Saguaro National Park
Two districts (East and West) with giant saguaros, scenic drives and hiking trails.
The Tucson Oasis guide
Our Tucson, chapter by chapter
Where to hike, eat and wander, from two hosts who live here. Read it front to back, or jump to a chapter.
Outdoors
Canyons, sky islands and Tucson's best sunset. October through April is peak season for hiking.
Sabino Canyon
Desert canyon trails in the Catalina foothills, with a shuttle into the canyon.
Mount Lemmon
A scenic drive up the Catalina Highway to Summerhaven, several degrees cooler, where sky-island pine forest meets the desert. Great on hot summer days.
Eric & David's pick
Gates Pass
Tucson's classic sunset viewpoint, on the way to Saguaro West.
Eric & David's pick
Seven Falls
A hike well worth it for the waterfalls at the end. Take care after rain or in monsoon season.
Eric & David's pick
Tumamoc Hill
A great morning or evening hike: about three miles with a big elevation gain and city views.
David's pick
Blackett's Ridge
A more challenging hike, for anyone up to it. Bring plenty of water.
David's pick
Rillito River Park
A paved path for walking, running and biking.
Reid Park
A big city park with ponds and walking paths. Eric's pick for tennis or a walk with your dog.
Eric's pick
Things to do
Museums, a historic mission, gardens and cactus nurseries.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Part zoo, part botanical garden, all Sonoran Desert.
David's pick
Mission San Xavier del Bac
A historic 18th-century mission just south of town.
Pima Air & Space Museum
Hundreds of historic aircraft.
Reid Park Zoo
A small, easy-to-walk zoo inside Reid Park.
Tucson Botanical Gardens
Garden paths in the middle of the city.
David's pick
Plants for the Southwest
A nursery full of cactus species you may not see back home. Great for plant lovers.
David's pick
Green Things
Another nursery favorite for plant lovers.
David's pick
Downtown and Fourth Avenue
Shops, bars and restaurants along historic Fourth Avenue and the university area.
David's pick
Mercado San Agustín
A courtyard market with cafés and shops, just west of Downtown.
David's pick
University of Arizona campus
Walk the mall, museums and campus grounds.
Food & drink
Tucson is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
Bisbee Breakfast Club
A local breakfast favorite.
Ombre Café
Neighborhood coffee stop.
Barrio Bread
Tucson's celebrated heritage-grain bakery, with artisan bread made every morning. Founder Don Guerra won the 2022 James Beard Award for Outstanding Baker. Go early; the line is worth it if it's under 20 to 30 minutes.
David's pick
Falora
Wood-fired Neapolitan pizza close to home, for a quick bite in the evening.
David's pick
Sidecar
A cocktail bar in Broadway Village, in the same plaza as Falora.
David's pick
MotoSonora Brewing Company
A local brewery about a 2-minute walk away, with beer brewed on site, a food truck, cans to go and a pet-friendly outdoor area.
Eric & David's pick
Barrio Brewing Company
A few blocks farther, with some of Tucson's most recognizable beers.
David's pick
Penca
Really good local Mexican dishes and an awesome ambiance, right downtown.
Eric's pick
Seis Kitchen
At Mercado San Agustín. Great food and great people-watching.
David's pick
Kukai
Japanese food, close by the Mercado.
David's pick
Time Market
Near the university: a grocery store with a market-style restaurant and amazing food.
David's pick
Raging Sage
Scones that are to die for, with flavors that rotate each season.
Eric's pick
Presta Coffee Roasters
An amazing coffee stop to start the day.
David's pick
Cartel Coffee Lab
Another favorite for morning coffee.
David's pick
Baja Cafe
A delicious breakfast. Get the pancakes.
Eric's pick
Char's Thai
Delicious Thai food for lunch.
Eric's pick
Guadalajara Mexican Grill
Mexican food on Broadway, close to the east-side home.
Sweet Tomatoes
A salad and soup buffet.
Tucson Coffee Roasters
A local coffee roaster.
Arizona Beer House
A craft beer bar on South Kolb Road.
Events
Plan around these dates, and book early.
Tucson Gem Show
The world-famous gem and mineral shows, late January to mid-February. Book early; all three homes are minutes away.
Seasons in the Sonoran Desert
- October through April is peak season for hiking and outdoor time.
- Summers are hot: hike early, carry plenty of water, or head up Mt. Lemmon to cool off.
- Monsoon season runs roughly mid-June through September. Afternoon storms can be dramatic, so stay out of washes when it rains.
- Book early for GEM Show dates.
More local guides