Visiting Tucson

According to Travel + Leisure, Tucson is among the top 50 places to visit in 2021. A hidden gem in the desert Southwest, Tucson has no shortage of alluring qualities.

Where to Stay

The Graduate (3 minute walk to the School of Music)

Rate: $159/night (25 rooms)
Cut-off date for special rate: 12/12/22
0.3 miles from the University of Arizona Fred Fox School of Music (6 minute walk/3 minute drive)

Aloft Hotel (15 minute walk to the School of Music)

Rate: $129/night
Cut-off date for special rate: 12/16/22
0.9 miles from the University of Arizona Fred Fox School of Music (17 minute walk/4 minute drive)

More info here

Other:

Marriott University: 4 minute walk to SOM
Hampton Inn Downtown: 15 minute via street car
AC Hotel via street car: 10 minute via street car
Hilton Double Tree TCC: 15 minute via street car
Homewood Suites: 10 minute driving
Double Tree Reid Park: 10 minute driving
La Quinta Inn: 10 minute driving

Where to Eat

Tucson was designated the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States. Listed below are some local places, many of which celebrate the unique flavors of this land. All are within walking, street car or 10 minute drive from campus.

Barrio Bread/The Monica–Don Guerro, winner of the James Beard Foundation’s 2022 Outstanding Baker Award
Tito & Pep–Chef John Martinez, recognized by NYT ‘s newest list 50 places in America we’re most excited about right now
Time Market: serving Tucson since 1920, they have a bakery, wine & beer, casual fare and the best chocolate chip cookie in town.
5 Points Market*: they sell and serve local. The best pancake in town, get everything on it.
La Indita*: Mexican, Native American: local Mexican and Native American fare
Tumerico/La Chaiteria*: Latin inspired vegan/vegetarian food
Boca Tacos*: Maria Mazon was a season 18 finalist on “Top Chef”
El Rustica: visit Chef Juan Alamanza’s unassuming brick and mortar for some of the best mesquite smoked meat, birria and vegetarian options.
American Eat Company: Tucson’s first local food court
El Minuto Cafe: Family owned for 85 years, try food that have stood the test of time such as their famous carne seca.
LaCo Tucson: beautiful courtyard tucked inside the walls of Old Artisans, named Best Outdoor Dining in Best of Tucson.
Cup Cafe/Hotel Congress: Inside the trendy and historic Hotel Congress, Cup Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Where to Drink (21+ to consume alcohol)

Sidecar Cocktail Bar
The Citizen Hotel and Wine Bar*
Revel Wine Bar
Crooked Tooth Brewery
MotoSonora Brewery
Pueblo Vida Brewery
Sky Bar
Tap & Bottle*
Westbound*

Coffee/Tea:

Cafe Luce
Scented Leaf
Time Market
Presta
Cartel
ExoRoast*
Ding Tea
Starbucks

Top Attractions

University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum: Tucson is home to the world’s largest Gem Show which happens every February. Catch a glimpse at this year round exhibit!
University of Arizona Biosphere 2: The world’s largest controlled environment dedicated to understanding the impacts of climate change.
Pima Air and Space Museum: One of the largest non-government funded aviation & space museums in the world.
The Turquoise Trail: A historical self-guided walking tour of Downtown Tucson. Just follow a turquoise strip to discover the Barrios and see unique architecture dating back to the mid-1800s
Golf: Sewailo Casino del Sol
Outdoors:
- Bike: The Loop
- Hike trail: Painted Hills, Sabino canyon, CSP, Saguaro National Park (west/east)
- Walk road: A mountain, Tumamoc
- Run: The loop, University area
Tucson botanical garden
Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum

Transit

SunLink Street car (FREE)
Tugo Bike Share
If coming from TUS airport: Uber/Lyft
If coming from PHX: GROOME shuttle $40, Flix bus offers economy price

Parking:

Park Avenue Garage: Closest parking to SOM: M-F
- Hourly Rates:
  - 12am-4:59am: $1.00 Per Hour, $5.00 Max within this time frame
  - 5am-4:59pm: $2.00 Per Hour, $8.00 Max within this time frame
  - 5pm-11:59pm: $1.00 Per Hour, $7.00 Max within this time frame
  - Weekends Free