Location: Tucson
Top Things to do in Tucson
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What to do and see in Tucson, Arizona (AZ): The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
Although Tucson's fantastic weather, national parks and forests and desert provide the perfect environment for tons of outdoor recreational activities, this city of half a million people also has its share of history and culture. With a history that goes back much further than many of its southwestern neighbors, Tucson boasts turn-of-the-century architecture, historic neighborhoods, museums and the Mission San Xavier del Bac, a still-functioning 18th-century mission considered one of the most beautiful in the U.S. Mexican and Native American influences are pervasive, and the city has a distinctly Western flavor. There's also a college-town atmosphere, thanks to the University of Arizona, which has its own share of museums and a science center. Whether golfing at a world-class golf resort, horseback riding, hiking in the wilderness, discovering desert flora and fauna at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum or exploring pre-Columbian and other art at the Tucson Art Museum, you'll have a mind-boggling array of things to do.
Restaurants in Tucson
1. Armory Historic District
2. Presidio San Agustin del Tucson
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
The Presidio San Agustin del Tucson Museum is a re-creation of the Tucson Presidio built in 1775. Visitors travel back in time to learn about life as early Tucsonans would have lived it. Docent tours discuss life in the Santa Cruz Valley for early Native Americans, Presidio residents and Territorial Period settlers. See the archaeological remains of a pit house, walk along the original Presidio wall and experience a 150 year old classic Sonoran Row house. $5 adults, $1 children 6-14 and Free for children 5 and under and Presidio Museum members
Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada
My wife and I enjoyed this museum about the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson 1775-1856. The Mexicans were here. For 80 years the adobe walls of Tucson Presidio. It shows here how they lived. The patio could make it longer. Mexican soldiers lived here. In this museum, they had paintings at the time of the Presidio. People cooked outside and sometimes inside, where the beds were there. They made their bread. They had a Presidio Chapel. The guide was truly nice and new the times when the Presidio was here.
3. Tucson Arizona Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By LatterDayTraveler
When one drives up to the Tuscon temple, he/she immediately notices the temple's situation in the Catalina foothills, commanding a view of the whole valley. The parking lot is large, established for many vehicles to feel its loving glow. The temple experience is heightened by a view of its lovely desert garden, featuring all sorts of cacti and flowers, attracting much local wildlife such as sparrows and quails. However, this is a shadow of its inside beauty. The "waiting area" is lovely, has an extremely clean restroom, and features a TV set that allows you to learn more about temples (through the Rome Italy open house video) and Jesus Christ.
4. Vista Sun Wheel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By Lanhua - Arizona, United States
I read about a labyrinth at this same location and wanted to see that; when I got there, I saw a sign for this sun wheel and was immediately intrigued so after walking the labyrinth, I headed over to the sun wheel. It was very interesting. There are beautiful views of the desert from the sun wheel. There's also a 2-page brochure explaining what a sun wheel is that is available in a box nearby, which was helpful to me as I'd never heard of a sun wheel before. If you'd like to do something relaxing in the desert, visit this sun wheel (and labyrinth)!
5. Sentinel Peak Park
6. Fourth Avenue
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 307 reviews
An historic shopping area.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
Looking for a new tattoo, haircut, good workout, day at the spa, guided tour on a segway, a bike tour, skateboard, yoga session, a slice of chocolate lava cake with raspberry compote, butterscotch budino topped with salted caramel and whipped cream, a poster of the Beatles or an artsy handbag? You'll find all of that and much more on Fourth Avenue in Tucson, Arizona. Located 1.5 miles from the University of Arizona campus, it is a popular go-to destination for shopping and dining with an electric flavor, a throwback setting from the 1970s. Since 1916, when the Fourth Avenue Council Historic District was nominated for the National Register of Historic Places, it has had the feel of the 1970s disco era and the vibe of a hippie neighborhood. Start at the Hippie Gypsy, which sells old-school tye-die retail, incense, tapestries and posters from the Beatles to Bob Marley. Or Desert Vintage, an artsy shop that sells vintage, indigenous looking clothes, accessories and hand-made bags. Fourth Avenue features costume shops, thrift shops, souvenir shops, antiques, jewelry, books, clothing, restaurants, bars and lounges. Eat at Dairy Queen or Pancho Villa's Grill or Brooklyn Company Pizza or The Hut or Caruso's Italian Restaurant or Maloney's Tavern. Visit WGH Woodworking, Crow Tattoo, Rustic Candle Company, Silver Sea Jewelry, Creative Clothing, Antigone Books, ZT Boutique or Everest Souvenirs or Ordinary Bike Shop. Finally, fill up your gas tank at Fourth Avenue Service Station.
7. El Tiradito Shrine
8. Joesler Village
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3 reviews
Shopping plaza
9. Sonora
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2 reviews
Controversial "sculpture" in downtown area
