48 Things To Do In Tucson When It’s Too Hot!
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41. Head south for some Southwestern style boutique shopping
Several small communities like Bisbee & Tubac are located a bit higher in elevation than, and thus, the summer weather is about 10 degrees cooler. Tubac is just 40 minutes south of the city and is a wonderful artist haven with many galleries to explore. The summer temps are only slightly cooler, although anything really helps after endless 100 degree days! Plus, you will likely be going into cool galleries all day. Also, while you are here there is an amazing local restaurant called Elvira’s with an incredible glass blown art ceiling.
Bisbee, a bit further at 2 hours away, is another popular day trip known for its’ charming historic downtown lined with dozens of local businesses. In Bisbee, you will be treated to an old-fashioned small town setting that you do not find amidst the suburban congestion. There’s also a really cool old ghost town called Lowell. I really loved walking down the now mostly abandoned Erie Street.
42. Stroll around the 4th avenue shops
4th avenue street (located downtown) is the most eclectic spot in the city. Here you will find all sorts of weird shops, eclectic murals, and funky restaurants. Although it is quite hot walking this street during the summer months, you can duck in and out of various air conditioned restaurants, shops, treat yourself to ice cream, and kill some time inside the pinball arcade. I recommend a cup of joe at Cafe Passe, a cute little coffee house and browsing around Antigone Books, the only solar powered bookstore in the country.
Location: 4th Ave.
43. Escape the heat with a nice relaxing pot of tea
Although Seven Cups is by far the most refined and authentic tea experience I’ve had in the city, The Scented Leaf Lounge is another decent option. This one is a bit more convenient with 2 locations, one at Main Gate Square near the University of Arizona and another downtown.
They offer a very diverse selection of loose leaf teas in a contemporary setting. Lots of refreshing caffeine-free herbal as well as immune boosting and cooling green tea options on the menu. Pricing is cheap and teas are very flavorful. This shop is popular place to work or read, and makes for a great afternoon escape during the summer.
Location: 943 E University Blvd #165 & 308 E Congress St
43. Cool down with a smoothie
A smoothie is always delicious, and even more so on a really hot day. I usually make my own, but occasionally splurge after a long hike. There are a few local shops to choose amongst or you can stick with a chain classic like Jamba Juice. Nekter Juice bar is my personal favorite. Their Elderberry smoothie is delicious and packed with beneficial antioxidants!
44. Skip the chains and check out a local restaurant
Southern Arizona is commonly associated with being overrun with typical restaurant chains. This is true, however, as is the case in all cities, you can still find a number of independent gems lurking about. The foodie scene here is actually pretty impressive and I have not been disappointed. Most notably, you will find amazing Mexican food across the metro. I love Seis for their delicious breakfast tacos and burritos and Guadalajara for their enchiladas.
A few good local choices I recommend include: Dominick’s Real Italian, The Polish Cottage, and Reilly’s Craft pizza downtown. And if you are more of a eggs and pancakes fan, you will want to check out my Old Pueblo breakfast guide. Really, this city is becoming more of a foodie destination each year and more and more local businesses are starting to set up shop. Honestly, I’ve dined at more great restaurants here than bigger cities I lived in and nearby including Chicago and Boston.
45. Dinner & a movie
Roadhouse Cinemas is just one of the many dinner & a movie theaters sprouting up around the country. No, it is not the best one I have ever been to, however, it does come in handy when the heat prevents you from doing much else. In addition to a full food menu, Roadhouse also offers local gelato and beer and wine.
Instead of the standard popcorn and candy, you can order pizzas, tacos, sandwiches, and much more! Although if you are craving popcorn, their GMO-free, real butter popcorn is a great deal at just 9 bucks (includes 1 refill). The reclining seats are quite comfortable and they even have a button on them so you can ring your waiter when you need assistance!
Location: 4811 E Grant Rd #150
Roadhouse showtimes & specials
46. Plan a hiking adventure at Mt. Lemmon
The high altitude trails of Mt Lemmon (8000-9000 ft) are one of the few places where you can safely hike during the summer. Unlike the desert hiking trails where you have to inconveniently set your alarm and rush out of bed to beat the heat (and the temperatures are still way to hot), you can comfortably make your way over to Mt. Lemmon and enjoy an abundance of shady trails loaded with pretty pine and aspen trees.
The temps way up here on this “Sky Island” are typically about 20 degrees cooler and boy does it make all the difference! Check out the Meadow trail or the Marshall/Gulch Aspen loop.
47. Go back in time at the drive-in
Although the regular drive-ins have all closed shop, the Cactus drive-in hosts a number of pop up events at the Tanque Verde Swap Meet. Past showings have included Grease, La La Land, and The Princess Bride. An alternative is to make your way up to Glendale for an old-fashioned night at the West Wind Drive In, a long running Phoenix area drive-in which screens 2 movies each night for just $8.50 per person.
Location: 4100 S Palo Verde Rd (Cactus drive-in), 5650 N 55th Ave, Glendale (West Wind Drive-In)
48. Enjoy a scenic meal at one of the resorts
Summer is the best time to enjoy a fine dining experience at any of the fancy resorts as the area is pretty desolate this time of year. The Grill at Hacienda del Sol offers one of the most scenic dining rooms in town with outstanding views of the Catalina mountains via the gigantic windows. The food and service are just mediocre, however, overall it’s a pleasant dining atmosphere and the views cannot be beat! Seriously, look at that mountain view!
Location: 5501 N Hacienda Del Sol Rd.
**NOTE** This list is intended more for Southern Arizona locals looking for things to do during the summer season. I do not recommend planning a vacation here (or any other low altitude areas like Phoenix) during the months of April-September).
As most of the tourist worthy, most memorable sights involve hiking and other outdoor based activities, it’s best to save your trip for the fall or winter season when it is bearable enough outside to explore the wonderful desert landscapes without rushing through it all.
