Day 1: Downtown Tucson
Explore: Arizona Poppy Shop, The Southern Arizona Transportation Museum
Experience: Arizona Theatre Company, Tucson Symphony Orchestra
Eat: Cup Cafe, The Monica, Penca, JoJo’s
Start your day with a superb upscale breakfast experience in the Cup Cafe. Nestled within the historic Hotel Congress, this spot will wow you with updated classics made with locally grown ingredients, and delicious desserts made in-house daily. After you’ve had breakfast, cross the street to the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum. Located within a historic train depot, this interactive learning center teaches about the development of Tucson and the legacy of transportation in the region.
Once you’re done, take a short walk to the Pima County Historic Courthouse to explore Tucson’s diverse and engaging history. Enjoy the learning opportunities in the Southern Arizona Heritage and Visitor’s Center, explore the UArizona Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum, and experience the day John Dillinger and his gang were tried for their crimes in the upstairs gallery. Once you’re hungry for lunch, head over to The Monica to savor some of the famed flavors of the Charro restaurants, with many delicious plant-based options.
After lunch, explore unique and sustainable shopping experiences at Arizona Poppy Shop. Locally made gifts to take home or give to a loved one support local artists and give you a reminder of your time in Tucson. Other locally owned shops like the Lost Barrio Shops or The Tucson Gallery are great places to look around and experience. When you’re done exploring Downtown, your dinner options are exceptional. Head to Penca to enjoy artisan plant-based dishes with flavors of Mexico City, or another fabulous option is JoJo’s if you love creative dishes and beautiful courtyards, given the weather is lovely.
After dinner, treat yourself to one of many live performing arts options in Tucson. Patronizing local artists preserves Tucson’s cultural heritage and sustains our vibrant arts scene. Consider seeing a play at Arizona Theatre Company and experience the magic of live theatre. The Tucson Symphony Orchestra, the longest continuously performing professional arts organization in Arizona, is nothing short of excellent and would be a remarkable cap to a wonderful day.
Day 2: Explore Historic Fourth Avenue and the University of Arizona
Explore: Pop-Cycle, African American Museum of Southern Arizona
Experience: Main Gate Square, UA Sustainability Tour, University of Arizona Campus Arboretum
Eat: Exo Roast Co., The Boxyard, Ermano’s Craft Beer & Wine Bar
Hop on the eastbound Sun Link Streetcar to the 4th Ave and 9th St. stop and walk two blocks to Exo Roast Co. for early morning coffee and breakfast pastries. (Insider tip: Consider returning in the evening when Exo transforms from coffee shop to agave-bar with craft spirits made from heritage ingredients!). Get back on the Sun Link heading east and ride through the Historic Fourth Avenue District and on to Main Gate Square in the heart of the University of Arizona campus.
Check out the Campus Arboretum website to explore guided tours or self-guided tours of the 400 acres of desert landscape on campus. The Arboretum is a living laboratory promoting stewardship and conservation of urban trees through research, education and outreach. While you soak up the beauty of the historic campus, look for stops on the UA Sustainability Tour to explore the important work that is being done at the University of Arizona. This tour showcases design features on the UA campus and explains how even seemingly small things such as a parking lot can have significant impacts on the environment.
Experience more of southern Arizona’s heritage and culture by booking a tour with the African American Museum of Southern Arizona located in the university’s student union. Schedule this amazing experience in advance to experience this repository of stories, histories, and cultural contributions by African Americans and Blacks in Southern Arizona.
After your walk, hop back on the streetcar, travel west to the Historic Fourth Avenue District, and have your pick of delicious lunch stops along the way. Time Market, Cafe Maggie’s, and the many restaurants within The Boxyard all offer delicious plant-based meals. Once you've finished lunch, walk around Historic Fourth Avenue to explore unique shops, bars, and cafes. Pop-Cycle is a locally run store that showcases art made from recycled materials, re-used products, and refurbished goods. Get a souvenir unlike any other and contribute to reducing waste.
Once you’re done exploring the funky boutiques, thrift shops, and bookstores, head over to BOCA for dinner. Explore the colorful gastronomic artistry of Chef Maria Mazon who uses local ingredients and highlights the rich and complex food history of Tucson. If you’re interested in nightlife, 4th Avenue comes alive after sundown with many nightlife experiences from dive bars to eclectic cafes to LGBTQ forward spaces. Please make sure to get home safely – the streetcar runs until 8 p.m. on Sunday, 10 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and until 2 a.m. Thursday- Saturday.
Day 3: Heritage Walk
Explore: Mission Garden, The Loop, Santa Cruz River
Experience: Barrio Viejo, MSA Annex, Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center
Eat: Seis, MSA Annex Restaurants, The Coronet
Begin your day bright and early by catching the Sun Link Streetcar westbound to Mission Garden. Mission Garden inspires people to connect to the land in a multi-generational, outdoor, hands-on educational setting. Spend time in the garden, learn about Tucson history, and buy exclusive heritage and heirloom foods. Stop by Seis to get brunch and experience a Tucson City of Gastronomy artisan meal with sustainable and locally grown ingredients.
In the afternoon, explore the architecture of the Mercado neighborhood and shop in the many stores of the MSA Annex. Buy your souvenirs sustainably at locally owned retail stores to contribute to local livelihoods and take home something unique and memorable. If you’re hungry for lunch, stop by any of the three MSA Annex restaurants, Rollie’s, Beaut Burger, or Kukai. All of which have amazing plant-based options!
After lunch, walk east of the MSA Annex to access the Santa Cruz River Park. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a TUGO bike and cycle along the Chuck Huckelberry Loop. You can also walk along this paved path and enjoy the unique sights of the Santa Cruz River and see desert wildlife enjoying the water in the river.
When you’re done, hop back on the Sun Link East and travel to the Granada/Cushing St stop. Walk east to the neighborhood of Barrio Historico. If you’re a fan of history and interested in learning more about this special place in Tucson, consider booking a walking tour through the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum. Visit the Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center to engage in Tucson’s multiculturalism and learn about the legacy of Jewish experiences in Southern Arizona. For dinner, enjoy another Tucson City of Gastronomy artisan restaurant with delicious plant-based options at The Coronet.
