Enjoy a Weekend in Tucson

• Shopping at The Lost Barrio - Tucked away in a preserved 1930s warehouse row near downtown Tucson, The Lost Barrio Shops offer a unique shopping sanctuary where history meets artisanal craftsmanship. Esteemed establishments like Rústica, La Casa Mexicana and Colonial Frontiers provide an eclectic array of custom furniture, antique architectural elements, fine art and more, each piece narrating its own story.

• Explore Downtown Tucson - Consisting of six distinct districts (Main Gate, Fourth Avenue, Congress Street, Presidio, Convention and Mercado), each one has its own history, and together they offer opportunities to experience Tucson's many entertaining sides. Lastly, explore the mural art downtown. With pieces numbering in the hundreds, there are beautiful and vibrant works from artists like Jessica Gonzales, Joe Pagac and Ignacio Garcia all over walls in the downtown area.

• Hike Sabino Canyon - Known as the gem of the Santa Catalinas, Sabino Canyon dazzles with its towering cliffs, majestic sycamores and cottonwoods, and active streams. The $8-per-car entrance fee contributes to the area's upkeep, providing a 3.8-mile paved path for joggers and walkers, alongside the option of a $15 tram ride complete with informative narration about this distinctive ecosystem. Numerous trails diverge into the surrounding ridges and spectacular adjacent canyons, such as Bear Canyon and the refreshing pools beneath Seven Falls. The best seasons to experience the flowing waters are fall, winter and spring, as water levels dwindle in summer, only to be briefly revived by the July monsoons.

• Tour San Xavier del Bac Mission – Just nine miles south of downtown Tucson, Father Eusebio Kino established San Xavier Mission as a Catholic mission in 1692, with the construction of the present church commencing in 1783 and concluding in 1797. Known as the "White Dove of the Desert," it's renowned for its stunning Spanish colonial architecture and exquisite art. Inside, visitors can marvel at the intricate mural paintings, original statuary and ornate altar, providing a glimpse into the 18th-century artistry.

• Visit The Tucson Botanical Gardens - Situated on the grounds of a historic estate, the Tucson Botanical Gardens (TBG) span five and a half acres and encompass 20 diverse gardens in Tucson's urban center. Recognized as the fourth-best botanical garden in the nation by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards for 2023, TBG is a verdant sanctuary in the city. The Cox Butterfly & Orchid Pavilion is a highlight, presenting exotic butterflies annually from October through May. Beyond flora and fauna, the Gardens offer a dynamic array of art exhibitions, community workshops, events and global displays.

Day Trips

• If you want to add more hiking to the itinerary, I’d suggest Saguaro National Park. With locations both east and west of the city, the areas provide miles of terrain for scenic drives, hiking and biking.

• Speaking of scenic drives, consider driving up to Mt. Lemmon for the day. About an hour and 20 minutes to the top, the winding road provides beautiful views of the city as you climb. This is best done during the summer months, as it typically runs about 30 degrees cooler than Tucson and roads can be closed in the winter due to snowfall. Once at the top, welcome to the community of Summerhaven. The drive and summit are home to many hiking trails, from easier strolls to more advanced. After hiking, indulge in oversized cookies at the Mt. Lemmon Cookie Cabin, or enjoy unique fudge flavors at the Mt. Lemmon General Store & Gift Shop.

• For another day trip drive, venture to Sonoita, Arizona, where rolling vineyards meet the sky, offering a day trip filled with exquisite wine tasting and breathtaking views. This hidden gem, nestled among scenic hills a mere hour away, is a haven for oenophiles and nature enthusiasts alike. Sonoita was the first region in Arizona to be designated an American Viticultural Area (AVA), and is located just under one hour from Tucson. Visit family-owned vineyards like Callaghan, Los Milics and Dos Cabezas. Sonoita isn't just a stop on the map – it's a toast to the senses, a place where every sip and every vista tells a story of the land's rich bounty.

• From Sonoita, you can continue on one more hour to the town of Bisbee, nestled in the Mule Mountains. The town's streets, lined with Victorian architecture, invite visitors to explore a rich array of galleries, boutique shops and colorful murals. While the Queen Mine offers a nod to Bisbee's mining heritage, the town's culinary scene and quaint accommodations provide a comfortable retreat. Be sure to indulge your curious side - go tour ghost haunts, challenge yourself with the annual stair climb, imbibe at the smallest bar in the Room 4 Bar at the Silver King Hotel, or visit Magic Kenny Bang Bang for a magic show that doesn’t disappoint! In Bisbee, the past and present converge, creating an inviting atmosphere for tourists seeking both adventure and cultural enrichment.

Breakfast & Brunch

• Cup Cafe at Hotel Congress - The Cup Cafe, a cherished fixture in downtown Tucson, is renowned for its inventive and flavorful dishes, serving as a full-service, contemporary bistro that attracts both locals and visitors. For breakfast, try the cast iron baked eggs with ham, leeks, shallots and gruyère cheese. Completing the experience, The Cup offers homemade desserts baked on site, an inviting and spacious outdoor patio, a full-service bar, original signature cocktails and a carefully curated wine selection. Come for breakfast and return for after-dinner drinks, dessert and live music on the outdoor plaza.

• Blue Willow - If you live in Tucson, you know Blue Willow. It’s been a breakfast staple since it opened its doors in 1978. While they have recently been updating the menu and general ambiance, beloved breakfast favorites like their huevos rancheros, Sonoran carnitas Benedict, and Blue Willow Special remain. However, they've also introduced exciting new additions, including a savory fried chicken and Belgian waffle served with a zesty homemade hot sauce, and a blackened shrimp and grits. Don’t forget to jump on the waiting list online before showing up, and don’t miss the gift shop - it’s a fun one.

Lunch & Markets

• Time Market - Time Market is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu features local produce, humanely raised and sustainably ranched meats, and eggs from cage-free hens. The kitchen makes nearly everything in house, from pickles, krauts and fresh mozzarella to sausage and capocollo. Enjoy sandwiches served on house-made artisan bread, fresh salads or delicious pizzas. Eat in house with a glass of wine or get takeout, but take your time in the market and grab a bottle of wine or two to go.

• Flora’s Market Run - Flora’s Market Run serves as a staple in the Tucson community – the space functions as a grocery store, cafe, bakery and restaurant. At the restaurant, add salmon to the Chopped Market Salad - it is one of my all-time favorites.

• Tumerico - Tumerico, a vegetarian/vegan restaurant, was just named the No. 1 place to eat in America, according to Yelp’s 2024 "Top 100 Places to Eat in the US" list. Chef-owner Wendy Garcia uses items like fried jackfruit in place of meat for her carne asada plate and serves it with eggplant chicharron and crispy soy chorizo. For the cactus tacos, nopalitos are cooked down with cashew sauce and loaded into tortillas with cabbage and pickled veggies and topped with cashew cream. But as a scratch kitchen, the menu changes daily, and people have been known to drive hours just to taste what’s on it on any given day.

Happy Hour & Dinner

• Penca - Penca is renowned for elevating classic Mexican cuisine to remarkable heights with its unique Penca touch. The restaurant's skillful fusion of flavors and textures secures its status as a top-tier dining spot in Southern Arizona, providing a sophisticated and diverse dining experience with a menu that gracefully shifts with the seasons. This eatery stands out for its sophisticated Mexican cuisine and agave-focused cocktails, served in a stylish yet rustic setting, complete with delectable sangria.

• Agustin Kitchen - This refined eatery presents a fusion of New American, French and Spanish cuisines in a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere. Here, familiar favorites are reimagined with a unique flair, alongside innovative dishes ready to introduce diners to novel tastes. Agustin Kitchen features a seasonally adaptive menu, a live oyster bar that reflects the freshest local produce, and a comprehensive dining experience with brunch, lunch and dinner options.

• Kingfisher - Kingfisher Bar & Grill is an esteemed American grill, offering fresh seafood and boasting a menu that refreshes with the seasons. Recognized with Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence, this local favorite delivers exceptional American fare, highlighting both seafood and grilled selections. As a proud locally owned establishment, Kingfisher has been a cornerstone of the Tucson dining scene for 30 years and has consistently secured the title of "Best Seafood in Tucson" from Tucson Weekly for over 20 years.