Tucson

Understand

Tucson has always been a crossroads. Water was, until the onset of a severe drought in the late 1990s, relatively plentiful in Tucson, in spite of its location in the middle of a desert. This made it an important travel route, an agricultural center, and a communications nexus. Tucson's history is ancient, with evidence of human occupation stretching back 10,000 years. Between 200 and 1450 CE, the Hohokam culture dominated the area – the Pima and Tohono O'Odham peoples that still occupy the area are descendants of the Hohokam. In 1699, Father Eusebio Kino, S.J., established the Mission San Xavier del Bac, southwest of present-day Tucson. Over the next 100 years, other missions were established in the area, but European presence was minimal. It wasn't until 1775 that the Presidio of Tucson was created by Don Hugo O'Connor. At that time, it was the northernmost Spanish outpost in the New World. In 1821, Tucson became part of the new country of Mexico, and in 1853 it became part of the United States as a result of the Gadsden Purchase. In 1863, Arizona became a US territory, and by 1880, its population was around 8,000. In 1912, Arizona became the 48th state to enter the union. Tucson is still a crossroads, with European, Native American, Mexican, and Asian cultures bumping into one another, in sometimes conflicting and sometimes compatible – but always interesting – ways.

Climate

Tucson has a hot desert climate with a long, hot summer and a mild winter. Fall and spring tend to be sunny and dry. If you're familiar with Phoenix weather, Tucson is slightly cooler and slightly wetter due to elevation and surrounding mountain ranges. Summer has daytime high temperatures between 98 and 102 °F (37 and 39 °C) and low temperatures between 71 and 77 °F (22 and 25 °C). Average summer heat indices range between 97 °F (36 °C) during the day and 77 °F (25 °C) at night, though it's not unheard of to have heat indices to climb upwards to 110 °F (43 °C) and not go below 85 °F (29 °C) at night. Early summer is dry: low humidity and clear skies. By mid-summer the monsoons start, bringing higher humidity, cloudy skies, and frequent thunderstorms. The monsoon season officially starts on June 15, but the actual arrival of storms varies from year to year. Storms usually are scattered, with intense rainfall, thunder and lightning in one part of town, and completely storm-free elsewhere, then changing in a few hours. Flash floods are possible. Large areas of the city do not have storm sewers (the street becomes the storm sewer), flooding main thoroughfares. A few underpasses h

Getting there

By plane 1 Tucson International Airport (TUS IATA), 7250 S Tucson Blvd, ☏ +1 520-573-8100. Served by a number of airlines from various cities in the U.S.: (updated Apr 2020) Concourse A: Southwest, Sun Country, United. Concourse B: American Airlines/American Eagle, Alaska Airlines, Delta/Delta Connection. The airport is on the far southern end of the city. A taxi to central Tucson (University of Arizona area) will run about $25-30 and take 25 minutes. Bus services (Rt #11 and 25) to and from the airport is significantly cheaper but will take at least 60 minutes to/from downtown Tucson. Some people fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) and then take a shuttle or rent a car and drive to Tucson (about 2 hours). American Eagle operate 1hr flights between Phoenix and Tucson. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.

By train Arriving by train to Tucson is possible as the city is served by Amtrak via its triweekly Sunset Limited train between New Orleans and Los Angeles. This train also conveys Texas Eagle carriages, offering a direct route to and from Chicago. Eastbound trains arrive around 7:30AM while westbound ones arrive early evening. Notice however that delays are quite common.

2 Tucson railway station, 400 N Toole Ave. Located next to downtown, this historic station has both a waiting room and a ticket office. (updated May 2019)

By car Interstate 10 (I-10) is an east-west cross-continental route, coming from southern New Mexico to the east and from Phoenix from the northwest. While I-10 is an east-west route, it runs northwest-southeast between Tucson and Phoenix, then from Phoenix runs west towards California. Interstate 19 (I-19) is an intra-state route running south from Tucson, connecting it with Nogales, on the border US-Mexico with Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. & N Oracle Rd (AZ 77) is a north-south route, the south end starting in Tucson going north through Oracle and Globe, then concurrent with US 60 from Globe to Show Low, then to Holbrook and I-40. AZ 77 and 79 replaced this section of the (Historic) US 80 after US Route 80 was decommissioned west of Dallas, Texas. The Historic US 80 ran along the present day AZ 77 to Oracle Junction (north of Tucson) where it follows AZ 79 through Florence, to US 60 in Queen Creek. W Ajo Way/State Route (SR) 86 (AZ 86) runs east-west through southern Arizona, it's east end starting in Tucson, passing near Kitt Peak Observatory, through the Tohono O'odham Nation, and ending in the little town of Why at the junction with AZ 85, just north of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.

By bus There are

Getting around

By public transportation

9 Sun Tran, 3920 N Sun Tran Blvd (main office), ☏ +1 520-628-1565 (customer service), [email protected]. M-F 6AM-7PM, Sa-Su 8AM-5PM. An extensive metropolitan bus system, with routes and times listed here. The buses can accommodate up to two bicycles in the front; only folding bikes are permitted inside the bus. All Sun Tran rides have been free for all passengers since March 2020. (updated Jul 2024) Sun Link Streetcar. A streetcar route which extends from the University of Arizona to the downtown area and the Mercado district. It has now been integrated into the Sun Tran public transportation system; the streetcar route map can be downloaded here. It is especially popular in the evenings for making the rounds between University and the night life on 4th Ave.

By car I-10 and I-19 are the only freeways in Tucson, which has far fewer miles of freeway than other U.S. cities of its size. Since I-10 and I-19 mostly skirt the west and south sides, all east-west traffic and all east-side traffic is on surface streets. Surface street travel can be slow during the workday, and even slower during rainstorms. Many older streets become completely flooded as they are the original "U-shape" where the entire street width is for rain drainage, instead of the modern typical street pitching down towards curbs. And several main surface streets have "reversible lanes", also dubbed "suicide lanes", where the center turn lane becomes an additional through traffic lane for peak hours. Watch the lane signals for proper usage, or you'll likely find yourself staring at the grill of another vehicle. Traffic direction typically alternates between morning and afternoon.

By bicycle

Tucson is a bike-friendly community, and has an extensive system of bike routes and paths (but is something you don't want to do in the summer unless you are experienced riding in very hot, dry weather). In late 2017 the city launched Tugo Bike Share, a new public bike-sharing program, with 330 bicycles and 36 rental station scattered around the university district and downtown. Passes are available for one day ($8), one month ($18), or one year ($80), and allow unlimited use of the bikes for 30-minute intervals. Passes can be purchased at docking stations with a credit card, online with a credit or debit card, or with cash at any 7-Eleven, CVS, or Family Dollar stores (requires prior online registration). Bicycle stations with available bikes and docks can be found online or via the smartphone Cyclefinder app (iOS and Android).

By taxi It is notoriously diffi

See

Historic sights

Barrio Viejo (Barrio Histórico), Bounded by I-10, W Cushing St, S 6th Ave, and W 18th St (by the Tucson Convention Center). One of Tucson's oldest neighborhoods, much of the barrio was destroyed when the Tucson Convention Center was built. There are many colorful adobe buildings housing shops, galleries, and residences. Best explored on foot. 1 El Tiradito (The Castaway), Just south of the intersection of S Main Ave at W Cushing St (Barrio Viejo). El Tiradito is the only shrine to a sinner in North America. In the 1880s, a young man had an affair with his mother-in-law. When caught in the act, his father-in-law shot him and he stumbled from bed and ran out of the house. He dropped dead on this spot, and because he had not confessed his sins, he could not be buried in the church yard. His family and friends interred him where he fell, but remembered him with candles and flowers. People still burn candles and leave offerings today. Best visited at dusk or after dark. (updated Aug 2016) 2 Sosa-Carrillo-Frémont House Museum, 151 S Granada Ave, ☏ +1 520-628-5774, [email protected]. Th-Sa 10AM-4PM. A remnant of Tucson's old barrio which survived and is now surrounded by the Tucson Convention Center, this historic adobe house was built in the 1870s. Free, donations welcome. 3 Fort Lowell Museum, 2900 N Craycroft Rd, ☏ +1 520-885-3832. Th-Sa 10AM-4PM. Fort Lowell was a US Army post, active in the late 19th century during the Apache Wars. Most of the adobe structures are now in ruins, but the commanding officers' quarters have been reconstructed and now house a small museum, with exhibits focused on military life on the frontier. The building also has a small gift shop. Free, donations welcome. 4 San Pedro Chapel, 5230 E Fort Lowell Rd, ☏ +1 520-302-9265, [email protected]. A historic Sonoran-style adobe chapel, built in 1915 and on the National Register of Historic Places. Unfortunately the church is usually only open for special events, but it can be freely appreciated from the outside.

Museums and galleries

5 Pima Air & Space Museum, 6000 E Valencia Rd, ☏ +1 520-574-0462. Daily 9AM-5PM (last admission at 3PM); closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Features over 400 historic aircraft on an 80-acre (32 hectares) site with five hangars, three of them devoted to World War II. Veterans and volunteers are often on hand to answer any questions, and there are daily walking tours of the grounds. There is an onsite restaurant. Admission for 1-day pass: $19.50 (adults), $15.25 (Pima County residents), $16.75 (seniors), $13 (children ages 5

Do

Performing arts 1 Arizona Theatre Company (Temple of Music and Art), 330 S Scott Ave (downtown), ☏ +1 520-622-2823 (box office), [email protected]. Box office: M-F 10AM-5PM/curtain, Sa Su noon-curtain. Also operating in Phoenix, the company performs six productions a year. Tickets can be purchased online. (updated Mar 2017) 2 Centennial Hall, 1020 E University Blvd (University of Arizona), ☏ +1 520-621-3341 (ticket office). Ticket office: Sep-Apr: M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa noon-5PM; May-Aug: hours vary; open 2 hr before performance. A venue for classical music, dance, jazz, and musicals. Tickets can be purchased online. (updated Mar 2017) 3 Leo Rich Theater, 260 S Church Ave (Tucson Convention Center), ☏ +1 520-837-4766 (ticket office), toll-free: +1 800-745-3000. Ticket office: M-F 10AM-5:30PM, 2 hr before event. The venue for concerts sponsored by the Arizona Friends of Chamber Music, and Tucson's primary space for ballet, theater, and musicals. Tickets can be purchased online. (updated Mar 2017) 4 Tucson Music Hall, 260 S Church Ave (Tucson Convention Center), ☏ +1 520-837-4766 (ticket office), toll-free: +1 800-745-3000. Ticket office: M-F 10AM-5:30PM, 2 hr before event. The home of Tucson Symphony Orchestra and the Arizona Opera. Tickets can be purchased online. (updated Mar 2017) 5 DesertView Performing Arts Center, 39900 S. Clubhouse Dr, ☏ +1 520 825-2818 (ticket office). Ticket office: M-F, but online at https://dvpac.net/. State of the Performing Art Theater located in the heart of SaddleBrooke live performances from Rock and Roll to Musicals and Symphonies. varies. (updated Mar 2019) 6 Carnival of Illusion, 160 S Scott Ave, ☏ +1 480-359-7469, [email protected]. The Carnival of Illusion Parlour Show presents national quality magic in an intimate setting at the Historic Scottish Rite in downtown Tucson, and is limited to 125 guests. The hosts are the National Recipients for Excellence in Magic and have performed as house entertainers at the world's top resorts, for Fortune 100 CEOs, to the 200 Most Powerful Women in America. (updated May 2020)

Festivals and events

7 Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, ☏ +1 520-322-5773, fax: +1 520-322-6031, [email protected]. late January - mid February. For two weeks every winter, the world meets in Tucson as it becomes a bustling, international marketplace of buyers and sellers at the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase. The "Gem Show" is much more than a single event at one location. Rather, there are thousands of participants and attendees at nearly 50 sites around town. Dozens of shows take place at

Buy

Gifts 1 Bahti Indian Arts, 4330 N Campbell Ave #73, ☏ +1 520-577-0290. M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 8:30AM-4PM. Sells regional Native American arts and crafts. 2 Medicine Man Gallery, 6872 E Sunrise Dr #150 (Colonia Verde Shopping Center), ☏ +1 520-722-7798. Specializes in western painter Maynard Dixon, but also represents a number of other western and Native American artists. 3 Old Town Artisans, 201 N Court Ave, ☏ +1 520-623-6024. Sep-May: M-Sa 9:30AM-5:30PM, Su 11AM-5PM; Jun-Aug: M-Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 11AM-4PM. Sells Mexican and Arizona crafts, including jewelry and home decor. 4 San Xavier Plaza (in front of Mission San Xavier del Bac). A few stalls here sell friendship bowls (beautifully painted ceramic bowls) made by the Tohono O’odham. 5 Silver Sea Jewelry, 330 N 4th Ave, ☏ +1 520-624-9954, [email protected]. Tu-Sa 11AM-7PM, Su M noon-5PM. In business since 1993, the store offers sterling silver jewelry at competitive prices, with interesting little figurines (fantasy, Gothic, Egyptian, skulls) and a variety of gifts. The helpful owner Lizzie can help you find the perfect goodie, including limited supply Stardust and Cake label jewelry. (updated Mar 2017)

Books 6 Antigone Books, 411 N 4th Ave, ☏ +1 520-792-3715, [email protected]. M-Th 10AM-7PM, F Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-5PM. The independent bookstore also sells cards and gifts. (updated Mar 2017) 7 Bookmans Entertainment Exchange East, 6230 E Speedway Blvd (original location), ☏ +1 520-748-9555. Daily 9AM-10PM. Practically a Tucson institution, the original branch opened on Speedway over 30 years ago. Besides used books, they also have used CDs, DVDs, video games, etc. All branches have free Wi-Fi and electric vehicle charging stations, and permit pets in the store. 8 Bookmans Entertainment Exchange Midtown, 3330 E Speedway Blvd, ☏ +1 520-325-5767. Daily 9AM-10PM. (updated Mar 2017) 9 Bookmans Entertainment Exchange Northwest, 3733 W Ina Rd, ☏ +1 520-579-0303. Daily 9AM-10PM. (updated Mar 2017)

Outdoor goods 10 REI, 160 W Wetmore Rd (Tucson Mall), ☏ +1 520-887-1938. M-F 10AM-9PM, Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 10AM-6PM. This branch of the Seattle-based chain carries a good selection of outdoor gear and clothing. They also offer classes and lectures, most of them free, on a range of topics relating to the region and travel in general. (updated Mar 2017) 11 Summit Hut (Speedway Store), 5251 E Speedway Blvd, ☏ +1 520-325-1554, [email protected]. M-F 9AM-8PM, Sa 9AM-6:30PM, Su 9AM-5PM. Offers great gear and resources for getting outdoors around Tucson. A very local shop with more than 30 years of exp

Eat

As you can guess, Tucson is a veritable hub of Southwestern and Mexican cuisine. But Tucson is an adventurous town (easily the most liberal metropolitan area in Arizona) and as a result of its diversity, has a vibrant culinary culture. One noteworthy concoction unique to Tucson, Phoenix, and southern Arizona is the Sonoran hot dog. First developed in Hermosillo, Sonora, it consists of a traditional hot dog wrapped with bacon and then grilled. It is served in a bolillo (a Mexican roll) with pinto beans, onions, and tomatoes, and topped with mayonnaise, mustard, and jalapeños. The hot dog is traditionally sold from street carts, but several of the longer-established vendors now have sit-down restaurants, with branches scattered around Tucson.

Budget

1 Beyond Bread Central, 3026 N Campbell Ave (original location, btw Glenn and Ft Lowell), ☏ +1 520-322-9965, [email protected]. M-F 6:30AM-8PM, Sa 7AM-8PM, Su 7AM-6PM. Amazing sandwiches on fresh-baked bread, made from ingredients that are as fresh as possible. (In addition to baking bread daily, the restaurant also roasts its turkey and beef on site.) They also have an espresso bar and pastries. A nice place for lunch, but watch out – it's very popular, and you may have to wait in line. Alternately, you can pre-order your meal for pickup online. Average sandwich (hot & cold) costs around $6-6.50, chips included. (updated Mar 2017) 2 Beyond Bread Northwest, 421 W Ina Rd (SE corner of Ina and Oracle), ☏ +1 520-461-1111, [email protected]. M-F 6:30AM-8PM, Sa 7AM-8PM, Su 7AM-6PM. Online orders for this location can be placed here. (updated Mar 2017) 3 Beyond Bread East, 6260 E Speedway Blvd (Monterey Village Shopping Center), ☏ +1 520-747-7477, [email protected]. M-F 6:30AM-8PM, Sa 7AM-8PM, Su 7AM-6PM. Online orders for this location can be placed here. (updated Mar 2017) 4 Birrieria Guadalajara, 304 E 22nd St (SE corner of 22nd St and 4th Ave), ☏ +1 520-624-8020. Daily 7AM-8PM. A hole-in-the-wall Mexican diner frequented by the Hispanic workers and Gringos in the know. All the standard Mexican fare, but an unusual emphasis on caldos or soup. Birria is shredded beef in its own broth – this place makes the best! (updated Mar 2017) 5 Bison Witches, 326 N 4th Ave, ☏ +1 520-740-1541. Daily 11AM-midnight. Features tons of different sammies that are huge and will fill you up. Bread bowl soups are another popular choice at this deli/bar and is a college student's dream of a chill place to hang out and get in on some great drink specials. Thursdays is a great night for hanging out here. Sandwiches $8-1

Drink & nightlife

Tucson has an active wine community, with many retailers, restaurants and wine bars regularly offering scheduled wine tasting events. Cochise County, southeast of Tucson has many wineries, some of which welcome visitors. The majority of Tucson's nightlife for young and old is in three small areas of the town near the University of Arizona, all within walking distance to each other. The three are: 4th Avenue, University, and Downtown. Tucson nightlife tends to start later than nightlife in other areas of Arizona, such as Phoenix or Scottsdale. Expect bars and clubs to be sparsely populated until approx 10-10:30PM on an average weekend night. 4th Avenue stretches from University ave in the north to downtown Tucson in the south (only about ½ mile long). This stretch of 4th Avenue is the main nightlife strip of Tucson and filled with bars and restaurants of all varieties on each side of the street. The downtown Tucson area just south of 4th Avenue tends caters to a nicer and wealthier crowd and is home to many of Tucson's higher class restaurants and cocktail bars, as well as the famous Club Congress. The University Ave area of Tucson starts on University/Euclid on the west and runs several blocks until it ends into the school. It is approximately a 10-minute walk along University Avenue from the 4th Avenue area. Like 4th Avenue, University contains a strip of bars, stores, and restaurants that cater to a variety of tastes and ages (not just college kids).

1 Barrio Brewing Company, 800 E 16th St (corner of Toole Ave), ☏ +1 520-791-2739. M-W 11AM-10PM, Th-Sa 11AM-midnight, Su 11AM-9PM. Popular microbrewery near the train tracks that meander through downtown Tucson. Built into a former industrial warehouse, the interior features high ceilings and concrete floors while the long patio outside faces the train tracks and provides a view of the Downtown skyline. $3 pints during happy hour and a good happy hour food menu. (updated Mar 2017) 2 Bison Witches, 326 N 4th Ave, ☏ +1 520-740-1541. Kitchen: daily 11AM-midnight; bar: daily 11AM-2AM. At the heart of Tucson's 4th Avenue historic district, Bison Witches is a funky little bar and restaurant that serves amazing sandwiches, has a large selection of beer and has great margaritas. Bison Witches is always full but the wait for a table is never more than 15 minutes. At night, it can get crowded now that the back patio has been remodeled into an outdoor bar. (updated Feb 2017) 3 Club Congress, 311 E Congress St, ☏ +1 520-622-8848. If you feel like dancing, this is the place to go. It's in the historic Congress Hotel,

Sleep

Budget

Some motels on West Miracle Mile Road and south of 3000th block of North Oracle Road tend to be cheaper, run-down motels. Good deals can be found, but one probably wouldn't want to take one's family to these. This area is a legacy of the pre-freeway auto courts, 1937 to 1965, called Miracle Mile. A number of the old motor lodges remain. If you need a room for $25 this is the place to start looking.

1 Hotel Congress, 311 E Congress St, ☏ +1 520-622-8848, toll-free: +1-800-722-8848, fax: +1 520-792-6366, [email protected]. This historic hotel was the site of John Dillinger's arrest. The rooms are small, but have a funky, historic feel.

Mid-range

2 Comfort Suites Sabino Canyon, 7007 E Tanque Verde Rd, ☏ +1 520-298-2300. Renovated and central. 3 Courtyard Tucson Airport, 2505 E Executive Dr, ☏ +1 520-573-0000. $109-$189. 4 Courtyard Tucson Williams Centre, 201 S Williams Blvd, ☏ +1 520-745-6000. $109-149. 5 Desert Trails Bed & Breakfast, 12851 E Speedway Blvd, ☏ +1 520-885-7295. Check-in: 3-6PM, check-out: 11AM. A unique adobe hacienda situated on acreage bordering Saguaro National Park East, ideal for hiking, birding, and wildlife viewing. Horseback riding available; dining and shopping close by. $140. (updated Mar 2017) 6 Sonesta Select Tucson Airport, 6885 S Tucson Blvd, ☏ +1 520-295-0405, fax: +1 520-295-9140. ½ mile south of the Tucson International Airport and minutes from the Desert Diamond Casino. 7 Lodge on the Desert, 306 N Alvernon Way, ☏ +1 520-320-2000, toll-free: +1-800-456-5634. Founded in 1936 as a dude ranch on the edge of town, Lodge on the Desert is now in the heart of the city. However, it still exudes desert style and beauty. The 35 rooms are beautifully appointed with unique Southwestern flair. 8 Ramada by Wyndham Tucson, 350 S Freeway, ☏ +1 520-239-2300. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Near downtown, the Convention Center and close to the University of Arizona. Terrace Cafe on-site. 9 Starr Pass Golf Suites, 3645 W Starr Pass Blvd, ☏ +1 520-670-0500. 80 spacious casitas and suites with spectacular desert views, many with fireplaces and balconies. 10 Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa, 245 E Ina Rd, ☏ +1 520-297-1151, toll-free: +1-800-722-2500. A full service resort and spa on an 80-acre (32 hectares) oasis. There is on-site horseback riding, hiking, birding, swimming, and gourmet dining. 11 The Armory Park Inn, 438 South 3rd Avenue, ☏ +1 520-214-7686, [email protected]. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Newly renovated 7 room inn. From $155. (updated May 2020)

Splurge

12 The

Go next

Nearby Tucson is Saguaro National Park, the most dense forest of the iconic cactus of the American West. The park has two unconnected units to the east and west of Tucson. For cooler weather, you can make a day trip from Tucson up into the Santa Catalina Mountains and Mt. Lemmon (elevation over 9,000 ft (2,700 m), with snow in the winter). The mountains offer a number of hiking trails for all skill levels, as well as opportunities for horse riding, mountain biking, camping, and even downhill skiing. Further afield is Phoenix to the north, if you want "more city" than Tucson, which can be done as a day trip from Tucson, or you can move your base of operations from Tucson to Phoenix. For more cooler weather, further north from Phoenix along I-17 is Sedona, Flagstaff and Grand Canyon National Park. These destinations are a bit of a stretch as day trips from Tucson. Heading south is Nogales, with named cities on both sides of the US-Mexico border – Nogales (Arizona) and Nogales (Sonora). Southeast is Bisbee, which makes for a pleasant day trip. The Copper Queen has great food and historic accommodation. Along the way to Bisbee is Tombstone – visit the famous old west boom town to see "haunted" theaters, graves of famous outlaws, and reenactments of the famous O.K. Corral shootout. For more serious Old West history, be sure to visit the Cochise County Courthouse museum. A must for any trip to southern Arizona. North is Oracle, via Oracle Road (Arizona State Route 77). Along the way is Biosphere 2. Higher, Cooler, wetter, greener. Has Oracle State Park. Bedroom - artist community. Interesting people. Beautiful drive. Several overnight options (from motels to dude ranches) and restaurants. Two lively bars. Wonderful vistas of the north side of the Santa Catalina Mountains and Mt. Lemmon ski slopes. Borders Catalina National Forest (hiking, etc). Access to Arizona Trail. 'Back road to Mt Lemmon' starts in Oracle. Interesting history (Buffalo Bill, Gold Mining, Dude Ranches, et al). Main drag not much to look at but lots of hidden gems. See life in an unusually rich small Arizona town.