A Local's Guide to the Top Ten Things to do in Tucson

1. Mercado San Agustin and Annex-

Mercado San Agustin is a local collection of shops, including restaurants, boutique shops, and a Mexican bakery surrounding a courtyard with outdoor seating. Meet a friend, grab an oat milk latte at Presta cafe, and a concha (seashell-looking pastry) or Marranito (pig-shaped Mexican cookie). Make sure to check their website for seasonal events. They host flea markets monthly and seasonally they have Bazaars where you can find local goods such as chocolate, handmade lotions, or house decor. Mercado San Agustin is home to Tucson’s Dia De Los Muerto's Parade and event.

Annex-

Annex is a 3-minute walk from Mercado. Located here are a collection of restaurants, outdoor bars, cafes, and boutiques situated inside rusted cargo shipping containers. Kukai(a Japanese restaurant) has my favorite ramen in Tucson. Inside the Annex is an outdoor bar with over 18 beers and 7 cocktails on tap. Japanese food, vegan burgers, a bike shop, and a gift store with handmade items from local artists. Annex is an eclectic place to get some fresh air and munch on some good grub washed down with a cold beer. Make sure to check out their homepage for seasonal events; you never know what’s going on.

2. American Eat Company-

A food court, bar, a mini arcade, and outdoor seating. American Eat Co is the perfect place to gather a group of friends to eat. There are 7 restaurants to fulfill everyone’s cravings. A mural of the beloved Selena Quintilla to admire. If you feel nostalgic you can head over to the pinball machine to play a game. Just need a caffeine pick me up? Visit Cafe Con Leche. Don’t forget the dessert! They also have ice cream to fulfill your sweet tooth!

https://americaneatco.com/

3. Reid Park-

Reid Park has it all, a community pool, golf course, duck pond, playgrounds, grassy fields, and a paved track wrapped around the park. This park has a pond you can wander around. When you get tired you can sit on one of the benches placed around the pond with a friend. Feeling energized? Grab your friends and play a game in the large grassy fields. If you plan your visit just right you can enter the local zoo located here. On a hot summer day, you can cool off in the park's shaded pool for a small fee. This is the perfect park to pack a picnic basket and blanket or grab takeout and enjoy a date.

https://www.tucsonaz.gov/parks/GeneCReidPark

4. Mt. Lemmon-

Mt. Lemmon is the Tucson dweller's way to cool down throughout the summer, play in the snow during the winter, and admire the sunsets or sunrises all year round. Have a smores party, go camping, or star gaze. Planned or spontaneous trips, Mt Lemmon is loved and appreciated by Tucsonens. On the drive up stop at Windy Point or any of the other outlooks to admire the city. Gaze at Tucson’s panoramic city lights at night.

After a 45-minute drive up the mountain, You’ll arrive at Summit Haven, a small strip of stores to grab lunch or sweets, or a Mt. Lemmon-themed souvenir. At the end of this road is Marshalls Gulch, the perfect place to snag a picnic table and devour a meal after exploration.

If you pass the small town of Summit Haven and continue driving 10 minutes up the mountain you’ll approach Ski Valley. Here there’s a ski slope alongside a ski rental store, restaurant, and souvenir shop. Ski Valley is scenic year-round. During all the seasons except winter, I take my fudge and hot chocolate from the General store in Summit Haven and ride the ski lift with a friend. Don’t forget to bring your portable hammock to set up between the trees.

http://visitmountlemmon.com/

5. The University of Arizona-

Head down to University street (connected to the UofA campus) for some grub or a cup of local coffee or tea. One of my favorite things to do is grab takeout on University St. and rest on the UofA’s lawn and have a picnic. Bird rental scooters are scattered around campus. Go for a ride and let the wind gust through your hair. Glide on your longboard or skate down the paved mall. Throw a frisbee or football on the long stretch of grass up and down the UofA mall.

6. Sabino Canyon-

Sabino Canyon is a paved path that leads to other hiking trails providing breathtaking views. If you don’t feel up to a walk or hike pay 10 dollars for a narrated trolley tour. Revel in the beautiful cacti and mountain ranges. Take in the fresh air. During the summer, Sabino Canyon is the place to cool off with all of its snowmelt-filled water holes so make sure to wear your swimsuit under your hiking clothes. Sunrise hike, anyone?

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coronado/recarea/?recid=75425

7. Downtown Tucson-

Downtown Tucson is divided into two areas connected by the 4th Ave underpass. 4th Ave has lively bars, great food, and eclectic stores. Explore the eclectic shops and grab a bite to eat and get down at a club. Shopping?

The other side of downtown Tucson is known for its various clubs and the infamous Hotel Congress. Have fun club-hopping on Congress St. During daylight grab a bite of food at Johnny Rockets grocery and deli, oh so sweet ice cream from The Hub, or study at Cartel or Cafe Luce. Not a coffee person? Sip on some refreshing tea at Scented Leaf. Take selfies at the local murals around downtown Tucson. For an extended adventure If you continue walking south down Congress street for 15 minutes past the freeway, you see the Mercado San Agustin on your left.

8. GatesPass-

Gates Pass is a mountain pass with a scenic overlook where you can admire our world-famous sunsets. There’s a quick 7-minute hike up to the top of the mountain if you want to feel closer to the sun or stars. There’s a gazebo to take in the desert scenery. Two minutes down the road on the left, right past Gates Pass designated area is a parking pullout with some picnic tables. Locals usually sit on top of their cars and admire the stars. The stars shine brightest at the Gates Pass parking pullouts as the mountains block light pollution from the city.

9. Tanque Verde Swap Meet-

Tanque Verde Swap meet-(Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) Not sure how to fill your Saturday afternoon? The Tanque Verde Swap Meet is a collection of Flea market stalls, a cafeteria, snacks, and fresh nuts from local growers. Walk around with friends. Get some Duros with chamoy and a raspado or Indian fry bread. Wander into the local style, yard sell spaces, and find that food processor you’ve always wanted. Scan through some used books or check out a light-up sign to decorate your room from the small shops. Have little ones or a childlike spirit? Check out the bumper cars or collection of bounce houses.

https://www.tanqueverdeswap.com/copy-of-sell-1

10. Tanque Verde Wash-

Washes throughout Tucson have paved roads that go on for miles and connect within the city. At these washes, you can bike around, walk your dog, or go for a run. Look up in any direction and you can see the mountains hugging the city of Tucson. This may be an odd-sounding place to include on the list but washes are a natural part of Tucson’s unique desert beauty. On a semi-cool summer evening, you’ll see locals enjoying the paved walkways of washes. Washes are fun to explore, however, be careful during monsoon season as the washes flow with water and are extremely dangerous.