Sarah's Guidebook

Sarah
Sarah's Guidebook

Food Scene

Did you know? Tucson is an UNESCO recognized City of Gastronomy! We have lots of amazing places to eat, but here are some of our favorites. (Tucson-dot-cityofgastronomy-dot-org)
Authentic Ethiopian food and some of the best I’ve had anywhere. The spicy red lentils and collard greens are two dishes I just have to have every time. Build your own combo, though, there’s lots to choose from! You’ll need extra injera, I promise.
12 personas locales recomiendan
Zemam's Too
119 E Speedway Blvd
12 personas locales recomiendan
Authentic Ethiopian food and some of the best I’ve had anywhere. The spicy red lentils and collard greens are two dishes I just have to have every time. Build your own combo, though, there’s lots to choose from! You’ll need extra injera, I promise.
Street tacos on the popular 4th Avenue district by celebrated Chef Maria Mazon (James Beard Semi-Finalist)
70 personas locales recomiendan
BOCA Tacos Y Tequila
533 N 4th Ave
70 personas locales recomiendan
Street tacos on the popular 4th Avenue district by celebrated Chef Maria Mazon (James Beard Semi-Finalist)
Pizza handmade, fresh, from scratch daily. I’ve gotten in arguments about the best pizza in Tucson, because everyone has their own preferences (no judgement here), and while you can get a fancy itty-bitty pizzas other places, when *I* want pizza, this is what I think of: *THIS* is pizza and I will defend its deliciousness.
10 personas locales recomiendan
Magpies Gourmet Pizza 4th Ave.
605 North 4th Avenue
10 personas locales recomiendan
Pizza handmade, fresh, from scratch daily. I’ve gotten in arguments about the best pizza in Tucson, because everyone has their own preferences (no judgement here), and while you can get a fancy itty-bitty pizzas other places, when *I* want pizza, this is what I think of: *THIS* is pizza and I will defend its deliciousness.
Located in Oro Valley with mountain views that are stunning at sunset, this is a Charro family restaurant combining Mediterranean and Sonoran Desert heritage and a commitment to sustainability. Centered on fresh local produce and whole grains, every dish can be customized with a plant- or meat- based protein of your choice. Don’t skip the chocolate churros! Make a reservation during peak dining times.
18 personas locales recomiendan
Charro Vida
7109 N Oracle Rd
18 personas locales recomiendan
Located in Oro Valley with mountain views that are stunning at sunset, this is a Charro family restaurant combining Mediterranean and Sonoran Desert heritage and a commitment to sustainability. Centered on fresh local produce and whole grains, every dish can be customized with a plant- or meat- based protein of your choice. Don’t skip the chocolate churros! Make a reservation during peak dining times.
Mexican restaurant with Native American influence. Popular items are the Indian fry bread tacos and chicken with mole sauce. (I got you, vegans and vegetarians, there’s plenty for you here too!)
28 personas locales recomiendan
La Indita
722 N Stone Ave
28 personas locales recomiendan
Mexican restaurant with Native American influence. Popular items are the Indian fry bread tacos and chicken with mole sauce. (I got you, vegans and vegetarians, there’s plenty for you here too!)
DDD featured restaurant (calling all Guy Fieri fans!) - everything is vegetarian- or vegan-friendly, and even if you're not veggie, the food is still amazing! Chef Wendy Garcia is also a James Beard Semi-Finalist!
72 personas locales recomiendan
Tumerico
2526 E 6th St
72 personas locales recomiendan
DDD featured restaurant (calling all Guy Fieri fans!) - everything is vegetarian- or vegan-friendly, and even if you're not veggie, the food is still amazing! Chef Wendy Garcia is also a James Beard Semi-Finalist!
The latest iteration of a neighborhood market and restaurant that has been a Tucson staple (formerly Rincon Market, for Tucson veterans) for many years
57 personas locales recomiendan
Flora's Market Run
2513 E 6th St
57 personas locales recomiendan
The latest iteration of a neighborhood market and restaurant that has been a Tucson staple (formerly Rincon Market, for Tucson veterans) for many years
Tumerico's sister restaurant with expanded menu options for meat eaters
16 personas locales recomiendan
La Chaiteria
1002 W Congress St
16 personas locales recomiendan
Tumerico's sister restaurant with expanded menu options for meat eaters
Tucson's OG vegan restaurant
22 personas locales recomiendan
Lovin' Spoonfuls Vegan Restaurant
2990 N Campbell Ave
22 personas locales recomiendan
Tucson's OG vegan restaurant
Newer vegan deli in midtown
Midtown Vegan Deli and Market
5071 East 5th Street
Newer vegan deli in midtown
Newer restaurant specializing in Hot Pot - it's delicious!
eHotPot
243 East Speedway Boulevard
Newer restaurant specializing in Hot Pot - it's delicious!
Tasty thai food just up the road
12 personas locales recomiendan
Tuk Tuk Thai - Thai street Food
2990 North Campbell Avenue
12 personas locales recomiendan
Tasty thai food just up the road
From James Beard Award winning baker Don Guerra - get there early because their coveted artisanal breads often sell out!
52 personas locales recomiendan
Barrio Bread
18 S Eastbourne Ave
52 personas locales recomiendan
From James Beard Award winning baker Don Guerra - get there early because their coveted artisanal breads often sell out!
Oldest family-owned Mexican restaurant in the U.S. Make a reservation or expect to enjoy a margarita while you wait, because they are typically busy on weekends.
151 personas locales recomiendan
El Charro Café
311 N Court Ave
151 personas locales recomiendan
Oldest family-owned Mexican restaurant in the U.S. Make a reservation or expect to enjoy a margarita while you wait, because they are typically busy on weekends.
Update 2022: Temporarily closed for renovations; check out Zemam’s Too instead!
18 personas locales recomiendan
Zemam's
2731 E Broadway Blvd
18 personas locales recomiendan
Update 2022: Temporarily closed for renovations; check out Zemam’s Too instead!
Walking distance from our neighborhood!
8 personas locales recomiendan
Karuna's Thai Plate
1917 E Grant Rd
8 personas locales recomiendan
Walking distance from our neighborhood!
Walking distance from our neighborhood!
Mojo Cuban Kitchen and Rum Bar
Walking distance from our neighborhood!
こんにちは!Authentic Japanese restaurant that is also within walking distance to our neighborhood. (Formerly Yoshimatsu for Tucson veterans—the former owner is enjoying a well deserved retirement from the day to day restaurant business, but Maru continues the legacy!)
Maru Plus - Japanese Ramen, Onigiri, Sushi, Curry, Donburi Rice Bowl & More
こんにちは!Authentic Japanese restaurant that is also within walking distance to our neighborhood. (Formerly Yoshimatsu for Tucson veterans—the former owner is enjoying a well deserved retirement from the day to day restaurant business, but Maru continues the legacy!)
This is a longtime favorite restaurant for Chinese food with lots of options for vegetarians, vegans, and meat eaters alike!
7 personas locales recomiendan
Guilin Chinese Restaurant
4445 E Broadway Blvd
7 personas locales recomiendan
This is a longtime favorite restaurant for Chinese food with lots of options for vegetarians, vegans, and meat eaters alike!
Great food that is shareable with great friends and great wine!
30 personas locales recomiendan
Postino Grant
2500 E Grant Rd
30 personas locales recomiendan
Great food that is shareable with great friends and great wine!
I don’t know what to tell you, I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.
31 personas locales recomiendan
Zayna Mediterranean Restaurant
1138 N Belvedere Ave
31 personas locales recomiendan
I don’t know what to tell you, I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.
Nearby, popular brunch spot. Note the cover photo that came up is old. They are located on the east side of Campbell, north of Grant.
170 personas locales recomiendan
Prep & Pastry
2660 N Campbell Ave
170 personas locales recomiendan
Nearby, popular brunch spot. Note the cover photo that came up is old. They are located on the east side of Campbell, north of Grant.
Mexican restaurant. Order at the counter and enjoy the patio. See also their location on River Road for indoor seating.
Seis Kitchen
Mexican restaurant. Order at the counter and enjoy the patio. See also their location on River Road for indoor seating.

Sightseeing

Beautiful desert hikes, but not pet friendly.
457 personas locales recomiendan
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
5700 North Sabino Canyon Road
457 personas locales recomiendan
Beautiful desert hikes, but not pet friendly.
192 personas locales recomiendan
Parque Estatal Catalina
11570 North Oracle Road
192 personas locales recomiendan
Check their website (visitkittpeak dot org) for more information.
95 personas locales recomiendan
Kitt Peak National Observatory
95 personas locales recomiendan
Check their website (visitkittpeak dot org) for more information.
This is a hike with a solid climb on a paved path, but worth it. Popular local spot to watch the sunset (or sunrise!) over Tucson. The surrounding area is a natural preservation area, so stay on the path and do not bring pets.
108 personas locales recomiendan
Tumamoc Hill
108 personas locales recomiendan
This is a hike with a solid climb on a paved path, but worth it. Popular local spot to watch the sunset (or sunrise!) over Tucson. The surrounding area is a natural preservation area, so stay on the path and do not bring pets.
Tucson's "A" mountain
135 personas locales recomiendan
Parque Sentinel Peak (Monte “A”)
1001 Sentinel Peak Rd S
135 personas locales recomiendan
Tucson's "A" mountain
Runners and walkers - there is a free timed 5k every Saturday morning (starts 7am in the summer and 8am in the winter). Check out the parkrun website (parkrun dot us slash himmel) for details and to register (or just show up and one of the volunteers will help you)!
20 personas locales recomiendan
Himmel Park
1000 N Tucson Blvd
20 personas locales recomiendan
Runners and walkers - there is a free timed 5k every Saturday morning (starts 7am in the summer and 8am in the winter). Check out the parkrun website (parkrun dot us slash himmel) for details and to register (or just show up and one of the volunteers will help you)!
Tucson's central park - with dog park, duck pond, golf course, and zoo
43 personas locales recomiendan
Reid Park
43 personas locales recomiendan
Tucson's central park - with dog park, duck pond, golf course, and zoo
Fun day trip to pick your own produce, visit their store for jams, etc. and otherwise enjoy a nice day strolling among the trees!
6 personas locales recomiendan
Apple Annie's You-Pick Orchard
2081 Hardy Rd
6 personas locales recomiendan
Fun day trip to pick your own produce, visit their store for jams, etc. and otherwise enjoy a nice day strolling among the trees!
Large park with sculpture garden and dog park
19 personas locales recomiendan
Parque Conmemorativo Brandi Fenton
3482 E River Rd
19 personas locales recomiendan
Large park with sculpture garden and dog park
Lots of great hiking trails from the desert all the way up to alpine forest at 8000+ feet. Download the Mount Lemmon Science Tour app (created by the University of Arizona) for a guided journey through the scenery as you drive up (there's a sign as you approach the mountain that will tell you when to start).
485 personas locales recomiendan
Mount Lemmon
485 personas locales recomiendan
Lots of great hiking trails from the desert all the way up to alpine forest at 8000+ feet. Download the Mount Lemmon Science Tour app (created by the University of Arizona) for a guided journey through the scenery as you drive up (there's a sign as you approach the mountain that will tell you when to start).
Iconic mission—the one you've probably seen on postcards.
329 personas locales recomiendan
Mission San Xavier del Bac
1950 W San Xavier Rd
329 personas locales recomiendan
Iconic mission—the one you've probably seen on postcards.
Kartchner Caverns is a living cave with two separate tours (the “Throne Room” and the “Big Room”) and if you are going to visit one cave, this should be it. Visit the AZ state parks website to reserve tickets (I recommend making your reservation at least two weeks in advance; note that the “Big Room” tour is not available Apr-Oct so as not to disturb the baby bats).
216 personas locales recomiendan
Kartchner Caverns State Park
2980 AZ-90
216 personas locales recomiendan
Kartchner Caverns is a living cave with two separate tours (the “Throne Room” and the “Big Room”) and if you are going to visit one cave, this should be it. Visit the AZ state parks website to reserve tickets (I recommend making your reservation at least two weeks in advance; note that the “Big Room” tour is not available Apr-Oct so as not to disturb the baby bats).
Colossal Cave Mountain Park
This national park is divided into “East” and “West” locations on either side of the city. We’re pretty much equidistant between both.
Saguaro National Park East
This national park is divided into “East” and “West” locations on either side of the city. We’re pretty much equidistant between both.
This national park is divided into “East” and “West” locations on either side of the city. We’re pretty much equidistant between both.
Saguaro National Park West
This national park is divided into “East” and “West” locations on either side of the city. We’re pretty much equidistant between both.
Mercado San Augustin and the nearby MSA Annex (complex made from old shipping containers) have dining, shops, and drinks, at the western end of the streetcar route. Check out Beaut Burger for vegan burgers and Why I Love Where I Live for stylish Tucson-themed gifts and apparel. And lots more!
160 personas locales recomiendan
Mercado San Augustin
100 South Avenida del Convento
160 personas locales recomiendan
Mercado San Augustin and the nearby MSA Annex (complex made from old shipping containers) have dining, shops, and drinks, at the western end of the streetcar route. Check out Beaut Burger for vegan burgers and Why I Love Where I Live for stylish Tucson-themed gifts and apparel. And lots more!

Neighborhoods

My home neighborhood. Jefferson Park is a historic district north of the university with an eclectic mix of historic homes and newer buildings nearer to the university. Tucson is a Dark Sky city owing to the many observatories in the area, so as a result the streets can be quite dark. I walk through the neighborhood at night regularly and never feel unsafe. Carrying a small flashlight helps!
Jefferson Park
My home neighborhood. Jefferson Park is a historic district north of the university with an eclectic mix of historic homes and newer buildings nearer to the university. Tucson is a Dark Sky city owing to the many observatories in the area, so as a result the streets can be quite dark. I walk through the neighborhood at night regularly and never feel unsafe. Carrying a small flashlight helps!
Nearby historic district
Blenman-Elm Historic District
Nearby historic district
Nearby historic district
26 personas locales recomiendan
Sam Hughes
26 personas locales recomiendan
Nearby historic district
Historic neighborhood downtown
47 personas locales recomiendan
Barrio Viejo
47 personas locales recomiendan
Historic neighborhood downtown
Town at the top of Mount Lemmon with a few shops and restaurants to explore after your drive and/or hike!
11 personas locales recomiendan
Summerhaven
11 personas locales recomiendan
Town at the top of Mount Lemmon with a few shops and restaurants to explore after your drive and/or hike!
If you're here during the month of December, this is the place to go to see holiday light displays
Winterhaven
If you're here during the month of December, this is the place to go to see holiday light displays

City/town information

Lots of local wineries - if you enjoy wine and are looking for a nice day trip! (Always drink responsibly!)
15 personas locales recomiendan
Elgin
15 personas locales recomiendan
Lots of local wineries - if you enjoy wine and are looking for a nice day trip! (Always drink responsibly!)
Lots of local wineries - if you enjoy wine and are looking for a nice day trip! (Always drink responsibly!)
56 personas locales recomiendan
Sonoita
56 personas locales recomiendan
Lots of local wineries - if you enjoy wine and are looking for a nice day trip! (Always drink responsibly!)

Museums

Outdoor museum / zoo showcasing Sonoran Desert plants and animals (from southern Arizona all the way to the Gulf of Mexico)
670 personas locales recomiendan
Museo del Desierto de Arizona-Sonora
2021 N Kinney Rd
670 personas locales recomiendan
Outdoor museum / zoo showcasing Sonoran Desert plants and animals (from southern Arizona all the way to the Gulf of Mexico)
Check their website (mirrorlab dot arizona dot edu) for tour information -- tours are expected to resume fall of 2024.
University of Arizona's Richard F. Caris Mirror Laboratory
527 N National Championship Dr
Check their website (mirrorlab dot arizona dot edu) for tour information -- tours are expected to resume fall of 2024.
Decommissioned missile silo from the cold war era
101 personas locales recomiendan
Museo del Misil Titán
1580 W Duval Mine Rd
101 personas locales recomiendan
Decommissioned missile silo from the cold war era
Eclectic collection of historic and neon signage from around Tucson, definitely recommend for fans of mid-century history.
7 personas locales recomiendan
Ignite Sign Art Museum
331 S Olsen Ave
7 personas locales recomiendan
Eclectic collection of historic and neon signage from around Tucson, definitely recommend for fans of mid-century history.
Huge collection of gems and minerals. Expected to receive an asteroid sample from the Osiris-Rex mission to be on display in the near future…
University of Arizona Mineral Museum
115 North Church Avenue
Huge collection of gems and minerals. Expected to receive an asteroid sample from the Osiris-Rex mission to be on display in the near future…
The University of Arizona's photography museum with rotating exhibits plus Ansel Adams permanent collection
41 personas locales recomiendan
Center for Creative Photography
1030 N Olive Rd
41 personas locales recomiendan
The University of Arizona's photography museum with rotating exhibits plus Ansel Adams permanent collection
39 personas locales recomiendan
Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium
1601 E University Blvd
39 personas locales recomiendan
Check their website for tour information.
95 personas locales recomiendan
Kitt Peak National Observatory
95 personas locales recomiendan
Check their website for tour information.
Free entrance the first Thursday evening of each month.
181 personas locales recomiendan
Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block
140 N Main Ave
181 personas locales recomiendan
Free entrance the first Thursday evening of each month.

AZ Wine Country

8 personas locales recomiendan
Deep Sky Vineyard
124 Elgin Rd
8 personas locales recomiendan
Mead isn’t as commonly familiar as wine, so it’s great to check out if you’ve never had it. And if you have, I still recommend. I almost always end up here at the end of the day (or next-door neighbors Hops and Vines) because both are open just a bit later than the other wineries if you want to maximize your stops.
13 personas locales recomiendan
The Meading Room
3470 AZ-82
13 personas locales recomiendan
Mead isn’t as commonly familiar as wine, so it’s great to check out if you’ve never had it. And if you have, I still recommend. I almost always end up here at the end of the day (or next-door neighbors Hops and Vines) because both are open just a bit later than the other wineries if you want to maximize your stops.
Los Milics Vineyards
23 personas locales recomiendan
Rune Wines
3969 AZ-82
23 personas locales recomiendan
Twisted Union Wine Company
Fun, offbeat wine pairings with rotating snacks like Cocoa Puffs, hot Cheetos, potato chips, and more! There’s also animals roaming the property (peacocks, goats, ducks…) and a small playground (friends don’t let friends don’t drink and seesaw!)
13 personas locales recomiendan
Arizona Hops and Vines
3450 AZ-82
13 personas locales recomiendan
Fun, offbeat wine pairings with rotating snacks like Cocoa Puffs, hot Cheetos, potato chips, and more! There’s also animals roaming the property (peacocks, goats, ducks…) and a small playground (friends don’t let friends don’t drink and seesaw!)
12 personas locales recomiendan
Flying Leap Vineyards & Distillery
342 Elgin Canelo Rd
12 personas locales recomiendan
Elgin Distillery

Coffee

Great local coffee roaster with a nice patio within walking distance to our neighborhood.
74 personas locales recomiendan
Raging Sage Coffee Roasters
2458 N Campbell Ave
74 personas locales recomiendan
Great local coffee roaster with a nice patio within walking distance to our neighborhood.
Multiple locations. Don't tell the other coffee roasters, but this is probably the best coffee in Tucson. Proudly served at a number of coffee shops around town.
60 personas locales recomiendan
Presta Coffee Roasters
100 South Avenida del Convento
60 personas locales recomiendan
Multiple locations. Don't tell the other coffee roasters, but this is probably the best coffee in Tucson. Proudly served at a number of coffee shops around town.