Food & Drink

Burritos / / El Torero, 231 E 26th St, Tucson, AZ 85713

There are so many worthy options in town that it’s hard to go wrong, but El Torero has been our go-to for some time and is great for takeaway. Our favorite option there is the carnitas chimichanga, enchilada style (“chimis” are an Arizona thing and are deep-fried burritos). 

Runner up: Mi Nitido (1813 S 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85713). It’s a Tucson institution and has a great vibe for dining in. They don’t take reservations so be prepared for a wait (call ahead to check the wait time).

Coffee / / Exo Roast, 403 N 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705

Exo is a local roaster with espresso drinks and freshly roasted beans, about a 5-10 minute drive.

Bakery / / Barrio Bread, 18 S Eastbourne Ave, Tucson, AZ 85716

This James Beard award spot is hands down, the best bread in town. Usually a line when it opens but worth it. Option to order online as well.

Brunch // Cup Cafe at Hotel Congress, 311 E Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701

Attached to Tucson’s historic Hotel Congress in downtown, this place is our go-to brunch spot on the weekends. Offers extensive shaded patio and live music on the weekends (worth the wait to sit outside) and great locally-inspired brunch fare. Can’t go wrong, but their vegan tacos are surprisingly yummy.

Lunch & Markets / / Time Market, 444 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85705

There are several great boutique grocery markets and lunch spots in town. Time Market by the U of A is our favorite. They have great pizza and sandwiches, along with an outstanding selection of wine, fresh produce, essentials, and baked goods (their chocolate chip cookies are to die for). 

Runner up: Five Points (756 S Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701). Great brunch offerings…try their burrito ranchero or pork torta!

Deli // Roma Imports, 627 S Vine Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719

Italian grocery offering sammies, Italian groceries/deli meats and cheeses, and pre-made frozen meals.

Upscale Mexican / / Penca, 50 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85701

Chic vibe offering elevated Mexican fare and great cocktails.

For foodies / / Tito and Pep, 4122 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85712

Southwest bistro. Great for sharing small plates, and has excellent cocktails.

Italian Date Night / / Vivaci, 6440 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85718

Located in the “Foothills”, this place takes the cake for northern Italian cuisine, and has an amazing wine list. Perfect date night option.

Seafood / / Kingfisher, 2564 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85716

Fun atmosphere with great Happy Hour options.

Japanese / / Kukai, 267 South Avenida del Convento #11, Tucson, AZ 85701

Really cool spot located in the Mercado San Agustin “Annex”...a collection of converted boxcars containing shops, bars, and food options. You can take Tucson’s free tram that runs from the U of A through downtown to the Mercado district.

Pizza / / Anello, 222 E 6th St, Tucson, AZ 85705

Wood-fired, sourdough crust pizza in a cool, low-key setting. Need we say more?

Beer / / Pueblo Vida Brewery, 115 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85701

Tucson has a blossoming local brewery scene and there are several great options. Pueblo Vida is located downtown, is dog-friendly, and has the best IPAs in town.

Additional awesome brewery options: Crooked Tooth Brewing Co. (228 E 6th St, Tucson, AZ 85705); Barrio Brewing Co. (800 E 16th St, Tucson, AZ 85719); Motosonora Brewing Co (1015 S Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719)

Cocktails / / Owl’s Club, 236 S Scott Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701

Located in a converted funeral home (with a grand piano taking center stage). This candle-lit space has amazing drinks and a cool vibe. Fun fact: the bar’s countertops were taken from the flooring of the recently-closed Chicago music store (another Tucson institution).

Runner up: Arizona Inn (~9 minute walk from the house). Walk to this historic boutique hotel for dinner and/ or drinks at the Audubon Bar & Patio featuring contemporary Southwestern-inspired cuisine and creative cocktails.

Activities

Must do // Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N Kinney Rd, Tucson, AZ 85743

More of a desert-themed zoo and botanical garden than museum, most of the space is dedicated to showcasing desert wildlife from vegetation to rock/cave formations to reptiles, coyotes, and bobcats (if you can spot them). This is one of our favorite spots to take our kids. The drive out there is unbelievably scenic as well featuring parts of Saguaro National Park and stunning views. Get there early as it can get crowded and hot!

Hiking // Sabino Canyon Recreation Center, ​​5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson, AZ 85750

There are tons of hiking options in and around town, but no visit to Tucson would be complete without a visit to Sabino Canyon. It’s nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, and offers beautiful and rich desert views. There are dozens of hiking trails (and tram rides) that can accommodate all age and skill levels. Our favorite hike is called “Seven Falls” (there are literally 7 waterfalls and corresponding pools to hang out in and cool off) and is ~8.5 miles round trip. It’s a moderate-to-difficult hike. No matter what you decide to do, we highly recommend you get there as early as possible and bring tons of water.

Museum // Pima Air and Space Museum, (6000 E Valencia Rd) & Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Aircraft Boneyard (2720 S Craycroft Rd)

Tucson has a rich history of involvement (from scientific research to space shuttle development) of NASA’s space program and the Pima Air and Space Museum is worth a visit.

Furthermore, Tucson is home to the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base which features a huge “boneyard” for retired aircraft. Visitors can take guided tours of aircraft from WWII onward, including retired Air Force Ones, fighter jets, passenger jets, and much more.

Runner up: Arizona History Museum, 949 E 2nd St, Tucson, AZ 85719. Adjacent to the U of A, this museum has great exhibits of Tucson and Arizona’s rich history.

For the kids // Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium, 1601 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85721

They have interactive and kid-friendly exhibits, but the highlight here is the IMAX-style planetarium show. Furthermore, the observatory offers people the chance to view the night sky from their 16-inch telescope free of charge (hours are usually 7PM - 10PM during the summer weekends…check here for their schedule)

Runner up: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701.

Sports // UofA Basketball Game (at McKale Center), 1721 E Enke Dr, Tucson, AZ 85721

There’s no single sporting event in town that gets as much attention and energy than a U of A basketball game. Of course, this is seasonal (season is usually Nov-March), but if you’re in town when they play, it’s a lot of fun. Pro tip: avoid parking near the stadium on U of A’s campus. You can usually find parking in the Sam Hughes neighborhood just east of Campbell between 1st and 6th street (though 3rd street usually requires a permit).

Shopping // 4th Avenue between 4th street and 8th street

4th Ave is popular for its quirky and eclectic shops, bites, and bars. It’s often the center of nightlife for U of A students and runs right into downtown (where young professionals tend to hang). 

For a bite, try Bison Witches, BOCA tacos, or Tumerico. For a chic shop catering to local artisans, check out Eastland Alley Design Co. For a cool record store, visit Wooden Tooth Records. For a dive bar, get a PBR at Che’s Lounge. For a beer, Hermanos or Dillinger Brewing are great options.

Runners up: Mercado San Agustin and the MSA Annex. 

Upscale shopping: La Encantada 

Pampering

For facials and massages, try Spa Solai. For a mani/pedis, check out Peach Nails or 5:5 Nail Bar. For an upscale spa experience that is a bit further from our house, try SpaWell.

Sunsets

Arizona sunsets are some of the best in the world and can last for an hour or more. The closest place to catch the sunset is at Tahoe Park, a 10 minute walk. We love to walk here with our kids and watch the changing colors of the sky, as well as the changing shadows on the Catalina mountains.

Gates Pass is also a perfect place to catch the sunset just outside of town. Alternatively, drive north on Campbell Ave until it ends at a gated community in the Foothills (~20min drive). Park along the side of the road and enjoy the sunset. The drive back down Campbell is beautiful as well with wide views of Tucson’s city lights.

Day Trips

Mt Lemmon // 40 miles or 80 min drive

To get away from the heat and soak in some unbelievable city views, forest-rich hikes and campgrounds, drive up to Mt Lemmon (near the peak of the Santa Catalina Mountains). There are great picnic spots, a general store, a couple of cabin-themed places to eat/drink. The daring and bold can even bike up to Mt Lemmon.

Saguaro National Park // 15 miles or 25 min drive

Tucson is sandwiched between two sections of the park: Saguaro National Park West and Saguaro National Park East. The closest of the two is Saguaro National Park West. If you drive through Gates Pass and time it such that you catch the sunset, you’re in for a treat.

Colossal Cave Mountain Park // 30 miles or 45 min drive

Extensive underground rock and cave formations that have developed over 100s of millions of years.

Tombstone, AZ // 70 miles or 80 min drive

Really cool historic “wild wild west” town most famous as the site of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral shooting involving Wyatt Earp. It leans into its history with daily reenactments, Wild West style saloons, old courthouse, etc. Most recently, it has become home to a burgeoning beer scene as well (check out Tombstone Brewing Company) and don’t forget to bring your jeans and cowboy attire :)

Bisbee // 95 miles or 110 min drive

Bisbee is a well-preserved 19th century mining town (mostly copper) located in the “Mule Mountains”. If you go, the tours offered by Queen Mine Tour of the mines are a must as is a visit to the Old Bisbee Brewing Company. Ghost tours are also offered in the evening.