10 things to do in downtown Tucson

There is so much to do and see in the vibrant desert oasis of Tucson. I moved here from beautiful Flagstaff and have enjoyed the many gorgeous hiking trails, foodie scene, and eclectic attractions. While I spent most of my time on the beautiful trails, there is a lot to do for non hikers as well, especially in the downtown region.

I’ll say that hiking within the gorgeous cacti studded Sonoran desert should be number one, however, there are plenty of attractions for those not interested in working up a sweat. Downtown, you will find great local restaurants and coffeehouses, boutique shops, and a wonderful historic theater. If you are limited on time, definitely put seeing a show at the wonderful Fox top on your to-do list. And now on to my guide which includes a mix of activities for everyone.

1. See a show at the Fox Theater

Seeing a show at the gorgeous historic Fox Theater, known as “the crown jewel of Tucson,” should be your number one priority. Not surprisingly, the 1930’s era theater remains one of the city’s most beloved attractions. On an interesting architectural side note, the Fox is the only known example of a Southwestern Art Deco movie house.

The theater screens a wide array of events from concerts, to ballets, to seasonal productions, to classic film screenings. I really enjoyed seeing one of my holiday favorites, White Christmas, on the big screen during the holiday season. What a treat to see these beloved classics in such a gorgeous old-fashioned theater.

I highly recommend checking Fox’s lineup of events to see if there is anything interesting going on during your visit. As the theater hosts over 100 events per year, more than likely this will be the case. The Fox gives both locals and tourists the rare opportunity to see classic films in a beautiful timeless theater: “the way they were meant to be seen.” It’s definitely one of the most beautiful theaters I’ve step foot in, second only to the Tampa Theater.

Fox location: 17 W. Congress Street. Both free and metered parking are available on nearby side streets.

2. Drive up “A” Mountain & enjoy the view

In 1910, students of the U of Arizona adorned this iconic mountain with an 160 foot tall basalt rock “A.” It really stands out while you are driving, so you really can’t miss it. The drive to the 2897 foot peak (Sentinel) is short and scenic with a nice overlook of the city from atop. I consider this one of the better viewpoints for anyone not up for a hiking adventure. For those interested in exploring a bit more, you can walk a short trail upclose to the giant letter.

A mountain location: 1001 S. Sentinel Peak Rd

Update: Previously, I had D and D Pinball in this position. Unfortunately, this retro gem closed.

3. Visit the El Tiradito shrine

The El Tiradito shrine is an interesting historical site located in the Barrio Historico neighborhood. This Catholic shrine is said to be the only one in the US dedicated to a sinner buried in unconsecrated ground. The man buried here is said to have died fighting for a woman that he loved.

The legend revolves around a man named Juan Oliveras. Juan, who lived in the 1870’s, fell in love with his mother-in-law, and thus, was murdered by her husband in jealous rage. For his sin, he was not allowed to be buried on consecrated ground. People began to light candles asking for Juan’s forgiveness.

Today visitors continue to light candles and leave prayers and memorials. Legend says that if you light a candle and it remains lit throughout the night, your wish will come true.

While you are in the Barrico area, I recommend taking a walk or drive around and enjoying the beautiful colorful Sonoran architecture. If you are looking for a good breakfast spot, I recommend 5 Points. For Mexican food, El Charro is a popular tourist choice.

El Tiradito location: 750 S. Convent Avenue. Free parking is available.

4. Brunch at the Hotel Congress

The Hotel Congress, a historic hotel built in 1918, located in the center of downtown, is most well-known as being site of the capture of bank robber John Dillinger in 1934. While tourists stay here for the historic charm, I come here to eat at the wonderful cafe.

Cup Cafe is one of the best places for Saturday/Sunday brunch. Lots of great dishes comprise the menu including a fantastic Cast Iron Baked Eggs entree and the best Huevos Rancheros in town. The cafe features a beautiful covered outdoor patio which is perfect for brunching during the milder months. Look at all those pretty trees! On a side note, I am really impressed by the food scene throughout the entire city. Even breakfast is fabulous. You can take a look at my favorite local restaurants guide for a look into the city’s diverse offerings.

Club Congress, also on-site, is a popular music venue which hosts all sorts of events throughout the year. Esquire Magazine has rated it “one of the best bars in the US.”

On a side note, this hotel has retained its’ retro mid century neon sign. The Tucson Historic Preservation maintains a guide to the 30 vintage neon signs still standing along the city’s Miracle Mile.

Hotel Congress location: 311 Congress Street (Free parking on nearby side streets).

5. Explore the Tucson Museum of Art

This city is home to a vibrant art scene. On any given weekend, you can find an art fair or market featuring locally made artisan goods. The city is loaded with all sorts of unique galleries and boutique Southwestern shops featuring handmade treasures which you will not find anywhere else. The Wall Street Journal even referred to the city as “a mini-mecca for the arts.”

One must-do downtown is a stroll around the free Museum of Art. The collection is quite impressive for a city of just 1 million. The 8000+ collection focuses mainly on contemporary and modern art, with sections devoted to Western and Native American, Latin American, and Asian art. Additionally, the museum hosts a number of festivals throughout the year including a fantastic Holiday Artisans market.

Cafe a la C’Art is a wonderful restaurant which ranks as one of the best museum restaurants in the US. I highly recommend making this your brunch of choice before or after browsing the art collection. Highlights include an amazing patio and a colorful interior. Try a delicious skillet served alongside house made bread. Bonus points for the full espresso bar and amazing selection of homemade pastries and desserts!

Museum of Art location: 140 N. Main (Free parking)