for those with limited mobility. Roundtrip is just about 6 miles and elevation change is about 400 feet. So it's not as steep as Sentinel Peak (Tumamoc Hill) but a good workout nonetheless.
Get a sense of how the Old Pueblo (as Tucson is often referred to) used to be. Historic re-creations and education.
6 (рекомендации местных жителей)
El Presidio Park
165 W Alameda St
6 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Get a sense of how the Old Pueblo (as Tucson is often referred to) used to be. Historic re-creations and education.

Arts & Culture

This tucked away oasis is within walking distance and a great Old Pueblo venue. Local artisan shops, shady courtyard that often features live music, and a cantina!
56 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Old Town Artisans
201 N Court Ave
56 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This tucked away oasis is within walking distance and a great Old Pueblo venue. Local artisan shops, shady courtyard that often features live music, and a cantina!
If you're a cyclist this is a great place to apply some pedal power; as the Gallery is a good distance and uphill. Otherwise if you're driving to hike at Sabino Canyon this makes a great stop over spot. DeGrazia is an iconic artistic legend who planted himself in the middle of the desert (at that time) and created this venue for his art. A fabulous place to see adobe structures, great art, desert environs, city & mountain vistas, plus cute gift shop too!
96 (рекомендации местных жителей)
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum
6300 N Swan Rd
96 (рекомендации местных жителей)
If you're a cyclist this is a great place to apply some pedal power; as the Gallery is a good distance and uphill. Otherwise if you're driving to hike at Sabino Canyon this makes a great stop over spot. DeGrazia is an iconic artistic legend who planted himself in the middle of the desert (at that time) and created this venue for his art. A fabulous place to see adobe structures, great art, desert environs, city & mountain vistas, plus cute gift shop too!

Essentials

You need not be a member to shop here. Produce is mostly local, labeled (GMO, etc), prepared foods offered at a great price with dining area to enjoy it too. Loads of items offered in bulk so you can buy what you need; especially seasonings and spices which this home does not have.
82 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Food Conspiracy Co-op
412 N 4th Ave
82 (рекомендации местных жителей)
You need not be a member to shop here. Produce is mostly local, labeled (GMO, etc), prepared foods offered at a great price with dining area to enjoy it too. Loads of items offered in bulk so you can buy what you need; especially seasonings and spices which this home does not have.
Traditional grocery store.
130 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Safeway
1940 E Broadway Blvd
130 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Traditional grocery store.