Central Tucson

Anchoring Central Tucson, Reid Park on 131 acres has a kid-friendly zoo among its recreational attractions.

 

Urban parks, family attractions, historic 'hoods

Central Tucson is anchored by the city's largest park: 131-acre Reid Park has a 9,500-seat baseball stadium, an amphitheater, a duck pond, public pools, and Reid Park Zoo along with playgrounds, gardens and picnic areas. Here also are two 18-hole municipal golf courses, Randolph and Dell Urich, and Reffkin Tennis Center. A 2-mile loop of paved multi-use trails follows the edge of the park, connecting with another 2.5 miles around the golf and recreation complex.

Top attractions in this district include Tucson Botanical Gardens and, nearly next door, Yume Japanese Gardens. The Mini Time Machine Museum, Madaras Gallery, and Fort Lowell Park are neighbors and not far from the Loft CinemaUnscrewed TheaterYun Gee Park Gallery & Atelier, and The RumRunner wine and spirits shop. Shopping options range from two malls -- El Con and Park Place -- to such local haunts as Broadway Village (a 1939 gem designed by local architect Josias Joesler that houses Barrio BreadBisbee Breakfast Club, and Sushi Garden), Bookmans Entertainment ExchangeBuffalo ExchangeMidtown Mercantile Merchants, and Plaza Palomino.

This area is characterized by historic neighborhoods, built primarily between 1920 and 1960 and featuring varied architectural styles and mature landscaping. Among them, Blenman-Elm is home to the Arizona Inn, a 14-acre garden resort built in 1930 by Isabella Greenway, Arizona's first Congresswoman and lifelong friend of Eleanor Roosevelt. Nearby, another local landmark hotel, Lodge on the Desert, began as a private family residence in the late 1930s and provides a charming getaway today. The 3rd Street/University bike boulevard transports cyclists and pedestrians from Wilmot Road to the University of Arizona, passing through mostly residential areas.

Scattered throughout the area are brand-name, mid-range hotels convenient to most everything, including SheratonHiltonLa QuintaMarriott, and the local independent Viscount Suite Hotel.

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