Michele & Paul's guidebook
City/town information
https://www.visittucson.org/plan-your-visit/southern-arizona/tucson-districts/catalina-foothills/
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Catalina Foothills
https://www.visittucson.org/plan-your-visit/southern-arizona/tucson-districts/catalina-foothills/
Food scene
Excellent Mexican food and ambiance, very close to the condo!
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El Charro Cafe Ventana
6910 E Sunrise DrExcellent Mexican food and ambiance, very close to the condo!
The best coffee and pastries (and also breakfast and lunch). Pro tip: try their croissants, best outside of France! There are two locations: Swan and Tanque Verde and they close at 2pm daily.
Le buzz caffe
2930 North Swan RoadThe best coffee and pastries (and also breakfast and lunch). Pro tip: try their croissants, best outside of France! There are two locations: Swan and Tanque Verde and they close at 2pm daily.
Culinary Dropout
2543 E Grant RdTwo words: pretzel bites!
Bazil's To Go has the best pizza in Tucson, hands down. The picture is from the restaurant Bazil's (there wasn't an option for Bazil's To Go) so be sure to call the right place. Pickup or delivery only and cash only --they deliver to the condo and they are closed on Mondays.
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Bazil's
4777 E Sunrise DrBazil's To Go has the best pizza in Tucson, hands down. The picture is from the restaurant Bazil's (there wasn't an option for Bazil's To Go) so be sure to call the right place. Pickup or delivery only and cash only --they deliver to the condo and they are closed on Mondays.
Excellent espresso, they roast their own organic beans on site.
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Savaya Coffee Market
5350 E Broadway BlvdExcellent espresso, they roast their own organic beans on site.
La Parrilla Suiza
5602 E Speedway BlvdAnother great Mexican food spot.
Forget Panera... this is where you go for soup, salad, or sandwiches in Tucson!
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Beyond Bread
3026 N Campbell AveForget Panera... this is where you go for soup, salad, or sandwiches in Tucson!
Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar
6390 E Grant RdYummy burgers and fries!
Really good local Chinese food. Located in the Safeway plaza at Swan and Sunrise.
Golden Dragon Chinese Restaurant
4704 East Sunrise DriveReally good local Chinese food. Located in the Safeway plaza at Swan and Sunrise.
Fine dining at a historic and unique inn. Romantic setting, farm to table menu, and a 900+ label wine list. Reservations are recommended during the peak spring and winter seasons.
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The Grill at Hacienda Del Sol
5501 N Hacienda Del Sol RdFine dining at a historic and unique inn. Romantic setting, farm to table menu, and a 900+ label wine list. Reservations are recommended during the peak spring and winter seasons.
Original location of El charro, excellent food, ambiance, and outdoor dining in downtown Tucson.
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El Charro Café
311 N Court AveOriginal location of El charro, excellent food, ambiance, and outdoor dining in downtown Tucson.
Sightseeing
A local treasure that's sure to please. Local flora and fauna as well as animals. A must visit type of place, definitely worth the drive. Wear your walking shoes and bring sunscreen and water. If you're here during the hot, summer months, plan to go early morning. There is a cafeteria and gift shop.
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Museo del Deserto Arizona-Sonora
2021 N Kinney RdA local treasure that's sure to please. Local flora and fauna as well as animals. A must visit type of place, definitely worth the drive. Wear your walking shoes and bring sunscreen and water. If you're here during the hot, summer months, plan to go early morning. There is a cafeteria and gift shop.
An oasis in the city that's not too far away and gives you a glimpse of some of our local desert beauty. The gift shop is fully stocked with awesome items.
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Giardini Botanici di Tucson
2150 N Alvernon WayAn oasis in the city that's not too far away and gives you a glimpse of some of our local desert beauty. The gift shop is fully stocked with awesome items.
You can take a photo by the big hauler and take a tour of the mine. Something fun to do and you can learn about copper mining in Arizona.
Asarco Mineral Discovery Center
1421 W Pima Mine RdYou can take a photo by the big hauler and take a tour of the mine. Something fun to do and you can learn about copper mining in Arizona.
Great place to see tons of aircraft and learn a little something at the same time.
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Pima Air and Space Museum
6000 E Valencia RdGreat place to see tons of aircraft and learn a little something at the same time.
Biosfera 2
32540 S Biosphere RdFun and educational
Parco della Montagna della Grotta Colossale
16721 E Old Spanish TrailMissione San Xavier del Bac
1950 W San Xavier RdA historic and beautiful place.
Great for the whole family, there's a tram for those unable to walk long distances.
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Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
5700 North Sabino Canyon RoadGreat for the whole family, there's a tram for those unable to walk long distances.
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
7000 N Resort DrGolf, dining, and spa.
If you're looking for a scenic drive and a place to escape hot, summer temps... Mt. Lemmon is the place! About an hour's drive up Catalina Highway, there are evergreen trees and cooler temperatures in summer and in winter, maybe a little snow and skiing (not Colorado skiing, mind you). There are a few shops and restaurants up at the top as well as some hiking trails. A really nice place to visit and spend some of your dollars in great little local shops.
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Monte Lemmon
If you're looking for a scenic drive and a place to escape hot, summer temps... Mt. Lemmon is the place! About an hour's drive up Catalina Highway, there are evergreen trees and cooler temperatures in summer and in winter, maybe a little snow and skiing (not Colorado skiing, mind you). There are a few shops and restaurants up at the top as well as some hiking trails. A really nice place to visit and spend some of your dollars in great little local shops.
So cool to see a massive titan missile up close and get a tour of the control room.
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Museo del Missile Titan
1580 W Duval Mine RdSo cool to see a massive titan missile up close and get a tour of the control room.
Where all the airplanes go after they've lived their lives. A very cool sight to see them all lined up and you can take a bus tour around the boneyard.
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Airplane Boneyard
2720 S Craycroft RdWhere all the airplanes go after they've lived their lives. A very cool sight to see them all lined up and you can take a bus tour around the boneyard.
Tucson is home to the nation's largest cactus: the giant saguaro is a universal symbol of the American Southwest. These majestic plants are found only in a small portion of the United States and are protected by Saguaro National Park on the east and west sides of Tucson. You can stay in your car and just drive the loop, or you can park and take a walk on any of the trails, have a picnic, or stop into the visitor center. Part of the National Parks System, there is a per car fee of $25 which helps defray the cost of maintaining the habitat of these giant beauties. Check the NPS.gov website for free entry days: www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/fees.htm
www.tucsontopia.com/saguaro-national-park-east/
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Saguaro National Park East
Tucson is home to the nation's largest cactus: the giant saguaro is a universal symbol of the American Southwest. These majestic plants are found only in a small portion of the United States and are protected by Saguaro National Park on the east and west sides of Tucson. You can stay in your car and just drive the loop, or you can park and take a walk on any of the trails, have a picnic, or stop into the visitor center. Part of the National Parks System, there is a per car fee of $25 which helps defray the cost of maintaining the habitat of these giant beauties. Check the NPS.gov website for free entry days: www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/fees.htm
www.tucsontopia.com/saguaro-national-park-east/
If you are planning a trip to the Desert Museum, you will pass through Saguaro National Park West! You can stay in your car and just drive through, or you can park and take a walk on any of the trails or stop for a picnic.
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Saguaro National Park West
If you are planning a trip to the Desert Museum, you will pass through Saguaro National Park West! You can stay in your car and just drive through, or you can park and take a walk on any of the trails or stop for a picnic.
Located on an entire city block in downtown Tucson and features "original and traveling exhibitions focusing on Art of the American West, Contemporary Art, Indigenous Art, Latin American Art, and Modern Art." There are tours, education programs, art classes, and of course a museum store.
https://www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/
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Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block
140 N Main AveLocated on an entire city block in downtown Tucson and features "original and traveling exhibitions focusing on Art of the American West, Contemporary Art, Indigenous Art, Latin American Art, and Modern Art." There are tours, education programs, art classes, and of course a museum store.
https://www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/
Historic Neighborhoods
The Sam Hughes Historic District is one of Tucson's oldest neighborhoods (dating back to the early 1920s). It has turn of the century Territorial and Mission style bungalows, John W. Murphey and Josias Joesler are among some of the early builders (both men played an integral role in the development of Tucson’s architecture). The neighborhood is located in the mile-square area bounded by Campbell on the west, Speedway on the north, Country Club on the east, and Broadway on the south.
The Sam Hughes district is known for its bike routes, recreational
facilities, pleasant areas for walking and jogging, and close proximity to the University of Arizona campus.
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Sam Hughes
The Sam Hughes Historic District is one of Tucson's oldest neighborhoods (dating back to the early 1920s). It has turn of the century Territorial and Mission style bungalows, John W. Murphey and Josias Joesler are among some of the early builders (both men played an integral role in the development of Tucson’s architecture). The neighborhood is located in the mile-square area bounded by Campbell on the west, Speedway on the north, Country Club on the east, and Broadway on the south.
The Sam Hughes district is known for its bike routes, recreational
facilities, pleasant areas for walking and jogging, and close proximity to the University of Arizona campus.
"This historical walk, designed as a loop, begins and ends at the intersection of Church and Washington Streets (the north-east corner of Tucson's historic presidio). The complete walk is about 2.5 miles in length and takes about 1.5 - 2 hours (but you can take your time and begin/end wherever you wish).
More than 20 restaurants are within a few blocks of the walk, providing plenty of opportunities for lunch or a break. Most of the sites on the tour are marked with historical plaques that provide additional information.
Enjoy this walk through the heart of our city, which has expanded out from the adobe fort that was its beginning."
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/preservation/turquoisetrail.pdf
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Downtown
"This historical walk, designed as a loop, begins and ends at the intersection of Church and Washington Streets (the north-east corner of Tucson's historic presidio). The complete walk is about 2.5 miles in length and takes about 1.5 - 2 hours (but you can take your time and begin/end wherever you wish).
More than 20 restaurants are within a few blocks of the walk, providing plenty of opportunities for lunch or a break. Most of the sites on the tour are marked with historical plaques that provide additional information.
Enjoy this walk through the heart of our city, which has expanded out from the adobe fort that was its beginning."
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/preservation/turquoisetrail.pdf
Wear your walking shoes and bring your camera!
"The barrios, some of which still stand today, were built in the early 19th century to house the growing population. In 1854, the city became a U.S. territory along with the rest of present-day southern Arizona under the Gadsden Purchase. While other parts of the city were Americanized, the barrios retained their own culture largely due to their distance from the railroads, which brought in the newcomers.
By the late 1950s, those barrios had fallen into disrepair and the city began bulldozing them to make way for progress in the form of a convention center, government buildings and downtown skyscrapers. An outcry by residents forced them to back down before all were destroyed.
Barrio Historico, immediately south of the Tucson Convention Center, is one of the best preserved. The nearly 20 blocks of Sonoran-style adobe row houses painted in yellows, reds, purples and other colors of the rainbow give the area the feel of a Mexican village more than a turn-of-the-century American city. The homes house artist studios, young couples and some longtime Hispanic residents, making it one of the more diverse neighborhoods in the city."
"If you are driving to the barrio, a good weekend place to park is in front of Carrillo School, 440 S. Main Ave. Elsewhere, beware of permit-only parking on some streets."
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Barrio Viejo
Wear your walking shoes and bring your camera!
"The barrios, some of which still stand today, were built in the early 19th century to house the growing population. In 1854, the city became a U.S. territory along with the rest of present-day southern Arizona under the Gadsden Purchase. While other parts of the city were Americanized, the barrios retained their own culture largely due to their distance from the railroads, which brought in the newcomers.
By the late 1950s, those barrios had fallen into disrepair and the city began bulldozing them to make way for progress in the form of a convention center, government buildings and downtown skyscrapers. An outcry by residents forced them to back down before all were destroyed.
Barrio Historico, immediately south of the Tucson Convention Center, is one of the best preserved. The nearly 20 blocks of Sonoran-style adobe row houses painted in yellows, reds, purples and other colors of the rainbow give the area the feel of a Mexican village more than a turn-of-the-century American city. The homes house artist studios, young couples and some longtime Hispanic residents, making it one of the more diverse neighborhoods in the city."
"If you are driving to the barrio, a good weekend place to park is in front of Carrillo School, 440 S. Main Ave. Elsewhere, beware of permit-only parking on some streets."
If you're visiting Tucson during the month of December, don't miss the Winterhaven Festival of Lights: "Tour our lights on a hayride wagon, a bus trolley, a pedal-powered group bike! You can also see the lights on foot.
The rides are popular ways to see the lights, so reservations are recommended. Make your reservation by directly contacting the ride company."
http://winterhavenfestival.org/
https://winterhavenrides.com/
https://www.arizonapartybike.com/tucson/winterhaven-rides/
https://www.facebook.com/WinterhavenTrolleyTours/
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East Winterhaven Drive
East Winterhaven DriveIf you're visiting Tucson during the month of December, don't miss the Winterhaven Festival of Lights: "Tour our lights on a hayride wagon, a bus trolley, a pedal-powered group bike! You can also see the lights on foot.
The rides are popular ways to see the lights, so reservations are recommended. Make your reservation by directly contacting the ride company."
http://winterhavenfestival.org/
https://winterhavenrides.com/
https://www.arizonapartybike.com/tucson/winterhaven-rides/
https://www.facebook.com/WinterhavenTrolleyTours/
Shared-Use Path
The Chuck Huckelberry Loop is a system of paved, shared-use paths and short segments of buffered bike lanes connecting the Cañada del Oro, Rillito, Santa Cruz, and Pantano River Parks with the Julian Wash and Harrison Road Greenway. It is more than 136 miles of paved pathways and bike lanes with more to come! The Loop extends through unincorporated Pima County, Marana, Oro Valley, Tucson, and South Tucson and connects parks, trailheads, bus and bike routes, workplaces, restaurants, schools, hotels and motels, shopping areas, and entertainment venues. Visitors and Pima County residents can enjoy the Loop on foot, bike, skates, and horse.
There are dozens of places to access the Loop. To find the one closest to you, visit the Loop website: www.pima.gov/theloop and click on the “Maps” tab. There you will find links to a Loop map in PDF form as well as an interactive map. The site also lists locations where you can pick up a physical map.
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The Rillito River Loop
4288 Diamond St LoopThe Chuck Huckelberry Loop is a system of paved, shared-use paths and short segments of buffered bike lanes connecting the Cañada del Oro, Rillito, Santa Cruz, and Pantano River Parks with the Julian Wash and Harrison Road Greenway. It is more than 136 miles of paved pathways and bike lanes with more to come! The Loop extends through unincorporated Pima County, Marana, Oro Valley, Tucson, and South Tucson and connects parks, trailheads, bus and bike routes, workplaces, restaurants, schools, hotels and motels, shopping areas, and entertainment venues. Visitors and Pima County residents can enjoy the Loop on foot, bike, skates, and horse.
There are dozens of places to access the Loop. To find the one closest to you, visit the Loop website: www.pima.gov/theloop and click on the “Maps” tab. There you will find links to a Loop map in PDF form as well as an interactive map. The site also lists locations where you can pick up a physical map.
Public Pool
Exercise and/or recreation
7200 E. Tanque Verde Rd. • Tucson AZ 85715
(520) 791-4004
The Udall pool is 25-yards by 25-meter pool, with depths ranging from 4-13.5 feet and has a portable ramp entry. Diving area has 1- and 3-meter diving boards. The lap swimming course is 25 yards.
Adult Lap Swim
Monday-Friday: 6-8 a.m., 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 6:30-8:30 p.m
Saturday and Sunday: Noon-4 p.m.
Recreational Swim
Monday-Friday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 6:30-8:30 p.m
Saturday and Sunday: Noon-4 p.m.
Udall Pool
7200 East Tanque Verde Road7200 E. Tanque Verde Rd. • Tucson AZ 85715
(520) 791-4004
The Udall pool is 25-yards by 25-meter pool, with depths ranging from 4-13.5 feet and has a portable ramp entry. Diving area has 1- and 3-meter diving boards. The lap swimming course is 25 yards.
Adult Lap Swim
Monday-Friday: 6-8 a.m., 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 6:30-8:30 p.m
Saturday and Sunday: Noon-4 p.m.
Recreational Swim
Monday-Friday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 6:30-8:30 p.m
Saturday and Sunday: Noon-4 p.m.
Hiking
A moderate, out and back hiking trail. Can get very busy on weekends. Open all year, though the lower portion is very hot in summer. Parking area is located at the east end of Speedway Boulevard.
Length:
2.9 miles to Bridal Wreath Falls
6.5 miles to Douglas Camp Spring
8.8 miles to Cowhead Saddle
Elevation change: 1,100 feet, 1,950 feet, 3,550 feet
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Douglas Spring Trailhead
14306 E Speedway BlvdA moderate, out and back hiking trail. Can get very busy on weekends. Open all year, though the lower portion is very hot in summer. Parking area is located at the east end of Speedway Boulevard.
Length:
2.9 miles to Bridal Wreath Falls
6.5 miles to Douglas Camp Spring
8.8 miles to Cowhead Saddle
Elevation change: 1,100 feet, 1,950 feet, 3,550 feet
A great hiking trail out on the east side of town. Awesome waterfalls during the spring and monsoon seasons.
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Tanque Verde Falls
A great hiking trail out on the east side of town. Awesome waterfalls during the spring and monsoon seasons.
A great hiking trail just up the street. Running water in spring and after monsoon storms. A more challenging hike with lots of switchbacks.
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Ventana Canyon Trailhead
6601 N Resort DrA great hiking trail just up the street. Running water in spring and after monsoon storms. A more challenging hike with lots of switchbacks.
Bear Canyon Trailhead
5150 North Bear Canyon RoadAn easier, flatter hike.
A motorized hike with narration for those who are unable to walk far distances:
"Sabino Canyon Crawler, an emission-free electric shuttle, enhances the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area experience and is designed to protect the area’s natural and cultural resources.
The electric shuttles seat up to 60 passengers and offer an enhanced interpretive program that shares details about how Sabino Canyon was formed, what kind of plant and wildlife live in the canyon, seasonal changes that occur in the canyon, plus important historical and cultural information.
An individualized automated narration system allows each passenger to plug provided earbuds in at their seat to enjoy a unique experience and shield non-shuttle canyon visitors from noise and sounds. The narration is available in English and Spanish. Everyone has the opportunity to enjoy details about the natural environment, cultural history, and diverse flora and fauna of the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area."
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Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
5700 North Sabino Canyon RoadA motorized hike with narration for those who are unable to walk far distances:
"Sabino Canyon Crawler, an emission-free electric shuttle, enhances the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area experience and is designed to protect the area’s natural and cultural resources.
The electric shuttles seat up to 60 passengers and offer an enhanced interpretive program that shares details about how Sabino Canyon was formed, what kind of plant and wildlife live in the canyon, seasonal changes that occur in the canyon, plus important historical and cultural information.
An individualized automated narration system allows each passenger to plug provided earbuds in at their seat to enjoy a unique experience and shield non-shuttle canyon visitors from noise and sounds. The narration is available in English and Spanish. Everyone has the opportunity to enjoy details about the natural environment, cultural history, and diverse flora and fauna of the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area."
"Main route into the high elevation backcountry of Saguaro National Park, climbing steadily through several vegetation zones. Path stays close to the crest of a sloping ridge for most of the journey and so has good views all the way."
Length: 11 miles to Cowhead Saddle
Elevation change: 3,900 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: One way; gives access to several other remote trails
Usage: Medium
Season: Best from fall to spring
Trailhead: Javelina picnic area, along the Cactus Forest Drive
Tanque Verde Ridge Trail
"Main route into the high elevation backcountry of Saguaro National Park, climbing steadily through several vegetation zones. Path stays close to the crest of a sloping ridge for most of the journey and so has good views all the way."
Length: 11 miles to Cowhead Saddle
Elevation change: 3,900 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: One way; gives access to several other remote trails
Usage: Medium
Season: Best from fall to spring
Trailhead: Javelina picnic area, along the Cactus Forest Drive