[[File:Tucson shab2.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Tucson with the Santa Catalina Mountains]]
'''Tucson''' (''TOO-sawn'') is the second-largest city in the state of [[Arizona]] and the county seat of Pima County in the Sonoran Desert. It is at a higher elevation than nearby Phoenix and is correspondingly cooler. Although with half a million residents it is smaller than the capital city, its cultural life is just as vibrant.
'''Downtown Austin''' is a district of [[Austin]], [[Texas]], west of IH-35, north of Lady Bird Lake, and south of MLK street (19th street).
==Get in==
==Understand==
Tucson has always been a crossroads. Water was, until the onset of a severe drought in the late 1990s, relatively plentiful in Tucson, in spite of its location in the middle of a desert. This made it an important travel route, an agricultural center, and a communications nexus.
Tucson's history is ancient, with evidence of human occupation stretching back 10,000 years. Between 200 CE and 1450 ACE, the Hohokam culture dominated the area – the Pima and Tohono O'Odham peoples that still occupy the area are descendants of the Hohokam. In 1699, Father Eusebio Kino, S.J., established the Mission San Xavier del Bac, southwest of present-day Tucson. Over the next 100 years, other missions were established in the area, but European presence was minimal.
It wasn't until 1775 that the Presidio of Tucson was created by Don Hugo O'Connor. At that time, it was the northernmost Spanish outpost in the New World. In 1821, Tucson became part of the new country of Mexico, and in 1853 it became part of the United States as a result of the Gadsden Purchase. In 1863, Arizona became a US territory, and by 1880, its population was around 8,000. In 1912, Arizona became the 48th state to enter the union.
Austin has a vibrant pedicab community of bicycle taxis that operate during the evening hours on and around the 6th street entertainment district. A pedicab can be a fun way to get around as well a scenic experience. Currently there are over 200 pedicabs operating in Austin that charge a fare based on tips.
Tucson is still a crossroads, with European, Native American, Mexican, and Asian cultures bumping into one another, in sometimes conflicting and sometimes compatible – but always interesting – ways.
| content=Is a must-see for new visitors to Austin. A large source of pride for the city and the state, the State Capitol is a beautiful building wrapped in Texas pink granite. Independent-minded Texans take pride in the fact that the State Capitol is actually 14 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Unlike many other state capitols in America, Texas's is as welcoming as the state's people, and is completely open to the public seven days a week. It's interesting to stroll through the halls, look at the paintings and sculptures, and peek into the legislative chambers. And it's free!
| wikipedia=Bullock Texas State History Museum | image=BobBullockMuseumAustinTX.JPG | wikidata=Q10858643
| description = {{ForecastNOAA|Tucson International Airport|32.1313|-110.9552}}    Data from [http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cdo-web/datatools/normals NOAA (1981-2010)]
| lastedit=2018-10-19
| content=This is one of the nicest museums in Austin. There is probably more than you want to know about Texas history here. They have free lockers and the IMAX theater is also located here.
}}
}}
===Visitor information===
*{{see
* {{listing
| name=Women and Their Work Gallery | url=http://www.womenandtheirwork.org/ | email=
| address=1710 Lavaca St. | lat= | long= | directions=
| address=100 S Church Ave | lat=32.220846 | long=-110.9727 | directions=downtown
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| phone= | tollfree=+1-800-638-8350 | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours=M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa-Su 9AM-4PM | price=
| content=A visual and performing art organization that serves as a catalyst for contemporary art created by women living and working in Texas and beyond. For over 30 years, W&TW has brought groundbreaking art to Austin, with exhibitions, performances, literary readings and educational workshops.
| content=Offers a free Official Destination Guide, Golf Guide or Dining Guide.
}}
}}
==Get in==
*{{see
{{mapframe|32.202|-110.906|zoom=10}}
| name=The Contemporary Austin | alt=Austin Museum of Art | url=http://thecontemporaryaustin.org/ | email=
{{mapshape}}
| address=700 Congress Ave | lat=30.2693 | long=-97.7428 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
===By plane===
{{listing | type=go
| name=Tucson International Airport | alt={{IATA|TUS}} | url=http://www.flytucson.com/ | email=
| content=Served by a number of airlines.</p><ul><li>'''Concourse A''': Southwest, Sun Country, United</li><li>'''Concourse B''': American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta/Delta Connection</li></ul><br />The airport is on the far southern end of the city. A taxi to central Tucson (University of Arizona area) will run about $25-30 and take 25 minutes. Bus services (Rt #11 and 25) to and from the airport is significantly cheaper but will take at least 60 minutes to/from downtown Tucson. Some people fly into [[Phoenix#By plane|Phoenix Sky Harbor]] and then take a shuttle or rent a car and drive to Tucson (about 2 hours). Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.</p>
| content=Reflecting the unconventional spirit of Austin, AMOA-Downtown offers informative and informal art experiences oriented towards the interests of a broad general audience. The galleries serve as the Museum's primary exhibition site and present continually changing exhibitions and education programs that showcase an array of twentieth-century and contemporary art. To complement the art on view, the Museum presents a broad range of accessible, interdisciplinary, and hands-on public education programs for school children, families and adults. AMOA-Downtown also features the Community Room, a place for activities and private functions with gallery access.
}}
* {{see
| name=Austin bats | alt=Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge | url=http://www.batcon.org/our-work/regions/usa-canada/protect-mega-populations/cab-intro?highlight=WyJhdXN0aW4iXQ== | email=
| wikipedia=Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge | image=Congress Avenue Bridge.jpg | wikidata=Q4766731
| content=Yes, that's right, bats. Austin's Congress Avenue bridge is home to about 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats. This is the largest urban bat colony in the world and one of the largest Mexican free-tailed bat colonies in North America. The bats are generally active at dusk every evening between March and November. In years when there has been a drought, the bats leave early (when there is still light), and can be a quite impressive sight. In years when there has been plenty of rain, they leave so late it is difficult to see much. Best place to see them is near the Austin American Statesman's parking lot, or you can pay for boat tours to see them from underneath the bridge. Towards the end of bat season, when the colony's young are flying for the first time, pedestrian crowds can become rather dense. Try to arrive at least an hour before dark if you want to have a good, unobstructed view.
}}
}}
==Do==
===By train===
Arriving by train to Tucson is possible as the city is served by '''[http://www.amtrak.com Amtrak]''' via its triweekly [http://www.amtrak.com/sunset-limited-train ''Sunset Limited''] train between [[New Orleans]] and [[Los Angeles]]. This train also conveys [http://www.amtrak.com/texas-eagle-train ''Texas Eagle''] carriages, offering a direct route to and from [[Chicago]]. Eastbound trains arrive around 7:30AM while westbound ones arrive early evening. Notice however that delays are quite common. {{marker|type=go|name=Tucson station|url=https://www.amtrak.com/stations/tus|lat=32.223135|long=-110.966796}} is at 400 N Toole Ave, next to downtown.
| address=204 Colorado St | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+1 512 236-1112 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=9AM-9PM, 7 days a week | price=moderate
| content=milk + honey spa is a modern, elegant, design forward day spa in the heart of the 2nd Street District. It is a good option for travelers looking for a massage, facial, or nail treatment.
}}
==Buy==
===By car===
'''I-10''' (''Interstate 10'') from the north and southeast, and '''I-19''' (''Interstate 19'') from the south.
* {{buy
| name=Toy Joy | alt= | url=http://www.toyjoy.com | email=
===By bus===
| address=403 W 2nd St | lat= 30.2652 | long= -97.7481 | directions=
There are multiple long distance bus lines and van shuttles serving Tucson from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, El Paso, Phoenix, Douglas, Yuma & Nogales in the U.S. and from Nogales, Hermosillo, Puerto Peñasco, Agua Prieta and Culiacán in Mexico. Each company has a stop or their own bus station in different parts of town that are far from each other.
| address=(bus stop) Univ of Arizona 6th St Garage at 1119 E 6th St | lat= | long= | directions=Bus will board in the covered bus loading zone on the south side of the Sixth Street garage.
| phone=+1 512-472-5050 | tollfree= | fax=
| phone= | tollfree=
| hours= | price=
| hours= | price=
| wikipedia= | wikidata=
| content=Across the street from Waterloo Records, this locally owned bookstore has two stories of books with lots of quiet corners to sit down for a read. Largest independent bookstore in Texas. Great selection of books on Texas history and architecture.
| lastedit=2018-12-20
| content=They also have an additional "north freeway" stop at the AM/PM Mini Market at 802 W Speedway off of I-10 at Exit #257
}}
}}
* {{buy
* {{listing
| name=Waterloo Records | alt= | url=http://www.waterloorecords.com/ | email=
| address=471 W Congress St | lat=32.220647 | long=-110.978094 | directions=
| phone=+1 512-474-2500 | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-792-3475 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours= | price=
| content=Travels primarily on Interstate 10 (Los Angeles, Phoenix, Mesa, Casa Grande, Tucson, Benson, Wilcox, El Paso) an on I-8/10 (San Diego, Calexico, Yuma, Tucson and El Paso). Passengers transfer to other buses in [[Phoenix#By_bus|Phoenix]], [[Los Angeles#By bus|Los Angeles]], San Bernardino and [[El Paso#By_bus|El Paso]] to get to additional cities in the U.S.
| content=Known around town for having local artists play in-store. Wide selection of music, everything from Blues to Electronica to Country. Has a wall dedicated to local musicians, great if you need a real country fix, not that sugary syrup they play on the radio.
| content=Delicious steaks in a relaxed atmosphere (for a steakhouse). Great bar, appetizers, and sides too. Not especially cheap, but some of the best steaks in town.
| content=Downtown Austin's original bratwurst food stand serving hot bratwurst, Italian sausage and beef sausage on a hot grilled bun with plenty of sauerkraut to go around "all night long!" Tell everyone you ate at the original Best Wurst!
}}
* {{eat
| name=Burger Bar | alt= | url=http://www.burgerbaraustin.com/ | email=
| address=110 E. 2nd St | lat=30.264804 | long=-97.743798 | directions=
| phone=+1 512-608-4822 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=M-F 7:30AM-8PM, Sa Su 11AM-8PM | price=
| content=Feast on ground flat-top burgers, inventive handspun shakes and addictive fry creations in a stylish sidewalk setting. Be sure to try their signature Big Mouth Burger, topped with blistered peppers, jalapeno jam, bacon and zesty cheddar.
}}
* {{eat
| name=Casino El Camino | url=http://www.casinoelcamino.net | email=
| address=517 E 6th St. | lat= | long= | directions=between Red River and Neches
| phone=+1 512 469-9330 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=Su-M 24 hours, Tu-Sa 11:30AM-7PM | price=
| content=Over 21 only. Bar that serves juicy 3/4 pound patties of certified Angus Beef. Also available: chicken sandwiches, hotdogs, veggie sandwiches, etc. Everything is SLOOOOOW-cooked so expect 45 min. to an hour waits for food at peak times, but it's worth it. Dark decor, eccentric jukebox, and nice back garden.
| address=110 E. Second St. | lat= 30.2644 | long= -97.7439 | directions=JW Marriot
| phone=+1 512-608-4488 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours= | price=
| lastedit=2018-01-04
| content=Combining regional ingredients and recipes from every corner of Texas with crafted tequila cocktails and locally-sourced beers, Corner brings a modern, uptempo spirit to a laid-back space overlooking the South Congress neighborhood. Don't miss the Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder Sandwich, accompanied by quince jelly and manchego cheese or the festive Taco Bar.
| content=Connects Tucson to Phoenix in one direction and to Agua Prieta and Hermosillo via Nogales in the other.
| hours=M-F 4PM-2AM, Sa 6PM-2AM, closed Sunday. Kitchen: M-Th 4PM-10:30PM, F 4PM-11PM, Sa 6PM-11PM. Happy Hour: M 24 hours, Tu-F 4PM-7PM | price=Moderately expensive. Dinners $12-18
| content=Caribbean cuisine with some Pan-Asian overtones but also some Southwestern touches such as mesquite grilling and a bit of Mediterranean thrown in the mix. If you like seafood there is something you will like here. Nice fusion restaurant.
}}
*{{eat
| name=Frank and Angie's Pizzeria | url=http://hutsfrankandangies.com/ | email=
| address=508 West Ave | lat= | long= | directions=next to Hut's Hamburgers
| phone=+1 512 472-3534 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=M-F 11AM-10PM, Sa 12PM-10PM, Su 5PM-10PM | price=
| content=Pizza and Italian food. Supposedly Quentin Tarantino's favorite restaurant in Austin.
}}
* {{eat
| name=Gus’s World Famous Hot & Spicy Fried Chicken | alt=Gus's fried Chicken | url=http://gusfriedchicken.com/ | email=
| address=117 San Jacinto Blvd | lat=30.26348 | long=-97.74158 | directions= on corner of San Jacinto Blvd & W 2nd St
| phone=+1 512 474-4877 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=M–Th 11AM–9PM; F–Sa 11AM–10PM; Su 11AM–9PM | price=
| lastedit=2016-01-05
| content=Fried chicken.
}}
*{{eat
| name=Hoek's Death Metal Pizza | url= | email=
| address=511 E 6th St. | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+1 512 802-5298 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours= | price=
| lastedit=2018-01-04
| content=Rock out and eat some of Austin's most delicious "metal" pizza.
| content=Phoenix, Tucson, Nogales and Douglas.
}}
}}
* {{listing | type=go
| name=TAP Royal | alt= | url=http://www.taproyal.com | email=
* {{eat
| address=(Office) 910 W Irvington Rd, Suite #110 | lat=32.1637 | long=-110.98332 | directions=Strip mall NE of the I-19/Irvington Rd junction by Fry's.
| content=A great, inexpensive 50s diner style hamburger joint on 6th St. near downtown. Every burger available with regular beef, bison (buffalo), chicken, vegetarian, or Hawaiian. Usually packed after a football game. Once you have completed your sinning here, the Whole Foods flagship store is right down the street.
}}
* {{eat
| name=Iron Works BBQ | url=http://www.ironworksbbq.com | email=general@ironworksbbq.com
| address=100 Red River St | lat= | long= | directions=
| address=621 E. 7th St. | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+1 512 275-0852 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=Su-F 11AM-9:30PM, Sa 1PM-9:30PM | price=
| content=Asian fusion restaurant with many vegetarian and vegan options, including summer rolls, vegetarian curries, and sweet potato noodles. Tofu is available on most entrees.
| address=419 W. 2nd St. | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+1 512 474-5323 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=Daily 11AM-4PM | price=
| content=This eatery is focused on serving fresh, tasty salads. Choose from the menu or make your own! A few of their soups are vegetarian and/or vegan.
| address=700 W 6th St | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+1 512 477-3308 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=M-Tu 11AM-11PM, W-Th 11AM-12AM, F 11AM-2AM, Sa 10AM-2AM, Su 10AM-11PM (kitchen closes 1 hour before closing) (Sa-Su brunch 10AM-3PM) | price=
| content=Serving up American food menu at three Austin locations, all of which have large outdoor decks for those who prefer to dine or enjoy an adult beverage with nature.
| address=110 E. Second St. | lat= 30.2644 | long= -97.7432 | directions=
| phone=+1 512-608-4490 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours= | price=
| lastedit=2017-10-04
| content=Indulge in authentic, quality Italian food hand crafted with passion and served with class. Don't miss the signature Pollo Al Mattone, the inventive pizza selections and the impeccable wine list.
| content=They offer bus service between California, Arizona and Las Vegas in the U.S. and along the Hwy 15 corridor towards Guadalajara through several cities/towns in Sonora, Sinaloa, Nayarit and Jalisco in Mexico. Travels along I-10/19 and Mex Hwy 15 between Phoenix, Tucson, Nogales and Hermosillo.
| content=Bus service along I-10/I-19 between Los Angeles, Phoenix, Tucson, Nogales and Hermosillo in Mexico
| content=The oldest continuously operating restaurant and also the oldest business in Texas, started just after the Civil War. Good German and other hearty fare. As the name implies, Scholz Garten also has a biergarten and serves many different types of beer. A traditional Democratic party hangout where Ann Richards is supposed to have plotted her successful run for governor. In the middle of it all, the Capitol is a few blocks away and the University of Texas is just north.
| content=Quintessential BBQ joint located near downtown. In addition to the great BBQ, the kitchen turns out some great side dishes, which are often overshadowed by the smoked meats. This unique venue has two concert venues, one indoor and one outdoor that can accommodate over a thousand people.
| address=3920 N Sun Tran Blvd (main office) | lat=32.27792 | long=-111.00784 | directions=
| content=An extensive metropolitan bus system, with routes and times listed [http://www.suntran.com/routes.php here]. The buses can accommodate up to two bicycles in the front; only folding bikes are permitted inside the bus.
| name=Sun Link Streetcar | alt= | url=http://www.sunlinkstreetcar.com/ | email=
| address=1409 Lavaca St. | lat=30.277 | long=-97.742 | directions=near the Capitol and south of UT
| address= | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+1 512 472-2828 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=Daily 11AM-2AM | price=
| content=Get your red on. Serves the national dish of Texas, chili, in all heat ranges as well as other great Texan-American fare. This downtown neighborhood chili parlor is reportedly the local Republican hangout when "The Lege" is in session. Featured in Quentin Tarantino's movie "Death Proof."
| name=Emo's East | alt= | url=http://www.emosaustin.com | email=
| address=2015 E. Riverside Dr. | lat=30.266667 | long=-97.737222 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours= | price=
| content=A streetcar route which extends from the University of Arizona to the downtown area and the Mercado district. It has now been integrated into the Sun Tran public transportation system; the streetcar route map can be downloaded [http://www.sunlinkstreetcar.com/documents/images/Route_Map.jpg here]. It is especially popular in the evenings for making the rounds between University and the night life on 4th Ave.
| wikipedia=Emo's | wikidata=Q5373641
| content=Standing on the site of the old Back Room, this venue has a larger capacity than the old Emo's (which, as of December 2011, is closed), better sound quality, and the draw of bigger acts.
}}
}}
==Sleep==
===By car===
I-10 and I-19 are the only freeways in Tucson. East-west travel on surface streets above I-10 can be slow during the work day. Tucson has far fewer miles of freeway than other U.S. cities of its size. All east-west travel and all travel on the east side is done via surface streets.
=== Budget ===
===By bicycle===
[[File:Tugo Bike Share Tucson, Arizona (28709926857).jpg|thumb|Tugo Bike Share]]
* {{sleep
Tucson is a bike-friendly community, and has an extensive system of [http://bikeped.pima.gov/Pubs/MetroBikeMap%20082611int4web.pdf bike routes and paths] (but is something you don't want to do in the summer unless you are experienced riding in very hot, dry weather).
| content=A hostel located in Austin's oldest standing firehouse. Dorm rooms, "euro-style" private rooms (shared bath), and suites (private bath) available. The hostel also has free wifi, free computer terminal, free breakfast, laundry facilities, and locker storage.
}}
In late 2017 the city launched [https://tugobikeshare.com/ '''Tugo Bike Share'''], a new public bike-sharing program, with 330 bicycles and 36 rental station scattered around the university district and downtown. Passes are available for one day ($8), one month ($18), or one year ($80), and allow unlimited use of the bikes for 30-minute intervals. Passes can be purchased at docking stations with a credit card, online with a credit or debit card, or with cash at any 7-Eleven, CVS, or Family Dollar stores (requires prior online registration). Bicycle stations with available bikes and docks can be found [https://tugobikeshare.com/system-map/ online] or via the smartphone Cyclefinder app (iOS and Android).
===Mid-range===
===By taxi===
*{{sleep
It is notoriously difficult to get around in Tucson by taxi, as you must usually reserve a cab hours in advance and contend with drivers who are often late, if they show up at all. As an alternative, ride-hailing services [http://www.uber.com/ '''Uber'''] and [http://www.lyft.com/ '''Lyft'''] now both operate in Tucson, and are a decent alternative if you can't get a regular cab within a reasonable time frame.
| address=2495 N Desert Links Dr | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+1 512 476-1166 | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-425-1935 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=Su-Th 6AM-8PM, F Sa until bar closing | price=Credit cards accepted
| checkin= | checkout= | price=
| lastedit=2017-10-17
| content=
| content=One of the more reputable taxi operators in the Tucson area, with punctual and reliable drivers. Generally it is best to make reservations 1-2 hours in advance. They also offer shuttle service to/from Tucson and Phoenix airports for a [http://tucsonairportrides.com/rates/ flat rate].
}}
}}
===Splurge===
==See==
* {{sleep
| name=Driskill Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.driskillhotel.com | email=
| address=604 Brazos St | lat=30.268056 | long=-97.741667 | directions=
| content=The oldest hotel in the city, built in 1886 by a cattle baron. Beautiful architecture, marble floors, high ceilings, and the best upscale bar in the city. Gorgeous and historic hotel - regarded as a centerpiece for Austin's high society. The Driskill has been lauded as one of the most haunted hotels in America, so you might catch a few ghostbusters around. If you'd like to not go entirely bankrupt but still check out this truly beautiful Austin landmark, try out the 5-star Driskill Grill at lunch time or visit the bakery.
}}
* {{sleep
| name=Four Seasons Hotel Austin | url=http://www.fourseasons.com/austin | email=
| checkin=3PM | checkout=12:00 noon | price=Standard Rates from $385/night
| content=Try to score a room on the lake side, and shoot for floors 7-9, above the heinous electric wires that mar the view (and add extra "atmosphere" to the pool area). These rooms are also a prime viewing spot for the bats that live under the bridge to the right, who make their mass exodus at dusk. Construction is beginning on the city side of the hotel for the new Four Seasons condos.
| address=500 E 4th St. | lat=30.265369 | long=-97.73804 | directions=
| phone=+1 512 482-8000 | tollfree= | fax=
| checkin= | checkout= | price=
| wikipedia=Hilton Austin Hotel | image=AustinHiltonCCHotel-Oct2007-a.JPG | wikidata=Q2872115
| content=Luxurious, 4-Diamond hotel adjacent to the Convention Center. Austin's convention center hotel. The city owns this beautiful, enormous new hotel in the heart of downtown, just off I-35 and 6th st. This hotel has Austin at its doorstep. It's eminently possible to stay here and enjoy yourself and never have to travel beyond walking distance. 6th St, the Capitol, and the university are all within 1-1.5 miles.
}}
===Historic sights===
* {{sleep
[[File:El Tiradito shrine (Tucson, Arizona) 4.JPG|thumb|El Tiradito in Barrio Viejo]]
| address=Bounded by I-10, W Cushing St , S 6th Ave, and W 18th St | lat= | long= | directions=by the Tucson Convention Center
| content=Luxury downtown hotel with shops and offices on the ground floor. Close to the Capitol and 6th St.
}}
==Connect==
==Go next==
{{geo|30.271|-97.743}}
{{usabledistrict}}
{{IsPartOf|Austin}}
{{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}}
'''East Austin''' is a district of [[Austin]], to the north of Lady Bird Lake and to the east of IH-35. This was the area reserved for Blacks and Mexicans in the infamous 1928 official city segregation plan. Nowadays, certain areas of East Austin are strongly gentrifying.
| content=One of Tucson's oldest neighborhoods, much of the barrio was destroyed when the Tucson Convention Center was built. There are many colorful adobe buildings housing shops, galleries, and residences. Best explored on foot.
| wikipedia=Texas State Cemetery | image=TexasStateCemeteryEntrance.JPG | wikidata=Q2342386
| content=Is the state burying ground for Texas politicians, cultural figures and Republic of Texas heroes. Texas luminaries buried within its grounds include Stephen F. Austin, John Connally, Barbara Jordan, Darrell Royal and Ann Richards. The cemetery is open 365 days a year from 8AM to 5PM Audio tours are available at the office at 909 Navasota Street or can be downloaded for free from the website. Admittance is free, but can be limited during a funeral.
|lastedit=2016-08-21| content=El Tiradito is the only shrine to a sinner in North America. In the 1880s, a young man had an affair with his mother-in-law. When caught in the act, his father-in-law shot him and he stumbled from bed and ran out of the house. He dropped dead on this spot, and because he had not confessed his sins, he could not be buried in the church yard. His family and friends interred him where he fell, but remembered him with candles and flowers. People still burn candles and leave offerings today. Best visited at dusk or after dark.
| wikipedia=Lady Bird Lake | image=ViewFromTownLake.jpg | wikidata=Q1636067
| content=formerly known as the Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail, the 1.1 mile trail creates a complete circuit around Lady Bird Lake. It is one of the oldest urban Texas hike and bike paths. The trail is the longest trail designed for non-motorized traffic maintained by the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department and watched after by a local non-profit named The Trail Foundation.
}}
** {{see
| name=Sosa-Carrillo-Frémont House Museum | alt= | url=http://www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org/welcome-to-the-arizona-history-museum-tucson/ | email=AHSTucson@azhs.gov
| wikipedia=Sosa-Carrillo-Fremont House | image=Sosa-Carillo-Fremont house from SW 1.JPG | wikidata=Q20858352
| content=A remnant of Tucson's old barrio which survived and is now surrounded by the Tucson Convention Center, this historic adobe house was built in the 1870s.
}}
}}
The East side practically has a park and a swimming pool every five blocks.
*{{do
*{{see
| name=Fort Lowell Museum | alt= | url=http://www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org/welcome-to-the-arizona-history-museum-tucson/ | email=
| wikipedia=Fort Lowell | image=Ft. Lowell Park, Tucson museum 3.JPG | wikidata=Q5471556
| content=Has cheap classes for all ages, basketball, baseball, soccer fields, a swimming pool and a rec center. The rec center is air conditioned with fooseball, a pool table and clean restrooms. Outside the rec is a free water park for the young'uns. The hike and bike trails are in pristine condition since they don't get the wear and tear that the trails get on the west side of I-35.
| content=Fort Lowell was a US Army post, active in the late 19th century during the Apache Wars. Most of the adobe structures are now in ruins, but the commanding officers' quarters have been reconstructed and now house a small museum, with exhibits focused on military life on the frontier. The building also has a small gift shop.
}}
}}
*{{do
* {{see
| name=EastAustinStudio Tour | alt= | url=http://east.bigmedium.org/ | email=
| name=San Pedro Chapel | alt= | url=http://sanpedrochapel.com/ | email=info@sanpedrochapel.com
| address= | lat= | long= | directions=
| address=5230 E Fort Lowell Rd | lat=32.26075 | long=-110.880907 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-302-9265 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours= | price=
| wikipedia=San Pedro Chapel | image=San Pedro Chapel (Tucson) from NE 1.JPG | wikidata=Q7415102
| content=This wildly popular annual event has, as of 2009, expanded to the two weekends prior to Thanksgiving, with additional events throughout the week between. Artists working in East Austin open their studios to the public for sales of contemporary art and some crafts.
| content=A historic Sonoran-style adobe chapel, built in 1915 and on the National Register of Historic Places. Unfortunately the church is usually only open for special events, but it can be freely appreciated from the outside.
}}
}}
===Museums and galleries===
*{{do
[[File:Boneyard Tucson AZ.jpg|thumb|AMARC, aka the 'Boneyard', with the Santa Catalina Mountains in the background.]]
| name=Blue Starlight Mini Urban Drive-in | url=http://www.bluestarlitedrivein.com/ | email=
| hours=Daily 9AM-5PM (last admission at 4PM); closed Thanksgiving and Christmas | price=$15.50 (adults), $12.25 (Pima County residents), $12.75 (seniors/military), $9 (children 5-12), free (children under 5)
| wikipedia=Pima Air & Space Museum | image=Pima Air ^ Space Museum - Tucson, AZ - Flickr - hyku (80).jpg | wikidata=Q3062422
| content=Features over 300 historic aircraft on an 80-acre site with five hangars, two of them devoted to World War II. Veterans and volunteers are often on hand to answer any questions, and there are daily walking tours of the grounds. There is an onsite restaurant.
}}
}}
** {{see
=== Theatres ===
| name=Tram Tour | alt= | url=http://www.pimaair.org/tour-tram | email=
* {{do
| name=The Off Center | alt= | url=http://www.rudemechs.com | email=
| address= | lat= | long= | directions=
| address= | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-574-0462 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=Price is in addition to museum admission: $6 (adults), free (children under 6)
| hours= | price=
| lastedit=2016-04-13
| content=Rude Mechanicals (Rude Mechs) manages this space.
| content=As the grounds are so large, a tour tram is offered for those who do not wish to walk. The guided tour lasts one hour and covers 1½ miles and more than 150 planes. Departure times vary, so it is best to call ahead or inquire at the entrance.
| hours=M-F; times vary so best to call ahead, typically 11 AM and 2 PM | price=$10
| wikipedia=309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group | image=Aerial view of Davis-Monthan AFB AMARG in March 2015.JPG | wikidata=Q224095
| content=Refraction Arts manages this space.
| lastedit=2016-04-22
| content=A separate, very interesting tour can be booked to see the Aerospace Maintenance and Regentation Center nearby on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, where more than 4200 aircraft are stored. As the facility is an active military base, an ID is required (all nationalities welcome). Visitors are not permitted to leave the bus, and non-essential backpacks and camera bags are not permitted (storage is available at the museum). Reservations are required at least 10 business days in advance, in order to receive security clearance for the base, and can be made up to 90 calendar days in advance.
| name=Tucson Museum of Art | alt= | url=http://www.tucsonmuseumofart.org/ | email=info@TucsonMuseumofArt.org
| address= | lat= | long= | directions=
| address=140 N Main Ave | lat=32.2234 | long=-110.9749 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-624-2333 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours=Tu W 10AM-5PM, Th 10AM-8PM, F Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM | price=$12 (adults), $10 (seniors), $7 (students/children 13-17), free (children under 13); free on 1st Th of month from 5PM-8PM
| content=Vortex Repertory Company manages this space.
| wikipedia=Tucson Museum of Art | image=Tucson Museum of Art.jpg | wikidata=Q18325616
| lastedit=2016-04-13
| content=A museum complex housed in a collection of historic adobe houses, this museum hosts exhibits of regional contemporary art, as well as the Arizona Biennial. Its permanent collection of Latin American and pre-Columbian art is particularly noteworthy. There is a well-stocked shop in the lobby that is open during museum hours.
}}
}}
===Performance Companies===
*{{do
*{{see
| name=AztlanDanceCompany | url= | email=
| name=University of Arizona Museum of Art | alt= | url=http://www.artmuseum.arizona.edu/ | email=
| address= | lat= | long= | directions=
| address=1031 N Olive Rd | lat=32.235619 | long=-110.955821 | directions=on the U of A campus, by E Speedway
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-621-7567 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=W 9AM-5PM, Th 9AM-8PM, F Sa 9AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM | price=$8 (adults), $6.50 (seniors), free (students)
| hours= | price=
| wikipedia=University of Arizona Museum of Art | wikidata=Q7895060
| content=
| lastedit=2016-04-13
| content=Houses an extensive of American and European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century, with excellent rotating exhibits. A highlight of the collection is the 15th-century Spanish altarpiece of Ciudad Rodrigo.
}}
}}
* {{do
*{{see
| name=Pro Arts Collective | url= | email=
| name=Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson | alt=MOCA | url=http://www.moca-tucson.org/ | email=
| address= | lat= | long= | directions=
| address=265 S Church Ave | lat=32.218043 | long=-110.971791 | directions=across from the Tucson Convention Center
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-624-5019 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours=W-Su noon-5PM | price=$8 (adults), $5 (students/seniors), free (veterans, military, children under 17); free on last Su of every month
| content=
| wikipedia=Museum of Contemporary Art, Tucson | image=MOCATucson.jpg | wikidata=Q6940811
| lastedit=2016-04-13
| content=Hosts exhibits of regional and national contemporary art.
| hours=Tu-F 9AM-4PM, Sa 1PM-4PM | price=Free, donations accepted
| content=Has a small performance venue.
| wikipedia=Center for Creative Photography | image=Center for Creative Photography entrance.JPG | wikidata=Q2944356
| lastedit=2016-04-13
| content=The center was founded by Ansel Adams, and routinely features works of famous (and not-so-famous) photographers. When they have their Ansel Adams collection up it is a must see.
| address=711 S 6th Ave | lat=32.212747 | long=-110.96832 | directions=just south of Downtown
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-884-7404 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours=Winter: Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM; summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day): Tu-Sa 11AM-4PM | price=
| content=
| image=Philabaum Glass Gallery & Studio.jpg
| lastedit=2016-04-13
| content=Tom Philabaum built his first glass studio in 1975, and opened the adjacent gallery in 1982. Together they represent one of the most enduring art endeavors of present-day Tucson. Visitors are able to watch the glass blowing process in the studio, and shop the impressive collection of contemporary glass art from artists around the country.
| hours=Daily 10AM-4PM; closed 1 Jan, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas | price=$8 (adults), $5 (children 12-18), free (children under 12)
| wikipedia=DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Historic District | image=DeGrazia Chapel.jpg | wikidata=Q5243911
| lastedit=2016-04-13
| content=A collection of buildings on a 10-acre site, designed and built by well-known Arizona painter Ettore 'Ted' DeGrazia (1909-1982); the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A gallery showcases the artist's work in six permanent collections as well as special rotating exhibits, and a gift shop onsite sells good quality reproductions of some of his work. In early December the grounds also host the annual ''Fiesta de Guadalupe''.<br />The chapel is closed due to fire damage.
| content=A small museum devoted to the history of the railroads in southern Arizona, housed in the historic Southern Pacific Railroad Depot. The star attraction is the Southern Pacific Railroad 1673 steam locomotive. Docents and volunteers available to answer questions about the locomotive on Saturdays. For other times, tours can be arranged upon request.
}}
}}
* {{do
* {{see
| name=Salvage Vanguard | url= | email=
| name=Children's Museum Tucson | alt= | url=http://www.childrensmuseumtucson.org/ | email=
| hours=M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa Su 10AM-5PM | price=$6 (children 1-18), $8 (adults), $6 (seniors); $2 2nd Sa of the month
| content=
| content=
}}
}}
* {{do
* {{see
| name=dirigo group | url= | email=
| name=Arizona History Museum | alt= | url=http://www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org/welcome-to-the-arizona-history-museum-tucson/ | email=
| address= | lat= | long= | directions=
| address=949 E 2nd St | lat=32.233218 | long=-110.957377 | directions=University of Arizona Campus
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-628-5774 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours=M-Th 9AM-4PM, F 9AM-8PM, Sa Su 11AM-4PM | price=$8 (adults), $6 (seniors), $5 (students), $4 (children 7-17), free (children under 7)
| content=
| lastedit=2016-04-13
| content=This museum is devoted to the history of Tucson and the surrounding area, with relevant displays.
}}
}}
* {{see
==Buy==
| name=Arizona Historical Society | alt=Downtown History Museum | url=http://www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org/welcome-to-the-arizona-history-museum-tucson/ | email=AHSTucson@azhs.gov
| address=140 N Stone Ave | lat=32.223693 | long=-110.971383 | directions=in the Wells Fargo Bank bldg
Known to the locals as The Pinata District, east Austin has plenty of pinata stores.
| address=414 Waller St | lat= | long= | directions=corner of East 5th + Waller
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=Sundays 11AM-3PM | price=
| content=Weekly community gathering space where local farmers, artisans, community groups, families, and urban consumers can find fresh foods, community programs, artistic creations, agricultural education and wellness workshops. Aims to introduce those in the Austin area to surrounding area farms, healthy lifestyle companies, education in the arts and local community volunteer programs.
}}
* {{buy
| name=Fiesta Mart | alt= | url=https://www.fiestamart.com/ | email=
| content=Museum that features more than 4000 artifacts on display from the old Pasqua tribe, displayed in a home built in 1926 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
| address=900 E 7th St. (behind the gas station on I-35) | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=Good Tex-Mex with its own loyal customers. It is in an older house on a hill with a good view of downtown. They also have outdoor seating but the deck needs some updating.
| content=President LBJ's favorite breakfast spot is still going strong. This historic eastside spot offers outstanding migas, huevos rancheros and fajitas, and don't miss the fresh biscuits.
| wikipedia=Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum | image=Buteo regalis -Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tuscon, USA-8g.jpg | wikidata=Q478839
| content=More like Biosphere II than a walled institution, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is part zoo, part natural history museum and part botanical garden all in one Tucson attraction. From tarantulas to black bears, coyotes to scorpions, the museum-zoo is an entrancing and full-contact tribute to the Sonoran desert's wildlife (the wire fences are nearly invisible and the hummingbirds in the buzzing, walk-in aviary seem to think you are the attraction). Give yourself time to soak in the Southwest splendor and if time is all you have, the Museum is also on the fringes of Saguaro National Park, home to the world's largest forests of Saguaro cacti.
| content=Fantastic restaurant in an old house, complete with their own vegetable and herb garden, which the seasonal menu revolves around. The menu includes salads, sandwiches, pasta, fish, beef, pork, shrimp, enchiladas. Vegetarian dishes.
| lastedit=2016-04-19
| content=A "dry" cave with 3½ miles of mapped passageways. The cave was used by pre-Columbian Native Americans, and rediscovered in 1879. Also on park grounds are a cowboy ranch museum, a butterfly garden, horseback trails, and picnic and camping facilities.
| content=Tamales in banana leaves make a meal with just one or two. Pupusas, mondongo, salpicon, yuca, various tacos, and aguas frescas round off the experience.
| content=Spectacular desert canyon cut into the south side of the Santa Catalina Mountains, now on Tucson's northern urban fringe. A tram (for a fare) will take visitors 9 stops into Sabino Canyon; a separate tram will take you into Bear Canyon and to the trailhead of the popular Seven Falls Trail. To park, you will need a Coronado Recreation Pass ($5/day, $20/year) which is also good for use on Mt. Lemmon.
| name=Saguaro National Park | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/sagu/ | email=
| address=900 E. 11th St | lat= 30.2701 | long=-97.7313 | directions=
| address=3693 S Old Spanish Trail | lat=32.180843 | long=-110.730228 | directions=
| phone=+1 512-653-1187 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=11AMuntilsoldout | price=
| phone=+1 520-733-5153 | tollfree= | fax=
| content=Super popular (and rightfully so) place just east of I-35. It started as a trailer, but they now have a small restaurant. They open at 11AM and only serve food until they sell out. Be warned; folks start lining up incredibly early. If you arrive later than 10 or 10:30 on a usual day, you may not get food. It's easily worth the wait if you have the time; their brisket is the best in Texas.
| address=2305 E 7th St. (right past Prospect Ave) | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+1 512 472-0017 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours= | price=
| wikipedia=Saguaro National Park | image=Old-Saguaros-inside-the-Saguaro-National-Park-Arizona.jpg | wikidata=Q676206
| content=Has good Tex-Mex and Mexican Pastries. They are only open until 3p and closed on Mondays. The staff is friendly and there is always at least a 10 minute wait on weekends but the tortillas are fresh and the food authentic Tex-Mex.
| content=The most dense forest of the iconic cactus of the American West. The park has two unconnected units to the east and west of Tucson.
| wikipedia=Tohono Chul Park | image=Tohono Chul Park 32.jpg | wikidata=Q7813303
| content=Another Tex-Mex restaurant with a nice atmosphere and a shaded patio. The owner is always there to shake hands and meet the customers. The Don Juan breakfast plate is an Austin staple, especially if you are feeling the effects of last night's partying.
| content="Tohono chul" means "desert corner" in the Tohono O'Odham's (desert people's) language, and this haven in the midst of Tucson's burgeoning north side offers a tea room, gift shop, bookstore, and art gallery in the middle of trails and gardens. There are extensive botanical exhibits explaining the native plants, and a wonderful plant-sale area in which to buy them for your own garden. Many kinds of desert birds are frequent visitors.
| content=This is also good Tex-Mex with fresh flour tortillas. The waitstaff is not as friendly but the word about their really good food hasn't gotten out so you never have to wait.
| content=This beautiful oasis in the heart of Tucson was the home of Bernice and Rutger Porter. Dating to the 1920s, the earliest buildings on the property were constructed of adobe bricks made right on site. True to the vision of Mrs. Porter, Tucson Botanical Gardens is a place of beauty, inspiration and education about the natural world.
| wikipedia=Reid Park Zoo | image=Reid Park Zoo Entrance.JPG | wikidata=Q7309977
| content=This is a must try. Everything is organic and vegetarian and delicious. They also offer yoga classes and a vitamin store. Also they have all natural baked goods. Traditional Tex-Mex breakfasts (tofu migas) are done here with a vegetarian twist.
| content=Cares for more than 500 animals. The zoo has a state-of-the-art facility for treating cancers with radiation and heat therapy, and treats animal patients from zoos all over the country.
}}
}}
===Outside of town===
*{{eat
[[File:Exterior of the Mission Xavier del Bac.jpg|thumb|Mission San Xavier del Bac]]
| name=Mission San Xavier del Bac | alt= | url=http://www.sanxaviermission.org/ | email=
| phone=+1 512 322-9721 | tollfree= | fax=
| address=1950 W San Xavier Rd | lat=32.107079 | long=-111.007857 | directions=Tohono O'odham San Xavier Indian Reservation, 10 miles S of Tucson
| phone=+1 520-294-2624 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours= | price=
| wikipedia=Mission San Xavier del Bac | image=Mission San Xavier del Bac.jpg | wikidata=Q489984
| content=It's worth it for the deliciously cheap tacos. The staff is friendly and the small restaurant is filled with regulars. Nice patio; they also serve lunch. Amazing migas as well as chips and hot sauce.
| content=The "White Dove of the Desert" is a Tucson mission. Pure white and pristine against a hot desert backdrop, and still heady inside its elaborately colored and muraled interior from centuries of supplication, the Mission San Xavier del Bac was finished in 1797 when Arizona was still New Spain. It has been cleaned and restored by professional art conservators who worked with and trained members of the community.
| content=Open until 3AM and on the east side, which works well after leaving 6th St.
| content=Ever notice that Hollywood's Old West, the backdrop for the gun-slinging and cryptic comments of Hollywood's Western icons – Wayne, Eastwood, Douglas and Newman – has much in common with the Wild West of today's Tombstone and Geronimo? They've all been filmed at the Old Tucson Studios, originally built in 1939 for the making of the William Holden vehicle "Arizona." Still an active film, TV and commercial set, it's also a nostalgia-themed park, with main drag shootouts, corseted can-can dancers, educational shows, pre-Prohibition saloons, restaurants, and gift shops.
}}
}}
==Drink==
==Talk==
Tucson is a very diverse city. English is the most widely spoken language. Many people in the south side are bilingual in English and Spanish.
==Do==
*{{drink
| name=The Grackle | url= | email=
===Performing arts===
| address=1700 East 6th St | lat= | long= | directions=
* {{do
| phone=+1 512 520-8148 | tollfree= | fax=
| name=Arizona Theatre Company | alt=Temple of Music and Art | url=http://www.arizonatheatre.org/ | email=info@arizonatheatre.org
| hours= | price=
| address=330 S Scott Ave | lat=32.21782 | long=-110.970057 | directions=downtown
| hours=Box office: M-F 10AM-5PM/curtain, Sa Su noon-curtain | price=
| wikipedia=Arizona Theatre Company | image=Temple of Music and Art in Tucson, AZ.jpg | wikidata=Q4791451
| lastedit=2017-03-07
| content=Also operating in Phoenix, the company performs six productions a year. Tickets can be purchased [https://arizonatheatre.secure.force.com/ticket online].
| content=The venue for concerts sponsored by the [http://arizonachambermusic.org/ Arizona Friends of Chamber Music], and Tucson's primary space for ballet, theater, and musicals. Tickets can be purchased [http://www.ticketmaster.com/TCC-Leo-Rich-Theatre-Tucson-tickets-Tucson/venue/205046 online].
*{{drink
| name=The White Horse | url=http://www.thewhitehorseaustin.com | email=
| address=500 Comal St | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=Great rotation of everything honky-tonk. Check their website for a schedule of what's playing. Dancing and decent drink specials. Usually a good crowd.
}}
}}
* {{do
==Sleep==
| name=Tucson Music Hall | alt= | url=http://tucsonmusichall.org/ | email=
*{{sleep
| address=260 S Church Ave | lat=32.21989 | long=-110.97448 | directions=Tucson Convention Center
| name=Heywood Hotel | url=http://www.heywoodhotel.com/ | email=
| content=The home of [http://www.tucsonsymphony.org/ Tucson Symphony Orchestra] and the [http://www.azopera.org/ Arizona Opera]. Tickets can be purchased [http://www.ticketmaster.com/Tucson-Music-Hall-tickets-Tucson/venue/205070 online].
'''Northwest Austin''' is an area in [[Austin]], [[Texas]], west of the Mo-Pac freeway and/or north of Anderson lane (but not including anything south of Lady Bird Lake or east of IH-35).
| hours=late January - mid February | price=
| wikipedia=Tucson Gem & Mineral Show | wikidata=Q7851157
==Get in==
| content=For two weeks every winter, the world meets in Tucson as it becomes a bustling, international marketplace of buyers and sellers at the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase. The "Gem Show" is much more than a single event at one location. Rather, there are thousands of participants and attendees at nearly 50 sites around town. Dozens of shows take place at the same time – in giant white tents, at hotels and resorts and at exhibit halls. There's something for everyone at the many open-to-the-public shows – from gold and diamonds to granite bookends and glass beads – and from fine specimens of dinosaur fossils to opals dug from the Australian Outback.
You can reach Northwest Austin via I-35 North to US 183, or via MoPac Expressway North. Bus service is available from downtown and the North Transit Center. Light rail service, started in 2010, has stations at The Domain on MoPac, near MoPac and Howard Lane/McNeil Road, Lakeline Mall area and Leander.
==See==
* {{see
| name=Lake Travis | alt=Northern side of Lake Travis is in the Northwest Austin area, at Volente and Lago Vista | url= | email=
| address= | lat=30.391944 | long=-97.906667 | directions=RM 2222 then north on RR 620, or US 183 north to Anderson Mill Road west (turns into Volente Road) or US 183 north to RM 1431 west
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| wikipedia=Lake Travis | image=Lake Travis at Capacity.jpg | wikidata=Q1625606
| wikipedia=Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park | wikidata=Q29470853
| content=An annual week-long rodeo held in mid-February, the highlight of which is the Rodeo Parade. This event marks the start of rodeo season in the US.
| content=Walnut Creek Park features a large loop and a multitude of hilly, meandering trails popular with mountain bikers. A dirt BMX trail and loop is available. '''Stay on mark trails''', some areas have experience heavy errosions which have lead to huge rock slides.
| name=Austin Steam Train | alt=Hill Country Flyer, Bertram Flyer and Twilight Flyer offer steam train excursions from Cedar Park to Burnet and Bertram. They also have special murder mystery and storytelling trains. | url=http://www.austinsteamtrain.org | email=info@austinsteamtrain.org
| address=DiscoveryBlvd.,nearBellBlvd. and Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park | lat= | long= | directions=I-35orMoPacnorthtoUS 183, whichturnsinto Bell Blvd.inCedarPark
| address=1950 W San Xavier Rd | lat=32.10798 | long=-111.00826 | directions=behind Mission San Xavier del Bac, on the San Xavier Indian Reservation
| hours=2nd weekend in March; activities begin at 10AM on Sa and extend until 6PM on Su | price=$7 (adults), $5 (children), free (children under 6); $3 for parking
| hours= | price=
| image=Wak Pow Wow 2015.jpg
| content=
| lastedit=2017-02-11
| content=This annual two-day event showcases traditional dancing from a number of different regional tribes. Booths offer crafts and jewelry for sale, as well as food and beverages.
}}
}}
* {{do
* {{do
| name=BalconesCountryClub | alt=Two private 18-hole golf courses, but with reciprocal privileges. | url=http://www.balconescountryclub.com/ | email=
| name=Bull Creek District Park | alt=48 acre park on Bull Creek. Dog Lovers like to congregate and socialize here. Swimming, wading. | url= | email=
| address=6701LakewoodDr. | lat=30.3686 | long=-97.7846 | directions=Take 2222 west to Lakewood (opposite CountyLineBBQ)
| address=260 S Church Ave | lat=32.21771 | long=-110.97454 | directions=Tucson Convention Center
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours= | price=
| lastedit=2018-11-07
| wikipedia=Bull Creek District Park | wikidata=Q29470856
| content=October. Annual festival celebrating Tucson's legacy of mid-century modern architecture and design, centered around the mid-century modern convention center and its Garrett Eckbo-designed plaza. Events include a vintage market where numerous vendors sell everything mod, from suits and ties to designer furniture to cool retro gadgets; a car show displaying mostly mid-century cars and trailers; various lectures on architecture; and tours of various mid-century modern homes around Tucson. Prices vary by event; the market and car show are free, but most lectures require tickets.
| content=One of the largest festivals in Tucson and based on the Mexican holiday 'Dia de los Muertos' (Day of the Dead), the highlight is a 3-mile parade beginning at dusk. Very colorful, with participants dressing in traditional or creative costumes. Takes place annually on the first Sunday in November.
| hours=First Sunday in December, 10AM-4PM | price=Free
| lastedit=2016-04-13
| content=Games (arcade, billiards, shuffleboard), restaurant and bar.
| content=This annual event celebrates Mexico's patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe, and features performances by mariachi bands, folklorico dancers, Yaqui dancers, and Spanish flamenco guitar. Booths sell crafts and souvenirs, as well as southwestern-style food and beverages.
| content=An annual event in the Winterhaven subdivision north of Fort Lowell Road displaying a huge Christmas light festival involving several dozen homes in the subdivision. The festival starts in the middle of December, ending a few days before New Year's Day. The event is very popular, and traffic to the event is always very congested.
| content=Small waterpark, restaurant and bar on the shores of Lake Travis
}}
}}
===Sports and outdoor activities===
[[File:Romero Canyon 2.jpg|thumb|Romero Canyon in Santa Catalina State Park]]
[[File:Ocotillo Bloom.jpg|thumb|Ocotillo blooming in Tucson Mountain Park]]
| content=Arcade, bowling, billiards, laser tag, glow golf, gravity ropes and rock climbing. Restaurant and bar.
| content=The city's highest-profile sports teams are those of the University of Arizona, members of the Pac-12 Conference alongside 11 other schools in the western third of the country. While the school fields teams in 21 sports (nine men's and 12 women's), the biggest draws are (as at most major schools) football and men's basketball. The latter is a very tough ticket, considering the Wildcats' consistent regional and national success in that sport for the last 30 or so years.
| address=H-E-B Center, 2100 Avenue of the Stars, Cedar Park | lat= | long= | directions=US 183A North, exit FM 1431
| phone=+1 512 236-8333 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=See website for game dates and times | price=
| content=NBA G League team affiliated with the San Antonio Spurs
| wikipedia=Austin Spurs
| wikidata=Q781184}}
* {{do
| name=H-E-B Center |alt=Cedar Park Center | url=http://www.hebcenter.com | email=
| address=2100 Avenue of the Stars, Cedar Park | lat= | long= | directions=US 183A, Exit FM 1431
| phone=+1 512 600-5001 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=Arena seating 6600-8200 for sporting, concerts, family shows and graduation ceremonies.
| wikipedia=H-E-B Center
| wikidata=Q1052519}}
* {{do
| name=Alamo Drafthouse Theaters - Village | url=http://drafthouse.com/austin/village | email=
| address=2700 Anderson Ln | lat= | long= | directions=MoPac North, exit Spicewood Springs/Anderson and turn right
| phone=+1 512 476-1320 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=One of five Alamo Drafthouse Theaters in Austin, with meals, drink and snacks served throughout each film. This one focuses on art and limited release films.
| content=The roller derby scene in Tucson is a vibrant one. Tucson Roller Derby, formerly national contenders in the sport, are now a low-scoring team that does not play high level teams but does put on bouts almost every week. Tucson Derby Brats, the first junior roller derby league in the nation, is one of the top junior derby teams in the nation. The Tucson Gunslingers are a men's team that usually plays with the Phoenix men's team. Any one of these teams are a great introduction to the world of roller derby.
| content=One of five Alamo Drafthouse Theaters in Austin, with meals, drink and snacks served throughout each film. This one focuses on major releases, but there are still quirky events that the Alamo Drafthouse is famous for.
| wikipedia=Catalina State Park | image=Catalina State Park sunset.jpg | wikidata=Q5051277
| content=First Class cinema experience, with full food and drink menu, reserved seating in recliners.
| lastedit=2016-04-19
| content=On the northwestern edge of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this park covers 5,500 acres and has eight multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, of varying difficulty. Other popular activities include picnicking, wildlife viewing and birdwatching, with over 170 avian species identified in the park. A small shop at the visitor center carries such items as snack, water, sunscreen, maps, and books.
}}
}}
* {{do
* {{do
| name=RegalArbor8Cinema@ Great Hills | url=http://www.regmovies.com | email=
| address=9828 Great Hills Trail, Suite 800 | lat= | long= | directions=US183 North, exit Great Hills, turn left, turn right onto Jollyville, cinema is on your right
| wikipedia=Santa Catalina Mountains | image=Pusch Ridge from Oro Valley.jpg | wikidata=Q59897
| content=8 theaters with a focus on art/foreign/limited distribution films
| content=Managed by the Coronado National Forest, the Santa Catalinas northeast of Tucson offer a number of hiking trails for all skill levels, as well as opportunities for horse riding, mountain biking, camping, and even downhill skiing. The range is crowned by the 9,157-foot Mt Lemmon, which provides a cool retreat during hot summers. The area also includes Sabino Canyon (listed above), as well as the Pusch Ridge Wilderness Area. For access to Mt Lemmon, visitors are required to purchase a ''Coronado Recreation Pass'' ($5/day, $20/year), which also is good for use in Sabino Canyon as well as Madera Canyon (listed in [[South Central Arizona]]).
| content=This minor mountain range to the southwest of the city has an excellent trail network for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. The park has many healthy stands of saguaros. The higher-elevation trails provide beautiful views, and are a popular place to photograph sunsets.
| content=Indoor skydiving facility for all ages. Facilities for families and groups.
}}
}}
* {{do|name=Funtasticks Family Fun Park|lat=32.2878|long=-110.9692|url=http://www.funtasticks.com/}}
| content=The third-highest point in Austin city limits at 780 feet. Several trails make for pleasant short hikes and points to experience incredible views of Town Lake and the city. The area has a history of romance and is sometimes called Antoinette's Leap, after a woman who supposedly leapt to her death to escape Indians who killed her lover.
| content=The venue is part of the Tucson Convention Center, and is Tucson's largest indoor arena. It hosts a number of events throughout the year including local events, concerts, Monster Truck shows, and circus performances. It has been the home for the Tucson Roadrunner American Hockey League (AHL) team.
| wikipedia=University of Arizona | wikidata=Q503419
| content=Founded in 1885, the University of Arizona is the state's original land-grant university. Today, it hosts nearly 40,000 students, with nationally pre-eminent programs in astronomy, planetary science, optical sciences, pharmacy, business, fine arts, and basketball. One unusual thing is the [http://cals-cf.calsnet.arizona.edu/arboretum/plantwalk/chart.cfm ''Tree Walk''], a self-guided tour to almost a hundred rare trees on campus.
| content=The only legal nude beach in Texas, although "beach" is a bit of a stretch. On the north shore of Lake Travis, Hippie Hollow has a "steep, rocky, shoreline." It is also home to both the golden cheeked warbler and the black capped vireo, two bird species listed under the US Endangered Species Act.
}}
}}
==Buy==
==Buy==
[[File:Lucha libre masks.jpg|thumb|Mexican wrestling masks at the Tanque Verde Swap Meet]]
Northwest Austin shopping primarily runs along US 183 (Research Blvd.) and MoPac Expressway. Many affluent, albeit chain, shops and stores are located in this part of town.
| content=Open-air mall which includes Barnes & Noble Books, Pottery Barn, Chico's, Gap, Nine West, Express, Restoration Hardware, Salon 505 Day Spa, Amy's Ice Cream, The Cheesecake Factory and others.
| content=The Domain is an upscale open-air mall and hosts Neiman Marcus, Tiffany's, Macy's, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, Emporio Armani, Tiffany & Co. Louis Vitton, Victoria's Secret and many others.
}}
}}
* {{buy
* {{buy
| name=TheShopsat Arbor Walk | alt= | url= | email=
| name=Old Town Artisans | alt= | url=http://oldtownartisans.com/ | email=
| content=Fry's is an electronic superstore with everything from toasters to HD TV's to computers to electronic components. Each Fry's is themed, Austin's is music.
| content=In business since 1993, the store offers sterling silver jewelry at competitive prices, with interesting little figurines (fantasy, Gothic, Egyptian, skulls) and a variety of gifts. The helpful owner Lizzie can help you find the perfect goodie, including limited supply ''Stardust'' and ''Cake'' label jewelry.
| content=Practically a Tucson institution, the original branch opened on Speedway over 30 years ago. Besides used books, they also have used CDs, DVDs, video games, etc. All branches have free Wi-Fi and electric vehicle charging stations, and permit pets in the store.
| content=Sprouts is a chain featuring fresh produce, meat and deli counter, vitamins, bulk foods, health foods and gourmet items
| hours=M-F 10AM-9PM, Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 10AM-6PM | price=
| lastedit=2017-03-01
| content=Chinese groceries.
| content=This branch of the Seattle-based chain carries a good selection of outdoor gear and clothing. They also offer classes and lectures, most of them free, on a range of topics relating to the region and travel in general.
}}
}}
* {{buy
==Eat==
| name=Summit Hut | alt=Speedway Store | url=http://www.summithut.com/ | email=speedway@summithut.com
| hours=M-F 9AM-8PM, Sa 9AM-6:30PM, Su 9AM-5PM | price=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| image=Summit Hut Speedway.jpg
| hours=11:00-21:00 | price=
| lastedit=2017-03-22
| content=One of the best Chinese food places in Austin. It's family style (huge portions) and offers some very exotic dishes. But its claim to fame is the "spicy fish fillet". It's amazing. There are a few other must-try items, such as eggplant with ground pork and twice cooked pork (bacon) with garlic sprouts.
| content=Offers great gear and resources for getting outdoors around Tucson. A very local shop with more than 30 years of experience. Go in and ask questions, these guys will take the time to help you out.
}}
}}
** {{buy
| name=Summit Hut | alt=Oro Valley Store | url=http://www.summithut.com/ | email=orovalley@summithut.com
* {{eat
| address=7745 N Oracle Rd | lat=32.34742 | long=-110.97793 | directions=Oracle Crossings Shopping Center, N of Ina
| name=Pluckers Wing Bar | alt= | url=http://www.pluckers.com/ | email=
| phone=+1 520-888-1000 | tollfree= | fax=
| address=Rio Grande, South Lamar, Research Blvd, Lakeline Mall, Round Rock | lat=30.373470 | long=-97.728353 | directions=
| hours=M-F 9AM-8PM, Sa 9AM-6:30PM, Su 9AM-5PM | price=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| lastedit=2017-03-01
| hours= | price=
| content=
| content=A local wing joint/sports bar. Reasonably priced, delicious wings and other menu items (including tasty salads). Try the fried macaroni and cheese. They have tons of TVs; it's a great place to watch a ball game.
}}
* {{eat
| name=Chinatown | url= | email=
| address=3407 Greystone Dr | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+1 512 343-9307 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=Authentic Chinese flavor with a modern twist. Not really fusion, not really traditional either, but very delicious. The restaurant is located upstairs in a two-story building; the bottom floor houses the Japanese restaurant Musashino
| address=3131 E 1st St | lat=32.23553 | long=-110.92561 | directions=just off SE corner of Speedway & Country Club
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520 326-0121 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours=11AM-10PM | price=
| content=An Austin original, this restaurant brings outstanding traditional interior Mexican food to four locations. Some of the best pork recipes around and you will not find better Mexican style seafood dishes anywhere in the city. The south eatery is at 614 East Oltorf and the north location is at 6801 Burnet Road.
| content=Wine and spirits shop, with large international selection. Full-service cheese and deli counter, with wine tastings and in-house bistro.
| hours=Fr 3PM-11PM, Sa 7AM-11PM, Su 7AM-3PM | price=
| image=Lucha libre masks.jpg
| content=Lunch and dinner. Some of the most authentic Chinese fare in town, specializing in Cantonese and seafood dishes. Chinese BBQ pork and whole roast duck are available for take-out as well. Don't bring Caucasian friends who are squeamish about real Chinese food - take them to Chinatown instead.
| content=A great place to find all sorts of oddities.
| content=As the name implies this restaurant has enchiladas, and they are some of the best north of San Antonio. "y Mas", as it is called by locals, has a broad selection of Tex-Mex fare including flautas, soft and crispy tacos, migas, burritos, and fajitas. This is a must try on the Tex-Mex trail in Austin. They are closed on Mondays and the lunch crowd starts early, so be prepared for a short wait between 11AM and 1PM. y Mas has the best motto in town, "Never trust a skinny cook!".
| hours=M-W 10AM-7PM, Th-Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price=
| content= Authentic Texas Barbecue restaurant offering full bar. Ribs&Chips is worth to try. Prices from $10.
| lastedit=2017-03-01
| content=This unusual shopping center is on an unfinished western movie set, and in addition to shops has a number of tourist attractions. These include a 1954 Allan Herschell carousel, a narrow-gauge railroad, and a military museum.
| content=A favorite of those living in Northwest Austin (Jollyville area).
| lastedit=2017-03-01
| content=Tucson's largest mall has 200 shops and is anchored by Macy's, Dillard's, and Sears.
}}
}}
==Eat==
* {{eat
[[File:Sonoran Hot Dogs.jpg|thumb|Sonoran hot dogs]]
| name=Kerbey Lane Cafe | url=http://www.kerbeylanecafe.com | email=
As you can guess, Tucson is a veritable hub of Southwestern and Mexican cuisine. But Tucson is an adventurous town (easily the most liberal metropolitan area in Arizona) and as a result of its diversity, has a vibrant culinary culture.
One noteworthy concoction unique to Tucson, [[Phoenix]], and southern Arizona is the '''Sonoran hot dog'''. First developed in [[Hermosillo]], Sonora, it consists of a traditional hot dog wrapped with bacon and then grilled. It is served in a ''bolillo'' (a Mexican roll) with pinto beans, onions, and tomatoes, and topped with mayonnaise, mustard, and jalapeños. The hot dog is traditionally sold from street carts, but several of the longer-established vendors now have sit-down restaurants, with branches scattered around Tucson.
===Budget===
[[File:BK Carne Asada and Hot Dogs 2.jpg|thumb|Making Sonoran hot dogs at BK Tacos]]
| hours=M-F 6:30AM-8PM, Sa 7AM-8PM, Su 7AM-6PM | price=
| lastedit=2017-03-02
| content=Steak, including Kobe beef, chicken, seafood and vegetables grilled at the table by entertaining chefs.
| content=Amazing sandwiches on fresh-baked bread, made from ingredients that are as fresh as possible. (In addition to baking bread daily, the restaurant also roasts its turkey and beef on site.) They also have an espresso bar and pastries. A nice place for lunch, but watch out – it's very popular, and you may have to wait in line. Alternately, you can pre-order your meal for pickup [https://beyondbread.alohaorderonline.com/Menus.aspx online]. Average sandwich (hot & cold) costs around $6-6.50, chips included.
| address=10201JollyvilleRd | lat= | long= | directions=US183, exit Capital of TexasHwy,turnlefton Great Hills Pkwy, right on Jollyville Rd.
| address=304 E 22nd St | lat=32.206683 | long=-110.965231 | directions=SE corner of 22nd St and 4th Ave
| phone=+1 512 345-1042 | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-624-8020 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=Callfor hours | price=Entrees $10-$24
| hours=Daily 7AM-8PM | price=
| lastedit=2017-03-02
| content="Award Winning Mexican Cooking"
| content=A hole-in-the-wall Mexican diner frequented by the Hispanic workers and Gringos in the know. All the standard Mexican fare, but an unusual emphasis on ''caldos'' or soup. ''Birria'' is shredded beef in its own broth – this place makes the best!
| content=Most authentic and fresh sushi/Japanese cuisine in Austin. Everything is always extremely fresh and expertly prepared.
| content=Features tons of different sammies that are huge and will fill you up. Bread bowl soups are another popular choice at this deli/bar and is a college student's dream of a chill place to hang out and get in on some great drink specials. Thursdays is a great night for hanging out here.
| address=5039 E 5th St | lat=32.229175 | long=-110.884855 | directions=by Rosemont Blvd
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-795-1715 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours=M-F 11AM-3PM 5PM-9PM, Sa Su 5PM-9PM | price=
| lastedit=2017-03-02
| content=Butcher shop style BBQ. Famous for their BBQ sauce and baby back ribs. Very busy for breakfast tacos (grab pre-made ones near the check-out counter, or get them made at the grill).
| content=It's not always easy to find good Asian restaurants in the desert, but this hole in the wall has to be near the top of anyone's list of favorites. Owned and operated by former residents of Bangkok, the restaurant has a huge selection of tasty curries and noodle dishes. The lunch specials are a great value; takeout available.
}}
}}
* {{eat
* {{eat
| name=ShandeezGrill | alt=Persian cuisine, including chelo-kabob, joojeh-kabob and khorest gormeh sabzi. | url=http://www.shandeez.com/ | email=idehmeschi@yahoo.com
| address=8863AndersonMillRoad, Suite 109 | lat= | long= | directions=US 183 North to Anderson Mill, turn right, Restaurant on right side in strip shopping center
| address=187 N Park Ave | lat=32.223564 | long=-110.956515 | directions=
| content=For the best subs on the west coast, go to East Coast. An absolute must-eat for the cheesesteak connoisseur. Just as famous as the dozens of legendary subs is the memorabilia collection. Takeout and delivery are available, and can be ordered online.
| content=Traditional Cantonese fare - open late. Dim Sum on weekends.
| lastedit=2017-03-02
| content=A Tucson chain of sub shops, you shouldn't leave Tucson without trying this place. Popular for their frozen slushie-snowcone combo (locally referred to simply as ''Eegees''), they have piña colada, strawberry and lemonade flavors year-round and a unique flavor of the month. Eegee's are also known for their fries, which you can order with ranch dressing (''ranch fries''), marinara sauce (''pizza fries'') and fries with chili (''chili cheese fries''). They also offer pretzels, cookies, chips and sub sandwiches. There are a total of 26 branches in the Tucson area.
}}
}}
[[File:Desserts at the Epic Cafe.jpg|thumb|Desserts at the Epic Cafe]]
[[File:El Güero Canelo.jpg|thumb|Sonoran hot dogs, tacos, and quesadilla at El Güero Canelo]]
| content=An eclectic coffee house with outdoor tables, free Wi-Fi, good organic food, intricately tattooed wait staff, and an independent vibe. Bulletin boards to see what is going on in town. Coffee $1-3; soups, pastries, and sandwiches $3-8.
| address=5201 S 12th Ave | lat=32.157617 | long=-110.977214 | directions=the original, S of Irvington
| phone=+1 512 458-2477 | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-295-9005 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=Su 8:30AM-10PM, M 10AM-10PM, Tu-Th 10AM-11PM, F 8:30AM-midnight, Sa 8AM-midnight | price=
| hours= | price=
| image=Sonoran hot dog.jpg
| content=Located in the Village Shopping Center and can be a little hard to find; the entrance faces towards the inner courtyard area of the shopping center. They have a decent sushi offering but the Korean dishes are delicious and authentic. Sometimes they have OB beer - but not recently.
| content=One of Tucson's most famous restaurants, primarily known for their Sonoran hot dogs. Offers a large selection of Mexican dishes. They have some of the best ''carne asada'' in the Southwest! Takeout available at all locations.
| content=Standard Korean dishes and bbq. This place also has Hite beer and Jinro Soju. I'd say this place is more authentic than Korea house based on the number of Koreans that actually go here.
| content=Solid Mexican food, with good atmosphere and prices.
| content=Korean bar food, large portions, many side dishes. Only five tables, one waitstaff.
| lastedit=2016-04-19
| content=Wonderful food and ambiance, a real gem. Also offers Native American dishes and many vegetarian options. Delivery and takeout can be ordered online.
| content=Although it's in a strip mall in North Austin, this restaurant is notable for its amazing vegetarian options. Service is kinda spotty, and the staff tends to use extremely aromatic cleaning products (read: "potpourri"-fragranced cleaning spray spritzed on tables between customers), but it's well worth the trip north. Absolutely delicious, especially for the price.
| lastedit=2017-02-20
| content=Authentic Mexican food with excellent margaritas. Dinner for two with margaritas is about $30.
| address=5380 W 22nd St | lat=32.206519 | long=-110.877602 | directions=by Craycroft
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-747-9162 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours=Su 9AM-9PM, M-Th 10AM-9PM, F Sa 10AM-10PM | price=
| lastedit=2017-03-02
| content=Pizza and Italian Food. Northeasterners love Reale's, as it reminds them of family Italian restaurants from home. Good food.
| content=A local favorite with great Mexican food, has been in Tucson for at least 20 years and has great service. Known for their frozen margaritas. Try their beans and ''carne asada'' tacos on a soft flour tortilla. Three other branches are on Ina Road, Pantano Road, and Oracle Road.
| address=1202 W Niagara St | lat=32.231839 | long=-110.990059 | directions=between St Mary's Rd and Speedway
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-624-0891 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=Priced under $10
| hours=Su noon-9PM, M-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM | price=
| lastedit=2017-03-02
| content=Asian restaurant with a 'Stir Fry Your Way' section, allowing for many vegan choices. The menu also denotes, by using a green leaf, which meals are vegetarian if ordered with tofu.
| content=An old time drive-in (carhop service however does not exist – you must walk up to the order window). Lunchtime is packed with Tucsonans ordering chili and cheese dogs in the state. French fries made from fresh potatoes on site, with lots of hot sauce.
| hours=M 7AM-7PM, Tu-F 7AM-9PM, Sa Su 7AM-10PM | price=
| lastedit=2017-03-02
| content=On their unique Polynesian- and Mexican-inspired menu (aka "Mexonesian"), you'll find several vegetarian/vegan options.
| content=Mexican food with breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets, as well as menus. Known for their carne asada and margaritas. Mariachi bands on Friday nights.
| address=1372 W St Marys Rd | lat=32.22945 | long=-110.994729 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-623-5211 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours=Daily 24 hrs | price=
| lastedit=2017-03-02
| content=An all-vegetarian Indian restaurant offering a fabulous lunch buffet as well as a dinner menu.
| content=A local fast food chain known for its large, tasty breakfast burritos, as well as tacos and enchiladas. Has a drive-thru. There are a total of six branches in Tucson.
| content=This restaurant serves fine South-Asian cuisine and has an extensive vegetarian and vegan menu available. Be sure to try the vegan silken tofu chocolate pie! Live music is featured on Wednesday nights on the patio.
| lastedit=2017-03-02
| content=Local, homemade Japanese food and a sushi bar in the same building. Great romantic location and a separate vegetarian menu. Takeout available.
}}
}}
===Mid-range===
[[File:Cup Cafe.jpg|thumb|Cup Cafe]]
[[File:El minuto.jpg|thumb|El Minuto Cafe, one Tucson's oldest Mexican restaurants]]
[[File:Mosaic Cafe - Making Tortillas.jpg|thumb|Making tortillas at Teresa's Mosaic Cafe]]
| hours=Su-Th 8AM-9PM, F Sa 8AM-10PM | price=Mains $10 (breakfast and lunch)
| lastedit=2017-03-01
| content=A café with a large selection of teas, chai lattes, and wines. Soy milk may be substituted for dairy. The menu changes each season and includes a variety of tea sandwiches, soups, and salads with vegetarian and vegan options.
| content=A small but very popular cafe near the University of Arizona. You can't go wrong with nearly anything served here. Excellent pies and cakes that average $6 a slice – which are an absolute must if you come by. Several import and domestic microbrewery beers and wines are offered, and they also sell Mexican Coca-Cola too.
| address=110 E Pennington St | lat=32.22299 | long=-110.96966 | directions=downtown
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-622-6400 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours=Tu-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM | price=$46 (dinner for two)
| image=Beef dish at Cafe Poca Cosa.jpg
| content="Cafeteria-style" Greek food. Vegetarian options include tabouli, dolmathes, and vegetarian mousaka.
| lastedit=2017-03-01
| content=Creative southwestern and Mexican cuisine in a fun atmosphere. Order the Plato Poca Cosa ($20), and chef-owner Suzana Davila will choose three entrees for you to sample. Trust her judgment.
| content=Opened in 1922, El Charro is the oldest continuously-operated, family-owned Mexican restaurant in the United States. The food is classic Southwestern, with more Sonoran influences than many Tucson restaurants.
| address=311 E Congress St | lat=32.22227 | long=-110.96691 | directions=in the Hotel Congress
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-798-1618 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours=Daily 7AM-10PM | price=
| image=Cup Cafe.jpg
| content=
| lastedit=2017-03-01
| content=Unusual, eclectic mix of Indian, Thai, Japanese, American and Mediterranean food, easily the most interesting restaurant in Tucson. You'll find plenty of vegetarian and some vegan options. On a nice day you can sit outside.
}}
}}
* {{eat
* {{eat
| name=PacificStarOysterBar | url= | email=
| name=Guadalajara Original Grill | alt= | url=http://guadalajaraoriginalgrill.com/ | email=
| address=183North,justpast Anderson Mill | lat= | long= | directions=
| address=1220 E Prince Rd | lat=32.271717 | long=-110.953198 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-323-1022 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours=Su-Th 10AM-10PM, F Sa 10AM-11PM | price=Mains $12-22
| image=Guadalajara Original Grill Interior.jpg
| content=Best oysters and catfish in town. Parking is scarce, but well worth while.
| lastedit=2017-03-25
| content=A popular, fun and entertaining Mexican restaurant featuring live mariachis 7 nights per week, fresh salsa made table-side, and homemade tortillas. A great place to go with friends to enjoy the lively and homey atmosphere. The restaurant runs culinary tour of Mexico, and features dishes from different states of Mexico each month that are fun to try. Dinner time includes roaming mariachi singers.
| content=Authentic Sonoran cuisine in an adobe house in the barrio, open since 1936. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu, but do order the mole if they have it on the day you are there. The ''carne seca'' is superb and the ''chiles rellenos'' are magnificent. Make sure to sample the fresh, made-on-the-premises tortillas. Combine this with a visit to El Tiradito, which is nearby.
===Burgers===
* {{eat
| name=Waterloo Ice House | alt= | url=http://www.waterlooicehouse.com/ | email=
| content=Austin classic. Delish burgers, some of the best onion rings in town. Don't miss the Cinnamon Chocolate Shake! It has 4 restaurants in the city.
| address=2995 E Skyline Dr | lat=32.325162 | long=-110.928414 | directions=La Encantada Mall
| phone=+1 512-467-2337 | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-299-1600 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours=M-Th 11AM-10PM, F 11AM-11PM, Sa 10AM-11PM, Su 10AM-4PM | price=
| image=North Italia.jpg
| content=Absolutely amazing burgers, an excellent bar, and great milkshakes (be sure to try the Caramel & Sea Salt)! Be prepared for a wait.
| lastedit=2017-02-20
}}
| content=Italian in heritage, but extremely experimental. Dishes range from pizzas to pasta to steak, and are normally in the range of $19-$25 (others depend on market prices).
* {{eat
| name=Big Daddy's Burgers and Bar | url=http://www.bigdaddysaustin.com/ | email=
| address=9070 Research Blvd | lat= | long= | directions=
| address=1750 E Ft Lowell Rd, Ste 164 | lat=32.264518 | long=-110.94579 | directions=by N Campbell Ave
| phone=+1 512 338-0300 | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-325-0362 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=Daily 11AM-10PM | price=
| hours=Daily 11AM-10PM | price=
| image=Angie's Specialty at Rosa's Tucson AZ.jpg
| content=
| lastedit=2017-03-01
| content=Excellent Sonoran-style Mexican food in this family-owned and operated storefront restaurant. Rosa's salsa is consistently voted one of the top three in Tucson by the readers of the Tucson Weekly. The food is heavy on the meat and cheese, with buttery tortillas and delicious refried beans. Entrées $7-$10.
| hours=Su-Th 11AM-9:30PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM | price=Entrées $12-$20
| lastedit=2017-03-01
| content=
| content=Takamatsu concentrates on Japanese and Korean dishes where it's common to order sushi. Also, you'll notice that there is habachi-style cooking.
}}
:* {{eat
| name= | url= | email=
| address=13450 Research Blvd | lat= | long= | directions=
| address=13315 N Highway183 | lat= | long= | directions=
| address=2456 N Silver Mosaic Dr | lat=32.25152 | long=-111.01516 | directions=
| phone=+1 512 249-8902 | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-624-4512 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours=M-Sa 7:30AM-9PM, Su 7:30AM-2PM | price=Mains $9-16
| image=Mosaic Cafe Enchiladas.jpg
| content=
| lastedit=2017-03-25
| content=This long-established family-owned restaurant serves authentic Sonoran Mexican cuisine, and they make their own tortillas onsite. The albóndigas (Mexican meatballs) are especially recommended.
| content=This is a certified pizzeria that hand-makes their mozzarella, and has the finest ingredients from Italy. Their pizza crust is crispy and chewy, and the prosciutto caprese salad, margarita pizza, and capricciosa pizza are all recommended.
| hours=M-Th 11:30AM-9PM, F Sa 11:30AM-10PM | price=Entrées $12-20
| image=Pizzeria Vivace Tucson Arizona.jpg
| content=As seen in the movie "Dazed and Confused." An Austin burger institution. Dine in, carry out, or order and eat from your car. Charcoal-grilled burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, etc.
| lastedit=2017-03-01
| content=Vivace is an upscale restaurant that focuses on and serves Italian dishes. Casual dress. The establishment is spacious, and the atmosphere is enhanced by flowers at the tables. Table talk requires you to speak up a bit here. Also, you'll notice that there is an open kitchen.
}}
}}
* {{eat
* {{eat
| name=Yamato Japanese Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Yamato-Japanese-Restaurant-143320342346509/?ref=page_internal | email=
| content=Serving an American fare, this is a fine dining facility. Expect the average entrée to cost in the range of $20 to $30. Architecturally, the restaurant is in an historic structure. The restaurant has a southwestern U.S. style decor. The interior is enhanced by prints and flowers at the tables, and the lighting is set quite dim. This is a white tablecloth restaurant, and the fireplace adds to the atmosphere and mood here. The establishment has several dining rooms. It has a romantic atmosphere.
| content=Fleming's is known for its prime steak and elegant, cherry wood atmosphere. Its wine list features over 100 wines available by the glass. This steakhouse also offers bar menu specials until 7PM.
| content=Regarded by some as the favorite for Tex-Mex food in town, but this also means they are generally incredibly crowded and loud. Excellent margaritas with specials each night of the week. They're known more for their Mexican martinis than for their food.
}}
}}
* {{eat
==Drink==
| name=The Grill at Hacienda del Sol | alt= | url=http://www.haciendadelsol.com/dining/the-grill/ | email=lburns@haciendadelsol.com
* {{drink
| address=5601 N Hacienda del Sol Rd | lat=32.307882 | long=-110.914461 | directions=
| name=BB Rovers Cafe and Pub | alt=Known for its beer menu with over 300 selections, BB Rovers also has live music (call for dates) | url=http://www.essentialaustin.com/bbrovers/ | email=
| phone=+1 520-529-3500 | tollfree= | fax=
| address=12101 Jollyville Rd. | lat= | long= | directions=US 183 North, exit Spicewood Springs, U-turn, right on Barrington and immediately left onto Jollyville
| content=Mobil four-star American-style grill featuring (Fall 2004) swordfish, Angus beef, buffalo sirloin, lamb, Scottish salmon, and other entrées. Reservations are recommended, and can be made online.
}}
* {{drink
| name=North by Northwest Restaurant and Brewery | alt=Microbrewery, with live music (call for dates) and good food, in Arboretum area. NXNW also has a good wine and martini selection, with full bar. | url=http://www.nxnwbrew.com | email=davis@nxnwbrew.com
| address=10010 Capital of TX Hwy N | lat= | long= | directions=US 183 or MoPac, exit Capital of Texas Highway, at Stonelake Blvd.
Tucson has an active wine community, with many retailers, restaurants and wine bars regularly offering scheduled wine tasting events. Cochise County, southeast of Tucson has many wineries, some of which welcome visitors.
| name=DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Austin | alt= | url=http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/texas/doubletree-by-hilton-hotel-austin-northwest-arboretum-AUSBPDT/index.html | email=
| address=8901 Business Park Dr | lat= | long= | directions=
| address=9420 I-35 North | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+1 512 339-6161 | tollfree= | fax=
| checkin=1PM | checkout=noon | price=
| content=Wifi available for a nominal fee.
}}
The majority of Tucson's nightlife for young and old is in three small areas of the town near the University of Arizona, all within walking distance to each other. The three are: '''4th Avenue''', '''University''', and '''Downtown'''. Tucson nightlife tends to start later than nightlife in other areas of Arizona, such as Phoenix or Scottsdale. Expect bars and clubs to be sparsely populated until approx 10-10:30PM on an average weekend night.
===Budget===
4th Avenue stretches from University ave in the north to downtown Tucson in the south (only about ½ mile long). This stretch of 4th Avenue is the main nightlife strip of Tucson and filled with bars and restaurants of all varieties on each side of the street.
| address=8010 I-35 North | lat=30.342716 | long=-97.698715 | directions=
| phone=+1 512 837-9890 | tollfree=
| checkin= | checkout= | price=
| content= }}
The downtown Tucson area just south of 4th Avenue tends caters to a nicer and wealthier crowd and is home to many of Tucson's higher class restaurants and cocktail bars, as well as the famous Club Congress.
===Mid-range===
The University Ave area of Tucson starts on University/Euclid on the west and runs several blocks until it ends into the school. It is approximately a 10-minute walk along University Avenue from the 4th Avenue area. Like 4th Avenue, University contains a strip of bars, stores, and restaurants that cater to a variety of tastes and ages (not just college kids).
| content=Spacious rooms with in-room microwave, refrigerator, separate workspace and free high speed WiFi Internet access. Plus, free hot breakfast, fitness center and pool. }}
| content=A very clean and comfortable hotel with an urban feel. The lobby is full of local artwork and their spacious suites are great for weekend getaways, business travel and weddings. }}
*{{drink
===Splurge===
| name=Barrio Brewing Company | alt= | url=http://barriobrewing.co/ | email=
| address=800 E 16th St | lat=32.21443 | long=-110.959587 | directions=corner of Toole Ave
| hours=M-W 11AM-10PM, Th-Sa 11AM-midnight, Su 11AM-9PM | price=
| address=1705 South Quinlan Park Rd | lat= | long= | directions=
| lastedit=2017-03-01
| phone=+1 512 372-7300 | tollfree= | fax=
| content=Popular microbrewery near the train tracks that meander through downtown Tucson. Built into a former industrial warehouse, the interior features high ceilings and concrete floors while the long patio outside faces the train tracks and provides a view of the Downtown skyline. $3 pints during happy hour and a good happy hour food menu.
| checkin= | checkout= | price=
| content=The resort is one of Austin's finest, featuring extensive spa facilities & luxury accommodations. It combines the amenities of a destination spa & lake resort.
}}
}}
* {{listing | type=sleep
| name=Renaissance Austin Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/aussh-renaissance-austin-hotel/ | email=
| hours=Kitchen: daily 11AM-midnight; bar: daily 11AM-2AM | price=
| image=Bison Witches.jpg
{{geo|30.443|-97.772}}
| lastedit=2017-02-19
{{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}}
| content=At the heart of Tucson's 4th Avenue historic district, Bison Witches is a funky little bar and restaurant that serves amazing sandwiches, has a large selection of beer and has great margaritas. Bison Witches is always full but the wait for a table is never more than 15 minutes. At night, it can get crowded now that the back patio has been remodeled into an outdoor bar.
'''South Austin''' can refer to any part of [[Austin]], Texas south of Lady Bird Lake and the downtown area, although many people use it to specifically refer to the south-central area directly south of downtown in the 78704 zip code. 78704 is bordered by Lady Bird Lake to the north, I-35 to the east, Ben White Blvd (Hwy 290/71) to the south, and Mopac (Loop 1) to the west. The area is a very popular neighborhood for young people and has historically been the center of Austin's counterculture, although it has been rapidly gentrifying in recent years. The area contains several attractions for visitors.
South Austin is easily accessible. From Downtown, head South either by foot, bike, or car and cross Lady Bird Lake over the Congress, 1st, or Lamar bridges.
You will need motorized transport from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Bus or taxi are available. If traveling by car from the airport, take Ben White Blvd (71) West, then turn right on Riverside Dr. Take Riverside to S. Congress.
==See==
* {{see
| name=Riverside | url= | email=
| address= | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=The first street on the south side, parallel to the Colorado River (not to be mistaken with 1st Avenue that runs north-south on the south side) one block west of Congress. As you travel east past IH 35, you will get into Austin's version of Mexican night life. During the day you can eat in a wide variety of Mexican and Chinese restaurants, some very good and inexpensive, shop in a variety of Latino-oriented stores, visit the Mexican Flea Market one block north of the Riverside and Pleasant Valley intersection (weekends only), or visit the Riverside Austin Community Campus. At night from 11PM to 2AM East Riverside becomes the Latin party alternative to the famous 6th street in downtown.
}}
}}
*{{see
*{{drink
| name=TheCathedralofJunk | url= | email=
| name=Club Congress | alt= | url=http://hotelcongress.com/calendar/category/music/ | email=
| address=311 E Congress St | lat=32.22224 | long=-110.96650 | directions=
| phone=+1 512-299-7413 | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-622-8848 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours= | price=Cover charge
| image=Club Congress Tucson AZ.jpg
| content=An art installation in Austin resident Vince Hannemann's back yard built over 20 years from scrap metal and other junk, now standing at three stories high. A very interesting sculpture and probably something you probably find in the guidebook. Austin. Free entry but donations are welcomed. Call ahead to check if he's open.
| lastedit=2017-03-01
| content=If you feel like dancing, this is the place to go. It's in the historic Congress Hotel, where you'll find three bars and one dance floor, featuring techno dance beats and live bands. Call ahead to see who's playing.
}}
}}
*{{see
*{{drink
| name=The Museum of Emphmerata | alt= | url=http://www.mnae.org/ | email=
| address=512 N Echols Ave | lat=32.228606 | long=-110.971168 | directions=between 5th and 6th St
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-477-7410 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours=varies | price=Price varies, but cheap
| content=Tucson's edgiest live music venue, the HangArt hosts a wide range of performers and musicians almost every night of the week. Anything from punk, folk, indie rock, alternative, hip hop, or electronica and combinations thereof may be available. The HangArt is also a gallery with frequent shows by local visual artists. The main venue is unique, a giant hanger-like storage facility holds the performers and a standing room combined with an outdoor open air seating area further away from the stage. The interior has a large white screen for video art projections which accompany the live music. Truly the most unique and amazing music venue in Tucson.
| content=Is an occasionally opened museum in the front room of someone's house. As above, it's best to call ahead.
}}
* {{see
| name=Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center | alt= | url=https://www.wildflower.org/ | email=
| wikipedia=Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge | image=Congress Avenue Bridge.jpg | wikidata=Q4766731
| content=Yes, that's right, bats. Austin's Congress Avenue bridge is home to about 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats. This is the largest urban bat colony in the world and one of the largest Mexican free-tailed bat colonies in North America. The bats are generally active at dusk every evening between March and November. In years when there has been a drought, the bats leave early (when there is still light), and can be a quite impressive sight. In years when there has been plenty of rain, they leave so late it is difficult to see much. Best place to see them is near the Austin American Statesman's parking lot, or you can pay for boat tours to see them from underneath the bridge. Towards the end of bat season, when the colony's young are flying for the first time, pedestrian crowds can become rather dense. Try to arrive at least an hour before dark if you want to have a good, unobstructed view.
| address=South Congress Ave. | lat= | long= | directions=
| hours=M-Th 11AM-1AM, F-Sa 10AM-2AM, Su 10AM-midnight | price=$4.50-7.50
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| lastedit=2016-04-19
| hours= | price=
| content=A Polynesian-themed bar with fruity, Cruzan-laden concoctions that's been in Tucson since 1963. Don't mind the snake behind the bar, the servers are nice and there is no cover. A reasonable place to drink, as $10 can get you feeling quite good. The Scorpion here is a must--but it is illegal to drink one by yourself, so be sure to arrange for a designated driver. Weekends can be very busy.
| content=Every first Thursday of any month, lots of shops have deals and there is a festival atmosphere around South Congress.
| address=2100BartonSpringsRd | lat=30.265517 | long=-97.769995 | directions=1/2mi W of South Lamar
| address=213 N 4th Ave | lat=32.224374 | long=-110.966354 | directions=south end of bldg
| phone=+1 512 974-6700 | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-388-9355 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=The park is free, but parking is $3 duringpeakusage
| hours=Daily 4PM-2AM | price=No cover charge
| lastedit=2017-03-01
| wikipedia=Zilker Park | image=Austin-skyline.jpg | wikidata=Q8071899
| content=Popular large bar with large flat screen TVs playing sports are everywhere. Good atmosphere, relaxed early, and a party atmosphere later at night. 2-for-1-drinks on Thursday nights, but beware, it can get packed on Thursday and Saturday nights with locals and college kids.
| content=Austin's city park, near downtown, it is the home of Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Botanical Garden, Zilker Hillside Theatre, Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, and soccer fields which, in October, host the annual Austin City Limits (ACL) festival. Undoubtedly Austin's favorite park. Amazing location on the banks of Town Lake with several miles of hiking and biking trails.
}}
* {{do
| name=Barton Springs Pool | alt= | url=http://www.austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool | email=
| address=2101 Barton Springs Rd | lat=30.2639 | long=-97.77 | directions=Enter through the main area of Zilker Park, NW of Barton Creek
| phone=+1 512 476-9044 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=5AM-10PM; Closed Th 9AM-7PM | price=Entrance fee varies from free to $3
| wikipedia=Barton Springs Pool | image=BartonSprings3.jpeg | wikidata=Q4865688
| content=Nothing beats the heat on a hot afternoon like a dip in Barton Springs Pool. This natural spring pool is fed from an underground aquifer, keeping the water between 68°F and 72°F (20°C-22°C) year-round. Is one of Austin's most unique (and a refreshing 68 degrees year-round!) attractions: a beautiful spring-fed pool over 3 times longer than a football field, nestled in the heart of the city at Zilker Park. $3 entrance fee for the whole day. If you are short of cash or have a dog, head downstream just on the other side of the fence and find more clear beautiful water.
}}
* {{do
| name=Kayak on Lady Bird Lake | url=http://www.zilkerboats.com/ | email=
| content=Rent a kayak. Zilker Park Boat Rentals is along the Barton Springs Creek. Just paddle down to Lady Bird Lake and see great views of Downtown Austin. Turtles are common in the lake and creek. Paddle over to the southern part of the Congress Ave. Bridge and hear the squeaking noises of the bridges 1.5 million resident bats (don't hang out under the bridge-- bat guano is a problem).
}}
* {{do
| name=Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail | alt= | url= | email=
| wikipedia=Lady Bird Lake | image=ViewFromTownLake.jpg | wikidata=Q1636067
| content=formerly known as the Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail, the 1.1 mile trail creates a complete circuit around Lady Bird Lake. It is one of the oldest urban Texas hike and bike paths. The trail is the longest trail designed for non-motorized traffic maintained by the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department and watched after by a local non-profit named The Trail Foundation.
| name=South Congress Avenue (SoCo) | url= | email=
| address= | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+1 520-745-9175 | tollfree= | fax=
| image=Nimbus Brewery Tucson AZ.jpg
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours=Su 11AM-9PM, M-Th 11AM-11PM, F 11AM-1AM, Sa 11AM-midnight | price=
| lastedit=2016-04-19
| content=Main drag in South Austin that features upscale boutiques and condos alongside more traditionally "hippie" places.
| content=Popular microbrewery that serves quality food, with a monkey as its mascot. This is the actual brewery which also serves their beer and food in an industrial complex in Tucson.
}}
* {{buy
| name=Barton Creek Square | alt= | url=http://www.simon.com/mall/barton-creek-square | email=
| address= | lat=30.2576 | long=-97.8068 | directions=Southwest of town
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| wikipedia=Barton Creek Square | image=Barton Creek Square Mall Map.svg | wikidata=Q4865614
| hours=Daily 11AM-2AM | price=$5 cover on F/Sa nights after 10PM, military free with ID
| address= | lat= | long= | directions=
| lastedit=2017-03-01
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| content=The largest and liveliest bar on 4th Avenue. Pool tables, indoor and outdoor areas, and opens a large dance floor in the back later at night. Live music or DJs on the weekends. Expect a line and a large crowd here after 10PM on Friday and Saturday. Drink specials throughout the week during the day. Attracts both the college and local crowd.
| hours= | price=
| content=
}}
:* {{eat
| name= | url= | email=
| address=1301 S Congress Ave | lat= | long= | directions=
| content=A South Austin tradition. They have one of the most inexpensive and hearty breakfasts around. Their fresh fruit and texas toast sitting next to your eggs make it worth waking up in the morning.
}}
* {{eat
| name=Bouldin Creek Coffeehouse | url=http://www.bouldincreek.com/ | email=
| address=1501 S 1st St | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=Great Coffeehouse with an all vegetarian menu.
}}
* {{eat
| name=Casa de Luz | url=http://www.casadeluz.org/ | email=
| content=Austin's only completely vegan restaurant. A meal includes a drink and it's all you can eat. They have several different types of specialty meals each week such as Guatemalan or Caribbean night. The atmosphere is fantastic as it's located right by Barton Creek surrounded by lush vegetation.
| content=A much larger, more diverse menu than most tex-mex restaurants, and it's all fantastic. The avocado margaritas are extremely popular. Be forewarned, it's a small restaurant and it's almost always packed. An Austin original, this restaurant brings outstanding traditional interior Mexican food. Some of the best pork recipes around and you will not find better Mexican style seafood dishes anywhere in the city.
}}
* {{eat
| name=El Rey | url=http://www.allmenus.com/tx/austin/53464-el-rey/menu/ | email=
| address=4109 S Capital of Texas Hwy | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+1 512 443-1911 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=If you don't think Tex-Mex should resemble the Taco Bell menu, check out El Rey. Sonoran specialities. Good Mexican food right next to Texican Cafe (formerly the Trudy's South Star location) and they hardly ever have a wait.
}}
* {{eat
| name=Green Mesquite BBQ & More | url=http://www.greenmesquite.net | email=
| address= | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=All-you-can-eat BBQ $14
| content=The original location on Barton Springs is in a funky building with a good biergarten in back with entertainment. BBQ is decent and the sides are good.
| content=High-class, sit-down Tex-Mex in the middle of the South Congress maelstrom. Always busy, always Austin. Lots of musicians frequent the place when they're in town. Many famous Austinites, and wanna-be Austinites have visited, including President Clinton, (then-)Governor Bush, and the rest of the Bush clan. Live music. Great atmosphere (You saw it in Quentin Tarantino's Grindhouse flick "Deathproof")! And some pretty tasty tacos too!
| address=340 E 6th St | lat=32.227582 | long=-110.965772 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-207-9251 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours=Daily 4PM-2AM | price=
| lastedit=2017-03-01
| content=Consistent fresh, high quality Vietnamese food with great bowls of pho, delicious stir fries and noodle dishes, bubble tea and friendly service. At 1931 E. Oltorf about 3/4 mile east of I-35 in a strip shopping center on your right just past the Whataburger. Locals in the know and Asian students yearning for a genuine taste of home frequent this small restaurant. Great electronic music adds to the casual ambience. Best Vietnamese food in Austin. Very affordable and now serves imported beers. Great staff w/ mellow ambiance. Two thumbs up.
| content=Live music – talented local, regional, and national touring acts 5-7 nights a week.
| address=4301 W William Cannon Dr | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+1 512 899-1500 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=
}}
* {{eat
| name=Little Mexico Restaurant | url= | email=
| address=2304 S 1st St | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+1 512 462-2188 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=This restaurant has some of the finest enchiladas of a Tex-Mex style. Nothing at all bad on the menu either. It's one of those places mostly only the locals go to so keep it quiet. Also a good place to spot hungover Austin luminary musicians easing that Sunday morning pain. Little green and red building on the West side of S 1st, just a bit north of Oltorf. Good margaritas, Negro Modelo and XX are available. Good homestyle interior Mexican dishes as well as Tex-Mex. If you want to be trendy go to Guero's, if you want to eat, check it out and you won't be disappointed. Live music on Thursday nights.
| address=Two locations: 1920 South Congress and 2304 Lake Austin Blvd | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=Always open | price=
| content=Great place to get a short stack for breakfast. The dinner specials are pretty tasty and fairly inexpensive.
}}
* {{eat
| name=Mandola's Italian Kitchen | alt= | url=https://mandolas.com/ | email=
| address=4301 West William Cannon Drive DR E-1 | lat= 30.2202 | long= -97.8399 | directions=Arbor Trail
| phone=+1 512-524-2222 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=Referred to by some as the best Italian food in Austin. Everything on the menu is affordable and delicious. Try the bruschetta alla checca, the trenette al pesto, or any pizza. They also have fabulous coffee, dessert, and gelato selections. From 3-6PM on weekdays they have a great happy hour.
| content=Local Mexican food. Live music on a regular basis and great fajitas. Maria's features some of the best breakfast tacos in town. On weekend mornings there is usually a line from the counter out the door, so if you don't want to wait call in your order. They only take cash, so be prepared. Live musicians featured on Sunday mornings and weekday evenings out on the patio.
}}
* {{eat
| name=Matt's El Rancho | url=http://www.mattselrancho.com | email=matts1952@aol.com
| address=2613 S Lamar Blvd | lat=30.245587 | long=-97.779409 | directions=1/2 blk N of Manchaca
| content=The quintessential Tex-Mex restaurant in Austin, you won't find anything non-traditional or creative here. It has been around for over 50 years and for good reason. The first thing to order is the first thing on the menu: the "Bob Armstrong Dip." Watch out for the strong margaritas!
}}
* {{eat
| name=Perla's Seafood and Oyster Bar | alt= | url=http://perlasaustin.com | email=
| address=1400 S Congress Ave | lat= 30.2499 | long=-97.7500 | directions=
| phone=+1 512-291-7300 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=Excellent for lunch or dinner, but particularly wonderful for weekend brunch on their patio. Have a few cocktails and some oysters before ordering your entree.
}}
* {{eat
| name=Pho Tai Son | alt= | url=http://www.phothaison.com/ | email=
| address=3601 W. William Cannon Dr. #250 | lat= 30.2140 | long= -97.8317 | directions=
| phone=+1 512 892 8777 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=Good fresh Vietnamese standbys, pho, bun, stirfry and bubble drinks. No beer but maybe you can bring your own?
}}
* {{eat
| name=Pho Tai Son | alt= | url=http://www.phothaison.com/ | email=
| address=2004 S 1st St | lat= 30.2453 | long= -97.7574 | directions=
| phone=+1 512-441-5446 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=All-around excellent tex-mex, very popular with the local crowd. Some of the best margaritas to be found anywhere, and a trip to Austin is not complete without their Rellenos al Nogal.
}}
* {{eat
| name=Romeo's | url= | email=
| address= | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=Italian food. One of the few restaurants that is casual and romantic. Has a great outdoor patio.
}}
* {{eat
| name=Sandy's Hamburgers | url= | email=
| address=603 Barton Springs Rd, at First and Barton Springs | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=Great burgers, milkshakes. Better than the Whataburger next door. Great people watching. Their soft-serve ice cream is worth the lines.
}}
* {{eat
| name=Shady Grove | url=http://www.theshadygrove.com/ | email=
| content=Indoor & outdoor dining with a fun and eclectic atmosphere. Home-style foods such as frito pie & chili can be made vegan (even the Worcestershire is vegan).
}}
* {{eat
| name=South Congress Cafe | url=http://www.southcongresscafe.com | email=
| address=1600 South Congress Ave | lat= | long= | directions=
| content=In the heart of South Congress Avenue, this cafe serves up spectacular and inventive fare. The tomato soup with stilton cheese is tasty to start, and the blackened tuna tacos are downright phenomenal.
| content=Located in the same plaza as the Oak Hill Burger Tex near the Y. Excellent Vietnamese pho and bun dishes and few unusual items like curry. Popular for lunch with the nearby Freescale folks. Friendly family service. You can bring in your own beer. Highly recommended.
| hours=Daily 2PM-2AM; serves food until closing | price=
| image=Surly Wench Tucson AZ.jpg
| content=
| lastedit=2017-03-01
| content=While a popular hangout for the local punk and LGBT crowd everyone is welcome. When bands are playing a $5 dollar cover is often charged. The Wench has two pool tables, an air hockey table and a lot of fun decor to peruse. They also often play B movies on a big screen over the entrance.
| content=Regarded by some as the favorite for Tex-Mex food in town, but this also means they are generally incredibly crowded and loud. Excellent margaritas with specials each night of the week. They're known more for their Mexican martinis than for their food.
}}
* {{eat
| name=Uchi | url=http://uchiaustin.com | email=
| address=801 S Lamar Blvd | lat=30.257582 | long=-97.75981 | directions=0.2 mi N of Barton Springs Blvd
| content=High end authentic Japanese dining and sushi. Always slammed full of people. Creative seafood and Japanese cuisine, including sushi/sashimi. A good place to see and to be seen, dress is nighttime-casual to formal but, like almost anyplace in Austin, jeans are acceptable. Reservations are strongly recommended.
}}
* {{eat
| name=Vespiao | url= | email=
| address= | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=For a taste of Italy nowhere in Austin is better. Extensive wine list and beyond excellent food.
| content=Sweet and savory crépes. You can order online for both take-out and dining at the restaurant, and several local delivery services will bring this to you. Some staff can use American Sign Language (ASL).
}}
* {{eat
| name=Hopdoddy Burger Bar | url=http://www.hopdoddy.com/ | email=
| address=1400 South Congress | lat= 30.2497 | long=-97.7499 | directions=
| phone=+1 512-243-7505 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=Absolutely amazing burgers, an excellent bar, and great milkshakes (be sure to try the Caramel & Sea Salt)! Be prepared for a wait.
| address=213 N 4th Ave | lat=32.224628 | long=-110.966418 | directions=shares a building with Maloney's
| phone=+1 512 444-3800 | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-388-9355 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours=Daily 4PM-2AM | price=No cover
| lastedit=2017-03-01
| content=Hip coffee spot right on South Congress, all outdoors. You can often find bands playing on the patio right off the street.
| content=Tucson's most popular country-western bar, and the only country bar on 4th Avenue. Large dance floor, cheap drinks, and plays a mixture of country and dance songs. Lively crowd and the bartenders dance on the bar coyote ugly style. If you're looking to dance to country music in Tucson, this is your place. Gets very crowded Thursday-Saturday, but never difficult to get a drink or dance.
}}
}}
===Bars===
==Sleep==
===Budget===
Almost all of the restaurants listed above have a full bar available and are suitable for grabbing a few drinks without having to order food. If you're looking to hop from bar to bar, listen to loud recorded music, and don't care about food, heading into Downtown Austin might be a better option.
[[File:Hotel Congress Tucson AZ.jpg|thumb|The historic Hotel Congress]]
Some motels on West Miracle Mile Road and south of 3000th block of North Oracle Road tend to be cheaper, run-down motels that involve the shady types. Although good deals can be found you probably wouldn't want to take your family to any one of these. This area is a legacy of the pre-freeway auto courts, 1937 to 1965, called [http://weeklywire.com/ww/10-13-97/tw_feat.html Miracle Mile]. A number of the old hotels remain, mostly run by Indian owners, compete on price and upkeep. With the city fighting crime, mostly prostitution, aggressively in the area, widening and landscaping Oracle Road, even removing one of the few traffic circles in Tucson, now only an unsavory reputation remains as the area tries to pull itself out of decline. If you need a room for $25 this is the place to start looking.
| wikipedia=Hotel Congress | image=Hotel Congress Tucson AZ.jpg | wikidata=Q14680412
| content=Next to the iconic Austin Motel in SoCo. Organic & local as possible, yet affordable, global cuisine for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Tight wine list & local brews on tap, plus kick ass coffee & tea, with a fabulous patio for people watching. Dogs always welcome!
| content=This historic hotel was the site of [http://www.hotcong.com/hotel/history.php John Dillinger's arrest] {{dead link|August 2018}}. The rooms are small, but have a funky, historic feel.
| address=1136 N Stone Ave | lat=32.236896 | long=-110.971399 | directions=
Austin is The Live Music Capital of the World, and South Austin has its fair share of live music venues. Many of the restaurants and coffee shops in South Austin have live music. Some venues of note include The Continental Club, Threadgills, and Gueros Taco Bar.
| phone=+1 520-622-6714 | tollfree= | fax=
* {{drink
| checkin= | checkout= | price=
| name=The Continental Club | alt= | url=http://continentalclub.com/austin/ | email=
| content=Pet-friendly hotel near the University of Arizona.
| address=1315 South Congress | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=This legendary South Austin venue was opened in 1957 and for nearly four decades has been serving up the best live music Austin has to offer. The venue is small so get there early if you want to get in.
| address=2505 E Executive Dr | lat=32.132985 | long=-110.933961 | directions=
| phone=+1 512 852-2350 | tollfree= | fax=
| phone=+1 520-573-0000 | tollfree= | fax=
| checkin= | checkout= | price=
| checkin= | checkout= | price=$109-$189
| content=
| content=Boutique Hotel right in the heart of SoCo. A very trendy place, but more expensive than many other options in the area. It's also a popular spot to hang out for locals to have a drink or two in the evening around the beautifully landscaped pool.
}}
}}
* {{sleep
===Budget===
| name=Courtyard Tucson Williams Centre | url=http://www.marriott.com/tusce | email=
| address=201 S Williams Blvd | lat=32.219917 | long=-110.878842 | directions=
| content=A unique adobe hacienda situated on acreage bordering Saguaro National Park East, ideal for hiking, birding, and wildlife viewing. Horseback riding available; dining and shopping close by.
| address=7809 E. Ben White Blvd. | lat=30.217602 | long=-97.687334 | directions=
| phone=+1 512 386-7464 | tollfree=
| checkin=3PM | checkout=12 Noon | price=
| content=Airport hotel with breakfast buffet, free airport shuttle and free internet. }}
===Splurge===
* {{listing | type=sleep
| name=Hotel San Jose | alt= | url=https://www.sanjosehotel.com/index2.php# | email=info@sanjosehotel.com
| address=1316 South Congress Ave | lat=30.250598 | long=-97.749630 | directions=
| phone=+1 512 444-7322 | tollfree=
| checkin= | checkout= | price=
| checkin= | checkout= | price=
| content=Founded in 1936 as a dude ranch on the edge of town, Lodge on the Desert is now in the heart of the city. However, it still exudes desert style and beauty. The 35 rooms are beautifully appointed with unique Southwestern flair.
| address=4140 Governors Row | lat=30.214507 | long=-97.750600 | directions=I-35 and Ben White
| phone=+1 512 448-2222 | tollfree=
| checkin= | checkout= | price=
| content= }}
==Connect==
Free Wi-Fi is available at many of the local restaurants and coffee shops.
{{usabledistrict}}
{{IsPartOf|Austin}}
{{geo|30.242|-97.763}}
{{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}}
The '''University of Texas''' and the '''Drag''' form a district of [[Austin]]. This article also covers the "West Campus" and "North University" neighborhoods.
==Understand==
The '''University of Texas''' (UT) has one of the top five largest campuses in the US, and offers many attractions for students and non-students alike, with aesthetically pleasing grounds and many museums and cultural centers open to the public. A long section of Guadalupe Street (pronounced ''GWAHD-uh-loop'' by the locals), known as "the drag", runs alongside the western boundary of the UT campus, providing the area with unique shopping and culinary attractions. Some of the side streets to the west of the drag have some hidden gems as well.
UT is one of the largest universities in the country. With a history going back into the 1800s when 40 acres was set aside for a university, UT has grown into a world class institution. A walk around the campus will reveal everything from Ivy League architecture to modern sculpture. Places to visit are the '''Harry Ransom Center''', the home of one of the original Gutenberg Bibles, the West Mall, UT's answer to London's Hyde Park corner, where students solve the world's problems, and the Littlefield fountain, designed by Italian artist Pompeo Coppini in 1933. The UT tower, the centerpiece of the campus upon its completion and for long since, periodically has tours that let visitors ascend to the observation deck at the top for a panoramic view of the campus and Austin.
If you're up for a walk (the campus is not small), don't forget to visit the LBJ Presidential library on the East side. If you're a football fan, Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium, home of the 2005 National Champion Texas Longhorns, is a must see. If you're around in the summer, a baseball ticket can be had for Texas baseball (a regular contender for NCAA champion The stadium is across I-35, though. For a rest, and if you can find it, discover the secret peaceful oasis of the lily pond near the biology building. Finally, there is the Cactus Cafe. A cool club on campus in the Austin tradition, the Cactus is known for great live acoustic music. A visit to the University would not be complete without stopping at the Cactus.
The Drag is also worth a visit. It's an urban oasis with a line of interesting stores, joints, restaurants and the usual mix of national chains. The UT Co-op has everything a Texas Longhorn fan could ever desire. Don't forget to visit the Renaissance Market, a small open space across from the university where one can purchase tye-dye shirts, home made jewelry and original art.
At one point, Austin would have been little else than UT and downtown. Today, UT stands as one of Austin's best monuments. If you're older, a visit will remind you what it feels like to be young again. If you're younger, it may excite you about what you can be. UT mottoes include "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free" and "What begins here changes the world."
| wikipedia=University of Texas at Austin | image=UT Tower.jpg | wikidata=Q49213
| lastedit=2018-02-25
| content=A beautiful stroll and view the public art around campus. The theater and music departments are both well regarded and have performances throughout the school year. If you visit during football season, you can see the 2005 National Champion Texas Longhorn football team play at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
}}
* {{see
| name=Blanton Museum of Art | alt= | url=http://blantonmuseum.org | email=
| address=200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd | lat=30.281018 | long=-97.737471 | directions=
| phone=+1 512 471-7324 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=Monday-Friday 10AM-5PM, Saturday 11AM-5PM, Sunday 1PM-5PM | price=Adults $7, children $3. Admission is free every Thursday
| content=The permanent collection comprises an impressive range of European art by important artists such as Rubens, Lorrain, and Guercino, as well as a selection of American and Latin American artworks. There is also a roster of changing exhibitions ranging from the medieval to the modern.
}}
* {{see
| name=Harry Ransom Center | alt= | url=http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/ | email=
| address=300 W 21st St | lat=30.284377 | long=-97.741237 | directions=21st at Guadalupe
| content=Houses an extensive collection of restored cultural artifacts including rare books, manuscripts, photography, film, and art. The center also hosts frequent cultural symposia which are open to the public.
}}
* {{see
| name=Neil–Cochran House | alt= | url=http://neill-cochranmuseum.org/ | email=
| address=2310 San Gabriel | lat=30.287222 | long=-97.748056 | directions=
| phone=+1 512 478-2335 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=Tues.-Sat. 2PM-5PM | price=$5
| wikipedia=Neill–Cochran House | image=Neill cochran house 2007.jpg | wikidata=Q6989547
| content=This 1855 Greek Revival-style estate house is one of the most important historic residences in the city. Guided tours provide a lot of background information on area history and on the loads of beautiful period furniture throughout the building.
}}
* {{see
| name=Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum | alt= | url=http://www.lbjlibrary.org/ | email=
| address=2313 Red River St | lat=30.2857 | long=-97.7292 | directions=
| phone=+1 512 721-0200 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=9AM-5PM daily | price=Adults: $8, Seniors (62 and over): $5, Retired military with valid ID: $5, Children (13-17): $3, College students: $3
| wikipedia=Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum | image=Johnson library.jpg | wikidata=Q1853779
| lastedit=2016-08-22
| content=One of thirteen presidential libraries, this facility holds over 45 million pages of historical documents, plus a museum which has an ever-changing array of exhibits related to American history and the American presidency.
}}
* {{see
| name=Texas Memorial Museum | alt= | url=http://www.utexas.edu/tmm/ | email=
| address=2400 Trinity St | lat=30.287 | long=-97.7324 | directions=
| wikipedia=Texas Memorial Museum | image=TMM austin.JPG | wikidata=Q3519347
| content=This natural history museum, housed in the exhibit hall of the Texas Natural Science Center, hosts a variety of interesting exhibits, including a paleontology laboratory where visitors are allowed to interact with and ask questions of paleontologists as they go about their work of cleaning, cataloging, and studying fossils.
| wikipedia=Main Building (University of Texas at Austin) | image=The Tower, University of Texas at Austin (ca 1980).jpg | wikidata=Q6735947
| content=This 307-foot tower, built in 1937, is interesting in its architectural detail, and is one of the defining landmarks of the city. The observation deck is open to the public as part of guided tours and offers a great view of the campus and surrounding city.
}}
* {{see
| name=Street Art | alt= | url= | email=
| address= | lat=NA | long=NA | directions=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=Many notable pieces of street art: El Federico's Bob Dylan on the Hole in the Wall at 26th; the huge 'Movie History' mural on the side of the old Varsity Theater/Tower Records at 24th, and (front and back!) El Federico's rock icons; the psychedelic Austin landscape on the north-facing wall of the Renaissance Market; the Chagall/Dali/Warhol tribute mural at 300 E. 30th St and of course the famous "Hi How Are You" alien starting frog painted by local legend Daniel Johnston (now on wall of "Thai How Are You" Thai food place at 21st and Guadalupe).
}}
}}
* {{sleep
==Do==
| name=The Riverpark Inn | url=http://www.theriverparkinn.com | email=
* {{do
| address=350 S Freeway | lat=32.216332 | long=-110.980648 | directions=
| content=Arcade UFO is a little slice of Shinjuku in Austin. It's filled exclusively with modern Japanese imported games. It's a great alternative to spending an evening at the bars.
In addition to bookstores and other shops which cater to the needs of masses of UT students, the Drag has traditionally been filled with quirky eclectic shops, from bead shops to used records to tattoo parlors. There are still many of these shops around, though in recent years a number of more upscale shops have appeared as well, with unique fashion clothing and home decor items.
| content=Aster has been delighting Austin with her Ethopian food for over a decade. The menu includes many vegan choices, both hot and mild: eggplant, two varieties of lentils, potatoes, greens, cabbage, and wonderful injera.
| content=Tasty, affordable, and authentic tacos and other Mexican dishes. Try the al pastor tacos with the el nortena salsa. Serves breakfast tacos as well.
}}
* {{eat
| name=Dirty Martin's Place | url=http://www.dirtymartins.com/ | email=
| address=2808 Guadalupe St | lat= | long= | directions=near 29th St
| phone=+1 512 477-3173 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=Daily 11AM-11PM | price=
| content=Known for the tasty old-time greasy burger, Dirty Martin's is a staple for hungry football fans after UT home games and has been in the same building since the 1920s. Still has a simple old-time feel, and you can watch the burgers grilled right in front of you at the bar.
}}
* {{eat
| name=Kerbey Lane Cafe | url=http://www.kerbeylanecafe.com/ | email=
| address=2606 Guadalupe St | lat= | long= | directions=between 26th and 27th Streets
| phone=+1 512 477-5717 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=24 hours | price=
| content=
}}
* {{eat
| name=Pho Tai Son | alt= | url=http://www.phothaison.com/ | email=
| content=Close to campus, this older establishment serves natural meats slapped onto a piece of butcher paper and served on a plastic tray. The dog-friendly patio is a good place to eat (though you may want to avoid it in the summertime). The food is one of the better casual BBQ joints in town. It shares an alley with the Spider House, so you can go get some good coffee after your meal.
}}
* {{eat
| name=Spider House Cafe | url=http://www.spiderhousecafe.com/index.php | email=
| address=2908 Fruth St | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+1 512 480-9562 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=Daily 7AM-2AM | price=
| content=Popular local cafe with large outdoor seating area, occasional live music and film showings. Vegan cake and peanut buttercups are available as well as chili and burritos which can be made vegan.
| content=Regarded by some as the favorite for Tex-Mex food in town, but this also means they are generally incredibly crowded and loud. Excellent margaritas with specials each night of the week. They're known more for their Mexican martinis than for their food.
}}
* {{eat
| name=Wheatsville Co-op Deli | url=http://www.wheatsville.coop/ | email=
| address=3101 Guadalupe St | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone=+1 512 478-2667 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=Daily 7:30AM-11PM | price=
| content=A well-known Austin health food store with deli that offers vegan and vegetarian items such as sandwiches, soups and desserts.
| address=2247 Guadalupe St | lat= | long= | directions=inside Texas Union building at the corner of 24th and Guadalupe
| name=The Arizona Inn | alt= | url=http://www.arizonainn.com/ | email=
| phone=+1 512 475-6515 | tollfree= | fax=
| address=2200 E Elm St | lat=32.24252 | long=-110.939508 | directions=
| hours=Monday-Friday 11AM-7PM* (Social Hour: 4-7PM), Saturday 8PM-12AM*, closed Sunday. *Open later depending on performances | price=
| phone=+1 520-325-1541 | tollfree= | fax=
| content=Live music venue with full bar. Tickets sold on first-come, first-served basis.
| checkin= | checkout= | price=
}}
| wikipedia=Arizona Inn | image=Arizona Inn.jpg | wikidata=Q20638779
* {{drink
| content=This charming and classic 1930 resort was built by Isabella Greenway, Arizona's first woman to serve in the U.S. Congress (1933-1937). Colorful stucco casitas and suites ramble through meticulously, groomed grounds. The Arizona Inn has won top awards from Zagat and Condé Nast, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
| name=The Hole in the Wall | url=http://www.holeinthewallaustin.com/ | email=
| address=2538 Guadalupe St | lat= | long= | directions=where Guadalupe meets Dean Keeton
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| hours=Daily 3PM-2AM | price=
| content=Austin institution dive bar with live music, multiple bars, outside patio and quick service from smokin' waitresses by night or cool hippie dudes dredging up Austin's bohemian past by day.
| content=Hostel with both dormitories and private rooms. Free breakfast, free wireless internet, and free parking offered. Luggage storage and laundry facilities available.
| content=Has a highly-regarded restaurant onsite, outdoor pool, gym, spa, and bicycle rental available. Pets permitted.
| content=This hotel is at the foot of the Santa Catalina Mountains. There are a total of 398 rooms on three floors. There are two pools, five restaurants, a spa, running path, hiking trails, and there are many species of birds right outside your room on the side that looks out to the mountains. There are also two 18-hole golf courses nearby the hotel. There is free access to Sabino Canyon via a van; however, complimentary WiFi to their guests is not offered. Expect average daily rates for their standard rooms to cost $250 per night during the summer and convention seasons. Typically most guests are retirees without grandchildren - younger guests with children tend to stick out like a handful of sore thumbs.
| content=Guests at this dude ranch, founded in 1868, have a choice of getting daily massages or hitting the trail by horse or foot. Located on 640 acres in the foothills of the Rincon mountains east of Tucson, the ranch offers horseback riding, tennis, guided hiking, mountain biking and nature walks, all included in your nightly rate.
| content=A working cattle ranch with 41 guest rooms and suites and a hacienda. Modern amenities are also available, including a fitness center, sauna, tennis court, and rec center.
{{pagebanner|Austin Hyde Park Banner.jpg}}
'''Hyde Park''' is a district in [[Austin]], [[Texas]] about a mile north of the University of Texas. It is known in Austin for being the earliest significant residential development outside the old nineteenth-century downtown city core, for containing some interesting old houses, and for being a bastion of political liberalism. There are few tourist attractions as such, other than the small Elisabet Ney sculpture museum. The largest building is Hyde Park Baptist, a kind of mega-church which draws in many parishioners from outside the neighborhood every Sunday.
| content=Secluded, quiet, county-run RV Park. 30 amp electric only, water and dump station available on the grounds. No reservations taken, honor system payments. Used mostly by out of state snowbirds during the winter, worth looking at to put up adventuresome guests on a budget or those travelers with a desire to see the night sky only a few miles out of Tucson. No showers. Note: rattlesnakes are not uncommon in the park.
| content=Ken Webster is artistic director. If you like Mamet, he's your man's man. FronteraFest is here too.
| content=Austin's whirlwind festival. More theater than you can shake a stick at. Theater in theaters. Theater in people's houses. Theater everywhere.
}}
}}
* {{sleep
==Buy==
| name=Catalina State Park | alt= | url=http://www.azstateparks.com/Parks/CATA/index.html | email=
| address=11570 N Oracle Rd | lat=32.4266 | long=-110.9252 | directions=10 miles N of downtown
| address=408 E 43rd St. | lat= | long= | directions=
| lastedit=2016-04-19
| phone=+1 512 451-1218 | tollfree= | fax=
| content=This campground has 120 campsites, all with water, grills, and picnic tables. Flush toilets and hot showers are available. Reservations are required and must be made at last 24 hours in advance; they can be made [https://azstateparks.itinio.com/catalina/ online].
| content=Juice bar serving fresh organic juices, smoothies, super foods, cleanses, living foods, and more. Quality and service are top notch and the surroundings are perfectly Austin-y. There are other locations on Barton Springs, near Zilker Park and also just off Lake Austin Boulevard, near the Town Lake Hike and Bike trail. Enjoy.
}}
* {{eat
| name=Dolce Vita Gelato & Espresso | url= | email=
| address=4222 Duval St. | lat= | long= | directions=
| content=Winner of several recent Austin Chronicle food awards, including Best Veggie Burger. Excellent vegetarian and vegan fare in a relaxing, pleasant atmosphere. Mothers burned down in 2007 but has been completely rebuilt and is as good as ever with some of the best vegetarian food you can find in Austin, appealing to many omnivores as well as vegetarians.
}}
* {{eat
| name=New World Deli | url=http://neworldeli.com/ | email=
| address=4101 Guadalupe St. | lat= | long= | directions=across the street from the State Hospital
| content=Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the campground has 30 individual sites for tents as well as a few for RVs (no hookups). Most sites have picnic tables and grills, and water and toilets are available.
| address=604 E 47th St | lat= 30.3090 | long= -97.7208 | directions=
| phone=+1 512-454-4426 | tollfree= | fax=
| checkin= | checkout= | price=
| lastedit=2018-12-20
| content=B & B
}}
}}
==Connect==
==Stay safe==
[[File:Western rattlesnake (3555971128).jpg|thumb|Rattlesnakes are very well-camouflaged]]
{{outlinedistrict}}
[[File:Blue Lighting in the Desert 02.jpg|thumb|Monsoon storm in Tucson]]
* If you go walking in the desert parks, or on your own, learn desert-safety tips. Take water, always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to get back, and if you have a cell phone, take it with you and have it on. It's disturbingly easy to get lost in the desert. Also, watch for snakes and bugs, as a few are dangerous to your health. When hiking, for example, rattlesnakes are easy to come across. When putting your slippers on in the morning, scorpions can be an unpleasant surprise.
* Midtown (specifically the section along Alvernon Road between Grant and Ft. Lowell) and the south section of the city (in the general area between I-10, I-19, and Valencia) are not the safest places to be – but there are no real attractions in these areas anyway. Downtown is heavily occupied until 2AM when the bars close. If you are downtown after 2AM, be cautious. While murder rates are fairly low, they are violent and sometimes random. There is gang activity but for the most part it is directed against rival gangs. There are many homeless people downtown. The center city is heavily populated by the "young and restless", so it may seem a spooky to more conservative travelers due to the dirt and noise the youngsters create.
{{IsPartOf|Austin}}
* Tucson has one of the highest rates of vehicle theft in the USA, and there are a few locations in the city you're more likely to have your car/truck stolen at than at any other place in the town, such as the {{marker|type=buy|name=Walmart|lat=32.13671|long=-111.00030}} on 1650 W Valencia Rd and the {{marker|type=buy|name=Park Place mall|lat=32.21907|long=-110.86528}}.
{{geo|30.3075|-97.730278}}
* During the monsoon season (usually in the months of July - September), Tucson does experience flash flooding. Under no circumstances should you attempt to drive across a flooded road that is barricaded. If your vehicle becomes stranded in your attempt to cross the barricaded road: you will be issued a traffic citation by the police under the 1995 "stupid motorist law" (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 28-910), fined in the amount of $2000, and ordered to pay for all rescue costs (usually $1500 or more – and that doesn't include the towing expense either). Also, if you knowingly drive a vehicle into a flooded road that is barricaded with a child under the age of 16, you may also be charged with a class-1 misdemeanor charge of child endangerment (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3619 - per each child in the car) in addition to the previously mentioned penalties if your car becomes stranded.
* Newcomers to the southwest often hear about a lung infection called Valley Fever (a fungal disease – the proper medical name is ''coccidioidomycosis''). Although it's rare to contract this disease, it should be taken seriously as it is difficult for most doctors to accurately identify it (a blood test called a coccidioidal must be done to accurately diagnose this illness), and it takes weeks for the symptoms to fully develop for an experienced doctor to recognize them. Exposure to very dusty conditions (ATV riding in the desert, construction, getting caught in a sudden dust storm) increases the opportunity to become infected. It is recommended to wear a face mask if you intend to be exposed to dusty conditions, and strongly recommended if you have a lung disease or temporarily suffering from pneumonia. There is no cure for this disease, only long term treatment. For acute symptoms patients may be prescribed an antifungal drug such as ''fluconazole''.
* Take precautions for [[sunburn and sun protection|sunburn and heat stroke]]. This cannot be emphasized enough if you plan to make a trek in the desert mountains. It's easy to sunburn and windburn out in the desert, and the UV rays are very strong. It is recommended to use sunscreen with at least a UV protection rating of 30 or higher. Be mindful of the extreme heat when hiking in the mountains during the summer months to avoid suffering from heat exhaustion or possibly dying from heat stroke.
{{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}}
'''North Loop''' is in [[Austin]], several miles north of downtown, but not as far north as what is now called "North Austin". This article also covers the "Brentwood" and "Crestview" neighborhoods, as well as the area around ACC Highland (formerly Highland mall).
* Mosquitoes can be bad after a monsoon (usually in the months of July - September), so consider wearing mosquito repellent with a high concentration of DEET to reduce the risk of acquiring diseases typically transmitted by these annoying insects.
* Care should be taken when you decide to ride a motorcycle or ATV in the desert, so you don't get injured by running into or bushing against the "jumping cholla" cacti. Wearing thick protective clothing, helmets, and gloves while riding are an absolute must. These are '''very''' prickly cacti with stems that detach with little or no effort, also the cacti spines are very painful to remove from your skin once contact is made.
| wikipedia=Crestview station | image=Crestview station 2012.jpg | wikidata=Q5184638
| content=Capital MetroRail commuter rail station and Capital MetroRapid premium bus station
}}
==See==
==Connect==
For visitor information about events and activities taking place in Tucson, check out the city of Tucson's on-line [http://www.visittucson.org/events/calendar/ directory].
* {{see
| name=Wall of Welcome | alt= | url=https://www.violetcrowncommunity.org/wall.html | email=
| content=120-foot-long community public art mosaic
}}
There are surprisingly many locations within the city of Tucson that are free Wi-Fi hotspots, so free Internet access shouldn't be viewed as a problem. Most of the hotspots are in coffee shops (such as the [http://www.brueggersaz.com/ Bruegger's Bagel] locations), the local book store ([http://www.bookmans.com/ Bookman's]), and the local [https://www.library.pima.gov/faqs/do-you-have-wifi-and-wireless-printing/ libraries] (no library membership required) throughout the city.
==Do==
==Buy==
==Cope==
For all emergencies you may dial 9-1-1 from any cell (active or inactive cell phone) or land line phone free-of-charge. If using a cell phone be sure to inform the operator of your exact location, as it takes extra time for the operator to attempt to triangulate your location – time is of the essence in emergency situations. When calling 911 for assistance be as calm as possible, and do not panic or use profanity over the phone, as the operator on the phone might consider the call as a prank.
| address=5602 N Lamar Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions=near Lamar and Koenig
| phone=+1 512 459-3239 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours= | price=
| content=Big, greasy burgers and tasty milkshakes. There is also Fran's Hamburgers; the story is that Dan & Fran divorced and each took part of the franchise.
}}
* {{eat
| name=Jesus Maria Mexican Restaurant | url= | email=
| content=The menu focuses on southern comfort food. The chicken fried steaks, salads, and peach cobbler are all especially good. A famous concert venue, starting the likes of Janis Joplin. Weekly gospel brunch on Sunday, for which you might want to call for reservations.
}}
* {{eat
| name=Mandola's Italian Kitchen | alt= | url=https://mandolas.com/ | email=
| address=4700 W Guadalupe St #12 | lat= 30.3157 | long= -97.7332 | directions=The Triangle
| phone=+1 512-419-9700 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=Referred to by some as the best Italian food in Austin. Everything on the menu is affordable and delicious. Try the bruschetta alla checca, the trenette al pesto, or any pizza. They also have fabulous coffee, dessert, and gelato selections. From 3-6PM on weekdays they have a great happy hour.
| address=1206 W 38th St. | lat= 30.3067 | long=-97.7444 | directions=
| phone=+1 512-419-7482 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=Fantastic and reasonably priced Tex-Mex. Their enchiladas are amazing, and their Mexican martinis are the best in town. Great happy hour specials, too.
| content=A small, dark dive bar populated by an older, blue-collar crowd on weeknights (especially Thursday night pool tournaments) and a decidedly more hip, collegiate crowd Friday through Sunday. Drinks are cheap and stiff, costing anywhere from $1.50 for bottled Lonestar (the "national beer of Texas" according to the label) to $7 for a generously poured double-shot. No food is available, and there is nothing on draft, however the bar does boast two pool tables, an impressively eclectic jukebox (Willie Nelson, The Misfits, Van Halen, and Refused all make appearances), a few arcade games, and a large outdoor smoking patio (smoking in Austin bars is banned by a city-wide ordinance) with tables and benches. Barfly's does become rather crowded on weekends by 10, and seating is virtually unheard of by 10:30. Get there early or be prepared to stand.
| content=Honorary consulates typically represent the business interests of a nation, and do not provide legal or citizen support (such as passport support) to its citizens.
| checkin= | checkout= | price=
| content=Charming country style décor.
}}
}}
===Budget===
===News===
* '''[http://azstarnet.com/news/ Arizona Daily Star]''' is Tucson's largest daily newspaper.
* '''[http://www.tucsonweekly.com/ Tucson Weekly]''' lists weekly cultural events and has good restaurant reviews.
==Go next==
* {{listing | type=sleep
From Tucson, you might want to go to [[Phoenix]], or [[Nogales (Sonora)|Nogales]], [[Mexico]]. For cool weather, head up to I-17 to [[Flagstaff]]. Also take the Catalina Highway to the nearby Mt. Lemmon and the [[Santa Catalina Mountains]].
*[[Bisbee (Arizona)|Bisbee]] makes for a pleasant day trip. The Copper Queen has great food and historic accommodation.
===Mid-range===
*[[Tombstone]]. Visit the famous old west boom town to see "haunted" theaters, graves of famous outlaws, and reenactments of the famous O.K. Corral shootout. For more serious Old West history, be sure to visit the Cochise County Courthouse museum. A must for any trip to southern Arizona.
* {{listing | type=sleep
| name=Hyatt Place North Central | alt= | url=http://www.amerisuites.com/reservations/locationdetail.asp?facid=3973 | email=
| address=7522 North IH-35 | lat=30.338449 | long=-97.703859 | directions=
| phone=+1 512 323-2121 | tollfree=
| checkin= | checkout= | price=
| content= }}
*[[Oracle]]. 35 miles north of downtown Tucson via Oracle Road (Highway 77). Higher, Cooler, wetter, greener. Has Oracle State Park. Bedroom - artist community. Interesting people. Beautiful drive. Several overnight options (from motels to dude ranches) and restaurants. Two lively bars. Biosphere 2 is on the way. Wonderful vistas of the north side of the Santa Catalina Mountains and Mt. Lemmon ski slopes. Borders Catalina National Forest (hiking, etc). Access to Arizona Trail. 'Back road to Mt Lemmon' starts in Oracle. Interesting history (Buffalo Bill, Gold Mining, Dude Ranches, et al). Main drag not much to look at but lots of hidden gems. See life in an unusually rich small Arizona town.
===Splurge===
{{routebox
==Connect==
| image1=Amtrak Sunset Limited icon.png
{{usabledistrict}}
| imagesize1=75
| image1a=Amtrak Texas Eagle icon.png
| imagesize1a=75
| directionl1=W
| majorl1=[[Los Angeles]]
| minorl1=[[Yuma]]
| directionr1=E
| majorr1=[[San Antonio]]
| minorr1=[[Benson (Arizona)|Benson]]
| image2=I-10.svg
{{IsPartOf|Austin}}
| imagesize2=22
| directionl2=W
| majorl2=[[Phoenix]]
| minorl2=[[Picacho]]
| directionr2=E
| majorr2=[[Las Cruces]]
| minorr2=[[Benson (Arizona)|Benson]]
| image3=I-19.svg
{{geo|30.351|-97.730}}
| imagesize3=22
| directionl3=N
| majorl3=END
| minorl3=
| directionr3=S
| majorr3=[[Nogales (Arizona)|Nogales]]
| minorr3=[[Green Valley]]
| image4=Arizona 77.svg
| imagesize4=22
===Visitor information===
| directionl4=N
* {{listing
| majorl4=[[Holbrook (Arizona)|Holbrook]]
| name=Austin Visitor Center | alt= | url=http://www.austintexas.org/ | email=
| minorl4=[[Oracle]]
| address=602 East 4th Street | lat=30.26466 | long=-97.73752 | directions=
| address= | lat=30.1944 | long=-97.67 | directions={{mi|6}} miles southeast of the city center
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| wikipedia=Austin–Bergstrom International Airport | image=AUS Airport.jpg | wikidata=Q1430913
| content=Is served by most major carriers, with non-stop service to 49 destinations by the following airlines: '''Barbara Jordan Terminal:''' Aeromexico, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines/Virgin America; American Airlines, British Airways, Condor, Delta, Frontier, Jetblue, Norwegien, Southwest, United, Volaris. '''South Terminal:''' Allegiant, Sun Country and Via Air.
}}
There are a selection of buses, taxis, ride share (Uber & Lyft), shared ride shuttles and car rentals to get you into town and back. Chauffeured sedans or limos are also available to pick you up or drop you off at the airport but normally require advance reservations. Taxi fare to downtown Austin is approximately $30. You may also catch [https://www.capmetro.org/destinations/ Capital Metro bus 100] from ABIA to Downtown Austin, $1.25 for one way or $2.50 for a 24-hour local pass.
===By train===
* {{listing | type=go
| name=Austin [[Amtrak]] station | alt= | url=https://www.amtrak.com/stations/aus | email=
| wikipedia=Austin station (Texas) | image=AustinAmtrakStation.JPG | wikidata=Q4822943
| content=Served by the Texas Eagle Line with service from [[Chicago]] to [[San Antonio]].
}}
Revision as of 11:51, 24 December 2018
This is a Wikivoyage user page.
Tucson with the Santa Catalina Mountains
Tucson (TOO-sawn) is the second-largest city in the state of Arizona and the county seat of Pima County in the Sonoran Desert. It is at a higher elevation than nearby Phoenix and is correspondingly cooler. Although with half a million residents it is smaller than the capital city, its cultural life is just as vibrant.
Understand
Tucson has always been a crossroads. Water was, until the onset of a severe drought in the late 1990s, relatively plentiful in Tucson, in spite of its location in the middle of a desert. This made it an important travel route, an agricultural center, and a communications nexus.
Tucson's history is ancient, with evidence of human occupation stretching back 10,000 years. Between 200 CE and 1450 ACE, the Hohokam culture dominated the area – the Pima and Tohono O'Odham peoples that still occupy the area are descendants of the Hohokam. In 1699, Father Eusebio Kino, S.J., established the Mission San Xavier del Bac, southwest of present-day Tucson. Over the next 100 years, other missions were established in the area, but European presence was minimal.
It wasn't until 1775 that the Presidio of Tucson was created by Don Hugo O'Connor. At that time, it was the northernmost Spanish outpost in the New World. In 1821, Tucson became part of the new country of Mexico, and in 1853 it became part of the United States as a result of the Gadsden Purchase. In 1863, Arizona became a US territory, and by 1880, its population was around 8,000. In 1912, Arizona became the 48th state to enter the union.
Tucson is still a crossroads, with European, Native American, Mexican, and Asian cultures bumping into one another, in sometimes conflicting and sometimes compatible – but always interesting – ways.
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Concourse B: American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta/Delta Connection
The airport is on the far southern end of the city. A taxi to central Tucson (University of Arizona area) will run about $25-30 and take 25 minutes. Bus services (Rt #11 and 25) to and from the airport is significantly cheaper but will take at least 60 minutes to/from downtown Tucson. Some people fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor and then take a shuttle or rent a car and drive to Tucson (about 2 hours). Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.
By train
Arriving by train to Tucson is possible as the city is served by Amtrak via its triweekly Sunset Limited train between New Orleans and Los Angeles. This train also conveys Texas Eagle carriages, offering a direct route to and from Chicago. Eastbound trains arrive around 7:30AM while westbound ones arrive early evening. Notice however that delays are quite common. 32.223135-110.9667962Tucson station is at 400 N Toole Ave, next to downtown.
By car
I-10 (Interstate 10) from the north and southeast, and I-19 (Interstate 19) from the south.
By bus
There are multiple long distance bus lines and van shuttles serving Tucson from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, El Paso, Phoenix, Douglas, Yuma & Nogales in the U.S. and from Nogales, Hermosillo, Puerto Peñasco, Agua Prieta and Culiacán in Mexico. Each company has a stop or their own bus station in different parts of town that are far from each other.
Flixbus, (bus stop) Univ of Arizona 6th St Garage at 1119 E 6th St (Bus will board in the covered bus loading zone on the south side of the Sixth Street garage.). They also have an additional "north freeway" stop at the AM/PM Mini Market at 802 W Speedway off of I-10 at Exit #257 (updated Dec 2018)
32.220647-110.9780944Greyhound Lines, Autobus Americanos, Cruceros USA, 471 W Congress St, ☏ +1 520-792-3475. Travels primarily on Interstate 10 (Los Angeles, Phoenix, Mesa, Casa Grande, Tucson, Benson, Wilcox, El Paso) an on I-8/10 (San Diego, Calexico, Yuma, Tucson and El Paso). Passengers transfer to other buses in Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and El Paso to get to additional cities in the U.S.
Premier Shuttle, 4207 6th Ave, ☏ +1 520 460-9010. Connects Phoenix to Nogales via Tucson. (updated Jan 2018)
Sahuaro Shuttle, 4202 6th Ave, ☏ +1 520 573-1399. Connects Tucson to Phoenix in one direction and to Agua Prieta and Hermosillo via Nogales in the other. (updated Jan 2018)
Shuttle Sonora, 4201 6th Ave, ☏ +1 520 294-1210. Phoenix, Tucson, Nogales and Douglas. (updated Jan 2018)
32.1637-110.983325TAP Royal, (Office) 910 W Irvington Rd, Suite #110 (Strip mall NE of the I-19/Irvington Rd junction by Fry's.), ☏ +1 520 573-7033. They offer bus service between California, Arizona and Las Vegas in the U.S. and along the Hwy 15 corridor towards Guadalajara through several cities/towns in Sonora, Sinaloa, Nayarit and Jalisco in Mexico. Travels along I-10/19 and Mex Hwy 15 between Phoenix, Tucson, Nogales and Hermosillo. (updated Oct 2017)
32.150845-110.9780356TUFESA Bus Lines, 5550 S 12th Ave #148, ☏ +1 520-294-3780. Bus service along I-10/I-19 between Los Angeles, Phoenix, Tucson, Nogales and Hermosillo in Mexico
Get around
By public transportation
Sun Tran busSun Link Streetcar
32.27792-111.007847Sun Tran, 3920 N Sun Tran Blvd (main office), ☏ +1 520-628-1565 (customer service), suntraninfo@tucsonaz.gov. M-F 6AM-7PM, Sa-Su 8AM-5PM. An extensive metropolitan bus system, with routes and times listed here. The buses can accommodate up to two bicycles in the front; only folding bikes are permitted inside the bus. One-way fares (exact change required): $1.50 (adults), $0.50 (concessions), free (children under 5), $2 (express routes); 1-day pass: $3.50; 30-day pass: $42; 30-day economy pass: $15.
Sun Link Streetcar. A streetcar route which extends from the University of Arizona to the downtown area and the Mercado district. It has now been integrated into the Sun Tran public transportation system; the streetcar route map can be downloaded here. It is especially popular in the evenings for making the rounds between University and the night life on 4th Ave.
By car
I-10 and I-19 are the only freeways in Tucson. East-west travel on surface streets above I-10 can be slow during the work day. Tucson has far fewer miles of freeway than other U.S. cities of its size. All east-west travel and all travel on the east side is done via surface streets.
By bicycle
Tugo Bike Share
Tucson is a bike-friendly community, and has an extensive system of bike routes and paths (but is something you don't want to do in the summer unless you are experienced riding in very hot, dry weather).
In late 2017 the city launched Tugo Bike Share, a new public bike-sharing program, with 330 bicycles and 36 rental station scattered around the university district and downtown. Passes are available for one day ($8), one month ($18), or one year ($80), and allow unlimited use of the bikes for 30-minute intervals. Passes can be purchased at docking stations with a credit card, online with a credit or debit card, or with cash at any 7-Eleven, CVS, or Family Dollar stores (requires prior online registration). Bicycle stations with available bikes and docks can be found online or via the smartphone Cyclefinder app (iOS and Android).
By taxi
It is notoriously difficult to get around in Tucson by taxi, as you must usually reserve a cab hours in advance and contend with drivers who are often late, if they show up at all. As an alternative, ride-hailing services Uber and Lyft now both operate in Tucson, and are a decent alternative if you can't get a regular cab within a reasonable time frame.
Tucson Resort Transportation, 2495 N Desert Links Dr, ☏ +1 520-425-1935, info@tucsonairportrides.com. Su-Th 6AM-8PM, F Sa until bar closing. One of the more reputable taxi operators in the Tucson area, with punctual and reliable drivers. Generally it is best to make reservations 1-2 hours in advance. They also offer shuttle service to/from Tucson and Phoenix airports for a flat rate. Credit cards accepted. (updated Oct 2017)
See
Historic sights
El Tiradito in Barrio ViejoFort Lowell
Barrio Viejo (Barrio Histórico), Bounded by I-10, W Cushing St , S 6th Ave, and W 18th St (by the Tucson Convention Center). One of Tucson's oldest neighborhoods, much of the barrio was destroyed when the Tucson Convention Center was built. There are many colorful adobe buildings housing shops, galleries, and residences. Best explored on foot.
32.216078-110.9746281El Tiradito (The Castaway), Just south of the intersection of S Main Ave at W Cushing St (Barrio Viejo). El Tiradito is the only shrine to a sinner in North America. In the 1880s, a young man had an affair with his mother-in-law. When caught in the act, his father-in-law shot him and he stumbled from bed and ran out of the house. He dropped dead on this spot, and because he had not confessed his sins, he could not be buried in the church yard. His family and friends interred him where he fell, but remembered him with candles and flowers. People still burn candles and leave offerings today. Best visited at dusk or after dark. (updated Aug 2016)
32.219418-110.9743892Sosa-Carrillo-Frémont House Museum, 151 S Granada Ave, ☏ +1 520-628-5774, AHSTucson@azhs.gov. Th-Sa 10AM-4PM. A remnant of Tucson's old barrio which survived and is now surrounded by the Tucson Convention Center, this historic adobe house was built in the 1870s. Free, donations welcome.
32.259958-110.8746683Fort Lowell Museum, 2900 N Craycroft Rd, ☏ +1 520-885-3832. Th-Sa 10AM-4PM. Fort Lowell was a US Army post, active in the late 19th century during the Apache Wars. Most of the adobe structures are now in ruins, but the commanding officers' quarters have been reconstructed and now house a small museum, with exhibits focused on military life on the frontier. The building also has a small gift shop. Free, donations welcome.
32.26075-110.8809074San Pedro Chapel, 5230 E Fort Lowell Rd, ☏ +1 520-302-9265, info@sanpedrochapel.com. A historic Sonoran-style adobe chapel, built in 1915 and on the National Register of Historic Places. Unfortunately the church is usually only open for special events, but it can be freely appreciated from the outside.
Museums and galleries
AMARC, aka the 'Boneyard', with the Santa Catalina Mountains in the background.Philabaum Glass Gallery & Studio
32.139626-110.8657755Pima Air & Space Museum, 6000 E Valencia Rd, ☏ +1 520-574-0462. Daily 9AM-5PM (last admission at 4PM); closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Features over 300 historic aircraft on an 80-acre site with five hangars, two of them devoted to World War II. Veterans and volunteers are often on hand to answer any questions, and there are daily walking tours of the grounds. There is an onsite restaurant. $15.50 (adults), $12.25 (Pima County residents), $12.75 (seniors/military), $9 (children 5-12), free (children under 5).
Tram Tour, ☏ +1 520-574-0462. As the grounds are so large, a tour tram is offered for those who do not wish to walk. The guided tour lasts one hour and covers 1½ miles and more than 150 planes. Departure times vary, so it is best to call ahead or inquire at the entrance. Price is in addition to museum admission: $6 (adults), free (children under 6). (updated Apr 2016)
32.15-110.8333336Aerospace Maintenance and Regentation Center (AMARC / Boneyard), ☏ +1 520-574-0462. M-F; times vary so best to call ahead, typically 11 AM and 2 PM. A separate, very interesting tour can be booked to see the Aerospace Maintenance and Regentation Center nearby on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, where more than 4200 aircraft are stored. As the facility is an active military base, an ID is required (all nationalities welcome). Visitors are not permitted to leave the bus, and non-essential backpacks and camera bags are not permitted (storage is available at the museum). Reservations are required at least 10 business days in advance, in order to receive security clearance for the base, and can be made up to 90 calendar days in advance. $10. (updated Apr 2016)
32.2234-110.97497Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N Main Ave, ☏ +1 520-624-2333, info@TucsonMuseumofArt.org. Tu W 10AM-5PM, Th 10AM-8PM, F Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. A museum complex housed in a collection of historic adobe houses, this museum hosts exhibits of regional contemporary art, as well as the Arizona Biennial. Its permanent collection of Latin American and pre-Columbian art is particularly noteworthy. There is a well-stocked shop in the lobby that is open during museum hours. $12 (adults), $10 (seniors), $7 (students/children 13-17), free (children under 13); free on 1st Th of month from 5PM-8PM. (updated Apr 2016)
32.235619-110.9558218University of Arizona Museum of Art, 1031 N Olive Rd (on the U of A campus, by E Speedway), ☏ +1 520-621-7567. W 9AM-5PM, Th 9AM-8PM, F Sa 9AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. Houses an extensive of American and European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century, with excellent rotating exhibits. A highlight of the collection is the 15th-century Spanish altarpiece of Ciudad Rodrigo. $8 (adults), $6.50 (seniors), free (students). (updated Apr 2016)
32.218043-110.9717919Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson (MOCA), 265 S Church Ave (across from the Tucson Convention Center), ☏ +1 520-624-5019. W-Su noon-5PM. Hosts exhibits of regional and national contemporary art. $8 (adults), $5 (students/seniors), free (veterans, military, children under 17); free on last Su of every month. (updated Apr 2016)
32.235671-110.95638110Center for Creative Photography, 1030 Olive Rd (on the U of A campus, by E Speedway), ☏ +1 520-621-7968, toll-free: +1 520-621-9444, info@ccp.arizona.edu. Tu-F 9AM-4PM, Sa 1PM-4PM. The center was founded by Ansel Adams, and routinely features works of famous (and not-so-famous) photographers. When they have their Ansel Adams collection up it is a must see. Free, donations accepted. (updated Apr 2016)
32.212747-110.9683211Philabaum Glass Gallery & Studio, 711 S 6th Ave (just south of Downtown), ☏ +1 520-884-7404, gallery@philabaumglass.com. Winter: Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM; summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day): Tu-Sa 11AM-4PM. Tom Philabaum built his first glass studio in 1975, and opened the adjacent gallery in 1982. Together they represent one of the most enduring art endeavors of present-day Tucson. Visitors are able to watch the glass blowing process in the studio, and shop the impressive collection of contemporary glass art from artists around the country. (updated Apr 2016)
De Grazia ChapelSouthern Arizona Transportation Museum
32.321728-110.89163112De Grazia Gallery in the Sun Historic District, 6300 N Swan Rd, ☏ +1 520-299-9191, toll-free: +1-800-545-2185, cs@degrazia.org. Daily 10AM-4PM; closed 1 Jan, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. A collection of buildings on a 10-acre site, designed and built by well-known Arizona painter Ettore 'Ted' DeGrazia (1909-1982); the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A gallery showcases the artist's work in six permanent collections as well as special rotating exhibits, and a gift shop onsite sells good quality reproductions of some of his work. In early December the grounds also host the annual Fiesta de Guadalupe. The chapel is closed due to fire damage. $8 (adults), $5 (children 12-18), free (children under 12). (updated Apr 2016)
32.223671-110.96753213Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, 414 N Toole Ave (next to the Amtrak station), ☏ +1 520-623-2223, ContactUs@TucsonHistoricDepot.org. T-Th 11AM-3PM, F Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 11AM-3PM, engine with cab visits Sa 10AM-1PM. A small museum devoted to the history of the railroads in southern Arizona, housed in the historic Southern Pacific Railroad Depot. The star attraction is the Southern Pacific Railroad 1673 steam locomotive. Docents and volunteers available to answer questions about the locomotive on Saturdays. For other times, tours can be arranged upon request. Free.
32.219214-110.96914614Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S 6th Ave, ☏ +1 520-792-9985. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa Su 10AM-5PM. $6 (children 1-18), $8 (adults), $6 (seniors); $2 2nd Sa of the month.
32.233218-110.95737715Arizona History Museum, 949 E 2nd St (University of Arizona Campus), ☏ +1 520-628-5774. M-Th 9AM-4PM, F 9AM-8PM, Sa Su 11AM-4PM. This museum is devoted to the history of Tucson and the surrounding area, with relevant displays. $8 (adults), $6 (seniors), $5 (students), $4 (children 7-17), free (children under 7). (updated Apr 2016)
32.223693-110.97138316Arizona Historical Society (Downtown History Museum), 140 N Stone Ave (in the Wells Fargo Bank bldg), ☏ +1 520-770-1473, AHSTucson@azhs.gov. Tu-F 10AM-4PM. Exhibits detail businesses and homes in early Tucson, including drugstores, police and fire departments, and a barbershop. $3 (adults), $2 (seniors and youths 12-18).
32.24808-110.98593917Old Pascua Museum and Yaqui Cultural Center, 856 W Calle Santa Ana (south of Grant Rd and Fairview Ave), ☏ +1 520-884-8527, +1 520-990-5949. Tu-Sa 9AM-1PM. Museum that features more than 4000 artifacts on display from the old Pasqua tribe, displayed in a home built in 1926 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Free (donations welcome).
32.24703-110.8524618Museum of the Horse Soldier, 6541 E Tanque Verde Rd (Trail Dust Town), ☏ +1 520-722-2706, r.g.whitleymilitaryhistory@gmail.com. Su 11AM-5PM, M Tu by appt, W-Sa 11AM-7PM. Has one of the country's largest public collections of items illustrating the history of US calvary from the 18th to 21st centuries. $3 (adults), $2 (children 7-18), free (children under 7). (updated Mar 2017)
Parks and wildlife
A Ferruginous Hawk at the Arizona-Sonora Desert MuseumSabino Canyon
32.244122-111.16799519Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N Kinney Rd, ☏ +1 520-883-2702. Oct-Feb 8:30AM-5PM, Mar-Sep 7:30AM-5PM. More like Biosphere II than a walled institution, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is part zoo, part natural history museum and part botanical garden all in one Tucson attraction. From tarantulas to black bears, coyotes to scorpions, the museum-zoo is an entrancing and full-contact tribute to the Sonoran desert's wildlife (the wire fences are nearly invisible and the hummingbirds in the buzzing, walk-in aviary seem to think you are the attraction). Give yourself time to soak in the Southwest splendor and if time is all you have, the Museum is also on the fringes of Saguaro National Park, home to the world's largest forests of Saguaro cacti. $14.50/adult, $5/child (Sep-May); $12/adult, $4/child Jun-Aug.
32.061973-110.63328120Colossal Cave Mountain Park, 16721 E Old Spanish Trail (Vail), ☏ +1 520-647-7275, info@colossalcave.com. Daily 8AM-5PM, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas; tours hourly, last tour at 4PM. A "dry" cave with 3½ miles of mapped passageways. The cave was used by pre-Columbian Native Americans, and rediscovered in 1879. Also on park grounds are a cowboy ranch museum, a butterfly garden, horseback trails, and picnic and camping facilities. Park: $5 (auto), $1 (bicycle); cave: $16 (adults), $9 (children 5-12). (updated Apr 2016)
32.315336-110.81958121Sabino Canyon, 5900 N Sabino Canyon Rd, ☏ +1 520-749-8700, friends@sabinocanyon.org. Spectacular desert canyon cut into the south side of the Santa Catalina Mountains, now on Tucson's northern urban fringe. A tram (for a fare) will take visitors 9 stops into Sabino Canyon; a separate tram will take you into Bear Canyon and to the trailhead of the popular Seven Falls Trail. To park, you will need a Coronado Recreation Pass ($5/day, $20/year) which is also good for use on Mt. Lemmon.
32.180843-110.73022822Saguaro National Park, 3693 S Old Spanish Trail, ☏ +1 520-733-5153. The most dense forest of the iconic cactus of the American West. The park has two unconnected units to the east and west of Tucson.
32.339981-110.98090223Tohono Chul Park, 7366 N Paseo del Norte, ☏ +1 520-742-6455. "Tohono chul" means "desert corner" in the Tohono O'Odham's (desert people's) language, and this haven in the midst of Tucson's burgeoning north side offers a tea room, gift shop, bookstore, and art gallery in the middle of trails and gardens. There are extensive botanical exhibits explaining the native plants, and a wonderful plant-sale area in which to buy them for your own garden. Many kinds of desert birds are frequent visitors.
32.248523-110.90848824Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N Alvernon Way, ☏ +1 520-326-9686. This beautiful oasis in the heart of Tucson was the home of Bernice and Rutger Porter. Dating to the 1920s, the earliest buildings on the property were constructed of adobe bricks made right on site. True to the vision of Mrs. Porter, Tucson Botanical Gardens is a place of beauty, inspiration and education about the natural world.
32.209315-110.92056725Reid Park Zoo, 1030 S Randolph Way, ☏ +1 520-791-4022. Jun-Aug daily 8AM-3PM, Sep-May 9AM-4PM. Cares for more than 500 animals. The zoo has a state-of-the-art facility for treating cancers with radiation and heat therapy, and treats animal patients from zoos all over the country. $9 (adults), $7 (seniors), $5 (children 2-14).
Outside of town
Mission San Xavier del Bac
32.107079-111.00785726Mission San Xavier del Bac, 1950 W San Xavier Rd (Tohono O'odham San Xavier Indian Reservation, 10 miles S of Tucson), ☏ +1 520-294-2624. The "White Dove of the Desert" is a Tucson mission. Pure white and pristine against a hot desert backdrop, and still heady inside its elaborately colored and muraled interior from centuries of supplication, the Mission San Xavier del Bac was finished in 1797 when Arizona was still New Spain. It has been cleaned and restored by professional art conservators who worked with and trained members of the community.
32.218538-111.1303627Old Tucson Studios, 201 S Kinney Rd, ☏ +1 520-883-0100. Ever notice that Hollywood's Old West, the backdrop for the gun-slinging and cryptic comments of Hollywood's Western icons – Wayne, Eastwood, Douglas and Newman – has much in common with the Wild West of today's Tombstone and Geronimo? They've all been filmed at the Old Tucson Studios, originally built in 1939 for the making of the William Holden vehicle "Arizona." Still an active film, TV and commercial set, it's also a nostalgia-themed park, with main drag shootouts, corseted can-can dancers, educational shows, pre-Prohibition saloons, restaurants, and gift shops.
Talk
Tucson is a very diverse city. English is the most widely spoken language. Many people in the south side are bilingual in English and Spanish.
Do
Performing arts
32.21782-110.9700571Arizona Theatre Company (Temple of Music and Art), 330 S Scott Ave (downtown), ☏ +1 520-622-2823 (box office), info@arizonatheatre.org. Box office: M-F 10AM-5PM/curtain, Sa Su noon-curtain. Also operating in Phoenix, the company performs six productions a year. Tickets can be purchased online. (updated Mar 2017)
32.23125-110.955432Centennial Hall, 1020 E University Blvd (University of Arizona), ☏ +1 520-621-3341 (ticket office). Ticket office: Sep-Apr M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa noon-5PM; May-Aug hours vary; open 2 hr before performance. A venue for classical music, dance, jazz, and musicals. Tickets can be purchased online. (updated Mar 2017)
32.21971-110.973253Leo Rich Theater, 260 S Church Ave (Tucson Convention Center), ☏ +1 520-837-4766 (ticket office), toll-free: +1 800-745-3000. Ticket office: M-F 10AM-5:30PM, 2 hr before event. The venue for concerts sponsored by the Arizona Friends of Chamber Music, and Tucson's primary space for ballet, theater, and musicals. Tickets can be purchased online. (updated Mar 2017)
Tucson Gem & Mineral ShowFiesta de los VaquerosAll Souls Procession
32.1306-110.58275Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, ☏ +1 520-322-5773, fax: +1 520-322-6031, tgms@tgms.org. late January - mid February. For two weeks every winter, the world meets in Tucson as it becomes a bustling, international marketplace of buyers and sellers at the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase. The "Gem Show" is much more than a single event at one location. Rather, there are thousands of participants and attendees at nearly 50 sites around town. Dozens of shows take place at the same time – in giant white tents, at hotels and resorts and at exhibit halls. There's something for everyone at the many open-to-the-public shows – from gold and diamonds to granite bookends and glass beads – and from fine specimens of dinosaur fossils to opals dug from the Australian Outback.
32.166694-110.9665196Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Pima County Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S 6th Ave, ☏ +1 520-741-2233, toll-free: +1-800-964-5662, info@tucsonrodeo.com. February. An annual week-long rodeo held in mid-February, the highlight of which is the Rodeo Parade. This event marks the start of rodeo season in the US. $22-60.
32.10798-111.008267Wa:k Pow Wow, 1950 W San Xavier Rd (behind Mission San Xavier del Bac, on the San Xavier Indian Reservation), ☏ +1 520-573-4000, wakpowwow@gmail.com. 2nd weekend in March; activities begin at 10AM on Sa and extend until 6PM on Su. This annual two-day event showcases traditional dancing from a number of different regional tribes. Booths offer crafts and jewelry for sale, as well as food and beverages. $7 (adults), $5 (children), free (children under 6); $3 for parking. (updated Feb 2017)
32.21771-110.974549Tucson Modernism Week, 260 S Church Ave (Tucson Convention Center). October. Annual festival celebrating Tucson's legacy of mid-century modern architecture and design, centered around the mid-century modern convention center and its Garrett Eckbo-designed plaza. Events include a vintage market where numerous vendors sell everything mod, from suits and ties to designer furniture to cool retro gadgets; a car show displaying mostly mid-century cars and trailers; various lectures on architecture; and tours of various mid-century modern homes around Tucson. Prices vary by event; the market and car show are free, but most lectures require tickets. (updated Nov 2018)
32.227705-110.96867710All Souls Procession (All Soul's Weekend), Downtown (route begins on N 6th Ave and E 6th St, and ends on W Congress Ave after I-10). November. One of the largest festivals in Tucson and based on the Mexican holiday 'Dia de los Muertos' (Day of the Dead), the highlight is a 3-mile parade beginning at dusk. Very colorful, with participants dressing in traditional or creative costumes. Takes place annually on the first Sunday in November. (updated Mar 2017)
32.321728-110.89163111La Fiesta de Guadalupe, 6300 N Swan Rd (DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun), ☏ +1 520-299-9191, toll-free: +1-800-545-2185, cs@degrazia.org. First Sunday in December, 10AM-4PM. This annual event celebrates Mexico's patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe, and features performances by mariachi bands, folklorico dancers, Yaqui dancers, and Spanish flamenco guitar. Booths sell crafts and souvenirs, as well as southwestern-style food and beverages. Free. (updated Apr 2016)
32.269426-110.92934812Winterhaven Festival of Lights. December. An annual event in the Winterhaven subdivision north of Fort Lowell Road displaying a huge Christmas light festival involving several dozen homes in the subdivision. The festival starts in the middle of December, ending a few days before New Year's Day. The event is very popular, and traffic to the event is always very congested.
Sports and outdoor activities
Romero Canyon in Santa Catalina State ParkOcotillo blooming in Tucson Mountain Park
32.2303-110.9459513Arizona Wildcats, McKale Center, 1721 E. Enke Dr, ☏ +1 520 621-2287, toll-free: +1-800-452-2287, catsinfo@arizona.edu. M-F 9AM–5PM. The city's highest-profile sports teams are those of the University of Arizona, members of the Pac-12 Conference alongside 11 other schools in the western third of the country. While the school fields teams in 21 sports (nine men's and 12 women's), the biggest draws are (as at most major schools) football and men's basketball. The latter is a very tough ticket, considering the Wildcats' consistent regional and national success in that sport for the last 30 or so years.
32.135338-110.95434315[dead link]Roller Derby Scene (Junior, Men and Women Roller Derby), 1145 E Valencia Rd. The roller derby scene in Tucson is a vibrant one. Tucson Roller Derby, formerly national contenders in the sport, are now a low-scoring team that does not play high level teams but does put on bouts almost every week. Tucson Derby Brats, the first junior roller derby league in the nation, is one of the top junior derby teams in the nation. The Tucson Gunslingers are a men's team that usually plays with the Phoenix men's team. Any one of these teams are a great introduction to the world of roller derby.
32.41779-110.9304816Catalina State Park, 11570 N Oracle Rd (10 miles N of downtown), ☏ +1 520-628-5798. Daily 8AM-5PM (visitor center). On the northwestern edge of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this park covers 5,500 acres and has eight multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, of varying difficulty. Other popular activities include picnicking, wildlife viewing and birdwatching, with over 170 avian species identified in the park. A small shop at the visitor center carries such items as snack, water, sunscreen, maps, and books. $7 (vehicle w/1-4 adults), $3 (individual/bicycle). (updated Apr 2016)
32.382281-110.76290117Santa Catalina Mountains, ☏ +1 520-749-8700 (Santa Catalina Ranger District). Managed by the Coronado National Forest, the Santa Catalinas northeast of Tucson offer a number of hiking trails for all skill levels, as well as opportunities for horse riding, mountain biking, camping, and even downhill skiing. The range is crowned by the 9,157-foot Mt Lemmon, which provides a cool retreat during hot summers. The area also includes Sabino Canyon (listed above), as well as the Pusch Ridge Wilderness Area. For access to Mt Lemmon, visitors are required to purchase a Coronado Recreation Pass ($5/day, $20/year), which also is good for use in Sabino Canyon as well as Madera Canyon (listed in South Central Arizona).
32.223548-111.13946918Tucson Mountain Park, 8451 W McCain Loop, ☏ +1 520-877-6000. This minor mountain range to the southwest of the city has an excellent trail network for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. The park has many healthy stands of saguaros. The higher-elevation trails provide beautiful views, and are a popular place to photograph sunsets. Free.
32.21771-110.97521Tucson Arena, 260 S Church Ave. The venue is part of the Tucson Convention Center, and is Tucson's largest indoor arena. It hosts a number of events throughout the year including local events, concerts, Monster Truck shows, and circus performances. It has been the home for the Tucson Roadrunner American Hockey League (AHL) team. (updated Feb 2018)
Learn
32.232225-110.9513642University of Arizona. Founded in 1885, the University of Arizona is the state's original land-grant university. Today, it hosts nearly 40,000 students, with nationally pre-eminent programs in astronomy, planetary science, optical sciences, pharmacy, business, fine arts, and basketball. One unusual thing is the Tree Walk, a self-guided tour to almost a hundred rare trees on campus.
Buy
Mexican wrestling masks at the Tanque Verde Swap Meet
Gifts
32.286108-110.9422071Bahti Indian Arts, 4330 N Campbell Ave #73, ☏ +1 520-577-0290. M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 8:30AM-4PM. Sells regional Native American arts and crafts.
32.307545-110.8456893Medicine Man Gallery, 6872 E Sunrise Dr #150 (Colonia Verde Shopping Center), ☏ +1 520-722-7798. Specializes in western painter Maynard Dixon, but also represents a number of other western and Native American artists.
32.224256-110.9742964Old Town Artisans, 201 N Court Ave, ☏ +1 520-623-6024. Sep-May M-Sa 9:30AM-5:30PM, Su 11AM-5PM; Jun-Aug M-Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 11AM-4PM. Sells Mexican and Arizona crafts, including jewelry and home decor.
32.106489-111.0075665San Xavier Plaza (in front of Mission San Xavier del Bac). A few stalls here sell friendship bowls (beautifully painted ceramic bowls) made by the Tohono O’odham.
32.225894-110.9651876Silver Sea Jewelry, 330 N 4th Ave, ☏ +1 520-624-9954, lizziesilversea@gmail.com. Tu-Sa 11AM-7PM, Su M noon-5PM. In business since 1993, the store offers sterling silver jewelry at competitive prices, with interesting little figurines (fantasy, Gothic, Egyptian, skulls) and a variety of gifts. The helpful owner Lizzie can help you find the perfect goodie, including limited supply Stardust and Cake label jewelry. (updated Mar 2017)
Books
32.22675-110.965767Antigone Books, 411 N 4th Ave, ☏ +1 520-792-3715, info@antigonebooks.com. M-Th 10AM-7PM, F Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-5PM. The independent bookstore also sells cards and gifts. (updated Mar 2017)
32.235201-110.8594148Bookmans Entertainment Exchange East, 6230 E Speedway Blvd (original location), ☏ +1 520-748-9555. Daily 9AM-10PM. Practically a Tucson institution, the original branch opened on Speedway over 30 years ago. Besides used books, they also have used CDs, DVDs, video games, etc. All branches have free Wi-Fi and electric vehicle charging stations, and permit pets in the store.
32.2876-110.9737111REI, 160 W Wetmore Rd (Tucson Mall), ☏ +1 520-887-1938. M-F 10AM-9PM, Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 10AM-6PM. This branch of the Seattle-based chain carries a good selection of outdoor gear and clothing. They also offer classes and lectures, most of them free, on a range of topics relating to the region and travel in general. (updated Mar 2017)
32.23664-110.8804912Summit Hut (Speedway Store), 5251 E Speedway Blvd, ☏ +1 520-325-1554, speedway@summithut.com. M-F 9AM-8PM, Sa 9AM-6:30PM, Su 9AM-5PM. Offers great gear and resources for getting outdoors around Tucson. A very local shop with more than 30 years of experience. Go in and ask questions, these guys will take the time to help you out. (updated Mar 2017)
32.34742-110.9779313Summit Hut (Oro Valley Store), 7745 N Oracle Rd (Oracle Crossings Shopping Center, N of Ina), ☏ +1 520-888-1000, orovalley@summithut.com. M-F 9AM-8PM, Sa 9AM-6:30PM, Su 9AM-5PM. (updated Mar 2017)
Other
32.23553-110.9256114The RumRunner (The Rum Runner), 3131 E 1st St (just off SE corner of Speedway & Country Club), ☏ +1 520 326-0121. 11AM-10PM. Wine and spirits shop, with large international selection. Full-service cheese and deli counter, with wine tastings and in-house bistro.
32.17485-110.91932415Tanque Verde Swap Meet, 4100 S Palo Verde Rd, ☏ +1 520-294-4252. Fr 3PM-11PM, Sa 7AM-11PM, Su 7AM-3PM. A great place to find all sorts of oddities.
Shopping centers
Trail Dust Town
32.32497-110.9299216La Encantada Shopping Center, 2905 E Skyline Dr, ☏ +1 520-299-3566. M-W 10AM-7PM, Th-Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 11AM-6PM. Tucson's only luxury shopping center. (updated Mar 2017)
32.21979-110.8652817Park Place, 5870 E Broadway Blvd, ☏ +1 520-747-7575. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM. The mall is anchored by Dillard's, Macy's, Old Navy, and Sears, and has a Cinemark movie theater. (updated Mar 2017)
32.24727-110.8532418Trail Dust Town, 6541 E Tanque Verde Rd, ☏ +1 520-296-4551, fax: +1 520-298-3614, info@traildusttown.com. Daily 8AM-11PM (courtyard); shop hrs vary. This unusual shopping center is on an unfinished western movie set, and in addition to shops has a number of tourist attractions. These include a 1954 Allan Herschell carousel, a narrow-gauge railroad, and a military museum. (updated Mar 2017)
32.28886-110.974719Tucson Mall, 4500 N Oracle Rd, ☏ +1 520-293-7330. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su noon-6PM. Tucson's largest mall has 200 shops and is anchored by Macy's, Dillard's, and Sears. (updated Mar 2017)
Eat
Sonoran hot dogs
As you can guess, Tucson is a veritable hub of Southwestern and Mexican cuisine. But Tucson is an adventurous town (easily the most liberal metropolitan area in Arizona) and as a result of its diversity, has a vibrant culinary culture.
One noteworthy concoction unique to Tucson, Phoenix, and southern Arizona is the Sonoran hot dog. First developed in Hermosillo, Sonora, it consists of a traditional hot dog wrapped with bacon and then grilled. It is served in a bolillo (a Mexican roll) with pinto beans, onions, and tomatoes, and topped with mayonnaise, mustard, and jalapeños. The hot dog is traditionally sold from street carts, but several of the longer-established vendors now have sit-down restaurants, with branches scattered around Tucson.
Budget
Making Sonoran hot dogs at BK TacosEegees
32.261924-110.9434881Beyond Bread Central, 3026 N Campbell Ave (original location, btw Glenn and Ft Lowell), ☏ +1 520-322-9965, campbell@beyondbread.com. M-F 6:30AM-8PM, Sa 7AM-8PM, Su 7AM-6PM. Amazing sandwiches on fresh-baked bread, made from ingredients that are as fresh as possible. (In addition to baking bread daily, the restaurant also roasts its turkey and beef on site.) They also have an espresso bar and pastries. A nice place for lunch, but watch out – it's very popular, and you may have to wait in line. Alternately, you can pre-order your meal for pickup online. Average sandwich (hot & cold) costs around $6-6.50, chips included. (updated Mar 2017)
32.33641-110.976122Beyond Bread Northwest, 421 W Ina Rd (SE corner of Ina and Oracle), ☏ +1 520-461-1111, ina@beyondbread.com. M-F 6:30AM-8PM, Sa 7AM-8PM, Su 7AM-6PM. Online orders for this location can be placed here. (updated Mar 2017)
32.23526-110.858643Beyond Bread East, 6260 E Speedway Blvd (Monterey Village Shopping Center), ☏ +1 520-747-7477, speedway@beyondbread.com. M-F 6:30AM-8PM, Sa 7AM-8PM, Su 7AM-6PM. Online orders for this location can be placed here. (updated Mar 2017)
32.206683-110.9652314Birrieria Guadalajara, 304 E 22nd St (SE corner of 22nd St and 4th Ave), ☏ +1 520-624-8020. Daily 7AM-8PM. A hole-in-the-wall Mexican diner frequented by the Hispanic workers and Gringos in the know. All the standard Mexican fare, but an unusual emphasis on caldos or soup. Birria is shredded beef in its own broth – this place makes the best! (updated Mar 2017)
32.22565-110.965375Bison Witches, 326 N 4th Ave, ☏ +1 520-740-1541. Daily 11AM-midnight. Features tons of different sammies that are huge and will fill you up. Bread bowl soups are another popular choice at this deli/bar and is a college student's dream of a chill place to hang out and get in on some great drink specials. Thursdays is a great night for hanging out here. Sandwiches $8-12. (updated Mar 2017)
32.15904-110.977786BK Tacos (BK Carne Asada and Hot Dogs), 5118 S 12th Ave (original location), ☏ +1 520-295-0105, bk@gmail.com. Su-Th 9AM-midnight, F Sa 9AM-2:30AM. Very popular, specializes in Sonoran hot dogs, tacos, and other classic Mexican dishes. (updated Mar 2017)
32.25585-110.960577BK Tacos (BK Carne Asada and Hot Dogs), 2680 N 1st Ave (north of the university), ☏ +1 520-207-2245, bk@gmail.com. Su-Th 9AM-11PM, F Sa 9AM-midnight. A second, newer branch of the very popular restaurant. (updated Mar 2017)
32.229175-110.8848558Char's Thai Restaurant, 5039 E 5th St (by Rosemont Blvd), ☏ +1 520-795-1715. M-F 11AM-3PM 5PM-9PM, Sa Su 5PM-9PM. It's not always easy to find good Asian restaurants in the desert, but this hole in the wall has to be near the top of anyone's list of favorites. Owned and operated by former residents of Bangkok, the restaurant has a huge selection of tasty curries and noodle dishes. The lunch specials are a great value; takeout available. (updated Mar 2017)
32.223564-110.9565159East Coast Super Subs, 187 N Park Ave, ☏ +1 520-882-4005. Daily 11AM-8PM. For the best subs on the west coast, go to East Coast. An absolute must-eat for the cheesesteak connoisseur. Just as famous as the dozens of legendary subs is the memorabilia collection. Takeout and delivery are available, and can be ordered online. (updated Mar 2017)
32.235818-110.93455610Eegee's, 2510 E Speedway Blvd, ☏ +1 520-881-3280. Daily 9:30AM-10PM, drive-thru closes at 11PM. A Tucson chain of sub shops, you shouldn't leave Tucson without trying this place. Popular for their frozen slushie-snowcone combo (locally referred to simply as Eegees), they have piña colada, strawberry and lemonade flavors year-round and a unique flavor of the month. Eegee's are also known for their fries, which you can order with ranch dressing (ranch fries), marinara sauce (pizza fries) and fries with chili (chili cheese fries). They also offer pretzels, cookies, chips and sub sandwiches. There are a total of 26 branches in the Tucson area. (updated Mar 2017)
Desserts at the Epic CafeSonoran hot dogs, tacos, and quesadilla at El Güero Canelo
32.231492-110.96576611Epic Cafe, 745 N 4th Ave (SW corner of 4th Ave and University), ☏ +1 520-624-6844. Daily 6AM-11PM. An eclectic coffee house with outdoor tables, free Wi-Fi, good organic food, intricately tattooed wait staff, and an independent vibe. Bulletin boards to see what is going on in town. Coffee $1-3; soups, pastries, and sandwiches $3-8. (updated Feb 2017)
32.157617-110.97721412El Güero Canelo, 5201 S 12th Ave (the original, S of Irvington), ☏ +1 520-295-9005. Su 8:30AM-10PM, M 10AM-10PM, Tu-Th 10AM-11PM, F 8:30AM-midnight, Sa 8AM-midnight. One of Tucson's most famous restaurants, primarily known for their Sonoran hot dogs. Offers a large selection of Mexican dishes. They have some of the best carne asada in the Southwest! Takeout available at all locations.
32.2519-110.9776313El Güero Canelo, 2480 N Oracle Rd, ☏ +1 520-882-8977. Su 8AM-10PM, M 10AM-10PM, Tu-Th 10AM-11PM, F Sa 8AM-midnight. (updated Mar 2017)
32.20649-110.8682114El Güero Canelo, 5802 E 22nd St, ☏ +1 520-790-6000. Su 9AM-10PM, M 9:30AM-10PM, Tu-Th 9:30AM-11PM, F Sa 9AM-11PM. (updated Mar 2017)
32.199969-110.96552215Guillermo's Double L Restaurant, 1830 S 4th Ave (South Tucson), ☏ +1 520-792-1585. M-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM. Solid Mexican food, with good atmosphere and prices. (updated Mar 2017)
32.229624-110.96543116La Indita Restaurant Mexicano, 622 N 4th Ave, ☏ +1 520-704-9240. M-Sa 11AM-8:30PM, Su 9AM-8:30PM. Wonderful food and ambiance, a real gem. Also offers Native American dishes and many vegetarian options. Delivery and takeout can be ordered online. (updated Apr 2016)
32.199985-110.96520617Mi Nidito, 1813 S 4th Ave, ☏ +1 520-622-5081, info@minidito.net. W-Su 11AM-close. Authentic Mexican food with excellent margaritas. Dinner for two with margaritas is about $30. (updated Feb 2017)
32.206519-110.87760218[dead link]El Molinito, 5380 W 22nd St (by Craycroft), ☏ +1 520-747-9162. Su 9AM-9PM, M-Th 10AM-9PM, F Sa 10AM-10PM. A local favorite with great Mexican food, has been in Tucson for at least 20 years and has great service. Known for their frozen margaritas. Try their beans and carne asada tacos on a soft flour tortilla. Three other branches are on Ina Road, Pantano Road, and Oracle Road. (updated Mar 2017)
32.231839-110.99005919Pat's Chili Dogs, 1202 W Niagara St (between St Mary's Rd and Speedway), ☏ +1 520-624-0891. Su noon-9PM, M-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM. An old time drive-in (carhop service however does not exist – you must walk up to the order window). Lunchtime is packed with Tucsonans ordering chili and cheese dogs in the state. French fries made from fresh potatoes on site, with lots of hot sauce. (updated Mar 2017)
32.31325-110.9787220Rigo's Tucson Mexican Restaurant, 5851 N Oracle Rd, ☏ +1 520-887-2132, rigosrestaurantllc@gmail.com. M 7AM-7PM, Tu-F 7AM-9PM, Sa Su 7AM-10PM. Mexican food with breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets, as well as menus. Known for their carne asada and margaritas. Mariachi bands on Friday nights. (updated Mar 2017)
32.22945-110.99472921Viva Burrito Co, 1372 W St Marys Rd, ☏ +1 520-623-5211. Daily 24 hrs. A local fast food chain known for its large, tasty breakfast burritos, as well as tacos and enchiladas. Has a drive-thru. There are a total of six branches in Tucson. (updated Mar 2017)
32.25674-110.9441522Yoshimatsu Healthy Japanese Eatery, 2741 N Campbell Ave, ☏ +1 520-320-1574. Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM. Local, homemade Japanese food and a sushi bar in the same building. Great romantic location and a separate vegetarian menu. Takeout available. (updated Mar 2017)
Mid-range
Cup CafeEl Minuto Cafe, one Tucson's oldest Mexican restaurantsMaking tortillas at Teresa's Mosaic Cafe
32.22943-110.9657523The B-Line, 621 N 4th Ave, ☏ +1 520-882-7575. Su-Th 8AM-9PM, F Sa 8AM-10PM. A small but very popular cafe near the University of Arizona. You can't go wrong with nearly anything served here. Excellent pies and cakes that average $6 a slice – which are an absolute must if you come by. Several import and domestic microbrewery beers and wines are offered, and they also sell Mexican Coca-Cola too. Mains $10 (breakfast and lunch). (updated Mar 2017)
32.22299-110.9696624Cafe Poca Cosa, 110 E Pennington St (downtown), ☏ +1 520-622-6400. Tu-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM. Creative southwestern and Mexican cuisine in a fun atmosphere. Order the Plato Poca Cosa ($20), and chef-owner Suzana Davila will choose three entrees for you to sample. Trust her judgment. $46 (dinner for two). (updated Mar 2017)
32.22573-110.9745125El Charro Café, 311 N Court Ave, ☏ +1 520-622-1922. Daily 10AM-9PM. Opened in 1922, El Charro is the oldest continuously-operated, family-owned Mexican restaurant in the United States. The food is classic Southwestern, with more Sonoran influences than many Tucson restaurants.
32.22227-110.9669126Cup Cafe, 311 E Congress St (in the Hotel Congress), ☏ +1 520-798-1618. Daily 7AM-10PM. Unusual, eclectic mix of Indian, Thai, Japanese, American and Mediterranean food, easily the most interesting restaurant in Tucson. You'll find plenty of vegetarian and some vegan options. On a nice day you can sit outside. (updated Mar 2017)
32.271717-110.95319827Guadalajara Original Grill, 1220 E Prince Rd, ☏ +1 520-323-1022. Su-Th 10AM-10PM, F Sa 10AM-11PM. A popular, fun and entertaining Mexican restaurant featuring live mariachis 7 nights per week, fresh salsa made table-side, and homemade tortillas. A great place to go with friends to enjoy the lively and homey atmosphere. The restaurant runs culinary tour of Mexico, and features dishes from different states of Mexico each month that are fun to try. Dinner time includes roaming mariachi singers. Mains $12-22. (updated Mar 2017)
32.2166-110.97469829El Minuto Cafe, 354 S Main Ave, ☏ +1 520-882-4145, info@elminutocafe.com. Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM. Authentic Sonoran cuisine in an adobe house in the barrio, open since 1936. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu, but do order the mole if they have it on the day you are there. The carne seca is superb and the chiles rellenos are magnificent. Make sure to sample the fresh, made-on-the-premises tortillas. Combine this with a visit to El Tiradito, which is nearby. (updated Mar 2017)
32.325162-110.92841430NOT EXISTING LISTING IMAGENorth Italia, 2995 E Skyline Dr (La Encantada Mall), ☏ +1 520-299-1600. M-Th 11AM-10PM, F 11AM-11PM, Sa 10AM-11PM, Su 10AM-4PM. Italian in heritage, but extremely experimental. Dishes range from pizzas to pasta to steak, and are normally in the range of $19-$25 (others depend on market prices). (updated Feb 2017)
32.264518-110.9457931Rosa's Mexican Food Restaurant, 1750 E Ft Lowell Rd, Ste 164 (by N Campbell Ave), ☏ +1 520-325-0362. Daily 11AM-10PM. Excellent Sonoran-style Mexican food in this family-owned and operated storefront restaurant. Rosa's salsa is consistently voted one of the top three in Tucson by the readers of the Tucson Weekly. The food is heavy on the meat and cheese, with buttery tortillas and delicious refried beans. Entrées $7-$10. (updated Mar 2017)
32.23577-110.8973532Sushi Ten, 4500 E Speedway Blvd, Ste 1, ☏ +1 520-324-0010. M-Th 11AM-9:30, F Sa 11AM-10PM, Su noon-9PM. A popular Japanese sushi house. (updated Mar 2017)
32.235821-110.89731933Takamatsu, 5532 E Speedway Blvd #1, ☏ +1 520-512-0800. Su-Th 11AM-9:30PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM. Takamatsu concentrates on Japanese and Korean dishes where it's common to order sushi. Also, you'll notice that there is habachi-style cooking. Entrées $12-$20. (updated Mar 2017)
32.25152-111.0151634Teresa’s Mosaic Cafe, 2456 N Silver Mosaic Dr, ☏ +1 520-624-4512. M-Sa 7:30AM-9PM, Su 7:30AM-2PM. This long-established family-owned restaurant serves authentic Sonoran Mexican cuisine, and they make their own tortillas onsite. The albóndigas (Mexican meatballs) are especially recommended. Mains $9-16. (updated Mar 2017)
32.261325-110.89224235Vero Amore, 3305 N Swan Rd, Ste 105, ☏ +1 520-325-4122, manager@veroamorepizza.com. Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM. This is a certified pizzeria that hand-makes their mozzarella, and has the finest ingredients from Italy. Their pizza crust is crispy and chewy, and the prosciutto caprese salad, margarita pizza, and capricciosa pizza are all recommended. (updated Mar 2017)
32.32406-110.9272936Vivace Restaurant, 6440 N Campbell Ave, ☏ +1 520-795-7221. M-Th 11:30AM-9PM, F Sa 11:30AM-10PM. Vivace is an upscale restaurant that focuses on and serves Italian dishes. Casual dress. The establishment is spacious, and the atmosphere is enhanced by flowers at the tables. Table talk requires you to speak up a bit here. Also, you'll notice that there is an open kitchen. Entrées $12-20. (updated Mar 2017)
32.250832-110.95899737Yamato Japanese Restaurant, 857 E Grant Rd, ☏ +1 520-624-3377. M-F 11AM-2PM, 5PM-9:30PM, Sa 5PM-9:30PM. Highly regarded sushi and Japanese. (updated Mar 2017)
Splurge
The Grill at Hacienda del Sol
32.24252-110.9397438Arizona Inn, 2200 E Elm St, ☏ +1 520-325-1541. Serving an American fare, this is a fine dining facility. Expect the average entrée to cost in the range of $20 to $30. Architecturally, the restaurant is in an historic structure. The restaurant has a southwestern U.S. style decor. The interior is enhanced by prints and flowers at the tables, and the lighting is set quite dim. This is a white tablecloth restaurant, and the fireplace adds to the atmosphere and mood here. The establishment has several dining rooms. It has a romantic atmosphere.
32.321737-110.92888839Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 6360 N Campbell Ave, ☏ +1 520-529-5017. Fleming's is known for its prime steak and elegant, cherry wood atmosphere. Its wine list features over 100 wines available by the glass. This steakhouse also offers bar menu specials until 7PM.
32.307882-110.91446140The Grill at Hacienda del Sol, 5601 N Hacienda del Sol Rd, ☏ +1 520-529-3500, lburns@haciendadelsol.com. Daily; Su brunch 9:30AM-2PM. Mobil four-star American-style grill featuring (Fall 2004) swordfish, Angus beef, buffalo sirloin, lamb, Scottish salmon, and other entrées. Reservations are recommended, and can be made online. (updated Apr 2016)
Tucson has an active wine community, with many retailers, restaurants and wine bars regularly offering scheduled wine tasting events. Cochise County, southeast of Tucson has many wineries, some of which welcome visitors.
The majority of Tucson's nightlife for young and old is in three small areas of the town near the University of Arizona, all within walking distance to each other. The three are: 4th Avenue, University, and Downtown. Tucson nightlife tends to start later than nightlife in other areas of Arizona, such as Phoenix or Scottsdale. Expect bars and clubs to be sparsely populated until approx 10-10:30PM on an average weekend night.
4th Avenue stretches from University ave in the north to downtown Tucson in the south (only about ½ mile long). This stretch of 4th Avenue is the main nightlife strip of Tucson and filled with bars and restaurants of all varieties on each side of the street.
The downtown Tucson area just south of 4th Avenue tends caters to a nicer and wealthier crowd and is home to many of Tucson's higher class restaurants and cocktail bars, as well as the famous Club Congress.
The University Ave area of Tucson starts on University/Euclid on the west and runs several blocks until it ends into the school. It is approximately a 10-minute walk along University Avenue from the 4th Avenue area. Like 4th Avenue, University contains a strip of bars, stores, and restaurants that cater to a variety of tastes and ages (not just college kids).
32.21443-110.9595871Barrio Brewing Company, 800 E 16th St (corner of Toole Ave), ☏ +1 520-791-2739. M-W 11AM-10PM, Th-Sa 11AM-midnight, Su 11AM-9PM. Popular microbrewery near the train tracks that meander through downtown Tucson. Built into a former industrial warehouse, the interior features high ceilings and concrete floors while the long patio outside faces the train tracks and provides a view of the Downtown skyline. $3 pints during happy hour and a good happy hour food menu. (updated Mar 2017)
32.225883-110.9653962Bison Witches, 326 N 4th Ave, ☏ +1 520-740-1541. Kitchen: daily 11AM-midnight; bar: daily 11AM-2AM. At the heart of Tucson's 4th Avenue historic district, Bison Witches is a funky little bar and restaurant that serves amazing sandwiches, has a large selection of beer and has great margaritas. Bison Witches is always full but the wait for a table is never more than 15 minutes. At night, it can get crowded now that the back patio has been remodeled into an outdoor bar. (updated Feb 2017)
32.22224-110.96653Club Congress, 311 E Congress St, ☏ +1 520-622-8848. If you feel like dancing, this is the place to go. It's in the historic Congress Hotel, where you'll find three bars and one dance floor, featuring techno dance beats and live bands. Call ahead to see who's playing. Cover charge. (updated Mar 2017)
32.228606-110.9711684The HangArt, 512 N Echols Ave (between 5th and 6th St), ☏ +1 520-477-7410. varies. Tucson's edgiest live music venue, the HangArt hosts a wide range of performers and musicians almost every night of the week. Anything from punk, folk, indie rock, alternative, hip hop, or electronica and combinations thereof may be available. The HangArt is also a gallery with frequent shows by local visual artists. The main venue is unique, a giant hanger-like storage facility holds the performers and a standing room combined with an outdoor open air seating area further away from the stage. The interior has a large white screen for video art projections which accompany the live music. Truly the most unique and amazing music venue in Tucson. Price varies, but cheap.
32.222187-110.8935945[dead link]Kon Tiki, 4625 E Broadway Blvd, ☏ +1 520-323-7193, info@kontikitucson.com. M-Th 11AM-1AM, F-Sa 10AM-2AM, Su 10AM-midnight. A Polynesian-themed bar with fruity, Cruzan-laden concoctions that's been in Tucson since 1963. Don't mind the snake behind the bar, the servers are nice and there is no cover. A reasonable place to drink, as $10 can get you feeling quite good. The Scorpion here is a must--but it is illegal to drink one by yourself, so be sure to arrange for a designated driver. Weekends can be very busy. $4.50-7.50. (updated Apr 2016)
32.224374-110.9663546Maloney's Tavern, 213 N 4th Ave (south end of bldg), ☏ +1 520-388-9355. Daily 4PM-2AM. Popular large bar with large flat screen TVs playing sports are everywhere. Good atmosphere, relaxed early, and a party atmosphere later at night. 2-for-1-drinks on Thursday nights, but beware, it can get packed on Thursday and Saturday nights with locals and college kids. No cover charge. (updated Mar 2017)
32.184829-110.9098537Nimbus Brewing Co., 3850 E 44th St, Ste 138, ☏ +1 520-745-9175. Su 11AM-9PM, M-Th 11AM-11PM, F 11AM-1AM, Sa 11AM-midnight. Popular microbrewery that serves quality food, with a monkey as its mascot. This is the actual brewery which also serves their beer and food in an industrial complex in Tucson. (updated Apr 2016)
32.224932-110.9657298O'Malley's Bar and Grill, 247 N 4th Ave, ☏ +1 520-623-8600. Daily 11AM-2AM. The largest and liveliest bar on 4th Avenue. Pool tables, indoor and outdoor areas, and opens a large dance floor in the back later at night. Live music or DJs on the weekends. Expect a line and a large crowd here after 10PM on Friday and Saturday. Drink specials throughout the week during the day. Attracts both the college and local crowd. $5 cover on F/Sa nights after 10PM, military free with ID. (updated Mar 2017)
32.227582-110.9657729The Flycatcher (formerly Plush), 340 E 6th St, ☏ +1 520-207-9251. Daily 4PM-2AM. Live music – talented local, regional, and national touring acts 5-7 nights a week. (updated Mar 2017)
32.227079-110.96545810The Surly Wench Pub, 424 N 4th Ave, ☏ +1 520-882-0009. Daily 2PM-2AM; serves food until closing. While a popular hangout for the local punk and LGBT crowd everyone is welcome. When bands are playing a $5 dollar cover is often charged. The Wench has two pool tables, an air hockey table and a lot of fun decor to peruse. They also often play B movies on a big screen over the entrance. (updated Mar 2017)
32.224628-110.96641811The Wreck, 213 N 4th Ave (shares a building with Maloney's), ☏ +1 520-388-9355. Daily 4PM-2AM. Tucson's most popular country-western bar, and the only country bar on 4th Avenue. Large dance floor, cheap drinks, and plays a mixture of country and dance songs. Lively crowd and the bartenders dance on the bar coyote ugly style. If you're looking to dance to country music in Tucson, this is your place. Gets very crowded Thursday-Saturday, but never difficult to get a drink or dance. No cover. (updated Mar 2017)
Sleep
Budget
The historic Hotel Congress
Some motels on West Miracle Mile Road and south of 3000th block of North Oracle Road tend to be cheaper, run-down motels that involve the shady types. Although good deals can be found you probably wouldn't want to take your family to any one of these. This area is a legacy of the pre-freeway auto courts, 1937 to 1965, called Miracle Mile. A number of the old hotels remain, mostly run by Indian owners, compete on price and upkeep. With the city fighting crime, mostly prostitution, aggressively in the area, widening and landscaping Oracle Road, even removing one of the few traffic circles in Tucson, now only an unsavory reputation remains as the area tries to pull itself out of decline. If you need a room for $25 this is the place to start looking.
32.185315-110.7411168Desert Dove Bed & Breakfast, 11707 E Old Spanish Trail, ☏ +1 520-722-6879, toll-free: +1-877-722-6879. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. A romantic, secluded and scenic bed and breakfast inn, close to Saguaro National Park. Rooms:$125-145.
32.236426-110.7183339Desert Trails Bed & Breakfast, 12851 E Speedway Blvd, ☏ +1 520-885-7295. Check-in: 3-6PM, check-out: 11AM. A unique adobe hacienda situated on acreage bordering Saguaro National Park East, ideal for hiking, birding, and wildlife viewing. Horseback riding available; dining and shopping close by. $ 140. (updated Mar 2017)
32.127279-110.93381610Hyatt Place Tucson Airport, 6885 S Tucson Blvd, ☏ +1 520-295-0405, fax: +1 520-295-9140. ½ mile south of the Tucson International Airport and minutes from the Desert Diamond Casino.
32.226098-110.90879711Lodge on the Desert, 306 N Alvernon Way, ☏ +1 520-320-2000, toll-free: +1-800-456-5634. Founded in 1936 as a dude ranch on the edge of town, Lodge on the Desert is now in the heart of the city. However, it still exudes desert style and beauty. The 35 rooms are beautifully appointed with unique Southwestern flair.
32.216332-110.98064812The Riverpark Inn, 350 S Freeway, ☏ +1 520-239-2300. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Near downtown, the Convention Center and close to the University of Arizona. Terrace Cafe on-site.
32.208866-111.043113Starr Pass Golf Suites, 3645 W Starr Pass Blvd, ☏ +1 520-670-0500. 80 spacious casitas and suites with spectacular desert views, many with fireplaces and balconies.
32.24252-110.93950815The Arizona Inn, 2200 E Elm St, ☏ +1 520-325-1541. This charming and classic 1930 resort was built by Isabella Greenway, Arizona's first woman to serve in the U.S. Congress (1933-1937). Colorful stucco casitas and suites ramble through meticulously, groomed grounds. The Arizona Inn has won top awards from Zagat and Condé Nast, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
32.327866-110.85069417The Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, 7000 N Resort Dr, ☏ +1 520-299-2020, toll-free: +1-800-234-5117, fax: +1 520-299-6832, ventanareservations@loewshotels.com. This hotel is at the foot of the Santa Catalina Mountains. There are a total of 398 rooms on three floors. There are two pools, five restaurants, a spa, running path, hiking trails, and there are many species of birds right outside your room on the side that looks out to the mountains. There are also two 18-hole golf courses nearby the hotel. There is free access to Sabino Canyon via a van; however, complimentary WiFi to their guests is not offered. Expect average daily rates for their standard rooms to cost $250 per night during the summer and convention seasons. Typically most guests are retirees without grandchildren - younger guests with children tend to stick out like a handful of sore thumbs.
32.241889-110.68365318Tanque Verde Ranch, 14301 E Speedway Blvd, ☏ +1 520-296-6275, toll-free: +1-800-234-3833, dude@tvgr.com. Guests at this dude ranch, founded in 1868, have a choice of getting daily massages or hitting the trail by horse or foot. Located on 640 acres in the foothills of the Rincon mountains east of Tucson, the ranch offers horseback riding, tennis, guided hiking, mountain biking and nature walks, all included in your nightly rate.
32.372423-111.16430619White Stallion Ranch, 9251 W Twin Peaks Rd, ☏ +1 520-297-0252, toll-free: +1-888-977-2624, fax: +1 520-744-2786, info@whitestallion.com. A working cattle ranch with 41 guest rooms and suites and a hacienda. Modern amenities are also available, including a fitness center, sauna, tennis court, and rec center.
Camping
Catalina State Park
32.220553-111.1446320Tucson Mountain Park, Gilbert Ray Campground, 8451 W Mccain Loop. Secluded, quiet, county-run RV Park. 30 amp electric only, water and dump station available on the grounds. No reservations taken, honor system payments. Used mostly by out of state snowbirds during the winter, worth looking at to put up adventuresome guests on a budget or those travelers with a desire to see the night sky only a few miles out of Tucson. No showers. Note: rattlesnakes are not uncommon in the park. $20/night (RVs), $10/night (tents).
32.4266-110.925221Catalina State Park, 11570 N Oracle Rd (10 miles N of downtown), ☏ +1 520-628-5798 (information), +1 520-586-2283 (reservations). Check-in: daily 8AM-5PM (ranger station). This campground has 120 campsites, all with water, grills, and picnic tables. Flush toilets and hot showers are available. Reservations are required and must be made at last 24 hours in advance; they can be made online. $15-20 (non-electric), $25-30 (electric); $5 reservation fee (nonrefundable). (updated Apr 2016)
32.061973-110.63328122Colossal Cave Mountain Park (listed above), 16721 E Old Spanish Trail (Vail), ☏ +1 520-647-7275, info@colossalcave.com. Check-in: 8AM-5PM. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the campground has 30 individual sites for tents as well as a few for RVs (no hookups). Most sites have picnic tables and grills, and water and toilets are available. $5 (car/RV), $12 (horse trailer). (updated Apr 2016)
Stay safe
Rattlesnakes are very well-camouflagedMonsoon storm in Tucson
If you go walking in the desert parks, or on your own, learn desert-safety tips. Take water, always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to get back, and if you have a cell phone, take it with you and have it on. It's disturbingly easy to get lost in the desert. Also, watch for snakes and bugs, as a few are dangerous to your health. When hiking, for example, rattlesnakes are easy to come across. When putting your slippers on in the morning, scorpions can be an unpleasant surprise.
Midtown (specifically the section along Alvernon Road between Grant and Ft. Lowell) and the south section of the city (in the general area between I-10, I-19, and Valencia) are not the safest places to be – but there are no real attractions in these areas anyway. Downtown is heavily occupied until 2AM when the bars close. If you are downtown after 2AM, be cautious. While murder rates are fairly low, they are violent and sometimes random. There is gang activity but for the most part it is directed against rival gangs. There are many homeless people downtown. The center city is heavily populated by the "young and restless", so it may seem a spooky to more conservative travelers due to the dirt and noise the youngsters create.
Tucson has one of the highest rates of vehicle theft in the USA, and there are a few locations in the city you're more likely to have your car/truck stolen at than at any other place in the town, such as the 32.13671-111.000320Walmart on 1650 W Valencia Rd and the 32.21907-110.8652821Park Place mall.
During the monsoon season (usually in the months of July - September), Tucson does experience flash flooding. Under no circumstances should you attempt to drive across a flooded road that is barricaded. If your vehicle becomes stranded in your attempt to cross the barricaded road: you will be issued a traffic citation by the police under the 1995 "stupid motorist law" (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 28-910), fined in the amount of $2000, and ordered to pay for all rescue costs (usually $1500 or more – and that doesn't include the towing expense either). Also, if you knowingly drive a vehicle into a flooded road that is barricaded with a child under the age of 16, you may also be charged with a class-1 misdemeanor charge of child endangerment (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3619 - per each child in the car) in addition to the previously mentioned penalties if your car becomes stranded.
Stay healthy
Jumping cholla cactus in Tucson Mountain Park
Newcomers to the southwest often hear about a lung infection called Valley Fever (a fungal disease – the proper medical name is coccidioidomycosis). Although it's rare to contract this disease, it should be taken seriously as it is difficult for most doctors to accurately identify it (a blood test called a coccidioidal must be done to accurately diagnose this illness), and it takes weeks for the symptoms to fully develop for an experienced doctor to recognize them. Exposure to very dusty conditions (ATV riding in the desert, construction, getting caught in a sudden dust storm) increases the opportunity to become infected. It is recommended to wear a face mask if you intend to be exposed to dusty conditions, and strongly recommended if you have a lung disease or temporarily suffering from pneumonia. There is no cure for this disease, only long term treatment. For acute symptoms patients may be prescribed an antifungal drug such as fluconazole.
Take precautions for sunburn and heat stroke. This cannot be emphasized enough if you plan to make a trek in the desert mountains. It's easy to sunburn and windburn out in the desert, and the UV rays are very strong. It is recommended to use sunscreen with at least a UV protection rating of 30 or higher. Be mindful of the extreme heat when hiking in the mountains during the summer months to avoid suffering from heat exhaustion or possibly dying from heat stroke.
Mosquitoes can be bad after a monsoon (usually in the months of July - September), so consider wearing mosquito repellent with a high concentration of DEET to reduce the risk of acquiring diseases typically transmitted by these annoying insects.
Care should be taken when you decide to ride a motorcycle or ATV in the desert, so you don't get injured by running into or bushing against the "jumping cholla" cacti. Wearing thick protective clothing, helmets, and gloves while riding are an absolute must. These are very prickly cacti with stems that detach with little or no effort, also the cacti spines are very painful to remove from your skin once contact is made.
Connect
For visitor information about events and activities taking place in Tucson, check out the city of Tucson's on-line directory.
There are surprisingly many locations within the city of Tucson that are free Wi-Fi hotspots, so free Internet access shouldn't be viewed as a problem. Most of the hotspots are in coffee shops (such as the Bruegger's Bagel locations), the local book store (Bookman's), and the local libraries (no library membership required) throughout the city.
Cope
For all emergencies you may dial 9-1-1 from any cell (active or inactive cell phone) or land line phone free-of-charge. If using a cell phone be sure to inform the operator of your exact location, as it takes extra time for the operator to attempt to triangulate your location – time is of the essence in emergency situations. When calling 911 for assistance be as calm as possible, and do not panic or use profanity over the phone, as the operator on the phone might consider the call as a prank.
For non-emergencies dial the police department at +1 520-791-4444 between 8AM and 10PM (after 10PM, you may dial 9-1-1 for all issues).
Consulates
32.287033-110.9444433Canadian Consulate, 1840 E River Rd, Ste 200, ☏ +1 520-622-3641.
32.24681-110.909186Paraguayan Consulate, 3909 E Justin Ln.
32.3185-110.9148487Costa Rican Honorary Consul, 3567 E Sunrise Dr, Ste 235, ☏ +1 520-577-5559, +1 520-529-7068, fax: +1 520-577-6781, costarica@missiontrust.com. appointment only. Honorary consulates typically represent the business interests of a nation, and do not provide legal or citizen support (such as passport support) to its citizens.
Bisbee makes for a pleasant day trip. The Copper Queen has great food and historic accommodation.
Tombstone. Visit the famous old west boom town to see "haunted" theaters, graves of famous outlaws, and reenactments of the famous O.K. Corral shootout. For more serious Old West history, be sure to visit the Cochise County Courthouse museum. A must for any trip to southern Arizona.
Oracle. 35 miles north of downtown Tucson via Oracle Road (Highway 77). Higher, Cooler, wetter, greener. Has Oracle State Park. Bedroom - artist community. Interesting people. Beautiful drive. Several overnight options (from motels to dude ranches) and restaurants. Two lively bars. Biosphere 2 is on the way. Wonderful vistas of the north side of the Santa Catalina Mountains and Mt. Lemmon ski slopes. Borders Catalina National Forest (hiking, etc). Access to Arizona Trail. 'Back road to Mt Lemmon' starts in Oracle. Interesting history (Buffalo Bill, Gold Mining, Dude Ranches, et al). Main drag not much to look at but lots of hidden gems. See life in an unusually rich small Arizona town.
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3 Canadian Consulate, 1840 E River Rd, Ste 200, ☏ +1 520-622-3641.
4 El Salvadoran Consulate General, 3127 E 2nd St, ☏ +1 520-318-0410, +1 520-318-0411, fax: +1 520-318-0412, consuladotucson@rree.gob.sv.
5 Mexican Consulate, 553 S Stone Ave, ☏ +1 520-882-5595, +1-877-632-66-78 (Emergencies), fax: +1 520-882-8959, contucmx@mindspring.com. M-Th 8AM-5PM.
6 Paraguayan Consulate, 3909 E Justin Ln.
7 Costa Rican Honorary Consul, 3567 E Sunrise Dr, Ste 235, ☏ +1 520-577-5559, +1 520-529-7068, fax: +1 520-577-6781, costarica@missiontrust.com. appointment only. Honorary consulates typically represent the business interests of a nation, and do not provide legal or citizen support (such as passport support) to its citizens.
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