Local guide
The guide on a map
Two districts (East and West) with giant saguaros, scenic drives and hiking trails.
Desert canyon trails in the Catalina foothills, with a shuttle into the canyon.
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 pickDirectionsTucson's classic sunset viewpoint, on the way to Saguaro West.
Eric & David's pickDirectionsA hike well worth it for the waterfalls at the end. Take care after rain or in monsoon season.
Eric & David's pickDirectionsA great morning or evening hike: about three miles with a big elevation gain and city views.
David's pickDirections- Blackett's Ridge
A more challenging hike, for anyone up to it. Bring plenty of water.
David's pickDirections A big city park with ponds and walking paths. Eric's pick for tennis or a walk with your dog.
Eric's pickDirectionsPart zoo, part botanical garden, all Sonoran Desert.
David's pickDirectionsA historic 18th-century mission just south of town.
Hundreds of historic aircraft.
A small, easy-to-walk zoo inside Reid Park.
Garden paths in the middle of the city.
David's pickDirections- Plants for the Southwest
A nursery full of cactus species you may not see back home. Great for plant lovers.
David's pickDirections Another nursery favorite for plant lovers.
David's pickDirectionsShops, bars and restaurants along historic Fourth Avenue and the university area.
David's pickDirectionsA courtyard market with cafés and shops, just west of Downtown.
David's pickDirectionsWalk the mall, museums and campus grounds.
Neighborhood coffee stop.
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 pickDirectionsWood-fired Neapolitan pizza close to home, for a quick bite in the evening.
David's pickDirectionsA cocktail bar in Broadway Village, in the same plaza as Falora.
David's pickDirections- 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 pickDirections - Barrio Brewing Company
A few blocks farther, with some of Tucson's most recognizable beers.
David's pickDirections Really good local Mexican dishes and an awesome ambiance, right downtown.
Eric's pickDirectionsAt Mercado San Agustín. Great food and great people-watching.
David's pickDirectionsJapanese food, close by the Mercado.
David's pickDirectionsNear the university: a grocery store with a market-style restaurant and amazing food.
David's pickDirectionsScones that are to die for, with flavors that rotate each season.
Eric's pickDirectionsAn amazing coffee stop to start the day.
David's pickDirectionsAnother favorite for morning coffee.
David's pickDirectionsA delicious breakfast. Get the pancakes.
Eric's pickDirectionsMexican food on Broadway, close to the east-side home.
A salad and soup buffet.
A craft beer bar on South Kolb Road.
Sundays, 9 AM–1 PM (8 AM–noon in summer)
Tucson's largest year-round farmers market, at Rillito Park along The Loop path.
Saturdays and Sundays, 10 AM–3 PM Oct–Apr, 8 AM–noon May–Sep
A weekend market of local farmers, artists, makers and food businesses in St. Philip's Plaza.
Thursdays, 3–6 PM Oct–Apr, 4–7 PM May–Sep
A Thursday afternoon market at Mercado San Agustín, run by the Community Food Bank.
- Tucson Jazz Festival
Every January · Jan 15–23, 2027
Nine days of jazz in historic venues across downtown Tucson.
- Tucson Gem Show
Late January to mid-February · Jan 27–Feb 14, 2027
The world-famous gem and mineral shows, more than 40 of them across town. Book early; all three homes are minutes away.
- La Fiesta de los Vaqueros (Tucson Rodeo)
Every February · Feb 20–28, 2027
Tucson's big winter rodeo, held every year since 1925.
- Tucson Festival of Books
Every March · Mar 13–14, 2027
One of the largest book festivals in the country, on the University of Arizona campus. Free to attend.
- Fourth Avenue Street Fair
Twice a year · Dec 11–13, 2026 and Mar 19–21, 2027
Hundreds of artists and vendors, live music, street performers and food along Fourth Avenue.
- Tucson Folk Festival
Every spring · Apr 2–4, 2027
Arizona's largest free music festival, downtown, with folk, Americana, bluegrass, blues and Latin music.
- Tucson Meet Yourself
Every October · Oct 16–18, 2026
A free downtown folklife festival of food, music, dance and folk arts, running since 1974.
- All Souls Procession
Every November · Nov 8, 2026
A moving public procession on the west side honoring loved ones who have passed.
- El Tour de Tucson
Every November · Nov 21, 2026
A big community cycling event with routes from about 32 to 102 miles.
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