Visiting Southern Arizona? I have some things you MUST do. So the title says “In Tucson” but it’s more cool things to do close to Tucson. 😉 I was recently in Arizona for some exploring and was lucky enough to visit my grandparents while I was there. They live in Green Valley, just south of Tucson, so we got to see some stuff we might not have if we had stayed in the city (and it was glorious). Check it out. (Stay tuned at the bottom for a special bonus activity depending on when you visit.)
Mission San Xavier del Bac
Now you might have heard of this first one (maybe the next one too) if you have been doing some Tucson research. But I’m here to tell you, this place is really unique and worth a visit. It was founded as a Catholic mission and is the oldest intact European structure in Arizona, construction completed in 1797. The purpose is to serve its local community, the Village of Wa:k on the Tohono O’odham reservation. The architecture it so beautiful and walking around the grounds you can read about it’s history as well as take some gorgeous photos 😉 You will also notice some stands out front made of large sticks or branches where the locals sometimes serve native food. So feel free to come hungry.
Next to the Mission you will see a large hill topped with rocks and a cross. This is “Grotto Hill”. It was named for the small religious shrine tucked into a small grotto on the side. You can walk around the quarter mile loop to take in some of the surrounding views, or if you are curious like us, you can climb up the rocks to the top, just to see whats going on up there, and get an even better view.
1950 W San Xavier Rd, Tucson, AZ 85746 Hours: 7am-5pm daily
Saguaro National Park
Alright, so you’re in southern Arizona and cactuses are everywhere BUT this National Park is a super cool way to experience them. First of all, they are super concentrated here, you are literally driving through a forest of cacti, it’s pretty cool. Second, you can get right up on em, and really feel how huge these things are. (They can grow over 40 feet!)
Now, there are two sides to this park, the East (Rincon) District and the West (Mountain) District. We did the East Park which entails an 8 mile one-way paved loop with scenic pull-offs and awesome views. You can drive, hike or ride your bike through here. The West side also has trails and people often choose this side if they want to see the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. However, I hear the East has better views and is a little more photogenic, BUT it sounds like you won’t be disappointed either way. 🙂
More info here.
East (Rincon) Distict: 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail Tucson, AZ 85730
Sonoita Wine Country
This one was on my absolute favorite things we did in Arizona. It’s a little hidden gem that you don’t always hear about when visiting Tucson. Sonoita is a small town opposite the Santa Rita mountain range and other than a few restaurants and a LOT of farm land, it doesn’t seem like there’s a lot going on, but don’t judge too quick. Not only is this place beautiful but it has a super unique wine country to be explored.
The Sonoita/Eglin Wine Region contains 16 wineries (!) all in close vicinity to one another. We drove down for one day only, so we unfortunately did not get to visit all 16, because, ya know, that would be crazy. BUT here are a few vineyards not to be missed: Arizona Hops & Vines, Rune, Deep Sky, and Callaghan.
I recommend starting at Arizona Hops and Vines (give yourself a little time here to wander around the kitschy backyard). Next head down to Elgin Road where you can hit Deep Sky, Callaghan and any others you want o check out on that strip (there are at least 5 along this road about a minute or two from each other), then finish the day at Rune. You will want to be here for sunset- the views are crazy gorgeous and it is an all-around super cool spot. Don’t forget to take your glass from the first place you visit, the other wineries will give you a discount on tastings for having your own glass 🙂
PS- DON’T plan this for Mon-Wed as most of these wineries are closed those days.
To get you started: Arizona Hops & Vines 3450 Hwy 82, Sonoita, AZ 85637
You can also find a helpful map here.
I loved this so much, I a made a guide just for a day in Sonoita Wine Country! Check it out here.
Tubac (La Entrada de Tubac specifically)
Just down I-19 you’ll find a very cool (VERY Arizona) art town/outdoor shopping center called Tubac. This town is SO fun. Its an outdoor shopping center of sorts filled with shops dressed in stucco, spilling out Arizonian decor, housewares, jewelry and other goods. It’s great for a casual afternoon of browsing, checking out local art, taking pics in front of colorful walls 😉 and general merriment.
La Entrada de Tubac 2221 I-19 Frontage Rd. Tubac, AZ 85646
Wisdom’s Cafe
Ready for the best margarita in Arizona? It’s pretty competitive out here as they are everywhere and always on point, however, my mom was right, Wisdom’s are the best. It’s a hop skip and a jump to Wisdom’s Cafe from Tubac. They are perfectly tart, not too sweet, and made from fresh ingredients everyday. Plus, the Mason jars they come in are a charming touch. You gotta try one.
This family owned establishment has been perfecting the menu for over 4 generations and they have done a mighty fine job. Serving INCREDIBLE Mexican dishes of the traditional variety, these guys have really done something right. The food is as amazing as the margaritas and the service is awesome and fun. They also have live music on Fridays 😉
There is one more thing you have to try before you go, the famous fruit burrito. They take a flour tortilla, fill it with the fruit of your choice and deep fry it, top it with cinnamon and sugar, plus a little scoop of ice cream. IT IS INSANE. Now I’m not much for fruit desserts so I got the coconut cream option. So. Good. They are so fresh that the server takes your dessert order with your entree to get it going and have it ready right in time. (Sorry for the lack of pics here, it was quality family time so I left the camera at home.)
(You can also find Wisdom’s recent expansion- Wisdom’s Dos in Tubac, also serving the famous margarita, in a more fast-casual setting. I still recommend the restaurant if it works for your schedule.)
A little heads up, you probably want to get a reservation as this place is beloved by the locals. Green Valley is a sort of retirement community so you will see a lot of older folks hanging here, drinking margs and being merry.
Wisdom’s 1931 East Frontage Rd. Tumacacori, AZ 85640
BONUS!
If you are planning to go to Tucson in March or December- check the calendar for the 4th Ave Street Fair! This street fair is huge, stretching blocks down Historic Fourth Ave, lined with 100’s of vendors, from food to house decor to clothing, its awesome. I’d say schedule your trip to make it to this if possible especially if you are a lover of festivals, such as myself. Plus this pulls you into the city to experience some local haunts, talk to some local people and get a feel for the city that you might not when just stopping in to see the sights.
Check out my photo story of the event here.
There you have it 5 (maybe 6) cool things to do in Tuscon. I hope this helped with your planning! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or leave a comment below if you have any questions! I love hearing from you 🙂
Have fun!!
xx,
Hannah
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