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!!! Staying in this part of the city, theres no way youre going to get bored, thats for sure! 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. It covers 80 acres, boasts over 150 planes, 5 old hangars, the Dorothy Finley Space Gallery and loads more. Travelers favorites include #1 Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, #2 Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway and more. If youre looking for outdoors-y things to do in Tucson, well, here it is. It also happened to be beer week here when we were in town. From Downtown, this slice of desert garden is 45 minutes on the number 16 bus. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. 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. Youll love it! At night, the city shows a different side of itself, when the younger crowd congregates downtown after hours for clubs, food, and drinks. Recent travelers were pleasantly surprised by the amount of shade the garden provides and reported spending several hours here. Great atmosphere, drinks and food. Whether it's the best Mexican food in America or the world's largest collection of military aircraft, here are our top 12 unique things to do in Tucson Az. 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. "Had an amazing trip today! Aside from the arresting canyon and mountain views, the nearly 60-mile round-trip byway offers visitors the biological equivalent of driving from the deserts of Mexico to the forests of Canada (the road begins in the lower Sonoran vegetative life zone and ascends to the high forests in the Canadian zone).To learn more about the area, visitors can stop by the Palisades Visitor Center along their drive. Weve got it all, from hidden bars and airplane graveyards all the way to strange amusement parks and day trips to Wild West Towns. Kennedy Lake, located within aptly named Kennedy Park, is a suitably romantic place to hit up with your other half when youre in Tucson. However, some of them prefer to hang out in the most isolated sections. With the Rialto across the street (and 191 Toole, Rialto's baby venue), this is where live music happens in Tucson. Had another great time enjoying the casual ambiance and great wine (and beer options in bottles/cans). This is one of the most impressive natural formations in the entire state, if not the entire country. Originally built in 1938, and initially used as a meeting place for Mormon students, The Loft first became a cinema showing art house films in 1965. , you can experience the best of Tucson at the CHEAPEST prices. Sitting just south of Tucson on the San Xavier Indian Reservation, Mission San Xavier del Bac (known as the White Dove of the Desert) is one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in the U.S. Specifically, this Tucson institution boasts a collection of 500 antique (and modern) dollhouses. For a particularly chilled out vineyard in Sonita, check out Callaghan Vineyards, its laid back, with intimate tasting sessions and friendly staff. In amongst the mountain scenery, youll spot craggy peaks, rock formations, and a mix of desert landscapes as well as the high forest. more. The temperature drops the higher you (and your car) climb, too, making for a good thing to do in Tucson when its hot. you will be treated to an old-fashioned small town setting that you do not find amidst the suburban congestion in Tucson. Hotels near Rincon Mountain Visitor Center, Hotels near Phoenix - Southern Arizona Tucson, AZ, Hotels near Pima Medical Institute - Tucson, AZ, Hotels near Southwest University of Visual Arts, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: Tickets & Tours, Pima Air and Space Museum: Tickets & Tours, Mission San Xavier del Bac: Tickets & Tours, Tucson Botanical Gardens: Tickets & Tours, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum: Tickets & Tours, The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures: Tickets & Tours, Children's Museum Tucson: Tickets & Tours, Things to do near Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Things to do near Mission San Xavier del Bac, Things to do near Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Things to do near Dillinger Brewing Company, Things to do near Tucson Intl Airport (TUS), Things to do near DoubleTree by Hilton Tucson Downtown Convention Center, Things to do near JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, Things to do near Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, Things to do near El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort, Things to do near Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa, Things to do near The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, Things to do near The Historic Hotel Congress, Things to do near Home2 Suites by Hilton Tucson Downtown, Things to do near Hampton Inn Tucson Downtown, Things to do near Home2 Suites by Hilton Tucson Airport, Private Sonoma and Napa Wine Tour Including Custom Concierge, Ultimate Alaskan Adventure: Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness 9 Day/8 Nights, Full-Day Small-Group Cruise in Milos & Poliegos with Lunch, Olympic Games Small-Group Workout and Race in Athens, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello Guided Bus Tour from Washington DC, See more nightlife in Tucson on Tripadvisor, See more nightlife for couples in Tucson on Tripadvisor, See more nightlife for groups in Tucson on Tripadvisor, See more budget-friendly nightlife in Tucson on Tripadvisor. Nelson Sirlin / Shutterstock. Price is right to just sit back and enjoy a good laugh and good food. This is amazing if you love food. For a shorter route, the Bear Canyon shuttle is a 30-minute narrated ride with three stops. As you might be able to tell from the name of this museum, its all about mini stuff here. One of the best things you can get up to here? Tucson may be small, but this city sure packs a punch with the number of things that are on offer for the casual visitor. It definitely looks like something from another world theres buildings and strange monuments built with stones strewn around. I could easily go once a week for a refresh and First things first, she's a dog lover and as saved many dogs. Strolling along the museum's 2 miles of hiking trails, visitors get acquainted with the desert landscape via animal exhibits that mingle with native plants. Visitors interested in touring the cave have two options: the Classic Cave Tour and the Ladder Tour. The 700-foot rise in elevation over 1.5 miles makes it quite a pretty challenging hike, but the final panoramic views of downtown Tucson and surrounding mountains are well worth the effort. 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. We went to Chicago bar last Saturday night and all we can say is WOW we had a great time with great people. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. On top of the in-house services, everything youll need for a safe, fun, night out is either inside the club or next door. 1. And if you want to do some hiking, theres places you can stop and be on a trail in mere minutes from the roadside e.g. The atmosphere here is unlike the other bars in Tucson. Tombstone, as you might have already guessed, had a bit of a reputation for being a lawless town, but today not so much. The full menu is served late into the night, which you can mix and match with selections from the cocktail and adult milkshake menu. Set in Tucsons Barrio Viejo, this shrine dating back to the 1870s is a big part of the history of this already historic district. 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! Mount Lemmon SkyCenter. Definitely one of the more, um, unusual things to do in Tucson, this evening show plays out in an intimate venue. Visitors to the Old Town Artisans enjoyed the variety in the shops, along with the dining. Recent visitors highly recommended making the drive, which many described as "spectacular" and a "must-do" when in Tucson. Angel Wings is a must at th", "Great beer, great service and overall, good food. During the narrated, hourlong open-air shuttle ride through the canyon (which is closed to private vehicles), the vehicle makes nine stops. 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. At the Sky Bar, you can show off your talents in front of your friends and total strangers, or just relax and enjoy the show. But the highlight of the evening was our server, Adam. 2 - Chill with giraffes at Reid Park Zoo. If youre hungry and looking for a place to hang, Hi Fi Kitchen & Cocktails is the place for you. A huge highlight of 2nd." more 3. If you want to stay in amongst all this spectacular wilderness, you can also stay the night at one of its campgrounds. What are the best places for nightlife in Tucson? Along with the stunning vantage point, the ride up also provides a reprieve from the desert heat; travelers said the temperature drops as you climb higher along the byway. Haley has been writing stories since she was five, but did not decide to be a full-time writer until her college years. Nice bartenders. Finally, to fully experience Tucsons roots, consider attending 2nd Saturdays Downtown. The Valley of the Moon was originally conceived as a childrens fantasy park in the early 20th century. When you're not observing the animals from afar, several activities allow you to interact with them up close, such as the giraffe feedings. If you're visiting the Tucson Mountain District, the unpaved Bajada Loop Drive offers photo-worthy lookouts and picnic areas. Came here back on Aug 16, 2022. 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). The Cascade Lounge, located in the lobby of the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, is a huge open space with large fireplace Tucsons 4th Ave area is fun, but a bit tougher, but make the extra few steps to 9th Street and check out Revel Wine Price is right to just sit back and enjoy a good laugh and good food. Spanning over a 98-acre area, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum will have bundles of surprises for . Check out our roundup of the best travel insurance. More specifically, downtown Tucsons nightlight. This 92,867-acre park is dedicated to the largest cactus in the U.S., the saguaro (pronounced sa-WAH-ro), a universal symbol of the American West. Address: 5851 E Speedway Blvd, Ste 141, Tucson, Arizona. Youll find a lot of nice buildings to snap at the University of Arizona (like the Forbes Building). What small kid wouldnt love the chance to meet some of those famous critters from the picture books and cartoons they obsess over so much? Simple and delicious. and a live country Small storefront tasting room near Downtown and 4th Ave. Thank you for a wonderful time! See how the stars shine for you at Kitts Peak, Take special snaps of the citys architecture, Get involved in a weird and wonderful theatrical performance, Make friends with the animals at the citys petting zoo, Sip on the local wines in the Sonita Wineries, Nerd out at the public transport spectacle of. We really recommend going as earlyas possible to miss out on the heat of the day which can seriously sap your energy. The weird and wonderful? Then again, there are of course nightly viewing programmes. 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. You cant go wrong with a petting zoo to keep the kids and, lets be honest, the adults entertained too! See the Saguaro cacti in the desert, gaze up at the pines in the mountain forests, and catch sight of bald eagles and coyotes. She was wonderful and played all the standards. Thanks for having us!! Dance to the music of some of the best local DJs, from 10 till close, with great drink specials, in a safe, open environment. Drinks are an excellent price. What about the less popular things? Along with the gorgeous views, keep your eyes peeled for birds; more than 150 species call the park home and it is a designated an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. The museum receives positive reviews from its visitors, particularly if you consider yourself a dedicated car lover. We all know what that means: Gold Rush. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Although both sections of the park are worth your time, many recent visitors recommend the Tucson Mountain District for its spectacular sunsets. The floor is a bit small, however. We loved it! This is a fun neighborhood bar and the patrons and staff were friendly. Patio is large with friendly folks and great beer selection. These places are best for nightlife in Tucson: These are the best places for couples seeking nightlife in Tucson: These are the best places for groups seeking nightlife in Tucson: These are the best places for budget-friendly nightlife in Tucson: I was kind of bummed there was no where to sit inside but we managed to snag a table outside on the. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. Makes sense. All of the beer we tried was very good. If youre looking for things to do in Tucson with kids, you cant do much better than this amazing place; its pretty unique, whimsical attraction and will be somewhere the kids they can spend hours. Hungry? The family-friendly gallery puts on various events throughout the year, including artisanal markets and craft shows. This brewery is a bit difficult to find but the beer is great! Indigenous culture and art is celebrated here; in addition, the artist behind the gallery itself, Ettore DeGrazia, is actually buried here, too. It's a small nicely designed bar. Take a picnic, find a spot and snack away between your strollings and meanderings around the lake itself. I could easily go once a week for a refresh and change of pacebut not in our budget yet. Carnitas tacos were great! The theater receives praise from visitors for its entertaining shows and family-friendly atmosphere. With bars, clubs, theatres, and community events, Tucson will keep you entertained all night long. Use the airline's app or make an international call if your flight has been canceled. Address: 306 N Alvernon Way Scottish Rite Grand Parlour, Tucson, AZ 85711-2855. A born-and-raised local covers the best things to do in Tucson (in 2023). Theres can even be flash-flooding in the monsoon season (June September), so be careful driving that time of year. The History of Pharmacy Museum, of course. The dancing is pretty great, too, but I don't think we saw the best on that night. We tried to mostly stick to ideas that are free or cheap since teens often have limited funds. Escape the hustle and bustle of our nation's capital with one of these refreshing weekend getaways. Travel with peace of mind. The desert gardens here are intermingled with Native American herb gardens and sculptures dotting the landscape, with trails winding through all of it. This is a review for things to do at night in Tucson, AZ: "OH MY GOSHHHH!!! Never fear: the bistro at Tohono Chul Park serves up some mean cuisine. What a find! So its no wonder that one of the best outdoors-y things to do in Tucson is to simply pedal around. Youll have to get yourself to the Pima Air & Space Museum and book yourself on a tour of the 309th Aerospace and Regeneration Group (the official name of the Boneyard). Packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for thereal adventurers these babies are a travellers best kept secret. Its relatively affordable to enter this incredible area of pure white sand, at $20 a vehicle, or $10 per person. Chris was our server and Sensei. We recommend deli fare at 4th Avenue Delicatessen, go Greek at Athens, or eat burgers at Bison Witches Bar & Deli. Its a great way to get to grips with the natural history of the area. The exterior features white stucco, while the interiors house elaborate frescos and carved religious figures. Its all about visiting little snippets of history (hence the Time Machine part of the name). The atmosphere is decent. Tucson, AZ 85743. And the second item on the menu and No food so go For the drinks and the company. 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. Today theyre used as everything from the museums cafe to interactive workshop space. For the most part, be sensible: dont leave valuables in your car (always lock it) and be prepared when going into nature. And its still found quite a bit around the city the Gold Rush is still on (almost, anyway). Tours, Observatories. 1. It wasnt air xo ditioned but a large ceiling fan kept the air moving. 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! Sprawling across 80 acres, the museum offers both outdoor and indoor exhibits. My cheeks still hurt. [ by Pedrography]. Make sure to finish up hidden cocktails at Scott & Co. Its the start of a busy day in Tucson as you take yourself to Saguaro Lake, a 2 hour drive from Downtown. For a closer look at the Arizona desert, spend some time exploring the nearbySaguaro National Park and the hiking trails of Sabino Canyon. Others commented on the relatively small size of the garden. Some of the best places to stop off include the Wilhelm Family Vineyards with its historic buildings and Dos Cabezas WineWorks. These ideas are geared for Tucson teens, ages 13-18. Old Tucson Studios is a old film studio, originally built in 1939 by Columbia Pictures to resemble the Tucson of the 1850s. Adding a business to Yelp is always free. 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. Unlike similar places in other urban centres, I think these really are country folk and, man, were they having a good time! Not only does this collection reflect much of the local area, with a few famous Tucson abodes thrown in for good measure. We went there for drinks before dinner at another restaurant. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! While in Tucson, check out the Sky Bar, a venue thats Solar Powered Caf by Day, Astronomy Bar by Night. Theres more than just drinks at this modern hangout, with open mic being held every Wednesday from 7 pm to 12 am. Desert Heart mural is a cool one (E. Speedway Boulevard), and the Desert lungs mural on Oracle Road is also worth a look; Sonora (University Boulevard) is a striking, full-building sort of thing. Located along the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains on Tucson's northeast edge, Sabino Canyon's numerous hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities (keep your eyes peeled for a Gila monster) make this recreational area popular with locals and tourists alike. What's more, the gift shop offers unique items for the garden and home. San Xavier del Bac what now? Most visitors, especially those with an interest in dollhouses or model planes, were impressed by the artistry and craftsmanship of the displays. 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. 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