A clean, quiet place to stay in the heart of Downtown, staying here means youll be in walking distance of shops, restaurants and bars. Youll be close to historic 4th Avenue and the citys collection of historic buildings, as well as public transport, and a whole load of places to eat and drink. Next up, we would say hit upSan Xavier del Bac. Close. The floor is a bit small, however. I am not going to lie: there are a lot of beautiful women there, but a bit on the young side. Theres a ton of chef focused cuisine going on for starters, you should check out 4th Avenue and head over to Main Gate Square. Its well worth a visit. Recent visitors praise Tucson Mountain Park for its range of hiking trails and its proximity to the city. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass, I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. We suggest you try to find some of the coolest among them. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! A 45 acre botanical garden, located in Casas Adobes, Tohono Chul Park is a surprising desert park that is one of nicest things to do in Tucson when its hot that overhanging foliage really helps with the whole shade situation! We're staying at an adjacent hotel and thus had super convenient opportunity to spend an hour or so enjoying a tasting and then a bottle of Rose'. Open from 6am to 10:30pm, you can enjoy a day with your partner in the beautiful, 10 acre setting, wandering the trails and admiring the view. The bartender was excellent. If youre into photography one of the best things to do in Tucson is simply to take out you camera. The atmosphere here is unlike the other bars in Tucson. And the second item on the menu and No food so go For the drinks and the company. And its still found quite a bit around the city the Gold Rush is still on (almost, anyway). document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This website uses cookies to improve your experience. This is amazing if you love food. And, if youre a fan of street art, finding at least someof them is one of the best free things to do in Tucson. Audience participation, therefore, is kind of a given. The Boneyard as it is colloquially known is by far the biggestairplane graveyard in the world. 2021 N Kinney Rd. PLUS, you save money and the environment! Upon your visit, youll be adding to The Foxs image and role of revitalizing downtown Tucson, all while enjoying some of the best acts in the business. So rent yourself a bicycle and pedal around this very pedal-able city; head into theUniversity of Arizona and its historic buildings, swing by theBarrio Viejo Its a great way to get to grips with the city. Reviewers recommended taking the tram to the top and getting off to hike back down to the visitor center. Hours are Thursday-Friday, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Where: 14950 N. Trico Road Cost: $15-$17 per person, ages 2 and under get in for free. Haley has been writing stories since she was five, but did not decide to be a full-time writer until her college years. I do wish we had more stuff to break but we went looking for more and found some. You can also ride an old railway, drive an antique car, go on a mining adventure, ride a horse along trails, and get to speak to people with crazy accents (Australian tourists). This is a sort-of-secret, tucked away on the campus of the University of Arizona. It will keep your valuables safe no matter where you go. You should be fine. Although it's called a "museum," this facility, which is home to animals, a botanical garden, an aquarium and an art gallery is more of a zoo. Definitely one of the best day trips from Tucson. As for crime, petty crime like car break-ins can occur in areas like Midtown and the South of the city; theres gang-related activity and a homeless population in Downtown, but nothing that will be affecting you as a tourist. Spread across 10 acres of the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, just north of Tucson, youll find DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun. Best things to do tonight near me in Tucson, Arizona. Designed and built by the artist, the museum complex is on the National Register of Historic Places and includes his original home and a gallery with six permanent collections featuring original paintings, along with rotating exhibits displaying selected works from a DeGrazia collection of 15,000 individual works. Located on the site of the original 18th-century Presidio San Agustn del Tuscon, the museum invites visitors to experience fort life and learn about archaeological sites like a pit house and a Sonoran row house. Travelers favorites include #1 Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, #2 Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway and more. Which places provide the best nightlife in Tucson for travelers on a budget? Tumamoc Hill. I could easily go once a week for a refresh and change of pacebut not in our budget yet. In fact, 85% of what you'll experience is outdoors and requires walking (dress accordingly). A huge highlight of 2nd." more 3. Weve tested the Geopressrigorouslyfrom the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Cuba, and the results are in: it WORKS. The caverns itself are ancient karst tunnels and caves that can be explored on foot: you get a map at the entrance and then away you go. Cool. For foodies searching for the best things to do in Tucson for foodies, heading out to explore whats on offer in its restaurants and eateries is where its at. :) We will be going back!more, We finally had the chance to go as a family tonight! Tonight I introduced another friend to this super fun Tucson event. The area buy the canned beer coolers was being used by a private party which was a great idea and nice use of that space as they had a party and you could still go back there and shop! When: Jan. 30 through Feb. 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 1. If the idea of walking around the desert-feeling botanical gardens here isnt too fun, or if youre looking for things to do in Tucson when its hot (like,super hot), heading to Biosphere 2 is a good idea. Many family visitors said a stop at the zoo is a must and said its small size was perfect for little legs to navigate. Unsubscribe in one click. Thanks for having us!! It's a small nicely designed bar. The ambience, service, and drinks were perfect. We preferred the resident live band. As you might be able to tell from the name of this museum, its all about mini stuff here. Really funny group. Its got a swimming pool, clean, modern rooms, an on-site restaurant and continental breakfast included in the price. Ches Lounge is Tucsons premier dive bar, having over 16 years of experience to create the perfect combinations to sate your palette. While not in downtown, Club Xs has been at the same midtown location as they have been for the past 27 years, and continues to bring great music to the awesome people of Tucson regularly. We came upon Crooked Tooth as we rolled into town and were driving around waiting to be able to check in to our AirBNB. Its definitely one of the best things to do in Tucson and as an added bonus, there are those mountain views to lap up. Fast-forward to today, and its a wonderland for aviation enthusiasts: row upon row of old planes. Recent visitors suggested planning to spend around 90 minutes at the museum and warn that its hidden gem status comes at the cost of being located on a dirt road. The mission here is to re-create the Earths ecosystems. Arts & Entertainment. Yes, we think this is a suitably unusual thing to do in Tucson. Constructed in the adobe style, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun has six permanent collections that trace the history and culture of the native people of the area. Date and Time: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays: November 25 - December 23; 6:00pm - 6:15 pm & 6:45pm - 7:00pm. They do give you the option to pay for more when you sign up online. They have pool tables. Address: 536 N. 4th Ave. Tucson Arizona 85705, Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 2:00 am every day. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! Again, thank you! Head to Greaterville and Arivaca, or for some insider tips on all things gold (and organised outings for beginners), visit the Desert Gold Diggers Club, based in Tucson itself. This is the historic hotel we wrote about earlier and yes: Hotel Congress also happens to be the best hotel in Tucson. It wouldnt be a visit to a town thats known for its Old West connections without panning for gold, now would it? Catalina State Park offers an equestrian area for visitors with horses. (Unless you want to.). When it comes to things to do in Tucson with kids (especially young ones) this cant be beaten. We recommend deli fare at 4th Avenue Delicatessen, go Greek at Athens, or eat burgers at Bison Witches Bar & Deli. Today its been faithfully restored, with plenty of intricate details and bright colours inside and out; it still draws pilgrims arriving on foot and on horseback! Where: 600 W. 22nd St. This is a review for things to do at night in Tucson, AZ: "OH MY GOSHHHH!!! You dont really have to go super early since the shaded paths provide some much needed cool patches in the heat of the day. Adult or family friendly shows. The event lasts from March to November, with street vendors open from 5 to 10:30pm, and stage performances from 7 to 10pm. Kennedy Lake, located within aptly named Kennedy Park, is a suitably romantic place to hit up with your other half when youre in Tucson. Elsewhere theres yet more stuff like the 1932 San Pedro Chapel, the recently restored Fox Theatre (go at night for nocturnal neon), and for a feel of the Old West in your photos make a beeline for Pinnacle Peak. TryFamous Daves Bar-B-Que for mouthwatering meats and delicious sides. In addition to the district's museums, visitors can peruse Old Town Artisans, a collection of six galleries and shops housed in a 150-year-old adobe building. With all Tucson has to offer, staying cooped up in your hotel room will be a thing of the past. You wont have to worry that the music wont be just right because Zen has three different levels, with three different bars, and three different genres of music. and a live country Small storefront tasting room near Downtown and 4th Ave. The Fox itself is centered in the citys cultural hub, and is widely known as the Crown Jewel of downtown Tucson. Good food. Not only does this collection reflect much of the local area, with a few famous Tucson abodes thrown in for good measure. Additionally, travelers recommended paying the extra $3 to feed the giraffes. Check out the topthings to do inArizonaand the best tours in Arizona. Such a cool bar had always wanted to stop in in passing to the swap meet Im so glad I finally did. 26 FREE events happening in Tucson this January 2023 Comprising the largest area of gypsum sand dune field in the world, at around 275 square miles, White Sands National Monument simplyhasto be visited if youre in the area (i.e. Today theyre used as everything from the museums cafe to interactive workshop space. We really recommend going as earlyas possible to miss out on the heat of the day which can seriously sap your energy. To ease your worries and help you with your travel goals, we went ahead and listed some of the best and most fun things to do in Tucson with kids. An important part of the Tucson community, visiting this bookshop is more than just snapping up a new holiday read (although you should totally do that), it also means understanding more about what makes the town tick. 42 . Address: 424 N. 4th Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85705, US. per group (up to 10) Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Tucson by Zombie Scavengers. Waitress was friendly. Drinks were ok. Parents and kids. Several recent reviewers also praised the knowledgeable docents. Were gonna make sure you have a blast in this Arizonan city. Use the airline's app or make an international call if your flight has been canceled. Working hours: Sun-Sat 9:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m. The location is prominent for its insightful daytime trips, nighttime sky watching programs, fascinating displays, a fantastic gift shop, and breathtaking panoramic high mountain views. I thought there was a good selection of beers to try, and I liked the decor of this place. Adjoining Saguaro National Park's Tucson Mountain District, Tucson Mountain Park features 20,000 acres of preserved land. Not sure you will fine a bigger beer selection in Tucson! Pride on the Plaza 2023, The Broke Backpacker. It was initially constructed for a movie simply called Arizona andhassince been the shooting location for stuff like El Dorado,Little House on the Prairie and a lot, lot more. Wine? Hi Fi has both indoor and outdoor seating, with a 360-degree island bar, lounge and community seating areas, and traditional tables, making this venue the perfect hub to enjoy a meal, get a few drinks, or make some new friends. Though wandering around is cool enough, taking a tour will mean you actually get to learn something. Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance for the lowest price, California Do Not Sell My Personal Information Request. On the first Friday of every month, the Surly Wench hosts the wildest of burlesque shows. What about the less popular things? Weve tested countless day packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the traveller-approved Osprey Daylite Plus. MarchFourth will be coming to the The Rialto Theatre/Tucson, Arizona on 6/2! In addition to the outdoor themed gardens, visitors can experience the wonder inside the Cox Butterfly and Orchid Pavilion (which is open seasonally from October to May). Its home to over 500 incredible murals that explore a huge range of themes by both local and international artists. For a particularly chilled out vineyard in Sonita, check out Callaghan Vineyards, its laid back, with intimate tasting sessions and friendly staff. Yep, in fact there are a ton ofthings to do in Tucson. Explore the top hands-free travel bag options for a variety of adventures. If you're visiting the Tucson Mountain District, the unpaved Bajada Loop Drive offers photo-worthy lookouts and picnic areas. Note: This is one day trip from Tucson you shouldnt self-drive wheres the fun in that! From soft to firm and everywhere in between, these travel pillows are the best options for your next trip. The History of Pharmacy Museum, of course. The atmosphere is decent. Its all about visiting little snippets of history (hence the Time Machine part of the name). Chris was our server and Sensei. This place is all about the night sky, but its just as good visited in the day time: the views from the mountain itself are pretty epic. Weve got together a couple of our favourite day trips from Tucson to give you an idea of what you can do just a stones throw away. Two dressing rooms are located in secured, private, hallway entrances, a fitness center with showers is next door, food establishments are within walking distance, major shopping outlets are within two miles, and Club Xs is located within 1 mile (1.6 km) of hotel accommodations, making sure your night on the town is fun, safe, and never dull. Reviewers were complimentary of the service. A real glimpse into the past, with thousands of artefacts on show, you can even get a free tour of this hidden gem from the College of Pharmacy building at the University. This activity is one of the most quintessential things to do in Tucson and, luckily for you, there are quite a few gold mines and locales renowned for their gold-extraction credentials in the vicinity. I could easily go once a week for a refresh and First things first, she's a dog lover and as saved many dogs. If youre hungry and looking for a place to hang, Hi Fi Kitchen & Cocktails is the place for you. From big-city adventures to small-town escapes, these locales highlight some of Middle America's top destinations. I ordered an eggplant dish that was way tastier than I thought it would be. 18. Reviewers recommended watching the short informational film inside the museum to learn more about DeGrazia and his artwork before exploring the grounds. Today, the cave, which is now equipped with stairs and lights, is a tourist attraction that's featured on the National Register of Historic Places. My wife and I enjoyed a wine tasting at the Arizona Wine Collective. Then head back Downtown to see the mad Carnival of Illusion. My husband and I met friends at the Dusty Monk while vacationing in Tucson recently. There were twinkly lights everywhere. The family-friendly gallery puts on various events throughout the year, including artisanal markets and craft shows. Munch through the Best 23 Miles of Mexican Food in America 2. Along with its hiking opportunities, the park is also a prime spot for bird-watching; Tucson Mountain Park offers a checklist for birders. He's still there.more, Performing ArtsComedy ClubsCommunity Service/Non-Profit$Tucson, Saw the uncensored show tonight. wonderful LOCAL Southern Arizona wines while also enjoying a cozy outdoor patio. Several visitors highly recommended forking over a little extra coin for the tram tours to avoid having to walk in the desert sun. In amongst the mountain scenery, youll spot craggy peaks, rock formations, and a mix of desert landscapes as well as the high forest. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. It was great entertainment, although sparsely populated, the acts had real talent. Dont sweat it. The Sonita Wineries are in easy reach of the city and make for one of the best day trips from Tucson you could go on especially if youre a fan of wine. Recent visitors said that this is a must-see when in Tucson and worth a visit just for the photo-ops. Get your cash stashed with this awesome Pacsafe money belt. Visit one of Tucson's most-attended gem show with over 300 vendors offering a beautiful display of minerals, gems, fossils, dinosaurs, meteorites, jewelry, beads and art. Reid Park Zoo Address: 3400 E Zoo Ct, Tucson, AZ 85716, United States Website: Reid Park Zoo Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily) 2. I definitely ended up with glass in mine. Close by, 47 Scottwill have you covered; Owls Clubis good for drinks after (till 2am). For some of you, that may sound like a nightmare, but honestly: youll feel like youre back in the 1800s watching the Carnival of Illusion dole out their intrigues and flashy saloon-style magic. This time, however, we had an amazing experience as our server taught us the art of using a sword to saber off the top of a champagne bottle!!! Catch a movie at the vintage funky Loft Cinema. We tried to mostly stick to ideas that are free or cheap since teens often have limited funds. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! For more information about Marana Pumpkin Patch and Farm Festival, visit their website. Theres also a free, monthly screening of an art-house film and the 5-day Film Fest every summer. If staying in a historic, gang-related hotel is your idea of a unique thing to do in Tucson, then you may want to consider booking yourself a night (or two, maybe) at Hotel Congress. Youll find a lot of nice buildings to snap at the University of Arizona (like the Forbes Building). Bars & Clubs. More famous than its quick growth, its famous as the setting for the infamous gunfight at the OK Corral in 1881 between outlaws and lawmen. The area is well light and a nice area to view the mini golf fountains and water features. If youre looking for the atmosphere of a club but craving live music, stop by Club Xs. Next time you venture to Tucson, be sure to add the second Saturday of the month into your trip itinerary and experience the festivities for yourself. It also happened to be beer week here when we were in town. Staff were very nice. Light your life on fire in the New Year. Theres some great Mexican food as well as great international cuisine. Recent visitors enjoyed their time at the museum and highly recommended future travelers set aside a few hours to explore the attraction's grounds and educational exhibits. Its a great combination of a heritage building, lively bar and events downstairs, and cool, clean rooms with boutique features like old radios and Pueblo design throughout. Travel with peace of mind. If you're a fan of dollhouses, room boxes or miniature displays, you'll love this quirky and unique museum. We went to Chicago bar last Saturday night and all we can say is WOW we had a great time with great people. This is where you get to spend an action-packed day paddling around on the lake, spotting all the wildlife and soaking up the epic landscapes. We also thought it was fun that they were involved with a scavenger hunt with some other local establishments and we had all intentions to complete the hunt while we were in town, but never actually did. Friendly service and many boxed table games allow entertainment for all. Kitt Peak National Observatory is a cool way to spend your time in Tucson whether youre into stargazing or not. But theres actuallysomuch to do in and around this surprising city that you may not feel like spending all your time here. Theres no denying that Downtown is where its at if youre looking for a place to stay in Tucson. One of the most adventurous things to do in Tucson, exploring Colossal Cave may yield more than just rock formations. See the Saguaro cacti in the desert, gaze up at the pines in the mountain forests, and catch sight of bald eagles and coyotes. Built by a former postal clerk, the Valley of the Moon boasts grottos and trails winding around the landscape for a cool place to explore. Now head into Downtownand start exploring the murals of Tucson, making sure to begin at the nearby Greetings from Tucson mural, before heading south toN. 6th Avenueand the area around theRialto Theatre to take in a few choice murals. On the way back from the lake, take a brief hour or so detour toKitt Peak. Thats right. If you get hungry or thirsty, theres an on-site bistro where you can enjoy some lunch with a view of the gardens; a cool place to reflect, wed say, and a gem of a park. If youre looking for things to do in Tucson for couples, and you and your partner love greenery, youll reallylove this place! Theres some great history going on here in Tuscon such as the Barrio Viejo, heritage buildings at the University of Arizona and 4th Avenue. per adult. Take advantage of the scenic overlooks and rest areas by bringing along a picnic another recommendation from past visitors. Youll be surprised at just what a spectacle this incredible Jesuit mission is, and how ornate its interiors are. All you have to do is tell the bartender the kind of flavour profile youre after, and what liquor you like, and theyll create you a bespoke cocktail for your tastebuds. Gates Pass Scenic Overlook offers views of the desert landscape and is a popular spot to watch the sunset. Each section features a visitor center, miles of hiking trails and, of course, hundreds of towering saguaro cacti. Spending the day here is pretty fun. It definitely looks like something from another world theres buildings and strange monuments built with stones strewn around. And if youre looking for things to do here on a family holiday, or if you were looking for some zany things to do at night in this city, dont sweat it: our guide has you totally covered with a whole roster of activities. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum West Tucson. Would be awesome if there was outdoor space. Its here that youll find 112 hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and an abundance of nature. Spanning over a 98-acre area, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum will have bundles of surprises for . This comprehensive site is easily one of the best things to do in Tucson. Prices were decent. What are people saying about things to do at night in Tucson, AZ? Because of the location, the Fox stays closely connected to the history of the performing arts in Tucson, and continues to provide quality entertainment to its patrons. In the 21st century, Tucson has become alotmore bicycle-friendly. Makes me wish I knew how to dance like that, because it looks like a good time. Ideal for families, this hidden gem of a zoo is nestled in the heart of Tucson and welcomes some 500,000 visitors every year. While most events are for all ages, if youre looking for something a little more risqu, The Rialtos got you covered with 21 years and older only events. 1. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Enjoy up to 60% discount on selected hostels worldwide. For a taste of contemporary Tucson, perusethe galleries in the Catalina Foothills district or minglewith University of Arizonastudents at bars inthe historic Fourth Avenue district. Hot tip: Take a boat out on the lake for one of the more romantic things to do in Tucson. Hike Seven Falls at Sabino Canyon. Soooo many draft beer and bottled beer choices. We cant even begin to list them all, but make sure to finish up at Hotel McCoy, completely coveredin murals, where you can grab a well-deserved bite. Performances at the Gaslight Theatre range from musical comedies and melodramas to Westerns and sci-fi spoofs. What a find! Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. While in Tucson, check out the Sky Bar, a venue that's "Solar Powered Caf by Day, Astronomy Bar by Night." There's more than just drinks at this modern hangout, with open mic being held every Wednesday from 7 pm to 12 am. IBT's. 14. Save $$$ Save the Planet Save Your Stomach! If youre thirsting for a new drink thats unlike any other, look no further than Ches Lounge. A born-and-raised local covers the best things to do in Tucson (in 2023). The best place to start in Tucson is by learning a bit about some of the citys history to be honest, thats a good place to start pretty much anywhere in the world: at the beginning, right? Totally therapeutic. Highlights include the Wright Flyer, which dates back to 1903, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the record-breaking Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird.". Star Wars: The Empire Strikes BackIn Concert Date and Time: Friday, February 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 11 at 4:00 p.m. Excellent food, great music and ambiance! Rock n roll art accentuates the buildings contemporary style against the backdrop of a rustic foundation mixing both old and new genres to give you a rockin time. in Tucson). Weve already shared a load of awesome things to do in the city, as well as some pretty cool day trips too the hard part is fitting them all into your schedule. Visitors to the Old Town Artisans enjoyed the variety in the shops, along with the dining. Cost: Free to attend, $5 on-site parking More information here . They have more rooms as well like axe throwing, escape rooms, and a splash room with paint. The wait at the bar was endless, too. Thats just what youll get at Scott & Co., a cosy, speakeasy-style bar that youll find behind a secret door in the back hallway of a restaurant called 47 Scott. 1. If you're visiting in the summer, get to the park in the morning before the sun's rays get too strong. I'd go back We've now adjusted our schedule to be back before we leave as one of the Cuban sandwiches with the pork is a must have Fun spot for lunch midday during college visits. Located in Downtown Tucson, youll get to see deep into the citys past with not just art on offer, but five historic houses on the grounds to explore as well. With a Tucson City Pass, you can experience the best of Tucson at the CHEAPEST prices. Never fear: the bistro at Tohono Chul Park serves up some mean cuisine. Such a cool bar had always wanted to stop in in passing to the swap meet Im so glad I finally did. Take a picnic, find a spot and snack away between your strollings and meanderings around the lake itself. This was a fantastic cocktail bar. This brewery is a bit difficult to find but the beer is great! Lets start with our stomachs shall we? Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. One visitor advised others that shuttle tickets can sell out, so advance booking is a must. Or, yknow you can stick to ziplock bags. During the narrated, hourlong open-air shuttle ride through the canyon (which is closed to private vehicles), the vehicle makes nine stops. Plane-spot at The Boneyard 3. My cheeks still hurt. Learn how to Saber off the top of a champagne bottle !! Looking for weird things to do in Tucson? Ranking of the top 21 things to do in Tucson. more. But theyre not your regular dollhouses. The area is well light and a nice area tomore, Tonight was my first experience doing any sort of paint night ans i have t ool say that JJ wasmore, Dinner TheaterPerforming ArtsComedy Clubs$$$$Blenman-Elm, My husband and I went to the Five Palm's Mystery and Magic show tonight, and it was fabulous.more. Nice bartenders. Flanking the northern edge of the Catalina Foothills district, Catalina State Park provides spectacular views of Tucson and the surrounding mountain ranges, as well as more than 5,000 saguaro cacti. Sets typically last from 5 to 15 minutes, and if you cant make it on Wednesday, come out on Fridays at 10 pm for a free dance party. This 5.5-acre property houses more than a dozen gardens featuring everything from roses, herbs and cacti to irises and plants used by the native Tohono O'odham people. If you want MORE top-tier Broke Backpacker content like this, then sign up for our weekly newsletter below to get the latest and greatest! If you go hiking in the desert parks, take plenty of water, tell people where youre going anddefinitelystick to the path: watch out for snakes and bugs, too rattlesnakes definitely exist in these parts.