Things To Do
Food/Restaurant
If we made separate entries for food, this page would probably take at least an hour to scroll through. Nate and I are HUGE foodies and incredibly proud of the food scene in town. Here are just a few recommendations (in no particular order). FYI, We highly recommend making reservations. -5 Points Market & Restaurant (breakfast/brunch, lunch) -Taqueria Pico de Gallo (lunch,dinner; mom+pop Mexican food) -Tito & Pep (Dinner; featured in NY Times as one of the 50 best restaurants in the US) -Tumerico (Lunch, Dinner; all vegan. Yes, even the meat eaters love this place!) -Penca (Dinner; upscale Mexican) -Anita Street Market (Breakfast, Lunch; amazingggg burritosssss) -Reilly (Dinner; pizza/pasta) -Bata (Dinner; upscale tapas style) -Cup Cafe (Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, dinner; a Tucson classic) -El Torero (Lunch, Dinner; Classic Tucson Mexican w/ great vegan options) -Mi Nidito (Lunch, Dinner; A classic Tucson Mexican restaurant)
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
This museum is 80% outdoors - you'll feel like you're out in nature! Good for everyone regardless of age, etc. The drive out to the museum is pretty incredible as well. Highly recommend stopping by Gate's Pass Scenic outlook on the way there (it's known for it's incredible view of the sunset). Hiking is also available around the museum, at gate's pass, and in that general area.
Mount Lemmon
Even if all you can do is a drive up Mt. Lemmon, it is totally worth it. Part of the "sky islands", Mt. Lemmon goes up to 9,000ft in elevation - thus you get to watch the landscape transform from arid desert to green mountains with pine trees. At the top of the mountain is the small town of Summerhaven and the Ski Lodge (yes, it snows up there!). There are tons of hikes all throughout the mountain as well. It is typically 30-40 degrees cooler at the top of the mountain so bring something warm!
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
If you are looking for a true hike in the Sonoran Desert, this is a great place to go. Sabino Canyon features hundreds of hikes, the most notable being Seven Falls (an eight mile hike). The good thing is you don't necessarily have to go here with a plan - it's fun to just explore. Just be prepared with LOTS of water (bring more than you think you'll need), comfortable shoes, and the right clothes (cuz in the desert, everything is spikey!!).
Historic Fourth Avenue
Fourth Ave captures the charm and essence of Tucson in many ways. Take a stroll through 4th and check out all the cool little shops, grab a bite to eat, and check out the murals throughout. Parking is free weekdays after 5pm, Saturdays and Sundays. #SupportLocal
Tucson Museum of Art - Free 1st Thursdays
The art museum has free entry on first Thursdays (April 6th). It's a wonderful art museum right in downtown. From the website: "Programs include guest artists, live music, performances, artmaking, unique opportunities to explore the gallery, a cash bar serving beer and wine, and partnerships with local organizations." We've had a lot of fun at First Thursdays before - definitely recommend!