Red Butte Tucson: Birds Nest Glamping, Quail Crossing Casita, Thunderbird Suite Guidebook
Molly
Museums
Interesting architecture and easy walking. Good exhibits, both permanent and featured. Nice gift shop. Near Old Town Artisans so you can walk over the courtyard after for a beverage & nibble.
181 locals recommend
Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block
140 N Main AveInteresting architecture and easy walking. Good exhibits, both permanent and featured. Nice gift shop. Near Old Town Artisans so you can walk over the courtyard after for a beverage & nibble.
The museum features a display of nearly 300 aircraft spread out over 80 acres on a campus occupying 127 acres. It has also been the home to the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame since 1991.
258 locals recommend
Pima Air and Space Museum
6000 E Valencia RdThe museum features a display of nearly 300 aircraft spread out over 80 acres on a campus occupying 127 acres. It has also been the home to the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame since 1991.
Artifact, archaeological site, archaeological excavation, history, and pottery
Old Pueblo Archaeology Center
2201 W 44th StArtifact, archaeological site, archaeological excavation, history, and pottery
Flora & fauna of the Sonoran Desert in a beautiful, natural setting. Love the hummingbird aviary! Nice cafe & restaurant.
670 locals recommend
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
2021 N Kinney RdFlora & fauna of the Sonoran Desert in a beautiful, natural setting. Love the hummingbird aviary! Nice cafe & restaurant.
Food scene
Local saloon/pub food that has awesome brew fries, prickly pear margaritas, an enclosed porch
14 locals recommend
Tiny's Family Restaurant
4900 W Ajo HwyLocal saloon/pub food that has awesome brew fries, prickly pear margaritas, an enclosed porch
Friendly staff, good food, nice cocktails, vegetarian options, fun atmosphere
20 locals recommend
Coyote Pause Cafe
2740 S Kinney RdFriendly staff, good food, nice cocktails, vegetarian options, fun atmosphere
During Covid times, you can pick up or they deliver. Really good Mexican food.
Little Mexico Steakhouse
2851 West Valencia RoadDuring Covid times, you can pick up or they deliver. Really good Mexican food.
A Tucson iconic restaurant. Excellent food, old town area, nice courtyard. I love to take visitors there.
151 locals recommend
El Charro Café
311 N Court AveA Tucson iconic restaurant. Excellent food, old town area, nice courtyard. I love to take visitors there.
Excellent Mexican seafood, good service, great variety.
Casa Valencia Mexican Seafood, Bar & Grill -Tucson South Mariscos
1825 West Valencia RoadExcellent Mexican seafood, good service, great variety.
Excellent pizza (they deliver or take out, no dining in) with interesting selections like Maiz crust, Latin inspired flavors, and excellent Churros for dessert.
Pizza Patron
1785 West Valencia RoadExcellent pizza (they deliver or take out, no dining in) with interesting selections like Maiz crust, Latin inspired flavors, and excellent Churros for dessert.
All reviews say the restaurants are great and the casino is fun. I have not personally tried it yet.
81 locals recommend
Casino Del Sol
5655 W Valencia RdAll reviews say the restaurants are great and the casino is fun. I have not personally tried it yet.
Los Tacos Apson
3501 S 12th AveA local favorite that is highly recommended. Truly nummy tacos.
A favorite of locals, Sonoran style, authentic street food at street prices! DELISH.
El Antojo Poblano
A favorite of locals, Sonoran style, authentic street food at street prices! DELISH.
Love this freshly renovated restaurant. Indoor or outdoor dining. Live acoustic music.
La Herradura Mexican Grill & Seafood
Love this freshly renovated restaurant. Indoor or outdoor dining. Live acoustic music.
Tasty breakfast & lunch cafe with ample servings. Only 2.7 miles away. Next to the Starbucks.
Bisbee Breakfast Club
Tasty breakfast & lunch cafe with ample servings. Only 2.7 miles away. Next to the Starbucks.
Grocery
A large selection of basics, household, pharmacy, gourmet cheese counter, sushi counter, bakery, liquor
112 locals recommend
Fry's Food And Drug
2480 N Swan RdA large selection of basics, household, pharmacy, gourmet cheese counter, sushi counter, bakery, liquor
La Vakita Meat Market
5975 W Western Way CirA local meat market that sells Mexican staples and street tacos.
Has all the usual supermarket items. Vegan, vegetarian, other options. Great liquor section.
130 locals recommend
Safeway
1940 E Broadway BlvdHas all the usual supermarket items. Vegan, vegetarian, other options. Great liquor section.
Queen Donuts
5975 W Western Way CirDonuts & Chicken Broaster!
Salty or sweet, why choose? (Even at 8am!)
This fresh bakery boasts amazing Mexican and local favorites.
28 locals recommend
La Estrella Bakery Inc
120 South Avenida del ConventoThis fresh bakery boasts amazing Mexican and local favorites.
"Best Mexican Meat Market on Valencia Rd. On weekends Don Ramon will grill up your order on a mesquite fire." Great Mexican market and butcher.
Carniceria el Herradero
"Best Mexican Meat Market on Valencia Rd. On weekends Don Ramon will grill up your order on a mesquite fire." Great Mexican market and butcher.
Sightseeing
It is a historic Spanish Catholic mission located about 7 miles south of Thunderbird Suite, on the Tohono O'odham Nation San Xavier Indian Reservation. There is reservation shopping & wonderful food booths (have the fry bread!) there.
328 locals recommend
Mission San Xavier del Bac
1950 W San Xavier RdIt is a historic Spanish Catholic mission located about 7 miles south of Thunderbird Suite, on the Tohono O'odham Nation San Xavier Indian Reservation. There is reservation shopping & wonderful food booths (have the fry bread!) there.
Wonderful 360 degree views of Tucson and all mountain ranges. Drive up, park, walk to the view point. See the lay of the land, literally.
135 locals recommend
Sentinel Peak Park (“A” Mountain)
1001 Sentinel Peak Rd SWonderful 360 degree views of Tucson and all mountain ranges. Drive up, park, walk to the view point. See the lay of the land, literally.
Fabulous winding road that moves you from Tucson the city to the desert. Scenic lookouts.
127 locals recommend
Gates Pass Trail
6400 W Gates Pass RdFabulous winding road that moves you from Tucson the city to the desert. Scenic lookouts.
Hiking
Tucson is home to the nation's largest cacti. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. These majestic plants, found only in a small portion of the United States, are protected by Saguaro National Park, to the east and west of the modern city of Tucson. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent desert sunset.
80 locals recommend
Saguaro National Park West
Tucson is home to the nation's largest cacti. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. These majestic plants, found only in a small portion of the United States, are protected by Saguaro National Park, to the east and west of the modern city of Tucson. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent desert sunset.
The park has approximately 62 miles of non-motorized shared-use trials. The park’s trails are open to hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers, and provide a wide range of outstanding experiences, including technical challenges, and breathtaking views. Gates Pass overlook includes interpretive displays and historic structures. Picnicking and wildlife viewing opportunities are located throughout the park.
Guests have recommended the Camaro Loop for a 2.1 mi loop that is beautiful and dog friendly.
32 locals recommend
Tucson Mountain Park
8451 West McCain LoopThe park has approximately 62 miles of non-motorized shared-use trials. The park’s trails are open to hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers, and provide a wide range of outstanding experiences, including technical challenges, and breathtaking views. Gates Pass overlook includes interpretive displays and historic structures. Picnicking and wildlife viewing opportunities are located throughout the park.
Guests have recommended the Camaro Loop for a 2.1 mi loop that is beautiful and dog friendly.
East side of Tucson. Hike the telephone wire trail or stay on the paved road. Walk the whole route, or take the tram up and then walk down. This is a stunning hiking area all year round. (Dogs are not permitted).
457 locals recommend
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
5700 North Sabino Canyon RoadEast side of Tucson. Hike the telephone wire trail or stay on the paved road. Walk the whole route, or take the tram up and then walk down. This is a stunning hiking area all year round. (Dogs are not permitted).
While birdwatching in the Canyon or at Santa Rita Lodge, visit this secret waterfall. Beautiful spot.
Madera Canyon Waterfall
While birdwatching in the Canyon or at Santa Rita Lodge, visit this secret waterfall. Beautiful spot.
A lovely water spot with a lot of birds. Fishing, jogging, picnicking. A refreshing oasis in the desert.
Kennedy Lake
A lovely water spot with a lot of birds. Fishing, jogging, picnicking. A refreshing oasis in the desert.
One of our favorite places to hike. Beautiful Saguaros, mountains, sunsets. The trails range from short & easy to long & challenging. There is a trail called roller coaster that even my blind dog could hike. Go mid week when there aren't as many people. Try to time it around sunset.
31 locals recommend
Sweetwater Trailhead
4001 N Tortolita RdOne of our favorite places to hike. Beautiful Saguaros, mountains, sunsets. The trails range from short & easy to long & challenging. There is a trail called roller coaster that even my blind dog could hike. Go mid week when there aren't as many people. Try to time it around sunset.
Chuck Huckelberry Loop wins USA Today poll for Best Recreational Trail. 136 miles of paved trails, it's the longest public recreation, multi-use path in the country. Bike, run, walk, dogs, horses, art, cactus, views, and more
6 locals recommend
Chuck Huckelberry Loop
Chuck Huckelberry LoopChuck Huckelberry Loop wins USA Today poll for Best Recreational Trail. 136 miles of paved trails, it's the longest public recreation, multi-use path in the country. Bike, run, walk, dogs, horses, art, cactus, views, and more
Peaceful walking & running trail with views on an expansive ecological reservation.
Good for kids.
60 locals recommend
Tumamoc Hill Hiking Trail
Tumamoc Hill RoadPeaceful walking & running trail with views on an expansive ecological reservation.
Good for kids.
Entry point for a popular hiking route through Finger Rock Canyon, with city & mountain views.
33 locals recommend
Finger Rock Trail
7119 Pontatoc Canyon TrailEntry point for a popular hiking route through Finger Rock Canyon, with city & mountain views.
Signal Hill
Trails, petroglyphs, picnic area.
Romero Canyon Trail to Romero Pools is a 5.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Catalina, Arizona that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and horses and is best used from September until May. Horses are also able to use this trail.
West Romero Pools Place
West Romero Pools PlaceRomero Canyon Trail to Romero Pools is a 5.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Catalina, Arizona that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and horses and is best used from September until May. Horses are also able to use this trail.
Ciénega Creek is an intermittent stream located in the Basin and Range region of southern Arizona, and is one of the most intact riparian corridors left in the state. It originates in the Canelo Hills and continues northwest about 50 miles to an area just outside Tucson, where it becomes known as Pantano Wash. Pantano Wash continues through Tucson and eventually connects with the Rillito River.
Cienega Creek
Ciénega Creek is an intermittent stream located in the Basin and Range region of southern Arizona, and is one of the most intact riparian corridors left in the state. It originates in the Canelo Hills and continues northwest about 50 miles to an area just outside Tucson, where it becomes known as Pantano Wash. Pantano Wash continues through Tucson and eventually connects with the Rillito River.
Nice trailhead into the expanse/network of trails in the Tucson Mountain Park area. The quality of cactus and plants is superb. Created Saguaros, Rock Hibiscus.
Pima County 36th Street Trailhead
3280 W 36th StNice trailhead into the expanse/network of trails in the Tucson Mountain Park area. The quality of cactus and plants is superb. Created Saguaros, Rock Hibiscus.
Bittersweet Trailhead
4350 S Century RdEasy, kid friendly trail with nice views.
Multiple trails for different levels, not crowded, beautiful scenery.
8 locals recommend
Robles Trailhead
2680 Irvington PlMultiple trails for different levels, not crowded, beautiful scenery.
Nice, well-kept trail. Whether novice or experienced hiker, this is a good place to get away from the city without traveling too far. Amazing views. NO DOGS, NO RESTROOMS
Sarasota Trailhead
2737 S Sarasota BlvdNice, well-kept trail. Whether novice or experienced hiker, this is a good place to get away from the city without traveling too far. Amazing views. NO DOGS, NO RESTROOMS
10 miles of trails, sandy trails that are not difficult, gorgeous desert views. No bathroom on the trail.
Tortolita Preserve Trailhead
6250 W Moore Rd10 miles of trails, sandy trails that are not difficult, gorgeous desert views. No bathroom on the trail.
Dog Park
This neighborhood park is just 4 miles down the road in Star Valley - a truly local feel with dog park, picnic benches, food trucks, basketball courts. It’s a small park nestled in a suburban neighborhood - closeby and has areas for large and small dogs.
Star Valley Park
6852 W Brightwater WayThis neighborhood park is just 4 miles down the road in Star Valley - a truly local feel with dog park, picnic benches, food trucks, basketball courts. It’s a small park nestled in a suburban neighborhood - closeby and has areas for large and small dogs.
Birdwatching
Birding & wildlife viewing are popular activities at this natural area with self-guided tours. 10 miles north.
14 locals recommend
Sweetwater Wetlands Park
2511 West Sweetwater DriveBirding & wildlife viewing are popular activities at this natural area with self-guided tours. 10 miles north.
Visitors from all over the world arrive in search of such avian specialties as the Elegant Trogon, Elf Owl, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, and Painted Redstart.
40 miles south
81 locals recommend
Madera Canyon
South Madera Canyon RoadVisitors from all over the world arrive in search of such avian specialties as the Elegant Trogon, Elf Owl, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, and Painted Redstart.
40 miles south
Set up with bird feeders and is a charming, relaxing place to sit and bird watch. Go during the week days when there are fewer folks with cameras, etc.
Santa Rita Lodge
1218 S Madera Canyon RdSet up with bird feeders and is a charming, relaxing place to sit and bird watch. Go during the week days when there are fewer folks with cameras, etc.