Senior Visitor’s Guide to Tucson

Name: Free First Thursday at Tucson Museum of Art
Start: 2024-05-02T17:00:00-07:00
End: 2024-05-02T20:00:00-07:00
Location: Tucson Museum of Art

Planning a trip to Tucson, Arizona? Make the most of your vacation by checking out our handy guide first.

With just over one million residents, Greater Tucson is the second largest city in Arizona. It sits in a valley surrounded by the Catalina mountains to the north, the Rincon mountains to the east, the Tucson mountains to the west, and the Santa Rita mountains to the south. Also known as the Old Pueblo, Tucson is known both as a popular retirement city and college town.

When to Visit

Tucson is generally about 10 degrees cooler than its sister city Phoenix. But that is little consolation when it is 105 degrees F outside in the summer. The best time to visit is late September through early April. Otherwise, plan on spending your days inside in the cool air conditioning or swimming in shady pools. Night is the best time to explore outdoors during the summers. The temperature usually drops about 20 degrees at night in Tucson, and the star-filled skies here are known to be some of the best in the world.

Resorts, Hotels, & Vacation Rentals in Tucson

Scenic Foothills Resorts

The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa
Located in the Catalina Foothills of north Tucson, this resort has several pools, a waterslide, hot tub, golf, and on-site spa. It is close to upscale shopping at La Encantada Shopping Center, and its on-site Spanish tapas restaurant, Contigo has some of the best views of the city from its outdoor patio.
Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort
A favorite of Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn, this historic hotel from 1929 is also located in north Tucson in the Catalina Foothills. It has a hot tub, pool, and an on-site restaurant with an award-winning wine selection.
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
Located on the northeast side of Tucson in the Catalina Foothills, Ventana Canyon has on-site restaurants, on-site spa, heated outdoor pools (including an adult-only lap pool) hot tubs, cold pool, golf courses, tennis, and koi pond.
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa
Located in the foothills of the Tucson Mountains on the west side of Tucson, this resort has the only Lazy River in town. It also has two pools, water slide, hot tub, and on-site restaurants.

Cool Hotels In-Town

Arizona Inn
Located in a quiet upscale historic neighborhood just northeast of the University of Arizona, this 1930s boutique hotel has 92 rooms, pool, tennis, badminton, and other lawn games. The lush scenery and fine dining make this a popular wedding venue. Their brunch is a popular dining spot for locals.
Hotel Congress
Although not fancy, this small historic hotel is the heart of Downtown Tucson. Built in 1919, it has a Southwest Art Deco theme. The 39 rooms are updated enough to be comfortable (including private bathrooms, internet, and air conditioning) while maintaining their historic charm (iron bed frame, vintage radio, no TV). A fire in the hotel in 1934 led to the capture of the infamous gangster John Dillinger, who had been staying there. Hotel Congress is said to be haunted, with tales of ghost sightings, specifically in rooms 242, 214 and 220. This is a great place to stay for a night if you are visiting Tucson and want to experience the nightlife of downtown. Be warned that it can be a little loud in the rooms at night though, because the hotel is also a popular nightclub, Club Congress, which has a popular bar downstairs with live music shows. There is also a well-regarded restaurant downstairs called The Cup Café, perfect for breakfast after your stay.
AC Hotel by Marriott Tucson Downtown
If you like the idea of staying in Downtown Tucson, but want more modern accommodations, then this new Marriott is the place for you. This modern hotel has a bar downstairs and a rooftop pool.
Graduate Tucson
This new hotel is footsteps away from the University of Arizona and features a rooftop terrace and pool.

All-inclusive resorts

Tanque Verde Ranch
Located on the far east side of Tucson (near Saguaro National Park East), this all-inclusive dude ranch is a fun place to stay if you are looking for an active vacation. The rustic Southwestern adobe ranch rooms will make you feel like a pampered cowboy/girl. They have 180 horses on site and offer horseback riding and lessons, as well as many other activities like bicycling, swimming pools, tennis, basketball, hiking, fishing, and on-site spa. The ranch is a popular wedding location and their breakfast buffet is popular among locals. This is a good place for a family reunion and sure to please every age.
Miraval Resort and Spa
Located in the foothills of Catalina, AZ, north of Tucson and Oro Valley, this all-inclusive luxury resort offers different packages with spa services, wellness activities, and classes. This resort is said to be similar to Miraval, without the strict wellness guidelines.
Canyon Ranch Tucson
This all-inclusive wellness resort is located on the northeast side of town in the Catalina Foothills. The high price makes it very exclusive, and attracts celebrities like Oprah Winfrey. Wellness classes, spa treatments, holistic activities, and gourmet health food are included. No alcohol is served, and children under 16 are not permitted. It is known to be a place for healing.

Restaurants & Dining in Tucson

Named the “First Capital of Gastronomy” in the United States by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). City with longest agricultural and culinary history in the US. O’odham Native Americans grew their crops here over 4000 years ago. Culinary fusion of Native American, Spanish, Mexican, Chinese, and Anglo origins. Some foods are collected in the same way they were thousands of years ago.

Best Mexican Restaurants

El Charro Café
Chef Carlotta Flores owns and runs this Sonoran Mexican restaurant, which was started by her great Aunt in 1922. The original downtown El Charro is still in operation, as well as 3 additional locations. El Charro is known for their Carne Seca (lean beef which is dried in the sun and shredded) and claims to have invented the Chimichanga (a deep-fried burrito).
Mi Nidito Restaurant
This Southside restaurant often has long (30-60min) waits for tables because it is known to be the best. Since 1952 they have served their reasonably priced authentic Sonoran Mexican food to locals and visiting celebrities (including Bill Clinton, Enrique Iglesias, Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt, and more.)
Guadalajara’s Grill & Tequila Bar
With two locations (one in mid-town and one on the east side), Guadalajara’s Grill is great for both small and large parties. With a fiesta-like atmosphere, live music every night, and salsa made table-side and customized to your order, you are sure to have a fun night here.
El Minuto Cafe
This quaint downtown restaurant has been serving authentic Sonoran Mexican food since 1936. It is located close to the Tucson Community Center, and has some of the best carne asada tacos and cheese crisps.
Charro Steak & Del Rey
Upscale contemporary Mexican restaurant in downtown Tucson with Steaks & Seafood, part of the El Charro family of restaurants.
Charrovida
Located in Northwest Tucson, this restaurant features health-conscious Sonoran Mexican food made with only healthy Mediterranean oils and locally sourced produce.
The Little One (aka Little Poca Cosa)
Located downtown since the 1980s, this restaurant features fresh, healthy Sonoran Mexican food in a casual environment and is a local favorite.
Reforma
This restaurant in north Tucson offers upscale Modern Mexican food plus the largest selection of Mezcal and Tequila in Arizona.
Tito & Pep
Located in mid-town Tucson, this bistro has a fun retro-modern atmosphere and serves Mexican-American fusion dishes, self-described as “Tucsonan food.”
Boca Tacos y Taquila
If you visit 4th Avenue for shopping or night life, be sure to eat at this hip restaurant by James Beard Semi-finalist chef Maria Mazon. Enjoy gourmet salsas and tacos made from fresh local ingredients.
Tumerico
With two small restaurant locations near the UofA and 4th Avenue, Tumerico offers fresh Latin vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Penca
Want something different from the typical Tucson Sonoran-style Mexican? Head downtown to Penca for their mix of traditional and modern Central-Mexican cuisine. Enjoy a view of downtown foot-traffic while dining at this classy restaurant.

Other Notable Restaurants

Contigo Latin Kitchen
Located in the Catalina Foothills by Westin La Paloma Resort, this is the perfect restaurant if you want to enjoy a Latin/Spanish meal with a beautiful view of the city. Request outdoor patio seating if the weather is good.
Vivace
Located on north Campbell Ave in Catalina Foothills, this elegant restaurant serves North Italian food in an elegant setting with beautiful views.
The Parish
Located on the northwest side of town, The Parish is an award-winning Southern-fusion Gastropu. Frog legs, gumbo, Catfish, hushpuppies, bread pudding and more some of the more unique dishes served here.
Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink
This modern pizzeria’s original downtown location was built in a historic 1906 funeral home. Although they now have a second location in northwest Tucson, we recommend visiting their downtown location for the beautiful architecture.
Wild Garlic Grill
French educated Tucson native Chef Steven Schultz serves fine California-Southwest cuisine from local ingredients at this elegant restaurant in the Catalina Foothills.
Churrasco de Brasil
Brazilian Steakhouse located by the Tucson Mall on the northwest side of town. An all-you-can-eat sort of fine dining experience. Meats are grilled Brazilian style and then carved table-side directly to your plate.
King Fisher Bar & Grill
If you are craving seafood and oysters in Tucson, King Fisher is the place.

Best Things to Do and See in Tucson

Below are just some of the must-do activities and sites while in the Tucson area and beyond.

Arts, Culture & Attractions

Arizona State Museum
Since 1893, this large museum at the University of Arizona has exhibited Native American art and artifacts from prehistoric to modern times.
Arizona History Museum
Also located at the UofA, this museum has historic artifacts from Spanish Colonial times, Wild West, and more.
Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium
On the east end of the UofA campus is The Flandrau, which has science exhibits as well as a state-of-the-art planetarium. Watch exciting science documentaries and laser shows on the full-dome screen.
Center for Creative Photography
If you like art and photography, be sure to visit the University of Arizona’s Center for Creative Photography, which is home to the Ansel Adams archives among others. Their collection also includes temporary exhibits, and is ever-changing.
Tucson Museum of Art
Located in downtown’s historic Presidio District, the Tucson Museum of Art has a permanent collection including indigenous, Latin, Western, European, and Modern art, as well as visiting exhibits that change regularly. Pick up lunch at Café a la C’art at the museum, or nearby El Charro Café downtown.
Presidio San Augustin del Tucson Museum and The Turquoise Trail
Also located in downtown’s Presidio district is Presidio San Augustin. See what life in Tucson was like in the late 1700s. Visit on the 2nd Saturday of the month October through April to experience reenactments and demonstrations during “Living History Days”.
Pima Air and Space Museum
Visit the southeast side of town to see one almost 400 historic aircraft. Many airplanes are outside, and more aircraft and related historic artifacts are inside of their four large hangars. Several planes are open for visitors to climb inside. They also have a restaurant and gift shop.
Gadsden Pacific Toy Train Museum
If you like model trains, you will love visiting this free toy train museum on the west side of town. With over 70 tables of train displays as well as a ride-on miniature train outside, this museum will amaze and entertain both kids and adults.
Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch
Just off I-10 and next to Picacho Peak on the west side of Tucson is the most entertaining and crazy petting zoo you can imagine. Don’t be fooled – the Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch is not just for kids. Adults will love seeing and feeding all the different animals here, including ostriches, rainbow lorikeets, goats, deer, donkeys, ducks, bunnies, sheep and stingrays. Visit their gift shop and bring home an ostrich egg shell or ostrich feather duster for yourself.
Reid Park Zoo
Founded in 1967, the Reid Park Zoo has an African loop and a South American loop. Notable animals here include a herd of six African elephants (including baby Nandi), giraffes, grizzly bears, squirrel monkeys, lions, lemurs, giant tortoises, and peacocks (who strut freely around the zoo).
Trail Dust Town
Built in 1961, Trail Dust Town is a recreation of a Wild West pioneer town’s main street. Watch the Pistoleros Wild West Stunt Show, pretend to get locked up in jail, walk through a “haunted house,” get western themed portraits, and pick up some fun old-time gifts, candies, and chocolates at the stores inside. If you eat at the western-themed Pinnacle Peak remember no ties are allowed!
Gaslight Theatre
Cheer for the hero and boo at the villain at this unique western-themed live theater venue. Performances are musical comedy melodramas and spoofs. Enjoy food from adjoined Little Anthony’s Diner before or during the show. The diner is a fun 1950’s themed restaurant, with live Marylin Monroe and Elvis impersonators singing on the weekends, and occasional car shows.
Tucson Botanical Gardens
This urban oasis in central Tucson was named one of America’s top Botanical Gardens by USA Today in 2023. This year they are celebrating 20 years of Butterfly Magic, their popular live butterfly exhibit.
Tohono Chul
Enjoy art galleries and the beauty of the Sonoran Desert at this hidden gem of a botanical garden. Then enjoy a prickly pear margarita or mimosa with brunch on the patio of their Garden Bistro.
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum
Visit this art gallery and shop to see vast collections of paintings by Ted DeGrazia, depicting native cultures of the Southwest.
Madaras Gallery
This gallery has the largest collection of southwest art in Tucson, including many Southwest landscape paintings by local artist celebrity Diana Madaras as well as art by 26 other local artists. The gallery also has an extensive gift shop with museum quality art and other Southwest gifts.
Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
This museum is home to an impressive display of over 500 antique and modern dollhouses, room boxes and miniatures, with rotating exhibits.

Shopping

In addition to commercial mall spaces, Tucson has some unique shopping districts, several of which are connected by the streetcar. Since parking can be intimidating for some in these more dense areas, consider parking at the Univeristy of Arizona and riding the street car. It goes from the UofA through Main Gate, 4th Avenue, Downtown, and Mercado San Agustín.

Main Gate Square
Located steps west of the University of Arizona on University Blvd, Main Gate square is filled with shops, restaurants and bars. Popular restaurants here include Frog & Firkin and Gentle Ben’s Brewing. Visit the museums on campus or watch a show at the UofA’s Centennial Hall and then stroll through Main Gate Square for a meal and UofA gear.
4th Avenue
Between Main Gate Square and Downtown Tucson lies the historic and eccentric 4th Avenue. Filled with local businesses, restaurants, and bars, it is like Tucson’s version of the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco. Many of the shops and restaurants are within re-purposed homes from the early 1900s. In the spring and fall, 4th Avenue hosts the 4th Avenue Street fair, with hundreds of vendors and draws 300,000+ crowds. Notable restaurants here include Caruso’s Italian and Boca Tacos & Tequila. Shopping here ranges from vintage clothes, to retro toys, to independent bookstore, and Southwest gifts and souvenirs.
Downtown Tucson
Steps south of 4th Avenue past the train tracks is Tucson’s Downtown. This historic district is home to buildings from the early 1900s as well as modern high-rises. Like 4th Avenue, Downtown is a popular night-life destination. It has several classy dining options and unique shops.
Mercado San Agustín and MSA Annex
Just west of Downtown is Mercado San Augustín, and the MSA Annex. Here you will find independent, locally owned shops and restaurants. Be sure to stop by La Estrella Bakery for authentic Mexican pastries and some of the best fresh flour tortillas. Need a sweet refreshment? Visit Sonoran Sno-Cones Raspados for refreshing traditional Mexican snacks and fruit drinks with shaved ice and ice cream!

If you are looking for nation-wide, chain stores, here are the main malls in Tucson.

La Encantada
This two story outdoor mall is located in the Catalina Foothills and has a variety of luxury and specialty shops (including an Apple Store) and restaurants. Across the street is Wild Garlic Grill and just a few minutes drive away is Contigo Latin Kitchen.
Tucson Mall
Located on the northwest side of town, the Tucson Mall has 2 stories of stores, plus the Cheesecake Factory and Churrasco de Brasil Brazillian steakhouse on the outside.
Park Place
This mall on the east side of town now includes an indoor bowling alley, and movie theater, as well as many commercial chain retail stores.
Plaza Palomino
This mid-town outdoor shopping center has several restaurants and boutique women’s clothing shops.